PREFACE (continued 8)

June 22. Today I was informed that there had been paid into the hands of my bankers 500l. This sum is from a donor whom I have never seen, but whom God evidently has led, in answer to my daily supplications, and to those of my fellow-labourers, to help me in His service. This donation has exceedingly refreshed my spirit, and has led me to expect more and more help from God. As this 500l. is left at my disposal, I took of it one-third for the Building Fund, another third for the current expenses for the 300 Orphans, and the last third for the School—, Bible—, Tract—, and Missionary Fund of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.

July 1. 50l. The money being left to my disposal, I took half for the Building Fund—and half for the School—, Bible—, Tract— and Missionary Objects.

July 29. Received from one of the Orphans, formerly under our care, the following lines: "Dear Sir, will you please to accept the enclosed silver chain for the Building Fund, and the 3s. 6d. for your personal use, from your grateful Orphan, * * * *." This donation gave me much joy.

Aug. 6. From an Irish friend 53l., "As a small acknowledgment of the donor's gratitude to his Heavenly Father for enriching him with the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to his dear Redeemer for loving him, and giving Himself for him."

Aug. 13. From the neighbourhood of London 50l.

Aug. 21. From Southport a gold ring—I received also today the following letter from Madras, East Indies, enclosing a donation of 50l. for the Building Fund.

"* * * * * Madras, 9th July, 1852.

"Dear Brother,

"Some time in the year 1842 or 1843 I met with 'The Lord's dealings with George Mueller,' and, after rending it, was moved to send you something; but at that time I had not the means. In fact, I had lent, what little money I had, to a person who was unable to repay me, and I was nearly destitute. The good hand of God has been on me since that time, and I have often wondered whether George Mueller was still in the flesh but never had the resolution to inquire. Last December I met in a friend's house the Twelfth Report, and, after reading it, resolved to cast a mite into the Lord's treasury towards building the Orphan-House for Seven Hundred children; and may the God of Jacob, that has fed me all my life long, unto this day, accept of it, as an acknowledgment of the thousandth part of the mercies I have received at His hands. I therefore enclose a bill of exchange * * * *. Value of bill Seventy Pounds sterling. * * * * I have often mentioned you by name in my appeals to the throne of grace; and if I meet you not on earth, I hope I shall in those regions where we shall see the Lamb on His throne and in His Father's kingdom, and where there is no more sin or sorrow.

My dear Brother,

"Ever yours,

"* * * * *"

This donation and letter have exceedingly refreshed my spirit, and quickened me yet further to prayer.

Pause a few moments dear Reader. See how faith and prayer bring means from individuals whom we have never seen, whose very names we have never heard of, and who live at a distance of more than Ten Thousand miles from us. Do you not see that it is not in vain, to make known our requests to the Lord, and to come to Him for everything? When it was first laid on my heart, to build a second Orphan-House for 700 destitute children, bereaved of both parents by death, simply in dependence upon God alone for means, could I have looked for this 70l. from this Christian brother at Madras? Verily not, for I did not even know of his existence. Had I other friends, from whom to expect the large sum which will be needed to accomplish this? No, on the contrary, all human probability was against my ever receiving this large sum. But I had faith in God. I believed that He was able and willing to give me what was needed for this work; and solely in dependence upon Him I purposed to build another Orphan-House. But now see bow God has helped me further; for after I had received this donation of 70l., I had still only 4,127l. 12s. 6 3/4 d. in hand, in other words, only a little more than the ninth part of the sum which, as far as I am able to calculate, will be needed to accomplish my object.

Aug. 30. During this month again fourteen destitute Orphans have been applied for, none of whom we can receive, because the New Orphan-House is full. There are now 356 Orphans already waiting for admission, from six months old and upwards, each bereaved of both parents by death.

Sept. 8. During the last five days, only 2l. 14s. had come in for the Building Fund, and only 9l. 1s. altogether for the current expenses for the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. Such seasons try my faith and patience; but, by the grace of God, they do not discourage me. He helps me to continue in prayer, and to look for answers, and for a time when He will help again bountifully. During the past eighteen years and six months, which I have been occupied in this service, I have again and again found, that, after a season, during which very little has come in, and my faith has thus been tried, the Lord has generally the more bountifully helped afterwards. Thus it has been again this day. I have received a donation of 280l. 10s. 6d., of which the donor kindly wished me to take 20l. 10s. 6d. for my own personal expenses, and to use the 260l. as the work of the Lord in my hands might require. I took of this sum one-third for the Building Fund, one-third for the current expenses for the Orphans, and one-third for the other Objects. Thus I had at once a four-fold answer to prayer; 1, Means for my own personal expenses, about which I had been asking the Lord; 2, Means for the Building Fund, for which I am day by day labouring in prayer; 3, Means for the current expenses for the Orphans, which were greatly needed; and 4, Means for the other Objects, which were entirely exhausted.

Sept. 28. From Melbourne, in Australia, 50l., from a believer in the Lord Jesus, whose name even I did not know up to the time that I received this donation.—See, dear Reader, how the Lord helps me, in answer to prayer. Do you not perceive that my fellow-labourers and myself do not wait upon the Lord in vain? Be encouraged by this! Go for yourself, with all your temporal and spiritual wants, to the Lord. Bring also the necessities of your friends and relatives to the Lord. Only make the trial, and you will perceive how able and willing He is to help you. Should you, however, not at once, obtain answers to your prayers, be not discouraged; but continue patiently, believingly, perseveringly to wait upon God: and as assuredly as that, which you ask, would be for your real good, and therefore for the honour of the Lord; and as assuredly as you ask it solely on the ground of the worthiness of our Lord Jesus, so assuredly you will at last obtain the blessing. I myself have had to wait upon God concerning certain matters for years, before I obtained answers to my prayers; but at last they came. At this very time, I have still to renew my requests daily before God, respecting a certain blessing for which I have besought Him for eleven years and a half, and which I have as yet obtained only in part, but concerning which I have no doubt that the full blessing will be granted in the end. So also, when I was led to build the New Orphan-House, and waited upon the Lord for means for it, it took two years and three months, whilst day by day I brought this matter before Him, before I received the full answer.—But to return to my journal. This donation of 50l. from Melbourne, refreshed my spirit greatly, and quickened me yet further to prayer.—On the same day I received from Sheffield 5l., and from Tottenham 10l.

Oct. 31. Thirteen more Orphans have been applied for during this month.

Nov. 3. This evening I received a check for 300l. for the Building Fund. — I am continually looking out for help, and am sustained in waiting upon God, and in being enabled daily, and generally several times every day, to bring the matter about the Building Fund before Him. I know that God hears me, on the ground of the worthiness of the Lord Jesus, and that at last He will give me the full amount needed for accomplishing this work. How the means are to come, I know not; but I know that God is almighty, that the hearts of all are in His hands, and that, if He pleaseth to influence persons, they will send help. In this donation of 300l., received this evening, I have seen afresh, how easily God can send means. The donor, who sent it, was not even known to me by name this day month; but, on Oct. 12th, he sent me 200l. for the Orphans, and now 300l. for the Building Fund. Nothing had come in during the former part of the day; still, I was looking out, and, when I returned from the Orphan-House, found that this 300l. had arrived at my house. But I expect far larger sums.

Nov. 11. From London three boxes and two parcels of books, containing 275 volumes in all, to be sold for the Building Fund.

Nov. 16. 50l.—From the neighbourhood of Stroud 10s.—From one of the former Orphans 10s., being part of her first quarter's wages. Sent as a token of gratitude.

Nov. 19. 200l., which, being left to my disposal, I took of it 100l. for the Building Fund, 60l. for preachers of the Gospel at Home and Abroad, 20l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and 20l. for the circulation of Tracts.

Nov. 21. From Malta 5l.

Nov. 27. "From the neighbourhood of Leominster, as a thank-offering," 2l. Day by day I am waiting upon God, concerning this object. I firmly believe that the Lord will give me all I require for the accomplishment of it though I am utterly unworthy. I believe that I shall also have large sums, very large sums, when the Lord has been pleased sufficiently to exercise my faith and patience. Today I received 250l., the disposal of which was left to me. I took, therefore, 125l. for the Building Fund, 25l. for current expenses for the Orphans, 40/. for the home and foreign labourers in the Word, whom I seek to assist, 20l. for gratuitous circulation of the Holy Scriptures among very poor persons, 20l. for gratuitous circulation of Gospel Tracts, and 20l. for all the various Day schools, Sunday schools, and the Adult school, which the Scriptural Knowledge Institution either assists or entirely supports.

Nov. 30. During this month, again 25 children, bereaved of both parents by death, lawfully begotten, and in destitute circumstances, have been applied for, not one of whom I have any prospect of being able to admit until the Lord shall have been pleased to enable me to build another Orphan-House. The many Orphans waiting for admission, whose number is increasing every month, lead me to continue in earnest supplication, that the Lord would be pleased to furnish me with means for the erection of another Orphan-House. Nor do I doubt that He will help me.

Jan. 3. From the neighbourhood of Stroud 1l. 15s. 3d.—Anonymously in a letter 8d.—From Newtown Limavady 1l.—Also 252l. 17s. 1d., which, being left to my disposal, I portioned out thus: 75l. for the Orphans, 75l. for the School, Bible, Missionary and Tract Fund, and 102l. 17s. 1d. for the Building Fund.

Jan. 4. From London 2s. 6d.—Day by day I have now been waiting upon God for means for the Building Fund for more than nineteen months, and almost daily I have received something in answer to prayer. These donations have been, for the most part, small, in comparison with the amount which will be required for the completion of this object; nevertheless they have shown that the Lord, for the sake of His dear Son, listens to my supplications and to those of my fellow labourers and helpers in the work; and they have been precious encouragements to me to continue to wait upon God. I have been for many months assured that the Lord, in His own time, would give larger sums for this work; and for this I have been more and more earnestly entreating Him, during the last months. Now at last He has abundantly refreshed my spirit, and answered my request. I received today the promise, that, as the joint donation of several Christians, there should be paid to me a donation of Eight Thousand and One Hundred Pounds for the work of the Lord in my hands. Of this sum I purpose to take 6,000l. for the Building Fund, 600l. for the current expenses for the Orphans, and 1,500l. for the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad. [This joint donation of several Christians was paid in four installments during January, February, March, and April.]

It is impossible to describe the spiritual refreshment which my heart received through this donation. Day by day, for nineteen months, I had been looking out for more abundant help than I had had. I was fully assured that God would help me with larger sums; yet the delay was long. See how precious it is to wait upon God! See how those who do so, are not confounded! Their faith and patience may long and sharply he tried; but in the end it will most assuredly be seen, that those who honour God He will honour, and will not suffer them to be put to shame. The largeness of the donation, whilst it exceedingly refreshed my spirit, did not in the least surprise me; for I expect great things from God. I quote a paragraph from the Twelfth Report, page 27, where under Jan. 4, 1851, this will be found written: "I 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 of from 600l. to 900l., four of 1,000l., two of 2,000l., and one of 2,050l., but never had more than this given to me at one time; yet I have expected more than 2,050l. in one donation, and, accordingly, it has pleased the Lord to give me 3,000l. 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 for obtaining pecuniary means for the work of the Lord, than the one in which I have been led." This, you perceive, dear Reader, was written more than two years ago. Since then I have again received many considerable donations, besides thousands of pounds in smaller sums. And now the largest donation of 3,000l., was surpassed by the one of 8,100l. Have I then been boasting in God in vain? Is it not manifest that it is most precious, in every way, to depend upon God? Do I serve God for nought? Is it not obvious that the principles on which I labour, are not only applicable to the work of God on a small scale, but also, as I have so many times affirmed during the past nineteen years, for the most extensive operations for God? I delight to dwell upon this, if, by any means, some of my beloved fellow believers might be allured to put their whole trust in God for every thing; and if, by any means, some unbelievers thereby might be made to see that God is verily the living God now as ever, and might be stirred up to seek to be reconciled to Him by putting their trust in the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus find in God a friend for time and eternity.

Feb. 19. Saturday Evening. The Lord has been pleased to send in the means as sparingly this month, as He was pleased to send them in abundantly during the last. But this is for the trial of my faith and patience. While, however, these graces are exercised by the Lord, He kindly sustains both. With unshaken confidence and joyful anticipation am I, by the help of God, enabled to go forward day by day, looking on to the day when I shall have the whole amount requisite for this object, just as it was with reference to the building of the New Orphan House on Ashley Down. I know that I shall not be confounded; for I trust in God, and for the honour of His name proposed the building of this second Orphan House. Yet my soul longs, to be able to declare to the Church of Christ at large, that I have obtained an answer to this my oft repeated request, which again and again, every day, is brought before Him, and in which request my fellow labourers in the work join. Moreover, I long to be able to show to an unbelieving world afresh, by this my petition being granted, that verily there is reality in the things of God. And lastly, I long to be able to commence the building of this second Orphan House, because there are now 438 Orphans waiting for admission. I have not yet received anything today for this object; but the Lord can even now give me something this evening; but be that as it may, I know that, when His time is come, and when my patience has been sufficiently exercised, He will help me abundantly. That word respecting Abraham: "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise," (Hebrew vi, 15), has been repeatedly a precious word to me during the last days, it having come of late in the course of my reading through the New Testament.

Feb. 23. This evening, after another long season of prayer respecting the work of God in my hands, and especially also, that it might please the Lord to give me soon what I need for the Building Fund, so that I may be enabled to take active steps in the erection of another Orphan House, came in the course of my reading and meditation James I. This forcibly reminded me of the close of November and the beginning of December in 1845, when, whilst labouring for a season in the Word at Sunderland, this portion also came in the course of my meditation on the whole New Testament. James i, 4: "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing," was then particularly impressed on my mind as a portion which I should need to keep before me. I was at that time, day by day, waiting upon the Lord for means and every other help which might be needed in connexion with the Orphan House, which I had purposed to build in dependence upon the Lord for help. I had not the least doubt that God would help me through all the difficulties connected with this work. I felt as sure that He would enable me to accomplish this work, as if I had actually seen the house before me, inhabited by Orphans; but I had reason to believe, at the same time, that great and many and varied would be my trials of faith and patience, before all would be accomplished. I had not at that time one single shilling in hand towards this work, but often, even then, whilst staying at Sunderland, and meditating on this first chapter of the Epistle of James, did I praise God before hand, that He would give me everything I should need in connexion with this intended Orphan House. Now this evening, February 23, 1853, I am writing in that very house, the New Orphan House, with its 300 Orphans, about which I was then praying. Nearly four years it has been already inhabited by Orphans. And I now say again, "Let patience have her perfect work," with reference to the intended Orphan House for 700 more Orphans; but also, at the same time, am I assured that the Lord will enable me to accomplish this also.

March 14.—From Scotland 200l., of which the donor kindly wished me to give 10l. to Mr. Craik, to take 10l. for my own personal expenses, and to use the 180l. as most needed. I took, therefore, 100l. for the Building Fund, and 80l. for the current expenses for the Orphans. This donation has been a great refreshment to my spirit; for since Jan. 4th only little, comparatively, has come in either for the Building Fund or for the current expenses.

March 29. For nearly three months the Lord has been pleased to exercise my patience by the comparatively small amount of means which has come in. It was more an exercise of patience than of faith; for, during all this time, we not only abounded, with regard to means for the current expenses, through the large sums, which had come in at the beginning of the year, but I had also even now considerable sums in hand, for the current expenses of the various objects. Still, though not actually in need of means, yet my spirit had been enabled to labour on in prayer for means for the Building Fund in particular, and also for means for current expenses, in order that it may become more and more manifest, what a happy, easy, and successful way this is. Now, this evening, when I came home, I found that 300l. had come in. This is a great refreshment to my spirit.—As the amount is left to my disposal as may be most needed, I have taken one half of it for the Building Fund, and the other half for the current expenses for the Orphans. The other objects abound at present with means, and even for the Orphans I have yet above 200l. in hand.

April 20. Received from a most unexpected quarter 100l., which I took half for the Building Fund, and half for the Orphans, as the other objects were not in immediate need of means. This donation has much refreshed my spirit.

May 14. Received 260l., of which I took 100l. for the Building Fund, and 160l. for the current expenses for the Orphans.

May 26. From Gloucester 5s.—Through the box at the Bible and Tract Warehouse in Park Street, Bristol, 2l. 11s. 10d.—By sale of an old gold watch, a few trinkets, some old silver coins, and some small pieces of broken silver articles, 10l. 7s. 8d.—Also 80l. 15s. 11d., being the proceeds arising from the sale of a work published in English and 2l. 10s., being the proceeds arising from the sale of a work published in French; were given to the Building Fund.—To these sums is to be added 334l. 16s. 9d., received during this period for interest; for I felt it my duty, as has been stated before, to invest the money given to me for the Building Fund until actually required.

Thus closes this period, from May 26, 1852, to May 26, 1853. All the donations received during this period for the Building Fund, together with the 3530l. 9s. 0 1/4 d. in hand, on May 26, 1852, made the total of 12,531l. 12s. 0 1/4 d. in hand on May 26, 1853.

The following paragraphs were printed in the Report of 1853, respecting the intended Orphan House, which are here reprinted for the better understanding of the subject.

A. Besides having the means to meet all the demands which came upon me in connexion with the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad; and besides enlarging almost all of them considerably, so that the sum of 7035l. 12s. 0 1/2 d. altogether was expended; I have been enabled to add, during the past twelvemonth, 9,001l. 3s. to the Building Fund. The total sum, which God has been pleased to give to me, during the year, both for current expenses and the Building Fund, amounts to 16,042l. 8s. 11d.

B. It is true that very much yet is needed for the Building Fund, before I shall be enabled to accomplish the desire of my heart, in building another House for 700 more Orphans. I may have also yet many trials of faith and patience to pass through; but what the Lord has done for me during the past 24 years in particular, and all His dealings with me in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution; and all His help afforded for building the New Orphan House on Ashley Down, Bristol, which has been now already inhabited for four years encourage me to continue to wait upon God. By His grace I am not tired of waiting upon Him for means. Yea, I confess to His praise, that, the longer I live, the more I am practically assured of the blessedness of waiting upon God for every thing.

C. There is no decrease as to the application for the admission of Orphans. This, in addition to all the help and support which the Lord has granted to me for these many years in the work, and in addition to the means received for the Building Fund during the past year, encourages me greatly, to continue to wait upon God for help, to be enabled to build another Orphan House for 700 Orphans. On May 26, 1852, there were 326 Orphans waiting for admission. Since then there have been 184 Orphans applied for, making in all 510. Of these, as only few vacancies have occurred during the past year, not more than 13 could be received into the New Orphan House, and 17 besides, as I have been informed by applicants, were otherwise provided for, so that 30 are to be deducted from 510, which leaves 480 Orphans waiting for admission. Many of these are very young, some even under one year old. But I have the fullest reason to believe, that many persons are kept from applying for the admission of Orphans, because there are already so many waiting, else the number would be greater still. With such a number of poor destitute Orphans before me, bereaved of both parents by death, how can I but labour on in prayer for means, for the accomplishment of this object; and I have not the least doubt that, after the Lord may have been pleased to exercise my faith and patience yet somewhat more, unworthy though I am of it, He will condescend to grant the request for the whole amount of the means which are needed for the building of this second Orphan House, in answer to the supplications which my fellow-labourers and myself continually bring before Him.

D. It must not be supposed that I am discouraged, because two years have elapsed since I first began to receive donations towards this object, and as yet only 12,531l. l2s. 0 1/4 d. is in hand. I expected trials of faith and patience, both for my own profit, and for the benefit of others, who might hear of the Lord's dealings with me. I was not without trials, yea, not without many trials of faith and patience, in building the New Orphan House for 300 Orphans; nor did I obtain the means then till after the lapse of two years and three months; therefore, in seeking to build this house for 700 Orphans, I am not surprised that I should have to wait patiently. But of this I have never had a doubt that, after the Lord had sufficiently tried my faith and patience, He would supply me with all I need. I therefore wait His time. Moreover, the Lord, in a very short time, can give me all I need, it is not necessary that twice or thrice as much time as has already elapsed should have to pass away, before I am in a position to be warranted to take active measures; yet, be this as it may, by the grace of God I am content to wait His time.

E. Should it be asked, whether I intend to wait till I have the whole sum of Thirty-Five Thousand Pounds, which will be needed; or whether I purpose to begin the building before; my reply is this I do not purpose to delay the beginning of the building till I have what is required for fitting up and furnishing the house, which is included in that sum; for I may well trust in the Lord for that amount whilst the House is being built; but as I, on Scriptural grounds, neither for my own personal expenses, nor for the work of God, go into debt, I should not begin building, till I have sufficient to meet the amount of the contracts of the builders, for which, together with the land, I consider not less than 25,000l. would be needed, so that I have just half the amount requisite for that.

Supplies for the School—, Bible—, Missionary and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1852, to May 26, 1853.

On May 26, 1852, when the accounts were closed, there was left in hand for these objects the balance of 45l. 5s. 7 1/2 d. Before this balance was expended, I received, on May 27, 1852, from the neighbourhood of Whitehaven, 2l. 10s. for missions. On May 29, from Belper 5s. 7d. for missions. On May 30, through Bethesda boxes 2s. 6d. and 4d. for missions. On June 7th, I received from Somersetshire. 10l.; and on the same day I found that a Christian bookseller in London had, paid into the hands of my bankers 34l. 14s. 4d., which he had been ordered to pay to me, on behalf of a Christian gentleman, to whom this amount was due. This sum I took for these objects. But the Lord helped still further. June 8. 10l. from Y. Z.—June 13. From Y. Z. 33l. 3s. Through Bethesda boxes for missions 1s. Ditto 1s. Through Salem boxes 1s. 8d. From "P." 1s. Ditto 4d. —June. 15. From one engaged in the work 1l. — June 16. From Clifton 4d.—June 18. From W, W. 10l. "for missionary brethren, labouring in dependence upon God for their temporal supplies." Also 200l. came in, of which I took 60l. for these objects, as stated with reference to this donation, in giving an account of the donations for the Building Fund.—June 22. 500l. came in, as stated under Building Fund, of which one-third or 166l. 13s. 4d. was taken for these objects.

This is just a specimen of how the Lord helped me, week after week, to meet the expenses during this period. About Six Hundred Pounds a month, or above Seven Thousand Pounds during the year, I had to expend for the various objects of the Institution; but I had sufficient to meet every demand; and over and above I was helped by the Lord to increase the Building Fund Nine Thousand Pounds above what it was the year before. The current expenses of the Institution were never so great during the previous nineteen years; but the extent of its operations, and the means which the Lord was pleased to send in, were also never so great.

I stated, however, before, that I could not give here in detail an account of every donation. I, therefore, single out a few more instances, to show the manner in which the Lord helped me.

Aug. 4. The funds for these objects were now reduced to about 4l.; but there was much required in order to be able to go on with the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and to assist missionary brethren; when I received this evening 200l., which was left to me to be applied as seemed best to me. I took therefore one half for the current expenses for the Orphans, and the other half for these objects, and was thus again supplied for the present.

Aug. 14. 20l. for missions from W. W.

Sept. 8. Little, comparatively, has come in since August 4th. Only twenty-seven donations altogether, of which only a few were rather large sums. Therefore all our means were now gone. On the 3rd of this month I sent out 40l. to six brethren who labour in the Word, and would on that day have sent out 35l, more to other six brethren, but had not the means; and, therefore, could only wait upon God. I also desired to order more Bibles and Tracts; but had to delay this likewise, as I would not go into debt for them. Now this morning I received 280l. 10s. 6d. [referred to under the Building Fund], of which 86l. 13s. 4d. was taken for these objects. Thus I am helped again for the present, and look for further supplies.

Oct. 9. Only nineteen donations, almost all small, have come in for these objects since September 8th. For the last three days I have especially desired means for these objects. Gladly would I have helped brethren who labour in the Word at home and abroad; but was unable to do so, and could only pray for means. Now this morning the Lord gave me the desire of my-heart in this respect. I received a donation of 230l. 15s., which, being left at my disposal, I took one half for these objects, and the other half for the current expenses for the Orphans.

Nov. 3. "From an Irish friend" 10l. for missions.—I have particularly prayed within the last few days for means for missionary objects, as all means are gone; therefore this donation is very refreshing as an answer to prayer. But I expect more, as I desire to send out shortly 200l. at least to brethren who labour in the Word.

This I wrote, as the date shows, on November 3rd, and that which follows will now show to the Reader, that I did not wait upon God in vain. During no period, within the nineteen years previously, was I enabled to do so much in the way of aiding missionary operations, as during this period; and during no previous period so much in the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, as during this; yet once or twice all the means for these objects were expended, and I had to stand still and to wait upon God for further supplies. The servant of Christ, who knows that he is not occupied about his own work, but about that of his master, can, however, be quiet, and ought to be quiet, under such circumstances, in order to prove that he is only the servant and not the master. If he cannot be quiet, and if, in the restlessness of nature, he will work and take steps when he ought to stand still, and wait upon God; then let him suspect himself, and let him see well to it, whether the work in which he is engaged is God's work or not; and whether, if it be God's work, it is done for the honour of the Master or for the honour of the servant. In this case God abundantly recompensed me for standing still for a little, and for calling upon Him. I had not to wait long, before He was pleased to help me. I now go on with my journal, to show to the Reader how the Lord answered prayer in this instance.

Nov. 5. Received from Okehampton six silver tea spoons, to be sold for foreign missions.

Nov. 6. Received 5l. with the following words: "Enclosed is a Post Office Order, drawn out in your favour by * * * * *, Three Pounds of which my dear husband is constrained to send to you for foreign missions. The other two I send; one for your own personal expenses, and the other to be used for the Orphans, as their need may require, &c."

I have especially prayed, for several days past, for help for brethren who labour in the Word at home and abroad, as I have no means left for them, and could lay out at once 200l. or 300l. on their behalf. Therefore this donation is particularly precious. But I expect more.

Nov. 7. From Braunton 2l. for missions.—Anonymously 2s. 6d. for missions.

Nov. 10. From some believers at Ludlow 8l. 14s. for foreign missions.

Nov. 11. During the last ten days I have especially asked the Lord for means for home and foreign labourers. This also was particularly dwelt upon at our usual weekly prayer meeting of the labourers in the work on Saturday the 6th of November. Now today I received 237l. 10s. for the work of the Lord in my hands. As the application of the money was left to me, I took the whole of this amount for home and foreign labourers in the Word, as they, greatly need help; and I expect by tomorrow evening to have sent out the whole amount.—In the course of my reading through the Holy Scriptures there came today John xvi. 23, "Verily, verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you." I turned to my Father in heaven and said: "Be pleased, Holy Father, to hear me for the sake of Thy Holy Child Jesus, and give me means for these dear brethren who labour in the word and doctrine, whom I seek to help." In about half an hour afterwards I received this 237l. 10.

Nov. 18. Today were paid to me two legacies, left by a lady at a distance whom I have never seen, and whose name even I had never heard, till I was informed about the payment of the legacies. I received the legacy of 100l. for the Orphans (being 101l. 4s. with the interest due), and 50l. for the various Schools for poor children under my direction (being 50l. 12s. with the interest due.)—In portioning out yesterday the means for the brethren who labour in the Word at home and abroad, to whom I desire to send help, I found that the 237l. 10s. was not enough, and also that I needed more means for the various Schools and the circulation of Bibles and Tracts. On this account the payment of this legacy of 50l. 12s. for the Schools came in very seasonably. But the Lord helped still further this evening by a donation of 60l., the application of which is entirely left to me. I have therefore taken of it 20l. for missionary brethren, 20l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and 20l. for the circulation of Gospel Tracts.

Nov. 19. From Yorkshire 3l. for foreign missions.—From Cumberland 13s. 10d. for missionaries in Demerara—Also 200l., left to my disposal, as I might be directed by the Lord. I took of it 100l. for the Building Fund, 60l. for foreign and home labourers in the Word, 20l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and 20l. for the circulation of Gospel Tracts.—During the last eight days I had sent out 252l. to home and foreign labourers in the Word, and 65l. I had paid out for the circulation of Tracts and the Holy Scriptures. I desired, however, still further means for brethren who labour in the Word, for I wished to send out at once 70l. more, and also to lay out more on the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Gospel Tracts; but I had only about 90l. altogether left for these various objects, when I received today the 3l., the 13s. 10d., and this 200l. The Lord be praised for this help, and may He recompense the donors.

You see, dear Reader, by these instances, that we are richly recompensed for our waiting upon God. You perceive the readiness of His heart to listen to the supplications of His children who put their trust in Him. If you have never made trial of it, do so now. But in order to have your prayers answered, you need to make your requests unto God on the ground of the merits and worthiness of the Lord Jesus. You must not depend upon your own worthiness and merits, but solely on the Lord Jesus, as the ground of acceptance before God, for your person, for your prayers, for your labours, and for every thing else. Do you really believe in Jesus? Do you verily depend upon Him alone for the salvation of your soul? See to it well, that not the least degree of your own righteousness is presented unto God as a ground of acceptance. But then, if you believe in the Lord Jesus, it is further necessary, in order that your prayers may be answered, that the things which you ask of God should be of such a kind, that God can give them to you, because they are for His honour and your real good. If the obtaining of your requests were not for your real good, or were not tending to the honour of God, you might pray for a long time, without obtaining what you desire. The glory of God should be always before the children of God, in what they desire at His hands; and their own spiritual profit, being so intimately connected with the honour of God, should never be lost sight of, in their petitions. But now, suppose we are believers in the Lord Jesus, and make our requests unto God, depending alone on the Lord Jesus as the ground of having them granted; suppose also, that, so far as we are able honestly and uprightly to judge, the obtaining of our requests would be for our real spiritual good and for the honour of God; we yet need, lastly, to continue in prayer, until the blessing is granted unto us. It is not enough to begin to pray, nor to pray aright; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray; but we must patiently, believingly continue in prayer, until we obtain an answer; and further, we have not only to continue in prayer unto the end, but we have also to believe that God does hear us, and will answer our prayers. Most frequently we fail in not continuing in prayer until the blessing is obtained and in not expecting the blessing. As assuredly as in any individual these various points are found united, so assuredly answers will be granted to his requests.

From what I have stated, the Reader will have seen that my prayer had been especially, that the Lord would be pleased to furnish me with means for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and for missionary operations; and it has been shown how He granted this my request through the large sums which He sent me (entirely unasked for, so far as man is concerned), on November 11, 13 and 19; but even this was but little in comparison with what He did for me afterwards, when He was pleased to place far greater sums at my disposal for these objects, to which reference has been already made, when speaking about the donations which came in for the Building Fund on November 27, 1852, and on January 3 and 4, 1853.

Thus I was carried through all the expenses for these various objects, and was enabled to enter into every open door which the Lord set before me for circulating the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and for aiding missionary operations; and not only so, but was enabled to do for these various objects more then during any one period within the nineteen previous years.

Means for the support of the 300 Orphans already under our care, sent in answer to Prayer, from May 26, 1852, to May 26, 1853.

When we began this period, we were not only not in debt, but had in hand the balance of 134l. 8s. 10 3/4 d. To those who are in very poor circumstances, this amount would appear a considerable sum, and they might think, this sum would last a long tine. Such need, however, to know, that it would only furnish the current expenses of two weeks, and that often in one week much more than that sum has been disbursed for the Orphans. To those, on the other hand, who would say, "This is very little, and what will you do, with so small a sum in hand, when day by day 330 persons need to be provided for?" our reply is, God is able to send us more, before this sum is gone. We seek for grace, to live by the day. We seek to be enabled to attend to the commandment and affectionate counsel of the Lord, to be anxious about nothing. It was in this way that no care came over our mind with regard to the future, when we looked at this large Orphan Establishment, with all its large daily wants; for we were assured, that the Lord would surely give us something before all was expended. And thus it was.

I will now furnish the Reader with a few instances from my journal of the particular providence of God, manifested in caring for us, and granting us help in answer to our prayers; for I do especially desire it to be understood, that, though the work is now so very much larger than it was in former years, and therefore far larger sums are needed than before; yet the principles of trusting in God, and depending upon Him alone, are now acted upon as formerly, only with this difference, that year by year, by the grace of God, my soul becomes more and more rooted and established in them. It would therefore be entirely a mistake, to suppose that it is no longer a work of faith. If it was formerly a work of faith on a small scale, it is now a work of faith on a large scale. If we had trials of faith formerly, about comparatively little things; we have now trials of faith about comparatively great things. If we formerly hind no certain income, so now have we none. We have to look to God for every thing in connexion with the world, of which often, however, the pecuniary necessities are the smallest matter; but to Him we are enabled to look, and therefore it is, that we are not disappointed.

During the very first month, from May 27th to June 27th, 1852, there came in, by ninety-two different donations or sums, 354l. 1s. 5d.: so that we had, after a month, more in hand than before. Unbelief, which said, what will you do with so little as 134l.? was therefore confounded. The Lord increased thus little, before it was expended.

June 29, 1852. Today I received one of the most remarkable donations which I ever had. I give the whole account, without the name of the donor.

"Lyons, June 24, 1852.

"Dear Brother in Christ,

"It is now several years, that I read with great interest, and I hope with some benefit to my soul, the account of your labours and experiences. Ever since then your work was the object of many thoughts and prayers, and I gave many copies of your book to Christian friends. One of them has read it in Syria, on Mount Lebanon, where he is for commercial business; and, whilst praying for you and your clear Orphans, the Lord put it in his heart to send you 2l., to which my husband added two others: and we beg you to accept that small offering in the name of the Lord. If you have published anything of the Lord's dealings with you since the year 1844, we shall be very happy to receive it. You could forward it to Messrs. * * * *, London, for * * * * of Lyons. And now, dear Brother, may the grace and peace of the Lord rest on you and your dear home's inhabitants.

" Affectionately yours in the Lord,

* * * *"

I have had donations from Australia, the East Indies, the West Indies, the United States, Canada, from the Cape of Good Hope, from France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, &c.; and now comes also this donation from Mount Lebanon, with the prayer of a Christian brother, whose name I never heard, nor know even now. See, dear Reader, this is the way in which the Lord has helped me in this precious service for twenty-two year's [1856]. With my fellow-labourers, or without them, and they without me, our prayers are offered up unto the Lord for help, and He is pleased, for Jesus' sake, to listen to our supplications, and to influence the hearts of some of His children known to us or not, to send us help. The donors may be rich or poor; they may live near or at a distance of more than ten thousand miles; they may give much or little; they may have often given before or never; they may be well known to us or not at all; in these and many other things there may be constant variations; but God continually helps us; we are never confounded. And why not? Simply because we are enabled, by time grace of God, to put our trust in Him for what we need.

On the very next day, June 30th, I received another donation from a believing farmer in Jersey of 3l. 1s., which, with 15s. sent by him on June. 8th, were the proceeds of a small field of potatoes, which he had cultivated for the benefit of the Orphans. See in what various ways the Lord helps me! This dear man sent me once more in April 1853, with an affectionate letter in French, 2l. for the Orphans, and shortly afterwards fell asleep in Jesus. While writing this account, I met with many names of worthy disciples of the Lord Jesus, who have entered upon their rest, since I received their donations; may this speak to my heart, and to the heart of the reader, and may we learn the lesson which God intends to teach us thereby!

July 10. 50l. from Liverpool.

Aug. 4. Today I received 200l., of which I took one half for the Orphans, and the other half for the other objects, the disposal of this sum being left with me. This is a precious answer to prayer. There will be about 400l. required during this month for the current expenses for the Orphans, but there was only about 170l. in hand, when this donation came in.

As the 127 donations, which had come in since Aug. 4th, were of a smaller kind, we had on Sept. 8th scarcely anything left, when I received the 280l. 10s. 6d., spoken of (Sept. 8th, 1852) under the Building Fund, of which 86l. 13s. 4d. was taken for the current expenses for the Orphans.

Oct. 7. This evening there was only 8l. left in hand for the current expenses for the Orphans. Hitherto we had generally abounded. But though much had come in, since the commencement of this new period, yet our expenses had been greater than our income, as every donation almost of which the disposal was left with me, had been put to the Building Fund. Thus the balance in hand on May 26, 1852, notwithstanding the large income since then, was reduced to about 8l. I therefore gave myself particularly to prayer for means, that this small sum might be increased. When I came home this evening from the New Orphan House, I found a letter from London, containing 2l., being two donations from Kelso, of 1l. each, and another letter from Peterborough, containing 1l.

Oct 8. This morning I received 5l. 5s. more from Willenhall. Thus the Lord has already been pleased to add 8l. in to the little stock in hand, which is now increased to 16l. 5s.—Another 6d. was added, by sale of a Report.—This evening the matron told me that tomorrow she would need to have more money. I generally advance 30l. at a time for housekeeping expenses, but I had now only 8l. 14s. left, as I had to pay out this afternoon 7l. 11s. 6d. This I purposed to give to her, should it not please the Lord to give more in the meantime, being assured that, before this amount was gone, He would give more. My prayer to the Lord, however, was that He would be pleased to send help, and I looked out for means. When I came home this evening I found a letter from Gosport, containing 1s., which a little boy has sent for the Orphans, having received it as a reward for picking up a ring, and giving it to the owner. Also a letter from Kingstown, Ireland, containing a Post-office Order for 1l. 7s., of which 1l. 2s. 6d. are for the Building Fund, and 4s. 6d. for Reports. I likewise received 6d. for missions and 6d. for the Orphans, from two boys in the neighbourhood of Stroud. Thus I have 9l, to advance tomorrow for house-keeping.

Oct. 9. This morning Luke vii. came in the course of my reading before breakfast. While reading the account about the Centurion and the raising from death of the widow's son at Nain, I lifted up my heart to the Lord Jesus thus: "Lord Jesus, Thou hast the same power now. Thou canst provide me with means for Thy work in my hands. Be pleased to do so." — About half an hour afterwards I received 230l. 15s. Also 1s. This 230l. 15s. was left at my disposal. I took one half for the current expenses for the Orphans, and the other half for the other objects, and am now amply provided for meeting the demands of this day.

The joy which such answers to prayer afford, cannot be described. I was determined to wait upon God only, and not to work an unscriptural deliverance for myself. I have thousands of pounds for the Building Fund; but I would not take of this sum because it was once set apart for that object. There is also a legacy of 100l. for the Orphans two months overdue, in the prospect of the payment of which the heart might be naturally inclined to use some money of the Building Fund, to be replaced by the legacy money, when it comes in; but I would not thus step out of God's way of obtaining help. At the very time when this donation arrived, I had packed up 100l. which I happened to have in hand, received for the Building Fund, in order to take it to the Bank, as I was determined not to touch it, but to wait upon God. My soul does magnify the Lord for His goodness.

This last paragraph is copied out of my journal, written down at the time, I add a few words more to the last sentences.

The natural mind is ever prone to reason, when we ought to believe; to be at work, when we ought to be quiet; to go our own way, when we ought steadily to walk on in God's ways, however trying to nature. When first converted, I should have said, What harm can there be to take some of the money, which has been put by for the Building Fund? God will help me again after some time with means for the Orphans, and then I can replace it. Or, there is this money due for the legacy of 100l. This money is quite sure; may I not, therefore, on the strength of it, take some from the Building Fund, and when the legacy is paid, replace the money which I have taken? I know that many would act thus. But how does it work, when we thus anticipate God, by going our own way? We bring, in many instances, guilt on our conscience; but if not, we certainly weaken faith, instead of increasing it; and each time we work thus a deliverance of our own, we find it more and more difficult to trust in God, till at last we give way entirely to our natural fallen reason, and unbelief prevails. How different, if one is enabled to wait God's own time, and to look alone to Him for help and deliverance! When at last help comes, after many seasons of prayer it may be, and after much exercise of faith and patience it may be, how sweet it is, and what a present recompense does the soul at once receive for trusting in God, and waiting patiently for His deliverance! Dear Christian reader, if you have never walked in this path of obedience before, do so now, and you will then know experimentally the sweetness of the joy which results from it. I now return to Oct. 9, 1852.

Received still further today, from Cirencester, 2l., and also 10l.

Oct. 10. From two little girls at Clifton, 5s.—By sale of a silver watch given for the purpose, 1l. 10s,—From a donor in Maryport Street, 3s. 4d.—Through Bethesda boxes 1s. Ditto 2s. 6d. Ditto a sovereign.—From a believer in Bristol 5s.—By sale of empty oatmeal barrels, 15s.

Oct. 11. From Sutton Points, 13s. 7d. —Through the boxes in the New Orphan House, 3s.—From an Orphans formerly under our care, and now in service, 10s., with 10s. for the Building Fund.—From a Christian lady, recently come from Edinburgh, 1l.—Through a Christian lady, staying at Clifton, 5s.

Oct. 12. By sale of rags and bones 12s. 6d. [I copy literally from the receipt book. We seek to make the best of every thing. As a steward of public money, I feel it right that even these articles should be turned into money; nor could we expect answers to our prayers if knowingly there were any waste allowed in connexion with this work. For just because the money is received from God, simply in answer to prayer only, therefore it becomes us the more, to be careful in the use of it].— By sale of Reports 5s.—From an Orphan box at Plymouth 3s., together with 8s. as a donation added, and 9s. for Reports. Still further help: This afternoon a lady of Clifton called at my house, and brought a check for 200l., which a gentlemen, whose name even I had never heard of, had sent her for the benefit of tine Orphans. We are not now in actual need, yet as 62l. lies already been paid out of what I have received since the 9th, and as other heavy payments are before me, in a few days, it is particularly kind of the Lord, to send this donation from a perfect stranger.

Nov. 13. Today was paid to me the legacy for the Orphans, to which reference has been made. I had no doubt it would come in in good time. Thus it is. The expenses are heavy, week after week. The day after tomorrow, I shall have again to pay out above 100l. for the Orphans.

On Dec. 20th, in the evening, I had only 16l. 9s. left. Think of this, dear Reader. So little, for so large an Establishment! From Dec. 20th to the evening of Dec. 26th, there came in only about 18l.; and as I had paid out above 13l., I could only advance 15l. for house-keeping on Dec. 27th, instead of the usual 30l., and had then about 5l. left for petty expenses. I knew that on the 31st I should have to advance again at least 20l. for house-keeping. Now see how the Lord was pleased to send in the means from the morning of Dec. 27th to Dec. 31st. Dec. 27. From Alcombe, near Minehead, 10s.—From a poor widow in Bristol, 5s.— Anonymously 1l. Ditto a sovereign, with these words: "An Orphan's mite for the Orphan House."—From Clifton, 1s., and 1s. besides.—Dec. 28. From Newport, in Monmouthshire, 10s. and 10s.—From Birmingham, 2l. 10s. with the same for my own personal expenses.—From Boscrea 7d. from three children.—From Lenwade, 10s.—Dec. 29. From B. B. at Leamington 5l.—Anonymously, from London, 2s. 5d.—From three sisters 10s., 5s., 1l., also 10s. 8 1/2 d.—By sale of Reports, 3s. —Through the boxes in the New Orphan House 1l. 6s. 9 1/2 d.—Dec. 30. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d.—From Clifton 5l.—From two Christian ladies in Buckinghamshire 20l.— From some pupils on Kingsdown 5s. Thus I had on Dec. 31st money enough to advance 25l. for house-keeping expenses, besides having had the means to pay away 20l. 5s. 9d. After I had given out the money in advance for house-keeping expenses, I had, at the close of the year, not 2l. left. But my mind was in full peace. Now see how, before the 25l. which had been advanced was expended, and before other expenses came upon me, the Lord was pleased to send in the means from the 1st to the 4th of January, 1853.—Jan. 1. Anonymously 1s.—From Sherborne, 1l.—From Colchester 10s.— From Manchester 10s.—From a distance 1l. 2s. 6d.—From Glouchstershire 14s. 6d.—From a brother in the Lord in Bristol 3l. 12s., together with 5s. 7d. from his Orphan box. This brother had it on his heart, more than a twelvemonth ago, to dispose of an article for the benefit of the Orphans, but could not meet with an opportunity till today. Thus, in this time of need, the Lord sends in this money.— Jan. 2. By sale of Reports 12s.—From two Christian sisters 5s., as a thank offering to the Lord for the mercies of the past year.—From a lady at Clifton 10s.—From a Brother in Bristol 1l.—-From Torquay 3s., with 3s. for Reports.—From Worcester 2s. 2d.—From a brother in Bristol 3l.—Jan. 3. From Waterford 1l.—From Liverpool 5l.— Also the 75l. being part of the 252l. 17s. 1d. spoken of under the Building Fund.—From Clifton 10s.—Through Salem boxes 2s. 6d.— From "P." 1s. Jan. 4. From Ryde 2l.—From Tottenham 10s. Thus God helped me in a time of great, great need. But before this 4th of January was over, He did far more than ever in the way of supplying me with means, for the largest of all the donations I had ever had, and of which mention has been made before, was given to me, of which 600l. was portioned out for the current expenses for the Orphans.

I have been thus particular in this last paragraph, on purpose, to give a practical illustration that those are entirely mistaken who suppose that the work is now no longer a work of faith, as it used to be in former years. It is true, we have now a larger income, then we used to have in the years 1838, 1839, and 1840; but it is also true that our expenses are three times as great. We have no regular income now; even as we had not then. We ask no human being now for help; even as we did not then. We depend alone upon God, by His grace even as we did then. Who is there in the whole world who will state that I ever asked him for help in this Orphan work, from its commencement, on Dec. 9, 1835, up till now? Now, as we have no funds to live upon; as we have no regular subscribers or donors upon whom we could depend; as we never ask help from man but God alone; and as, finally, we never did go into debt for this work, nor do we now: why is it not now a work of faith as formerly? Will those, who say it is not, place themselves in my position, when, at the close of the year 1852, I had not two pounds left, and about 330 persons were day by day to be provided for, with all they need, and prove whether it is now anything else than a work of faith? Every one, except those who are determined not to see, will have no difficulty in perceiving that now, as formerly, one could only be kept from being overwhelmed in such a position by looking day by day to the Lord, and that not merely for pecuniary supplies, but for help under the numberless difficulties, which continually are met with in such a work.

On account of the abundance which came in at the beginning of the year, together with what was received afterwards, there was not the least difficulty felt, in the way of means, for many weeks afterwards. Of the donations that came in from Jan. 5 to April 20, and which amounted altogether to 648l. 8s. 8 1/4 d., in 314 different sums, large and small, I will only mention the following: Jan. 25. From an aged Christian merchant at Clifton 50l.—From a Christian merchant in London 20l., on Feb. 11.

April 20. In the prospect of having to pay away yet about 500l, before the accounts are closed on May 26th, and having only 236l. in hand, I asked the Lord especially this evening, that He would be pleased to help me with means for the current expenses for the Orphans, for which I might have far more in hand had I not with all my might given myself to the Building Fund, in order to be soon able to commence the building of this second Orphan House. Now, this evening, I found that a donation of 100l. had come in at my house during my absence, the disposal of which was entirely left to me. I took not the whole of this donation for the current expenses for the Orphans, but only one half, and the other half for the Building Fund. The funds for the various Schools, for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and for missionary objects, need nothing for at least six weeks to come. This donation has greatly refreshed my spirit, especially as it came from a most unexpected quarter.

Before the accounts were closed, I received, between April 20th and May 26th, 1853, in just One Hundred different sums, 422l. 3s. 11 1/2 d. more, so that I was able amply to supply all demands, and had the balance of 117l. 10s. 9d. left in hand. It was chiefly through a donation of 260l., given to be employed as most needed, spoken of under the Building Fund Income on May 14th, 1853, of which I took 160l. for the Orphans, that we had so large an amount in hand. This donation was indescribably precious, as it not only, in conjunction with the other money which came in, carried me easily through all the expenses which absolutely needed to be met, and which were heavier than they ever had been during any month since the Orphan work had been in existence; but also enabled me to do things which were most desirable, though not absolutely needful.

How can I sufficiently praise, and adore, and magnify the Lord, for His love and faithfulness, in carrying me thus from year to year through this His service, supplying me with all I need in the way of means, fellow labourers, mental strength, and, above all, spiritual support! But for His help and support, I should be completely overpowered in a very short time; yet, by His help, I go on, and am very happy spiritually, in my service; nor am I now generally worse in health than I was twenty years ago, but rather better.

Miscellaneous Points respecting the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, with reference to the period from May 26, 1852, to May 26, 1853.

1. During this period there were four Day Schools, with 235 children in them, entirely supported by the funds of the Institution. Further, one Sunday School in Bristol, with 150 children, was entirely supported, and three others in Devonshire, Somersetshire, and Gloucestershire, with 280 children, were assisted. Lastly, one Adult School, with 103 Adult Scholars, was entirely supported by the funds of the Institution. There were under our care, from March 5, 1884, to May 26, 1853, in the various Day Schools, 5686 children, in the Sunday School 2673 children, and in the Adult School 2132 persons. There was expended of the funds of the Institution, during this year, for the various Schools, 349l. 12s. 11d.

2. During thus year there was laid out of the funds of the Institution, on the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, 431l. 5s. 1 1/2 d., and there were circulated 1,666 Bibles and 1,210 New Testaments.—There were circulated from March 5, 1834, up to May 26, 1853, 10,476 Bibles, and 6.061 New Testaments.

For several years past this part of the work has appeared more and more important to me, on account of the fearful attempts which have been made by the powers of darkness to rob the church of Christ of the Holy Scriptures. I have on this account sought to embrace every opportunity to circulate the Holy Scriptures in England, Ireland, Canada, British Guiana, the East Indies, China, Australia, &c. Every open door which the Lord was pleased to set before me in these or other parts of the world, I have joyfully entered; yea, I have counted it a privilege, indeed, to be permitted of God to send forth His Holy Word. Many servants of Christ, in various parts of the world, have assisted me in this service, through whose instrumentality copies of the Holy Scriptures have been circulated. Our endeavour has been, to place the word of God in the hands of the very poorest persons, and also, in particular, to supply very aged persons with copies of the Scriptures, printed in large type, as such copies still remain expensive, considering the means of the poor. Nor have our efforts been in vain. For we had several cases of direct conversion, simply through circulating the Holy Scriptures, brought before us during this year. But we are fully assured, that the fruit which we have seen, as resulting from this part of the world, is but little in comparison with what we shall see in the day of Christ's appearing. The disciples of the Lord Jesus should labour with all their might in the work of God, as if everything depended upon their own exertions; and yet, having done so, they should not in the least trust in their labour and efforts, and in the means which they use for the spread of the truth, but in God; and they should with all earnestness seek the blessing of God, in persevering, patient, and believing prayer. Here is the great secret of success, my Christian Reader. Work with all your might; but trust not in the least in your work. Pray with all your might for the blessing of God; but work, at the same time, with all diligence, with all patience, with all perseverance. Pray then, and work. Work and pray. And still again pray, and then work. And so on all the days of your life. The result will surely be, abundant blessing. Whether you see much fruit or little fruit; such kind of service will be blessed. We should labour then, for instance, with all earnestness in seeking to circulate Thousands of copies of the Holy Scriptures, and Hundreds of Thousands of Tracts, as if everything depended upon the amount of copies of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts which we circulate; and yet, in reality, we should not in the least degree put our dependence upon the number of copies of the Holy Scriptures, and upon the number of Tracts, but entirely upon God for His blessing, without which all these efforts are entirely useless. This blessing, however, should be sought by us habitually and perseveringly in prayer. It should also be fully expected.

3. During this year there was spent of the funds of the Institution for missionary objects 2,234l. 2s. 6d. By this sum fifty-four labourers in the word and doctrine, in various pants of time world, were to a greater or less degree assisted.

During no period within the nineteen years previous to May 26, 1853, was so large a portion of the funds of the Institution expended, in one year, upon Missionary Objects, as during this year; and in every single case I was enabled to help to the full amount of what appeared desirable. Refreshing as this is, and thankful as we desire to be to the Lord for it; yet it were but a very little thing, had there not been corresponding results. But I have to record to the praise of the Lord, and to the enjoyment of the Christian Reader, that not five, nor ten, nor fifty souls only were won for Him through the instrumentality of these fifty-four dear brethren, but hundreds. I received a great number of letters from these labourers in the Word, both at home and abroad, which brought me heart-cheering intelligence. Thank the Lord for this together with me, dear Christian Reader, and continue to help these esteemed brethren with your prayers, some of whom labour for the Lord under peculiar difficulties.

I would repeat that I consider it a great privilege to be permitted to defray in part or altogether, from time 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. There was laid out for the circulation of Tracts, from May 26, 1852, to May 26, 1853, the sum of 555l. 16s. 7 1/2 d.; and there were circulated within this year 733,674 Tracts.

The total number of Tracts circulated up to May 26, 1853, was One Million Eight Hundred Twenty Thousand and Forty.

The Lord is pleased to increase this part of the work more and more, as will be seen by a comparison of the years in which this part of the Institution has been in operation. From Nov. 19, 1840, to May 10, 1842, the first period that the circulation of Tracts was in operation in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, there were circulated 19,609 from May 10, 1842, to July 14, 1844, 39,473; from July 14, 1844, to May 26, 1846, 40,565; from May 26, 1846, to May 26, 1848, 64,021; from May 26, 1848, to May 26, 1850, 130,464; from May 26, 1850, to May 26, 1851, 303,098; from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852, 489,136; and during this period 733,674.

In these increased opportunities to spread the truth, we rejoice. Moreover, we would, by the help of God, seek to labour still far more abundantly in this particular also, and would seek to press into every open door, which the Lord may set before us. Yea, we would labour, as has been stated before, as if everything depended upon our diligence and carefulness in the use of the means; whilst, in reality, we would not depend upon them in the least degree, but only upon God for His blessing. This blessing of God we have been enabled to seek upon the labours of missionary brethren, the circulation of time Holy Scriptures, and upon the distribution of Tracts. As the days come, so our heart is drawn out in prayer for blessing upon these objects, in connexion with the various Schools and the Orphan Work. How, then, could it be otherwise, but that sooner or later there should come showers of blessing? Thus it was during this year. This year stands alone, in that more money came in, than during any year previously. It stands alone, in that the operations of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution were extended beyond whatever they mad been before. But it stands alone, also, in the abundant blessing, which God granted to our efforts, and which was greater than during any previous period. And, as in other respects, so in particular likewise, the gratuitous distribution of Tracts was abundantly owned of God. Instance upon instance, not 2, nor 5, nor 10, but many, in the way of conversion, and also of blessing to believers, was I informed of by those Godly brethren, who in various parts of the world, aid me in this service. How can I sufficiently magnify the Lord for this! By His grace I would desire to labour on, though I were not to see one single instance of blessing, being assured that "in due season we shall reap," and that our "labour is not in vain in the Lord;" yet how kind of the Lord, to grant such abundant blessing to rest upon our labours!

Often, I fear, Tract distributors have expected little result from their labour; and therefore they have seen little fruit. According to their expectation, they have received. Often, also, I fear, the mere distribution of Tracts has been rested in, and the work done has been estimated by the number of Tracts which were circulated, without earnestly preceding their circulation with prayer, and without earnestly following them with prayer, may I, therefore, be allowed to caution my fellow-believers on these two points? Look out for blessing, but seek also the blessing earnestly in prayer; and you will not fail to receive abundantly.

Should any believer be discouraged, because he has not had much fruit resulting from the circulation of Tracts, let such a one, with renewed earnestness and prayerfulness, go on in his work; let him also expect fruit, and he will surely reap abundantly; if not now, at least in the day of Christ's appearing.

5. At the beginning of this period, there were Three Hundred Orphans in the New Orphan-House on Ashley Down, Bristol. During the year there were admitted into it 13 Orphans, making 313 in all. Of these 313, (we own it with thankfulness to God,) not one died during the year; for not a single death occurred for about 15 months. One of the Orphans, who had been received after he had long had his own way, and who having long been borne with, and repeatedly been received back again on a confession of sorrow, at last ran away again, and had then to be placed by his relatives in the Union. One Orphan was sent to relatives, who were by that time able to care for her. Five girls were, at the expense of the Establishment, fitted out for service or learning a business, and were sent out;—also six boys were, at the expense of the Establishment, fitted out and apprenticed. Thus makes the number removed as great as the number received, so that there were still 300 Orphans in tire New Orphan-House on May 26, 1853. The total number of Orphans, who were under our care from April, 1836, to May 26, 1853, was Five Hundred and Twenty-eight.

I notice further the following points in connexion with the Orphan Work.

a. Without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me, the sum of 55,408l. 17s. 5 3/4 d. was given to me for the Orphans, as the result of prayer to God, from the commencement of the work up to May 26, 1853.—It may be also interesting to the reader to know, that the total amount given for the other objects, from the commencement of the work up to May 26, 1853, amounted to 19,163l. 14s. 1 1/2 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 3,490l. 7s. 1 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.

b. Our labours continued to be blessed among the Orphans.

c. The expenses in connexion with the support of the 300 Orphans and the apprentices during this year, were 3,453l. 15s. 1 1/2 d.

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, 1852, to May 26, 1853.

Dec. 31, 1852. During this year 35 believers have been received into fellowship. When Brother Craik and I began to labour in the Word in Bristol, we found 68 in fellowship. Since then there have been received into communion altogether 1,403, so that the total number would be 1,471, had there been no changes. But 64 are under church discipline, and separated, for the present, from fellowship; 154 have left us (some of them, however, in love, and merely through circumstances); 421 have left Bristol to reside elsewhere; and 197 have fallen asleep. So that there are at present only 635 actually remaining in communion.

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

1. Through believers in and out of Bristol, in provisions, clothes, etc., worth to us at least . . . . . 9 0 0

2. Through anonymous offerings in money, put up in paper and directed to me, and put into the boxes for the poor saints or the rent, at the chapels . 157 11 4 1/2

———

Carried forward L166 11 4 1/2

Brought forward L166 11 4 1/2

3. Through presents in money, from believers in Bristol, not given anonymously . . . . . . 121 5 2

4. Through presents in money, from believers not residing in Bristol . . 157 12 2

————

L445 8 8 1/2

My brother-in-law, Mr. A. N. Groves, of whom mention has been made in the first part of this Narrative, as having been helpful to me by his example when I began my labours in England in 1829, in that he, without any visible support, and without being connected with any missionary society, went with his wife and children to Bagdad, as a missionary, after having given up a lucrative practice of about 1500l. per year, returned in Autumn 1852, from the East Indies, a third time, being exceedingly ill. He lived, however, till May 20th, 1853, when, after a most blessed testimony for the Lord, he fell asleep in Jesus in my house. I should more fully dwell on this to myself amid my family's deeply important event, had not a very full biography been published by the widow of my dear brother-in-law, in which also full particulars are given of the last days of this servant of Christ. I therefore refer the reader to the deeply interesting memoir, which has been published at Nisbet's, London, and may be had at the Bible and Tract Warehouse of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, 84, Park Street, Bristol, and through all booksellers, under the title: Memoir of the late Anthony Norris Groves, second edition, with a portrait, cloth, 4s. 6d.; fine paper, cloth, 6s. 6d.

Further account respecting the intended Orphan-House for Seven Hundred Children, bereaved of both parents by death, from May 26, 1853, to May 26, 1854.

In the last chapter on this subject I stated, that, on May 26, 1853, I had actually in hand, towards the accomplishment of my object, the sum of 12,531l. 12s. 0 1/4 d. I will now give some further particulars as to the manner in which it pleased the Lord to supply me with means, but must confine myself to those donations which more specially may call for notice.

June 28, 1853. From Wakefield 40l., with 5l. for Mr. Craik, and 5l. for my own personal expenses.—Also 220l. from the West of England, of which the donor kindly wishes me to take 20l. for my own private expenses, and to use the 200l. as might be most needed. I have taken, therefore, 100l. for the Building Fund; 60l. for missionary operations, the circulation of Bibles and Tracts; and 40l. for the Orphans.

July 14. Received 541l. 10s., which being left to me as most needed, I took 100l. for the current expenses for the Orphans, 100l. for the other objects, and 341l. 10s. for the Building Fund. Being just now in great family affliction, this kindness of the Lord has been a great refreshment to my spirit.

July 15. From Clifton 1s.—Received also 110l. from one who counts it an honour to have this sum to lay down at the feet of the Lord Jesus. I took of this amount 60l. for the Building Fund, and 50l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and for missionary objects.

I cannot help remarking here, that the Lord has used some of the most unlikely persons during the past twenty-two years, in providing me with means for His service. So it was particularly in the case of this brother in the Lord, from whom I received the last-mentioned donation of 110l. I had not the least natural expectation of receiving this sum, when this brother, sitting before me at the New Orphan-House, took out of his pocket a packet of Bank Notes, and gave to me this amount, reserving to himself, as his whole property in this world, a smaller sum than he gave to me, because of his joy in the Lord, and because of his being able to enter into the reality of his possessions in the world to come. I delight in dwelling upon such an instance, because 1, it shows that there is grace, much grace, to be found among the saints even now; 2, it shows the variety of instrumentality which the Lord is pleased to employ, in supplying me with means for His service; and 3, because it so manifestly proves that we do not wait upon Him in vain, when we make known our requests to Him for means.

July 20. From Philadelphia, in the United States, 5l.

Aug. 20. From the neighbourhood of Mallow in Ireland 17s. 6d, and 2s. 6d.—Anonymously from a "Brother Christian and Well-wisher," through his bankers in London, 100l.

Aug. 27. From Caistor 5s.—From Gumeracka, near Adelaide, Australia, 2l. 10s. From the same place 10s.—From Cheltenham 2s. 6d.—From Frampton-on-Severn seven silver coins.

You see, esteemed reader, how much variety there is in the kind of donations as well as in the amount, the places whence they are sent, and the friends who send them. But all these donations come from the living God. All come to us in answer to prayer, and are received by us as answers to prayer; and with every donation, however small, we receive thins a fresh encouragement, to continue in prayer, and have, as it were, another earnest from our Heavenly Father, that at last He not only will give larger sums, but the whole amount which is needed for the Building Fund. Every one of these donations comes unsolicited. Ever since the Orphan Work has been in operation, we have never asked any one for anything. Be therefore, dear reader, encouraged by this, to make trial for yourself, to prove the power of prayer, if you have never done so before.

Dec. 31. This is the last day of another year. Two years and a half I have new been day by day seeking the Lord's help in player for this object. He has also been pleased to give us many proofs, that He is remembering our requests, still as yet I have only 13,670l. 11s. 7 3/4 d. in hand. Considerably more than double this sum will be needed. But, by the grace of God, I am not discouraged. The Lord is able and willing to help us. This is my comfort. In His own time the Almighty God will manifest His power. In the meantime I desire to continue to wait upon Him, and to receive every fresh donation, however small, as an earnest, that in His own time He not only will give larger sums, but the whole amount needed for this object.

Jan. 17, 1854. This day I received the promise, that there should be paid to me, for the work of the Lord in my hands, 5,207l., to be disposed of as I might consider best.

This large donation was shortly after paid to me, and was portioned out thus: For the Building Fund 3000l.; for the support of the 300 Orphans 707l.; for foreign missions 500l.; for labourers in the Word in England, Ireland and Scotland 500l.; for the gratuitous circulation of the Holy Scriptures among the poor 200l.; for the gratuitous circulation of Gospel Tracts 200l.; and for the various schools, supported or assisted by the Funds of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, 100l.

Behold, esteemed reader, the goodness of God! Behold also the recompense, which sooner or hater, the Lord gives to His children, who wait upon Him and trust in Him Often it may appear that we wait upon the Lord in vain; but, in His own time God will abundantly prove, that it was not in vain. Go on therefore, Christian reader, to wait upon the Lord. Continue to make known your requests to Him; but do also expect help from Him. You honour God, by believing that He does hear your prayers, and that He will answer them.

The joy which such answers to prayer give, cannot be described; and the impetus which they thus afford to the spiritual life is exceedingly great. The experience of this happiness I desire for all my Christian readers. Nor is there anything to hinder any believer from having these joys. If you believe indeed in the Lord Jesus for the salvation of your soul, if you walk uprightly and do not regard iniquity in your heart, if you continue to wait patiently, and believingly upon God; then answers will surely be given to your prayers. You may not be called upon to serve the Lord in the way the writer does, and therefore may never have answers to prayer respecting such things as are recorded here; but in your various circumstances, as to your family, your business, your profession, your church position, your labour for the Lord inn army way, you may have answers as distinct as any here recorded.

Should this, however, be read by any who are not believers in the Lord Jesus, but any who are going on in the carelessness or self-righteousness of their unrenewed hearts, then I would affectionately and solemnly beseech such, first of all to be reconciled to God by faith in the Lord Jesus. You are sinners. You deserve punishment. If you do not see this, ask God to show it unto you. Let this now be your first and especial prayer. Ask Him also to enlighten you not merely concerning your state by nature, but especially to reveal the Lord Jesus to your hearts. God sent Him, that He might bear the punishment, due to us guilty sinners. God accepts the obedience and sufferings of the Lord Jesus, in the room of those who depend upon Him for the salvation of their souls; and the moment a sinner believes in the Lord Jesus, he obtains the forgiveness of all his sins. When thus he is reconciled to God, by faith in the Lord Jesus, and has obtained the forgiveness of his sins, he has boldness to enter into the presence of God, to make known his requests unto God; and the more he is enabled to realize, that his sins are forgiven, and that God, for Christ's sake, is well pleased with those who believe on Him, the more ready he will be to come with all his wants, both temporal and spiritual, to his Heavenly Father, that He may supply them. But as long as the consciousness of unpardoned guilt remains, so long shall we be kept at a distance from God, and especially also as it regards prayer. Therefore, dear reader, if you are an unforgiven sinner, let your first and especial subject of your prayer be, that God would be pleased to reveal to your heart the Lord Jesus, His beloved Son.

March 5. To day it is twenty years since the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad made its beginning. When I look back upon that day, with reference to this work, I desire with gratitude to exclaim, What has God wrought! His name be magnified for it! I desire to take courage from all His former goodness, and to go on in His service.

March 6. Received 131l. 1s. 3d., which being left at my disposal, I took 31l. 1s. 3d. for the Building Fund, and 100l. for the support of the Orphans.—Through Bethesda boxes, as a thank-offering for the mercies of the past month, 2s. 6d.

April 22. From London, six knives, nine silver forks, three silver table spoons, three silver dessert spoons, three silver tea spoons, one silver salt spoon, a silver pencil case, three penholders, one mounted in silver and two in gold, and a penknife.

May. 3. Anonymously, through banker's in London, 100l.—May 8. Through Bethesda homes, 2s. 6d., as "A thank-offering to the Lord for the mercies of the past month."

Month after month, for some time past, 2s. 6d. has been given as "A thank-offering for the mercies of the past month," I am delighted with this. Not yearly only may the saints bring their offerings to the Lord, as He may have prospered them, but monthly. Yea the Holy Ghost, by the Apostle Paul, gives this exhortation to the believers of the Church at Corinth, concerning offerings for the poor saints; "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him." I Cor. xvi. 2. As the Lord had prospered them, so were they not merely yearly, or monthly, but even weekly to contribute to the support of the poor. We are strangers and pilgrims on the earth. The time of our pilgrimage here is very uncertain. The opportunities which the Lord gives us for His service are therefore readily to be embraced. All here below is most uncertain. How long we may have the opportunity to work for the Lord, who can tell? Therefore the present hour is to be used with all our might. As an encouragement for all this, we have to look to the return of our Lord Jesus.

May 26. 82l. 18s. 4d., being the proceeds arising from the sale of a work published in English, and 14s. 3d., from the sale of a work published in French, were given for the Building Fund.

Thus closes the period from May 26, 1853, to May 26, 1854. The whole income for this object during the year was 5,285l. 7s. 5d., which, together with the 12,531l. 12s. 0 1/4 d. in hand on May 26, 1853, made the total of 17,816l. 12s. 5 1/4 d. in hand on May 26, 1854.