PREFACE (continued 7)

Some readers may say, And what use was made of the money which was received in this way? Such a one is referred, for a full answer, to the next chapter but one, which speaks of the operations of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad; yet I would give to him here a few outlines of the operations of the Institution. By the funds, which were intrusted to me during this period, several hundred poor children and adults were provided with schooling; many hundreds of copies of the Holy Scriptures were circulated; about three hundred thousand Gospel Tracts were distributed; forty-five preachers of the Gospel in the East Indies, British Guiana, Canada, the United States, France, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Scotland and England were, to a greater or less degree, assisted with pecuniary help; and, lastly, three hundred Orphans were provided with everything they needed for this life, besides being under continual Scriptural instruction. Thus, at least, fifteen thousand souls were during this period under habitual Scriptural instruction in connection with this Institution, either in the Sunday Schools, Adult Schools, Day Schools, and the Orphan House, or through the preachers of the Gospel referred to.

Supplies for the support of the Orphans, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1850, to May 26, 1851.

When this period commenced, I had more in hand for the Orphans than for many years before, under similar circumstances, the balance for current expenses on May 26, 1850, being 150l. 7s. 10d. Yet, much as this was, in comparison with what the balance had generally been before, how small was the amount in reality! About 300 persons were connected with the New Orphan House, who day by day were to be provided with all they needed, besides several apprentices who also were still to be supported. On this account, the one hundred and fifty pounds in hand would only furnish that which was needed for about fifteen days, as the average expenses of the Orphan Work alone were about Ten pounds daily.10 Place yourself, therefore, dear reader, in my position. Three hundred persons daily at table, and 150l. in hand! Looking at it naturally, it is enough to make one tremble; but, trusting in the living God, as by His grace I was enabled to do, I had not the least trial of mind, and was assured that God would as certainly help me as He had done fourteen years before, when the number of the Orphans was only the tenth part as large. The following record will now show that I was not mistaken; and thus another precious proof is furnished to the believing reader of the truth of that word: "Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be confounded."

On the very first day of this new period I received from a sister in the Lord 6l. Another sister gave me 3l., the price of a piece of work done by her. Thus, as the Lord commenced this period, so He was pleased generally day by day to send me something, either in small or large donations. I can, however, only refer to a few instances, to save space.

Between May 26 and June 30, 1850, God was pleased to send in 193l. 4s. 5d., so that I had more than enough with the balance left in hand, to meet all the expenses.

July 1. Paid an account to a Christian brother, and received 10l. back from him for the Orphans. More than 3l. came in besides.

July 2. Received 170l., of which I took 80l. for the Orphans, the rest for the other objects. 17l. 10s. 1d. came in besides.

On Aug. 16th I had purposed to leave Bristol for a time, having been for two years and four months uninterruptedly there, in the midst of more work than I had ever had before. I went, not because I was quite unfit for work, but in order that, labouring for a little while in a different air, I might, with the blessing of God, keep off illness. On the 13th, when going to take lodgings in the country, a Christian, residing at a distance, whom I met, by God's ordering, no doubt, gave me at the Railway station, just before starting, 50l., of which I took half for the Orphans and half for missionary purposes. On the 15th I received 110l., of which 100l. was intended for missions, and 10l. for the Orphans; and also on the same day 120l. Both donations were from considerable distances. Besides this I received several small donations, so that within three days, from the 13th to the 16th, came in about 300l. While absent from the work, from Aug. 16th to Sept. 13th, I was able to help by my prayers. This was the heaviest month in the way of current expenses. During no month, all the sixteen years and five months previously, had there been so much expended for current expenses, as in August, 1850; but, by what was in hand on August 1, by what came in, as just related, and by all the many smaller donations, we were most comfortably helped through. While absent I was also enabled to wait upon God for means for the work, besides seeking His blessing in other respects. That this was not in vain, was most evident; for not only did many donations come in while I was away, but, on my return, God so abundantly poured in the means, that, within thirteen days after, I received altogether about One Thousand Pounds; for on the very morning after my return, Sept. 14th, came in 190l., on Sept 19th 400l., on Sept. 17th 31l. 18s. 3d., on Sept. 25th 50l., on Sept. 27th 200l., besides many donations of smaller amounts. Truly I do not wait on the Lord in vain! One thing more I must add here. For several years I had not been so poor, with regard to means for myself, as when going away for change of air. But seeing it to be the will of God that I should go, I was sure that He would help me. Thus it was. On Aug. 13th my dear wife received from a sister in the Lord 5l. for change of air; and from a Christian lady near Bridgewater was sent to me for my own personal expenses 1l., from Cork 2l., and from a brother in Bristol 1l. On Aug. 15th was sent for myself from a considerable distance 18l. 11s. 3d. On Aug. 21st from Glasgow 1l. On Aug. 24th from Sunderland 1s., from Cork 1l., and from Liverpool 10l. Thus the Lord sent me for my own personal expenses such an abundance, that from Aug. 13th to Sept. 13th, 1850, I received altogether 61l. 13s. 6d. Truly I serve a good master, and this I delight to show. Not only with regard to the obtaining of means for the work, in which I am engaged, have I found simple trust in the Lord alone the easiest, the happiest, and the best way; but also in the obtaining of supplies for my own personal necessities.

Nov. 27. For seven weeks the income has been very small, in comparison with what has been expended, both for the Orphans and for the various other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. There has come in for the Orphans 187l. 16s. 2 3/4 d., and for the other objects 62l. 11s. 1d.; and the expenditure has been for the Orphans during these seven weeks 477l. 2s. 11d., and for the various other objects 394l. 9s. 8d. Therefore altogether 871l. 12s. 7d. has been expended, whilst the income altogether has been only 250l. 7s. 3 3/4 d. Of course, we have not gone into debt, as we never order anything, except we have the means in hand for it. Nor has there been even the least difficulty experienced with regard to means, as the Lord in His kindness had sent in considerable sums just before this season commenced. About 330 persons now sit down to their meals in the New Orphan House, day by day, and the expenses for the Orphans alone are about Ten Pounds daily, and those for the other parts of the work are also about Ten Pounds daily, so that I need to receive after the rate of 20l. a day, in order to go on with the work; but during these forty-nine days there has been only one single day that I have received about 20l., and for the greater part of the time only a few pounds daily, and sometimes even only a few shillings. But what was to be done under these circumstances? I gave myself to prayer. God, whom I have now been enabled to make my refuge, and my only refuge for more than twenty years, I have besought day by day. And when now day by day I still have received only small sums, and sometimes nothing or scarcely anything at all: the only effect that it has had upon me has been, to pray the more earnestly. My confidence in God is not at all shaken. I have never had a thought that He would not help me; nor have I even once been allowed to look upon these seven weeks in any other way than that the Lord, for the trial of my faith, has ordered it thus that only so little should come in. I am sure that, when He has tried me sufficiently, there will come in again larger sums. In the mean time, how good has the Lord been, not only to have given all I have needed, but I have even now money in hand! And as to our stores in the New Orphan-House, they are as full as usual. We have at least 150 sacks of potatoes in the house, 20 sacks of flour, 33 barrels of oatmeal, each containing about 200 lbs., about 300 pairs of new shoes (besides about 900 pairs in use), about ten tons of coal, a large quantity of soap and rice; and so all other parts of the stores in proportion. Indeed while there has been little coming in, I have just ordered articles in the wholesale way as formerly, when our income was perhaps four or five times as much during the same period. My judgment is, that it will now soon please the Lord again to send in larger sums, as He has been pleased to exercise my faith for some time in this way. Let me see the result!

Nov. 28. This morning the Lord has given me a fresh proof, that I had not waited on Him in vain, and that my confidence in Him, as recorded last evening, has not been confounded. I received early this morning a donation of 200l., of which I took one half for the Orphans and the other half for the other objects.

Nov. 30. Evening. I am brought to the close of another month. Great have been the expenses, as I have paid out above 400l. for the Orphans, and above 200l. for the other objects; but I have always had the means to meet every payment.

Jan. 4, 1851. Besides a donation of 1l. from Newton Ferrers, 1l. 8s. from Keswick, 4l. 6s. 9d. from the neighbourhood of Bath, I received also this morning anonymously from Torquay 5s. worth of postages, with these words: "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." I am doing this. I expect much, very much indeed, in every way. I also expect much in the way of means. Evening. This very day the Lord has given me a most precious proof, that He delights in our having large expectations from Him. "My mouth has been filled," according to the portion of Holy Scripture sent to me this morning. I have received this evening the sum of Three Thousand Pounds, being the largest donation which I have had as yet. I have had very many donations of 100l. and of 200l., several of 300l., one of 400l., several of 500l., some from 600l. to 900l., four of l000l., two of 2000l. and one of 2050l. But I never had more than this given to me at one time; yet I have expected more than 2050l. in one donation, and, accordingly, it has pleased the Lord to give me 3000l. this evening. I now write again that I expect far larger Sums still, in order that it may be yet more and more manifest, that there is no happier, no easier, and no better way of obtaining pecuniary means for the work of the Lord, than the one in which I have been led. How great my joy in God is, on account of this donation, cannot be described; but it is not in the least coupled with excitement. I take this donation out of the hands of the living God; I continually look for His help, and am perfectly assured that I shall have it, and therefore is my soul calm and peaceful, without any excitement, though the donation is so large. This donation is, however, like a voice from heaven, speaking to me concerning a most deeply important matter respecting which I am seeking guidance from the Lord, the building of another Orphan-House. For several years, while the Orphans were living in rented houses in Wilson Street, Bristol, it pleased the Lord to manifest His power by helping us from day to day, and sometimes even from meal to meal; but of late years He has more especially been pleased to show His power by sending us abundant supplies. Should it please Him, however, hereafter to cause us again to be similarly situated, He will surely help; and, by His grace, we will then trust in Him as heretofore. Moreover, though we have not been so low with regard to means, yet my faith has not been without trial even in this particular; but especially in other respects it has pleased God continually to keep my faith in exercise. This sum of 3000l. was entirely left at my disposal, and it was therefore portioned out thus: 1500l. for the Orphans, 500l. for foreign labourers in the Gospel, 500l. for home labourers in the Gospel, 200l. for the circulation of Gospel Tracts, 100l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and 200l. for the support of Day Schools, Adult Schools, and Sunday Schools.

As an instance to show in what a variety of ways the Lord is pleased to help me with means, I insert here the following kind but anonymous letter, which was left at my house on January 27th, 1851.

"Dear Mr. Mueller,

" I left at Mr. W—'s last week a donation of 1l. 1s. towards the Orphan-Houses, which I hope you received safely. It is indeed encouraging and strengthening to read the account of the many indubitable answers you have had to prayer, and I pray God, dear sir, to strengthen your hands, and prolong your life, if it be His will, that both the servants of Christ and of Satan, the former to their comfort, the latter to their confusion if not to their conversion, may see that God alone reigns, and that the hearts of all are in His hand. I now inclose you some coins (there are 18), which may be disposed of for the Orphan-Houses. Truly we wish you good luck in the name of the Lord.

"Believe me, dear sir,

"To remain your unknown but true Friend,

"A Minister of the Church of England."

"N.B. I earnestly solicit an interest in your prayers."

The letter contained a two-guinea piece, a small Portuguese gold coin, 15 silver coins, and a copper coin.

March. 7. Very great have been the expenses for the Orphans of late. During the short month of February alone I spent 386l. for them. For nearly eight weeks, since Jan. 11th, the expenses have been nearly four times as great as the income, which, however, I have been able amply to meet, on account of the previous abundance which the Lord had been pleased to send in. Now, however, after much prayer for means, the Lord has been pleased to refresh my heart by a donation of 200l., referred to under this date in the account of the income for the other objects. I took of this sum 90l. for the Orphans. I received also this day 4l. 10s., being the bequest of a Swiss brother in the Lord, who fell asleep in Devonshire, and who desired that what he left should be sold for the benefit of the Orphans.

April 30. At the morning exposition of the Holy Scriptures at the New Orphan-House, I was led particularly to dwell upon the blessedness of the believer having to do with the living God, and referred, in the way of illustration, to His care in supporting the Orphan Work. Immediately after the exposition was over, I received a donation of 12l. 12s. for the Orphans, another of 200l. (which I took half for the Orphans and half for the other objects), and in the afternoon came in still further through the boxes in the New Orphan-House 2l. 14s. 4 1/2 d. Concerning the donation of 12l. 12s. the hand of the Lord is the more manifest, in that it came from a place whence. I had never received any donation, as far as I know, and towards it a vicar, an archdeacon, and one of the Queen's chaplains contributed, gentlemen entirely unknown to me, and yet they felt thus kindly disposed towards this work.

May 26. I am brought to the close of this period. The work is more and more enlarging. During the last month I have paid out for the Orphans more than 450l., and for the other objects more than 500l., being nearly One Thousand Pounds during one month; and yet I have a greater balance left in hand, through the Lord's kindness, than at the close of any of the previous periods.

Of the several hundreds of donations, large and small, received during this period, I have thus taken a few, to show in what way it pleased the Lord to supply me with means for the Orphan Work.

Miscellaneous Points respecting the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, with reference to the period from May 26, 1850 to May 26, 1851.

1. There were during this period four Day Schools in Bristol, with 286 children in them, entirely supported by the funds of the Institution, and three others in Devonshire, Gloucestershire, and Norfolk, with 180 children in them, were assisted.—Further, one Sunday School in Bristol, with 184 children, was entirely supported, and two others, in Devonshire and Gloucestershire, with 213 children, were assisted.— Lastly, an Adult School in Bristol, with 90 persons in it, was entirely supported.—The expenses connected with all these various Schools were, during this period, 379l. 17s.—From the formation of the Institution, on March 5, 1834, up to May 26, 1851, there were 5,343 children in the various Day Schools in Bristol alone, 2,379 in the Sunday School, and 1,896 persons in the Adult Schools, besides the thousands in the Schools out of Bristol, which were assisted.

2. During this period I sought again especially to supply very poor persons, whose character was known by their being visited, with copies of the Holy Scriptures; and also to put copies which are printed with large type in to the hands of aged persons, which seems to me of especial need, as such Bibles are still expensive, considering the means of the poor. There was expended during this period, out of the funds of the Institution, on the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, 150l. 16s. 5d. There were 345 Bibles sold and 899 given away; and 30 New Testaments sold, and 413 given away, during this period. From March 5, 1834, to May 26, 1851, there were circulated 7,709 Bibles and 4,442 New Testaments.

3. During this year was spent of the Funds of the Institution for Missionary objects the sum of 2000l. 11s. 1d. By this sum, forty-five 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 Christ was as follows.

To No. 1. Labouring in British Guiana 91l. 10s.

To No. 2. Ditto 82l.

To No. 3. Ditto 80l. 10s.

To No. 4. Ditto 55l.

To No. 5. Ditto 55l.

To No. 6. Ditto 30l.

To No. 7. Ditto 20l.

To No. 8. Ditto 10l.

To No. 9. Labouring in the East Indies 100l.

To No. 10. Ditto 40l.

To No. 11. Ditto 40l.

To No. 12. Ditto 20l.

To No. 13 Ditto 14l.

To No. 14 Labouring in Canada 20l.

To No. 15 Ditto 20l.

To No. 16 Labouring in the United States 30l.

To No. 17 Labouring in France 60l.

To No. 18. Labouring in Switzerland 50l.

To No. 19. Ditto 10l.

To No. 20. Ditto 10l.

To No. 21. Labouring in Germany 10l.

To No. 22. Labouring in Ireland 70l.

To No. 23. Labouring in Scotland 115l.

To No. 24. Labouring in England 130l.

To No. 25. Labouring in England 115l.

To No. 26. Ditto 80l.

To No. 27. Ditto 65l.

To No. 28. Ditto 65l.

To No. 29. Ditto 57l.

To No. 30. Ditto 50l.

To No. 31. Ditto 50l.

To No. 32. Ditto 50l.

To No. 33. Ditto 45l.

To No. 34. Ditto 45l

To No. 35. Ditto 30l.

To No. 36. Ditto 30l.

To No. 37. Ditto 30l.

To No. 38. Ditto 20l.

To No. 39. Ditto 15l.

To No. 40. Ditto 10l.

To No. 41. Ditto 10l.

To No. 42. Ditto 10l.

To No. 43. Ditto 10l.

To No. 44. Ditto 5l.

To No. 45. Ditto 5l.

There was also sent to me anonymously for the support of native preachers of the Gospel in China 11s. ld., which was forwarded . . . . . . . 11s. 1d.

The total amount of 2000l. was sent to these forty-five servants of the Lord Jesus in 264 different sums, generally not less than 5l. and not more than 10l. at one time to each, except there were especial reasons pointing to a different course. Almost all these brethren were habitually assisted; a few needed only occasional assistance.

I have great joy, in being able to inform the believing reader, that it pleased the Lord again to let great blessing rest upon the labours of these preachers of the Gospel, whom I sought to assist during this year; which is alike true both with reference to those who labour in our own country and those who preach the Word in foreign lands.

I consider it a great privilege to be permitted to defray in part or altogether, from the funds of this institution, the expenses connected with the voyage and outfit of brethren who desire to go out as Missionaries, or to help them after their arrival in their field of labour; but I do not bind myself to support them habitually, seeing that thus they would be out of the position of simple dependence upon God for their temporal supplies.

4. During this period 358l. 7s. 3d. was expended on the circulation of Tracts, and 303,098 Tracts and Little Books were circulated.

The Lord was pleased to give me such an abundance of opportunities for circulating tracts by means of godly men, both in this and foreign countries, that, during this year, I was permitted to send out more tracts than during the whole of the previous ten years taken together. Nor must it be withheld from the reader, as matter for thankfulness, that the Lord was pleased to allow me to hear again and again of instances of conversion, by means of the distribution of these Tracts during this period.

5. On May 26, 1850, there were Two Hundred and Seventy-five Orphans in the New Orphan House on Ashley Down, Bristol. There were admitted into it, during this year, 45 Orphans, making 320 in all. Of these, however, two were removed by their relatives, who were able by that time to provide for them, seven died during the year, five of the elder girls were sent out to service, and six of the elder boys were apprenticed; so that on May 26, 1851, there were 300 Orphans in the New Orphan House. The total number of Orphans who were under our care from April, 1836, to May 26, 1851, is Four Hundred and Eighty-Eight. There came in altogether during this year 4102l. 14s. 9 1/4 d. for the support of the Orphans, and 3,640l. 9s. 1 3/4 d. for the other objects; and, after having met to the full every demand with reference to the Orphans, the balance of 970l. 13s. 11 3/4 d. remained in hand. Also, after having entered into every door, which the Lord was pleased to set before me respecting the other objects, and to do far more than during any one year previously, the balance of 809l. 10s. 6d. remained in hand on May 26, 1851. Verily we do not trust in the Lord in vain!

Without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me, the sum of 38,018l. 4s. 6 1/2 d. was given to me for the Orphans as the result of prayer to God from the commencement of the work to May 26, 1851.—It may be also 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 to May 26, 1851, amounted to 13,988l. 11s. 9 1/4 d.; and that which came in by the sale of Bibles and Tracts, and by the payments of the children in the Day-Schools, amounted to 2,890l. 9s. 11 3/4 d.—Besides this, also a great variety and number of articles of clothing, furniture, provisions, &e., were given for the use of the Orphans.

It pleased the Lord greatly to gladden our hearts by the working of His Holy Spirit among the Orphans during this period.

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, 1850, to May 26, 1851.

Dec. 31, 1850. During this year there have been received into Fellowship 57, and altogether, from the time that Brother Craik and I began to labour in Bristol, 1313, which, with the 68 believers whom we found in Fellowship, make 1381. Of these 174 have fallen asleep, 160 have left us during these 18 years and a half, 355 have removed from Bristol, and 80 have been excluded from Fellowship; so that there are at present only 612 in communion.

During this year the Lord has been pleased to give me—-

1. By anonymous offerings through the Chapel boxes … … … L148 11 0

2. By presents in money from believers in Bristol, not given anonymously 86 1 9

8. By presents in money from believers not residing in Bristol … … 160 0 8

4. By presents in provisions, clothes, &c., worth to us at least … … 7 11 0

L402 4 5

Further account of the intended Orphan House for Seven Hundred Poor Children, bereaved of both Parents by

death, from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852.

The reader will remember it was stated in the previous chapter on this subject, that I purposed, not in dependence upon my Christian Friends, nor upon former donors, but alone in dependence upon the living God, who, I trust, has called me for it, notwithstanding all my unworthiness, to enlarge the Orphan Work. The Godly reader will now be desirous to learn how far I have been helped, in this my intention, to enlarge the field of labour in caring for the vast numbers of helpless Orphans in our land. I will, therefore, give an extract, in the way of specimens, from the account book, kept for the purpose, together with the remarks and observations which I wrote down at the time of the receipt of the donations, and make also here and there additional remarks, as the occasion may call for.

Before I brought before the public my purpose, I gave the record of the exercises of my mind, on this subject, to a valued Christian friend to read, the only one who, besides my family, knew anything of my intention, before it came before the public. I did this particularly in order that, after waiting for several months in secret upon God for guidance and direction concerning it, I might also have the counsel of a prayerful, judicious, and cautious man of God. When this brother returned the manuscript, he spoke to me words of encouragement concerning this purpose, and gave me a half-sovereign towards the Building Fund for this house for 700 destitute Orphans. This was the first donation, which I received on May 13, 1851, and which, I confess, was a great refreshment and encouragement to me, the more so as it came from so cautious a brother, and after I had been for several months, through secret prayer, assured that I should go forward.

On May 28th, 1851, my intention became publicly known, and in the evening of May 29th I received from a Christian lady a sovereign towards the Building Fund.

May 30. One of the Orphans in the New Orphan House gave 6d. for the Building Fund, and one engaged in the work gave an old silver watch for sale and 5s.

June. 1. A brother in the Lord, who gives his donations with the letter "P.," gave me 10s.—I also received a sovereign.—This evening I received still further 4 half-crowns, with very encouraging words and expressions of joy, that I have been led to this purpose of building another Orphan House for 700 more Orphans.—There came to hand also anonymously 3s. Ditto an old shilling, a small American coin, and two shillings. Also from a Christian servant in Clifton 2s. 6d.

June. 3. From one of the Orphans in the New Orphan House 6d., and from another 6d.

June 4. From another Orphan in the New Orphan House, 6d. I received also 8s. 0 1/2 d., which the Orphans in the Girls' School of the New Orphan House gave between them for the Building Fund.

June 5. Through one of the boxes at the New Orphan House twopence and likewise one half-penny. These two small donations are very sweet to me. I take them as a further earnest, out of the hands of my heavenly Father, that He, in His own time, will give me the whole sum requisite. Evening: From a sister from Norwich 2s. 6d. From a sister in the Lord in Bristol 1s.

June. 6. Anonymously 5l. 0s. 1d., with these words: "Towards the Building Fund of the proposed Orphan House 2l., for Brother Mueller 1l. 10s., for Brother Craik 1l. 10s."

June 7. Anonymously 1s. 6d.

June. 8. From a brother 5s.—From one of the Orphans formerly under our care, a believer, a sovereign, of which she intends 5s. for the Building Fund, 5s. for present use for the Orphans, 5s. for Brother Craik, and 5s. for my own personal expenses. How sweet a donation! Anonymously 1s. From "P." 1s. 6d.

June 11. Anonymously, from Sunderland 1l—A lady gave to my daughter at my house 5l., but would not give her name.

June. 12. From Richmond 5l.

I have thus given minutely an account of the income during the first two weeks, after my purpose had become known; but shall now only, for the sake of brevity, refer to some of the donations.

June. 21. Twenty-four days have now passed away since I have been enabled, day by day, to wait with a goodly measure of earnestness and in faith upon the Lord for means; but as yet only a little above 28l. has come in. But I am not discouraged. The less there comes in, the more earnestly I pray, the more I look out for answers, and the more assured I am that the Lord, in His own time, after He has tried my faith, will send me larger sums, and, at last, all I need.

July 27. From a Christian gentleman in Clifton 20l. This donation has much refreshed my spirit. I am, day by day, expecting help from the Lord, in large and small sums as He pleases; but as He is trying my faith, in that only so little as yet has come in, this donation has been very precious.

Aug. 8. From a Christian lady in London 5l.—From Somersetshire 40l.

Aug. 12, Day by day I am waiting upon the Lord for means for this object, and generally more than once a day am bowing my knees before God with reference to it. Moreover, of late I have been enabled, with increasing earnestness, to beseech the Lord, that He would be pleased to send in means for the Building Fund. My soul has been all along at peace, though only so little as yet, comparatively, has come in (in all 127l. 19s. 9d.) and though Satan has, in the most subtle way, sought to shake my confidence, and to lead me to question, whether, after all, I had not been mistaken concerning this whole matter. Yet, though he has aimed after this, to the praise of God I have to confess, that he has not been allowed to triumph. I have especially besought the Lord of late, that He would be pleased to refresh my spirit by sending in some large donation for this part of the work. Under these circumstances, I received this morning the following letter with 500l.:

"* * * * August 8.

"My Dear Brother,

"Trusting that God has indeed called you to this work, viz., caring for poor Orphans, and will not allow you to be deceived as to His will regarding the increasing it, but will greatly use you for His own glory and for blessing to many poor destitute children, it is my desire, and I humbly thank our most gracious God and Father for the ability, to have fellowship with you in this work, as far as He permits. Will you, therefore, use the enclosed check for 500l. for the Orphans, towards the present Establishment or the proposed new one, as you may judge best, or taking any part thereof for one or the other. The Lord Jesus be your counselor, your joy, your strength, your all.

"Affectionately yours,

"* * * *"

I took the whole amount for the Building Fund. I was not in the least excited. I look out for means. Even at that very moment, when I received this donation, I was looking out for means, for large donations; and I should not have been surprised if 5,000l. had come in, or more. The Lord be praised for this precious encouragement, which has still further quickened me for prayer!

Aug. 14. From the neighbourhood of Leeds 10l.—From Essex 5l.

Aug. 15. Anonymously from Hull 5s.—From Cornwall a copy of "Greece" for sale.

Aug. 19. From Shirehampton 5l.

Aug. 20. From Mirfield 2l. Also 150l. came in today which, being left at my disposal by the donor, as most needed, I took the whole of this amount for the Building Fund, having sufficient means in hand for the current expenses of the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.

Aug. 30. From M. S. 30l., of which the donor desires 20l. to be used for missionary objects, and 10l. for the Building Fund. The donor writes: "My present inducement to remit this is, that God has lately prospered me in business, and I had been putting by for this and a few other similar purposes, intending to make bequests in my will, but am convinced that this is the best course to pursue, if not the only justifiable one, with what I can spare from my business and other necessities."

Sept. 1. From a much afflicted sister seven dolls' bonnets for sale. — A picture in frame.

Sept. 2. From an individual living in Nicholas Street, Bristol, 1l.— From a brother in the Lord, in Wandsworth Road, London, 5s., with 1l. for present use for the Orphans, and 15s. for missionary purposes.— From a poor Christian widow in London 1s., with 1s. for present use for the Orphans.—I am day by day labouring in prayer for this object, and with a goodly measure of fervency of spirit, by the grace of God; and am day by day looking out for answers. These sums last recorded are but small, yet they tell me that my Heavenly Father is not unmindful of my supplications, and of those of His dear children who help me with their prayers, and that, in His own time, He will send me more, and also large sums. I magnify His holy name that He does not in the least allow me to question either His power or His willingness to give me all that I shall need; yea, my soul is as assured that I shall have this my request fully granted, unworthy though I am of it, as if the whole amount were already in my hand.

Sept. 4. From a Christian at Keswick 10s., and a lady through ditto 5s.

Sept. 5. From the neighbourhood of Keswick 1l.—From Hull 1l.— From Shrewsbury 20l.

Sept. 10. As yet the Lord delays sending in larger sums; but I am looking out for them, and am confidently expecting them. This delay is only for the trial of my faith; after He has tried it, He will help me. Applications for the admission of Orphans continue to be made. Within the last ten days eighteen poor children, bereaved of both parents, have been applied for; and since Aug. 15th, therefore in twenty-six days, thirty-two altogether. My heart longs to be allowed of God to help poor Orphans more extensively than ever. Whence the means are to come for the building of this house for 700 Orphans, I know not; but still, by God's help, my confidence in Him is not shaken. To Him it is a very small matter to give me all I need for this work.

Sept. 11. From Ludgvan 10s. Evening. Only these ten shillings have come in today, but three more Orphans have been applied for, making thirty-five in less than a month. Does not the Lord tell me by this, that He will provide another home for Orphans? I will therefore patiently wait upon Him for the means, and after He has tried my faith and patience, He will show Himself as the bearer and answerer of prayer. Today came in the course of my reading John xiv. 13, 14, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it." I pleaded this word of promise, and look for answers, even for the fulfilment of this promise. Nor do I doubt that the Lord Jesus will fulfil this His promise in this my case.

Sept. 12. From Guildford 1l. 8s.—From Bath 1l.

Sept. 13. Patience and faith are still called for, and, by God's grace, my desire is to "let patience have her perfect work," Not one penny has come in today for the Building Fund, but five more Orphans have been applied for, so that now forty in less than one single month have been brought before me, all bereaved of both parents, and all very destitute. Under these circumstances, how can I but fervently labour in prayer that the Lord would be pleased to intrust me with means for building another Orphan-House for 700 Orphans. The more I look at things according to natural appearances and prospects, the less likely is it that I should have the sum which is needed; but I have faith in God, and my expectation is from Him alone. From the beginning I depended upon Him only, concerning this proposed enlargement of the work, and therefore have not been disappointed, though as yet only the fortieth part of what is needed has come in (882l. 18s. 7 1/2 d). But how soon, how very soon can the Lord alter the aspect of things. Even this very evening, while I am writing, He can give me many thousand pounds. I continue therefore, to wait upon God, and seek to encourage my heart by His holy word, and while he delays giving me answers, to be occupied in His blessed service. Of this, however, my soul has not the least doubt, that, when the Lord shall have been pleased to exercise my soul by the trial of faith and patience, He will make bare His arm, and send help. The fact that the applications for the admission of destitute Orphans are so many, does both quicken me to prayer, and is also a great encouragement to me, that the Lord will give me the desire of my heart, to provide another home for these destitute, fatherless and motherless children.

Sept. 19. Received today a donation of 170l., which the donor kindly allowed me to use for the work of the Lord in my hands as I pleased. I therefore took the whole of this donation for the Building Fund, having at present sufficient means in hand for the current expenses of all, the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, and feeling called to give myself with my might to prepare for the Building of another Orphan-House.

Sept. 20. About two months since I received a letter, of which I give as much as refers to the subject in hand.

"My Dear Sir,

"I was once a book collector, and turned my attention to our old English Bibles, and, among other editions, perfected, almost sheet by sheet, our first English Coverdale Bible of 1535. It is a sad specimen of time, attention, and money mis-spent and mis-applied, and as I look upon you as the receiver of cast off idols, whether watch chains, trinkets, or old Bibles, I have purposed for some time sending it to you. * * * * Do with the proceeds as you see fit. I should be glad if a portion were converted into large printed Testaments for the aged, and should be thankful if that, which has been cause of humbling to me, should be converted into the means, through your instrumentality, of raising others.

* * * * *

"Ever yours,

* * * *."

A day or two after the receipt of this letter, a parcel arrived, containing the said Coverdale Bible, of A.D. 1535 and another book; the latter to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans. It was only today that I had an opportunity of disposing of the old Bible, which fetched 60l., together with other books, which had been given for the benefit of the Orphans, which brought 10l. Of the 60l. I took 10l. for New Testaments printed with large type for aged poor persons, and 50l. for the Building Fund.

Oct. 2. Evening. Nothing has come in today for the Building Fund, and very little during the last ten days. I have had just now again a long season for prayer respecting this object. Through the support which I receive from the Lord, I am not cast down, though only so little as yet has come in. The work is His, and not mine; therefore am I able quietly to leave it in His hands. Were I to look at what has come in hitherto, much though it is, in one sense, it would take, after this rate, about ten years, before I should have the sum needed; but this does not cast me down; for, when the Lord's time is come I expect larger sums. Further, there are peculiar natural obstacles in the way to my receiving donations for this object; for it has now been for several months reported that I have already Thirty Thousand Pounds in hand for the Building Fund, though this day it is actually only 1,139l. 19s. 2 1/2 d. Again and again this has been told me, and therefore, were I to look at things naturally, I should have much reason to be cast down, as the spread of such reports is calculated, humanly speaking, to keep persons from contributing towards this object. Another class of persons, true Christians, and liberal persons too, may be thinking, that the sum required is so large that it is not likely I shall obtain it, and that therefore their contributing towards this object would be useless. But none of these things discourage me. God knows that I have not Thirty Thousand Pounds in hand. God can influence the minds of His dear children towards this intended Orphan-House, whatever their thoughts may have been hitherto on the subject. I therefore seek to "let patience have her perfect work," and go on in prayer, being fully assured, that the Lord will not suffer me to be confounded. I am day by day looking out for help, yea for large sums; and I know I shall have them, after the Lord has exercised my faith and patience. Lord wilt Thou mercifully continue to give unto Thy servant faith and patience!

Oct. 3. From the Forest of Dean 1l.

Oct. 4. From Old Aberdeen 5l.—From Dublin the work for an ottoman and a piece of crochet work.

Oct. 5. Through Bethesda boxes 10s.—From Clifton 7s.—From H. S. 4d.

Oct. 7. From Wellington in Salop 5s. Evening. The trial of my faith and patience continues still. Again very little has come in during the last four days for the Building Fund. But my hope in God, by His help, continues steadfast. I had just now again a long season for prayer, having spent the whole evening alone for the purpose, and am assured that, when God's time shall have come, it will be seen that, even concerning this object, I do not wait upon Him in vain. There are persons again and again asking me, When I am going to commence the building; for, they think that I have all, or nearly all, the means which are required. And there are others who ask me whether I still purpose to build this Orphan-House. To Thee, my Heavenly Father, Thy child turns under these circumstances. Thou knowest how small an amount as yet Thy servant has, in comparison with what is needed; but Thou also knowest that Thy servant did not act rashly and under excitement in this matter, but waited upon Thee for six months in secret, before he spoke about this his intention. Now, Lord, in Thy mercy, sustain Thy servant's faith and patience, and, if it please Thee, speedily refresh his heart by sending in larger sums, for which he is looking, and which he confidently expects!

Oct. 8. Through the boxes at the New Orphan-House 2s. 6d., with Psalm xxvii. 14. The words of the passage are these: "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." By God's grace I wait on the Lord, and am of good courage, and He does strengthen my heart, in faith and patience to continue to wait on Him, though only so little comes in, being assured that, when the trial of faith and patience is over, He will make bare His arm, and send in larger sums.

Oct. 28. Nothing at all has come in today for the Building Fund, and about 70l. only during the last four weeks. Yet, by the grace of God, I am supported, and have not the least questioning of soul whether I shall have the means or not. I only look upon this delay, on the part of God, in sending me larger sums, as an exercise of my patience and faith, and am sure, that in His own time He will give more largely. Today I have had again three long seasons for prayer respecting the work in my hands; and the greater part of this evening have been in prayer, entreating and beseeching the Lord to help me; and I am now again looking out for means, as I do day by day.

Oct. 29. This morning I received a letter, containing a check for 50l., and these words:

"* * * * Oct. 27, 1851.

"My dear Sir,

I had much pleasure and blessing in perusing the Report you were kind enough to send me some time ago, and am much obliged to you for it. Is it not a privilege to be allowed to obtain future good out of present expending? (Luke xvi. 9)' That when ye fail, etc.' I enclose a check for 50l., of which I should wish 25l. to be used for the New Orphan-House, that which you propose to build.

Yours, dear Sir,

Ever faithfully,

* * * * *"

The other 25l. being left to me, to be disposed of as I thought well, I divided equally between the five objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad.

By the same post I received also a donation of 10s., with the following letter.

* * * *, Oct. 27, 1851.

"Dear Mr. Mueller,

I enclose you 10s. worth of postages, as a token of gratitude to the Lord. I had 2l. due to me, and the party told me he would not pay it, except I summoned him. I consulted the Scripture, and found, as a Christian, I must not do that; so I put the case into the hand of the 'wonderful counsellor,' and told the Lord, if He would be pleased to give me the 2l., I would give Him back half of it. Not long after I had a message from the party, to say if I would fetch it, I should have the 2l.; so I went, and he paid me without an unpleasant word. I have sent you one half of the pound (the other half I have designed for another purpose). If you need it, you will please to take it for your own personal use; if it is not needed any other way, I should like the privilege of having a stone in the intended Orphan-House, &c."

I took this 10s. for the Building Fund. The donor is a poor working man. — This afternoon I received 50l. more from the neighbourhood of London, with these words: "For the missionaries, and where else most needed." I took, therefore, 25l. of it for missions, and the other 25l. for the Building Fund.

Thus the Lord has been pleased this day to refresh my heart greatly in sending these donations, and has given again a manifest proof that yesterday I did not wait upon Him in vain. But I look out for more abundant help, and for larger sums. I cannot help noticing here, that this afternoon the Lord also refreshed my spirit through a donation of 6 pairs of new shoes, which a young man (whom about twelve years ago I received as a very destitute Orphan, and who about five years ago was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and who has lately finished his apprenticeship), brought me for the Orphans, as a small token of his gratitude, as he said. He had himself made the shoes, having bought the leather with the little sums which he had earned in working overtime for his master.

Such instances occur often. I see now, again and again, fruit resulting from my labours in this service. It is not at all a rare thing that I meet with respectable young women, or respectable young men, who, many years ago, were placed, as very destitute Orphans, under my care, and who are now a comfort and help to society, instead of being a pest, which otherwise they might have been. But valuable and pleasant as this is, I frequently meet with far more in them: I find them to be children of the living God, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and see or hear that they walk according to their profession. Thus, in the midst of many difficulties, and with much that, for the present moment, is discouraging, I see abundant fruit. Yet, if even only one soul were won from among these Orphans, how abundantly would all labours, trials, difficulties, and expenditure of money be made up; but, if I know of scores of them already in heaven, and scores of them now on the road to heaven, how can I but go on labouring, esteeming it a privilege to be allowed of God to seek to win more and more of them for Him? Considerations like these are a mighty impulse to me to go forward with regard to the intended Orphan House.

Nov. 10. Today I received 200l., of which the donor kindly wished me to keep 20l. for my own personal expenses, and to apply the rest as most needed for the Lord's work in my hands. I took, therefore, 100l. for the Building Fund, and 80l. for missionary objects, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Gospel Tracts, and for the support of all the various schools which are supported by the funds of the Scriptural Knowledge. Institution. By this donation my heart has been greatly refreshed for the following reasons:—lst. During the last twelve days very little, comparatively, has come in. 2nd. The first four objects of the Institution, for which I took the 80l., were lower as to funds than they have been during the last ten months, as only 113l. remained in hand. 3rd. I had been praying for supplies for my own personal expenses, in order that I might be able to help in certain cases of need, which were near my heart. This day week, Nov. 3rd, I began particularly to pray about this object. On Nov. 7th there was 5l. put anonymously into the letter box at my house, for my own personal expenses. The note was signed "H." On the same evening I received 2l. more. On Nov. 8th I received 1l. from Keswick. On Nov. 9th 1l. 14s. 6d., and today 20l. Though this is a digression from the immediate subject before me, yet, as I write chiefly for the comfort and encouragement of the children of God, and that their dependence upon God and their trust in Him may more and more be increased, and also that unbelievers may see the reality of the things of God, I take delight in mentioning these cases, to show that He does not merely supply me, in answer to prayer, with means for His work in which I am occupied, but that He also bountifully supplies my own personal necessities, simply in answer to prayer.

Nov. 19. Early this morning came, in the course of my reading through the Holy Scriptures, Heb. v. and vi., and my heart was greatly strengthened by Heb. vi. 15., "And so after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." I have not once, even for one moment, been allowed to doubt, either the power or the willingness of the Lord to supply me with all that shall be needed for this other Orphan House, since I came at first to the conclusion that it was His will I should enlarge the work; yet I have often, very often, been led to ask, that He would graciously be pleased to sustain my faith and patience to the end; for great, very great, may yet be the exercises both of my faith and patience, before. I have the desire of my heart granted.

Nov. 28. The following case will especially show in what a variety of ways the Lord is pleased to supply me with means. Today I received from an individual, hitherto an entire stranger to me, the letter which follows:—

* * * *, London, Nov 27, 1851.

"My dear Brother,

I asked the Lord for help with regard to yourself and your work. The other night a stranger called at my house, and left a parcel, declining to give her name, saying, 'Take charge of this for Mr. George Mueller.' The parcel contained 3l. 14s. 9d., two silver spoons, and two silver thimbles; 4s. were added to pay the expenses. May the Lord prosper you, my brother.

Yours affectionately,

* * * * *"

As it was not stated for what object the donation was intended, I took the whole for the Building Fund.

Dec. 8. From A. Z. at Hull 3l. 5s., of which the donor kindly intends 5s. for my own personal expenses. Through this donor also 5s. besides. Both these donations are remarkable. The donor who sent the 3l. 5s., some years ago, when in very poor circumstances, set apart from his earnings 3/4 d. a-day for the Orphans. From that time God was pleased to prosper him; and now he is able to send this 3l. 5s. at once. The donor of the 5s. had about a year ago one of the Reports of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution lent to him, when he was living in much sin, by the brother who sent the 3l. 5s., and this Report was the means of his conversion.

Dec. 28. This morning I received a donation of 200l., which, being left at my disposal, I took one half for the Building Fund, and the other half for the School, Bible, Tract and Missionary Objects.

Jan. 28, 1852. From Torquay 5s.—I received also this morning the following registered letter, enclosing 50l.

"* * * * *Jan. 21, 1852.

"Dear Brother,

"Having this morning received a large present, I hasten to send you 50l., either towards building the New Orphan House, or for the missionary servants of the Lord; as you may deem best.

" Yours very truly in Christ,

"* * * *"

I am especially labouring in prayer, day by day, that the Lord would be pleased to furnish me with the means for building another Orphan House, as the number of applications for destitute children, bereaved of both parents, is increasing more and more: but I have also of late been particularly praying to the Lord for means for missionary brethren, as almost all I have in hand for them is expended. On this account I purpose to take one half of this donation for the Building Fund, and the other half for missionary objects.

March 17. Day by day I am waiting upon God for means. With full confidence, both as to the power of the Lord to give me the means, and likewise His willingness, I am enabled to continue to wait. But He is pleased to exercise my faith and patience, and especially has this been the case of late. Not more than 27l. 11s. has come in, during the last four weeks, for the Building Fund. Yet, amidst it all, by the help of God, my heart has been kept looking to the Lord, and expecting help from Him. Now today my heart has been greatly refreshed by a donation of 999l. 13s. 5d., which, being left to my disposal for the work of God, I took of it for the Building Fund 600l., for current expenses for the Orphans 200l., and the remainder for the School, Bible, Tract, and Missionary objects. I cannot describe to any one how refreshing this donation is to my spirit. After having been for weeks, day by day, waiting upon the Lord, and receiving so little, comparatively, either for current expenses or for the Building Fund, this answer to many prayers is exceedingly sweet to my spirit.

March 18. From Mallow in Ireland 5s.—From Torquay 5s.—From Whitby 2l. 3s. 6d., of which 1l. is for the Building Fund, 1l. for present use for the Orphans, and 3s. 6d. for ditto.—From Kingstanley 1l.—From Lichfield 4l. 15s., and 5s.

March 21. From Clifton 5l., with 3s. for present use for the Orphans. — Through Salem boxes 1s.

March 23. From Driffield 5l.—Received also further 500l., which, being entirely left at my disposal, I took 100l. for the Building Fund, 200l. for current expenses for the Orphans, 50l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, 50l. for the circulation of Gospel Tracts, 50l. for preachers of the Gospel in foreign lands, and 50l. for preachers of the Gospel in England, Ireland, and Scotland.

May 16. From two Christian ladies at Clifton 10s.

May 19. From Bishopwearmouth 5l.

May 20. 149l. 8s. 11 1/2 d., being the proceeds arising from the sale of a book in English, and 40l. 14s. from the sale of a book in French, were given for the Building Fund; and 75l. 18s. 9d., being the balance of a certain account, for present use for the Orphans.

To the donations received during this year, is to be added 64l. 10s. 6d. received for interest; for as a steward of the money, with which I was intrusted for the Building Fund, I felt it right to put out to interest that which came in. Lastly, there remained in hand from the former Building Fund the balance of 776l. 14s. 3 3/4 d., which I added to the present Building Fund, so that on the evening of May 26th, 1852, I had altogether 3530l. 9s. 0 1/4 d.

I add the following points, which were stated in the Report of 1852, and which are here reprinted for the better information of the readers.

A. Looking at the comparatively small amount yet in hand towards the accomplishment of my purpose, some of my readers may suppose that I am on that account discouraged. My reply is, that I am not at all discouraged, and that for the following reasons.

1. The many donations which the Lord has been pleased to send me during the past year expressly for the Building Fund, have been a proof to me that He condescends to listen to my supplications respecting this part of the work, and to those of His dear children who help me with their prayers; for many, I believe, labour with me in prayer.

2. The delay of the Lord in sending still larger sums, and more speedily, than He has been pleased to do hitherto, I only consider to be for the exercise of my faith and patience. Were the Lord displeased with my intention, He would not have dealt with me as He has, and would not have encouraged me to continue to wait upon Him, by the many donations which were expressly given for this object, and some from most unexpected quarters. This exercise of my faith and patience, however, I believe to be intended not merely for my own individual profit; but through me, also for the benefit of others. By God's gracious help and support I will, therefore, continue to wait patiently, till He shall be pleased more abundantly to send in the means, which I do not in the least doubt life will do.

3. Even when intending to build the New Orphan-House on Ashley Down, Bristol, (which was then an undertaking to me greater far than the second Orphan House now contemplated), I had to wait two years and three months, before I had all the means needed; and great, and many, and varied indeed were the trials of my patience and faith, before that work was accomplished; yet, at last, the Lord so abundantly helped me, and so altogether carried me through all the difficulties, that the house was built, fitted up, furnished, and inhabited, and several hundred pounds remained over and above what was required. And now three years have already elapsed since the house has been inhabited, and the three hundred Orphans in it have no cause to speak of want, but only of abundance. But as the work increases more and more, 1 am not surprised that my trials of faith and patience should become sharper and sharper, and should last longer and longer; but yet, by His help, will I hope in God, whom I shall have to praise further still, and who will help me further still, on the ground of the worthiness and merits of His holy child Jesus, though I am most unworthy in myself to be helped.

4. One of the things, which especially encourages me to continue to wait upon God, and to labour on in prayer Concerning this object, is the great number of applications which continue to be made for the admission of children who have been lawfully begotten, but who are by death bereaved of both parents, and who are in very destitute circumstances. There were 170 such children waiting for admission a year ago; since then there have been 183 more applied for, making in all 353. Of these, as during the last year but few vacancies have occurred, I have only been able to receive twenty-seven, therefore 326 remain unprovided for. This number would be far greater still, had not many persons been kept from applying to me; for they considered it useless, as the number of Orphans, waiting for admission, was already so great. Now when I consider all the help which the Lord has been pleased to grant me in this His service for so many years, and how He has carried me through one difficulty after another, and when I see one case after another, of the most pitiable Orphans (some less than one year old) brought before me; how can I but labour on in prayer on their behalf, fully believing that God, in His own time, will give me the means for this intended second home for 700 more Orphans, though I know not when the money will be sent, and whom He will honour to be the instruments, whether it will come from many or from few comparatively, and whether more especially from those donors whom God has used in former times, or whether He may be pleased to put it into the heart of those to assist me in this service, whose names I have never heard up to this time.

B. Up to the present I have taken no actual steps towards the erection of the second Orphan-House, nor do I mean to do anything in the way of purchasing the land, &c., until I have a sum in hand which may point out that the Lord's time is come for taking such steps. At present I do not allow my mind to be occupied with such points, but seek to go on step by step, and therefore, in the first place, to wait upon God for a greater amount of means than I have in hand at present; and when the Lord shall have been pleased to grant me this, I doubt not that He will also guide and direct me as to carrying out the desire which, I trust, He has put into my heart, to be still more extensively used as the Friend of the Orphan.

C. I state again that this second Orphan-House is only intended, as the one already built, for children who have been lawfully begotten, who have lost both parents by death, and who are in destitute circumstances; this, however, being the case, children may be received from any place, and the more destitute, the fewer patrons and friends they have to plead their cause, the more likely they are to be received, as neither favour nor partiality is shown in the admission of the children, but their cases are considered in the order in which applications are made. I state again here especially, that no sectarian views prompt me, or even in the least influence me in the reception of children; I do not belong to any sect, and am, therefore, not influenced by sectarianism in the admission of Orphans; but from wheresoever they come, and to whatsoever religions denomination the parents belonged, or with whatever body the persons making application may be connected; and whether those who apply never gave me one penny towards the work, or whether they gave much; it makes no difference in the admission of the children. Now just as it has been thus with regard to the admission of Orphans for more than sixteen years past, so, when God shall be pleased to allow me to accomplish my purpose concerning another Orphan-House, it is still intended to be the same concerning that one also. The New Orphan-House on Ashley Down, Bristol, is not say Orphan-House, not the Orphan-House of any party or sect, but it is God's Orphan-House, and the Orphan-House for any and every poor destitute Orphan who has lost both parents; provided, of course, there be room in the establishment, and that there be nothing so peculiar in the case of the children as to prevent their being received; and exactly thus it is intended to be, God helping, with regard to the Orphan-House for 700 Orphans, now in contemplation.

Supplies for the School—, Bible —, Missionary and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852.

At no time during the past eighteen years did I begin a new period with so much money in hand, as was the case at the commencement of this. There was a balance of 809l. 10s. 6d. left for these objects. Long before this balance was expended, however, the Lord was pleased to send in further supplies; so that, during all the year, there did not come before me one single instance in which, according to my judgment, it would have been desirable to help forward Schools or Missionary objects, or the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, but I had always the means in hand for doing so.

I will now notice a few of the more remarkable donations

On the third day already, after the accounts had been closed, May 29, 1851, I received a donation of 150l., of which I took one-half for the current expenses for the Orphans, and the other half for these objects. — This was the first donation in this new period, and was a precious encouragement to me in the work.

July 8. From May 29th to this day have come in twenty-eight donations, varying from 1d. to 15l. Today I received a donation of 150l. of which the donor kindly wished me to take 10l. for my own personal expenses, and to use the rest as the work of God might require it. As I still had an abundance in hand both for the Orphans and for these objects, I took one-half for the current expenses for the Orphans, and the other half for these objects.

Sept. 6. Again fifty-two donations had come in between July 8th and this day, varying from 1d. to 20l., when today a brother who has often manifested his deep interest in the spread of the truth, and who is far from being rich, sent me 80l. for home and foreign labourers in the Word.

Nov. 10. Forty donations have come in for these objects from Sept. 6th to this day, varying from 1 1/2 d. to 25l. Today I received 200l., of which, as stated under the particulars given under this date with reference to the Building Fund, I took 80l. for these objects. This donation came in most seasonably; for now the funds for these objects were lower than they had been for the last ten months, as only 113l. remained in hand.

Dec. 21. The funds for these objects were now reduced to 10l. 14s. 5d., as the twenty-two donations from 4d. to 13l., which had come in since Nov. 10th, did not altogether amount to more than 31l. 9s. 4d., and as much money had been expended. The means in hand were therefore far less than they had been at any time during the last sixteen months, when I received this morning from A. Z., a new donor, by the Clifton post, 10l., which, being left to my disposal, I took for these objects.

Dec. 27. Only 1l. 7s. 6d. had come in since the 21st. After the payments of this day were met, there remained only 10s. 4d. in hand.

Consider this position, dear reader. Only 10s. 4d. in hand, and the expenses for all the various schools were to be met, and the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and of Tracts I desired to go on, and the Fifty preachers of the Gospel, whom I sought to help, my heart desired to help still further. Consider also, that whatever my necessities may be, I never go into debt, nor do I apply to any one personally for any thing, but give myself unto prayer. Now hear how this matter ended.

Dec. 28. When I came home last evening from the New Orphan-House, I found a letter from Gloucestershire, containing a sovereign and a half. The sovereign was half for these objects, and half for the Orphans; and of the half sovereign, 6s. were intended for the Orphans; and 4s. for these objects. Thus I had 14s. more But this morning the Lord has opened His hands still more bountifully. I have received a donation of 200l. — The disposal of the money was left to me. I took therefore one half for the School —, Bible —, Missionary and Tract Objects, and the other half for the Building Fund.—This donation has been a very great refreshment to my spirit. During the last six weeks very little has come in, and though we had lacked nothing (for only a few days since I paid for sixty thousand Tracts at once), yet we were now poorer than we had been for two or three years, with regard to means for these objects. This, however, did not in the least cast me down; for I knew it was only for the trial of my faith and patience, and that, when the trial was over, the Lord would again send in bountiful supplies. This He has now commenced to do, but I expect much more than this. Indeed I am looking out daily for the Lord's help.

Jan. 1, 1852. The old year closed with manifestations of God's loving help, in the way of means, and the new begins in the same way. Last evening I received 4s. 5d. for these objects, and this morning, when I paid an account, I had 10l. returned for the Schools.—In the course of the day I received still further from Sherborne 3l., of which the donor wished 1l. to be taken for the Orphans, 1l. for missions, and 1l. for my own personal expenses. I received also anonymously from Aberdeen 4s. for the Orphans, with 2s. for missions.

Jan. 2. Further: 5l. for the Schools in Bristol.

Jan. 19. All our money for missionary objects, for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and for the support of the various Schools was now again spent, as only very little, comparatively had come in since Dec. 28th. The last money which I had, I sent off by the mail steamer to Demerara, which left two days since. Under these circumstances, I received this evening 20l., which I might either use for the Orphans, or for missionary objects, according to the donor's wish. I took it for missionary objects. But I am looking out for larger supplies, as I have many openings, profitably to lay out considerable sums for missionary objects, and for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts. It is remarkable, that, while I have received from the donor of this sum from time to time donations for the Orphans, I had not received anything for missionary objects for a very long time. But I have again and again prayed for help for this part of the work, and this point makes the answer to prayer only the more manifest.

Jan. 21. After still further repeated waiting upon the Lord for means, especially for missionary objects and for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, I received today from Somersetshire 20l., of which the donor intends 10l. for foreign missions and 10l. towards the support of the Orphans.

Jan. 22. From London 4l. for missions.

Jan. 23. 50l., of which half is for missions, and half for the Building Fund.

Jan. 26. 500l. was left at my disposal. I took the whole for these objects.

This donation came in most seasonably, enabling me to go on helping preachers of the Gospel, and also to go on with the circulation of Bibles and Tracts.

March 17. Before all means were gone, when there was yet about 160l. in hand, there came in again today for these objects 199l. 13s. 5d.

March 23. 200l. more came in today.

March 26. From three brethren 20l. for missions.—On the same day from a missionary box at Old Aberdeen 2l.

May 12. The 26 donations which have come in for these objects, since March 26th, were small. Today I received from Cornwall 50l., of which the donor wished me to take 10l. for my own personal expenses; the rest being left at my disposal I took the whole for these objects.

May 15. Received 20l. for missions.

May 19. When nearly all the means for these objects were exhausted, I received 250l., of which I took for these objects 200l., and 50l. for the current expenses for the Orphans.

Thus I have given some instances to show how the Lord was pleased to supply me during another year.

Supplies for the support of the Orphans, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852.

When this period commenced, I had in hand for the current expenses for the Orphans 970l. 13s. 11 3/4 d. We had never had so large a balance for the other objects at the commencement of any new period, as was the case at the commencement of this, and so it was also with regard to the Orphan work. This arose from the fact, that, only a little more than four months before the accounts were closed, a donation of 3000l. had been given, which, being equally divided between the Orphan Fund and the Fund for the other objects, had left so large a balance in hand. But though there was this large balance to begin with, dependence upon God was still required day by day, as the pecuniary help is only a very small part of that which is needed; and even as to means, this sum would not have lasted long, had the Lord not sent in further supplies. This, however, He did; and thus it was, that, while there were other trials, varied and many, yet, as to means, we experienced for a long time scarcely any difficulty at all. I will now very briefly notice some cases in which God helped us with means for the support of the Orphans, in answer to prayer.

May 27, 1851. The first donation of this new period came from an aged Godly clergyman, whom, up to that time, I had never seen, but to whom my heart had been much knit through correspondence. The donation consisted of 5l. from himself, and 1s. 6d. from three poor persons through him.

July 3. A brother and sister, having had a legacy left to them, though very far from being rich, sent 50l. out of it for the Orphans, as they desire to use the money with which the Lord may intrust them for Him.

Oct. 2. From the ladies who constitute the Bristol Dorcas Society, the value of 215l. in flannel and unbleached calico.

Feb. 10, 1852. When the accounts were closed, there was in hand 970l. 13s. 11 3/4 d., and there has come in since then 1242l. 19s. 8d. Up to this time, I had had an abundance of means, to meet all the current expenses of the New Orphan-House, and there was still 126l. 3s. 8 1/2 d. in hand. But though I had this, the certain expenses of this week alone were. 102l. 0s. 4d., besides what might be otherwise needed. Under these circumstances, a Godly merchant at Clifton gave me this evening, through his son, a Fifty Pound Note for the benefit of the Orphans. This donation has greatly refreshed my spirit; for though we were not in actual need, there being 126l. 3s. 8 1/2 d. in hand, to meet the expenses of 102l. 0s. 4d., which I expected to come upon me this week, yet there would then only have been left 24l. 3s. 4 1/2 d. towards meeting the current expenses of an establishment with more than 300 inmates. There had not been so little in hand since the New Orphan-House was first opened. How kind, therefore, of the Lord, to put it into the heart of this donor, who is not personally known to me, to contribute this sum!

March 16. From Feb. 10th up to March 8th the income had been comparatively small, only about 130l. altogether having been received for the current expenses for the Orphans. This, with what was in hand on Feb. 10th, was, therefore, so reduced, that on March 8th I had only been able to advance 15l. for house-keeping expenses, instead of 30l., which I had for a long time been in the habit of doing. After having paid away this 15l., I had only about 5l. left. Before this 15l., however, was quite spent, I had received so much, that on the 12th I could advance. 10l. more for house-keeping. Now this money was all gone, and today, March 16th, more money was needed, but there was none in hand, except the balance which was last year left from the Building Fund, which I was most reluctant to use, and concerning which I asked the Lord that there might be no need for using it, as I wished to take it for the intended Orphan-House, the number of destitute Orphans who are waiting for admission being so great. Now observe how God helped me! Just before I was called on for more money, I received this morning from a noble Lady as her own gift and that of two of her friends 15l., and also 4s. 1 1/2 d. was given to me as the contents of an Orphan-box. Thus I was able to advance again 15l. for house-keeping.

March 17. For about six weeks past the Lord has been pleased to exercise my faith and patience much. Very little, comparatively, has come in for the Building Fund and the current expenses for the various objects; but now He has this day greatly refreshed my spirit by the donation of 999l. 13s. 5d., referred to under the Building Fund, which, being left to me for the Lord's work, to be used as I think best, I took of it for the current expenses for the Orphans 200l.; so that again, before the money, which came in yesterday, is expended, fresh supplies are received. I have been particularly also refreshed by this donation, in that I am not obliged to use the balance of the former Building Fund, but can let that remain for the present Building Fund.

May 26, 1852. Since March 17th no further difficulties have been experienced with regard to means; for though the expenses have amounted since then to about 700l., the Lord has bountifully supplied me with all I needed; for I received another donation of 200l., one of 75l. 18s. 9d., one of 50l., two of 10l., eighteen of between 5l. and 10l., besides many between 6d. and 5l.—Thus I am helped to the close of another year, during which the Lord has enabled me, through waiting upon Him, and looking to Him for help, to supply all the current expenses of the New Orphan-House with its 300 Orphans and all their overseers, teachers, nurses, etc.; the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts has been going on as before; the various schools have been supported; the same amount as during the past year, or rather more, has been expended for missionary objects; and yet, over and above all this, I have been enabled to gather a goodly sum for the Building Fund of the intended Orphan-House.

Have I not therefore abundant reason to praise the Lord for His goodness, to trust in Him for the future, to speak well of His name to my fellow-believers, and to encourage them, more and more to rely upon the Lord for everything?

Miscellaneous points respecting the Scriptural Know/edge Institution for Home and Abroad, with reference to the period from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852.

1. During this period there were entirely supported by the funds of the Institution four Day Schools in Bristol, with 248 poor children in them, and three others in Devonshire, Monmouthshire, and Norfolk, were assisted.—Further, one Sunday School in Bristol, with 243 children, was entirely supported, and two others in Devonshire and Gloucestershire, with 230 children, were assisted.—Lastly, one Adult School in Bristol, with 120 Adult Scholars, was entirely supported during this period.—From March 5, 1834, up to May 26, 1852, there were 5,525 children in the Day Schools in Bristol, 2,600 in the Sunday School, and 2,033 grown up persons in the Adult School.—There was expended of the Funds of the Institution, for these various Schools, during this period, 360l. 1s. 9d.

2. During this period there was expended of the Funds of the Institution 207l. 3s. 1d. for the purpose of circulating the Holy Scriptures, especially among the very poorest of the poor. There were issued during this period 1,101 Bibles and 409 New Testaments.—There were altogether circulated from March 5, 1834, up to May 26, 1852, Eight Thousand Eight Hundred and Ten Bibles, and Four Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-one New Testaments.

For two years previous to May 26, 1852, it was on my heart, to seek to make some especial effort for the spread of the Holy Scriptures and for the spread of simple Gospel Tracts, in a way and for a purpose which would not be accomplished by the giving of copies of the Holy Scriptures, or the giving of Tracts to poor persons. My wish was, to put believers of the higher classes in the way of obtaining cheap pocket Bibles for the purpose of giving them away as presents to more respectable persons, as well as furnishing them with the opportunity of purchasing Bibles and New Testaments, at a cheap rate, for giving them away among the poor; and of furnishing believers in the higher classes, who are Tract distributors, with an opportunity of purchasing simple Gospel Tracts for circulation. Connected with this I desired, especially, to present the truths of the Gospel, in print, before genteel persons, whom I had not the same opportunity of reaching as poorer persons to whom Tracts and Bibles might be given. To this my attention was turned on account of the mighty efforts which were made to take away the Holy Scriptures, and to spread Tracts which contain most pernicious errors. Up to this time we had never had, to any considerable extent, a depository for Bibles and Tracts. The circulation of Tracts had been almost exclusively by gratuitous distribution; and thus it had been also, for some years previously, with reference to the circulation of the Holy Scriptures.—For a very long time, however, we could not meet with a suitable house, till at last, after much prayer, and waiting for more than a year, convenient premises were obtained by renting No. 34, Park Street, Bristol. On April 29, 1852, this Bible and Tract Warehouse was opened with prayer.

3. During this year there was spent of the funds of the Institution, for missionary objects, the sum of 2005l. 7s. 5d. By this sum fifty-one labourers in the word and doctrine, in various parts of the world, were to a greater or less degree assisted.

It is a subject of joy and thankfulness to me, to be able to inform the believing reader, that the Lord was pleased to grant again much blessing upon the labours of these brethren during this year. Many sinners were converted through their instrumentality, some of whom had been in a most awful state. This remark applies both to foreign and home labourers.

4. There was laid out for the circulation of Tracts, from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852, the sum of 356l. 11s. 3 1/2 d. There were circulated during the year 489,136 Tracts.

The total number of Tracts, which were circulated from the beginning up to May 26, 18152, was 1,086,366.

The Lord is pleased to increase this part of the work more and more.

It is not merely, however, of the increase in the number of Tracts that I have to speak. I heard during this year of one case after another, in which the tracts, with which the Lord enabled me to furnish the many brethren who circulate them, were used by Him in the way of communicating great blessing to believers, or as instruments of conversion to unbelievers. I would indeed with all my might seek to spread the truth of God by means of these little publications in greater and greater numbers; but I would follow them also, day by day, with my prayers, and never trust in the numbers which have been issued, but in God, to Grant His blessing, without which all these efforts are in vain.

A great number of believers, in various parts of the world, aid me in the circulation of tracts. Up to April 1852, however, almost all the tracts which were circulated were given away gratuitously, but, as has been stated already, there was then more particularly commenced the sale of Tracts also, in connexion with the sale of Bibles, at the Bible and Tract Warehouse, No. 34, Park Street, Bristol.

5. On May 26, 1851, there were. Three Hundred Orphans in the New Orphan House on Ashley Down, Bristol. From that day up to May 26, 1852, there wore admitted into it twenty-seven Orphans, making 327 in all. Of these 327, nine died during the year; one Orphan was sent to Christian relatives, who by that time were able to provide for him, and who felt it their duty to do so; one was sent to relatives on account of being in such a state of health that the Establishment was an unsuitable place for her; three of the elder girls, who were able to earn their bread by entering service, but who could not be recommended to any situation, after they had been long borne with, were at last sent in disgrace from the Establishment to their relatives. This course was adopted as a last remedy with regard to themselves, and as a solemn warning for all the children in the Establishment. Four girls were with comfort sent out to service, and nine boys were apprenticed at the expense of the establishment. This makes the removals as many as the reception of new Orphans, so that the number was still 300 in the New Orphan House, on May 26, 1852. The total of the expenses, connected with the support of the Orphans, from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852, was 3035l. 3s. 4d. The total number of Orphans under our care from April 1836, to May 26, 18152, was Five Hundred and Fifteen.

I notice further the following points in connection with the New Orphan House.

1. Without any one having been personally applied to for anything, by me, the sum of 42,970l. 17s. 6d. was given to me for the Orphans as the result of prayer to God from the commencement of the work, up to May 26, 1852. It may be also 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, 1852, amounted to 15,976l. 10s. 6 1/4 d.; and that, which came in by the sale of Bibles and Tracts, and by the payments of the children in the Day-Schools, amounted to 3,073/. 1s. 9 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.

2. During no period of the work had we such great affliction in the way of sickness in the Orphan Establishment as during this. For nearly four months the scarlet fever and other diseases prevailed, so that more than one hundred children were seriously ill during this period, and at one time there were 55 Orphans confined to their beds. But the Lord dealt very mercifully with us. Only 5 died in consequence of the scarlet fever, though we had 64 decided cases.

3. Several of the Orphans who left the Establishment during this year went away as believers, having been converted some time before they left; one also who died gave very decided evidence of a true change of heart by faith in our Lord Jesus; several who in former years were under our care, as we heard during this year, took their stand openly on the Lord's side, and dated their first impressions to the instructions received whilst with us; and lastly, of those under our care, there were not a few whose spiritual state gave us joy and comfort. Thus, amidst many difficulties and trials and some discouragements, we had abundant cause to praise God for His goodness, and to go forward in the strength of the Lord.

Matters connected with my own personal affairs.

Dec. 31, 1851. During this year the Lord was pleased to give me—

1. By anonymous offerings through the Chapel boxes . . . . . L157 4 0 3/4

2. By presents in money from believers in Bristol, not given anonymously . 135 5 4

3. By presents in money, from believers not residing in Bristol . . . 156 6 9

4. By presents in provisions, clothes, &c., worth to us at least . . . 16 17 0

——

L465 13 1 3/4

Admire, dear reader, the Lord's kindness towards me, in that again, during this year also, Ha has so abundantly supplied me with means for my own personal and family necessities, without any regular salary or other stated income whatever, simply in answer to prayer.

Further account of the intended Orphan House for Seven Hundred Poor Children, bereaved of both parents by death, from May 26, 1852, to May 26, 1853.

In the last chapter on this subject, it was stated, that on May 26, 1852, 1 had actually in hand towards this object 3,530l. 9s. 0 1/4 d.; and now I go on to relate how the Lord has been pleased to help me further since then; but, for the sake of brevity, I can only refer to the more remarkable donations.

June 18. Received 5s. 7d. from the Orphans in the Girl's Department of the New Orphan House, in commemoration of the anniversary of the opening of the New Orphan House, which took place this day three years. Received also 3s. 9d. from the Orphan Boys. These little sums from these children have given me much joy. I likewise received this day a donation of 200l., of which the donor kindly wished me to keep 20l. for my own personal expenses, and to use the 180l. as might be most needed. I took of this sum 60l. for the Building Fund, 60l. towards the support of the 300 Orphans, and 60l. for the various other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.