7s. 6d. from Bath. The brother in Bath, who sent me this money, wrote me
that the 7s. 6d. was sent to him with the following letter.
27th August, 1844.
"Sir,
"Part of the enclosed 7s. 6d. did belong to your dear Father, J. L.,
Esq., value of which I stole from him in my unconverted state.--I,
now a believer in Jesus, constrained by love to Him, return it to you
with interest, praying that the Lord may richly bless you and yours.
"* * * *."
J. L., Esq. has been dead more than fifteen years, therefore it must be
longer than that period since the theft alluded to was committed.--
This 7s. 6d. came in in especially great need; for though 50l. had been
given during the last seven days, yet on account of our long-continued
poverty, and the heavy expenses which were to be met, this 7s. 6d. was
received when there was nothing at all in hand, and was sent off at once
to the Orphan-Houses.--This evening, when we were still in great
need, and when means were required for tomorrow morning, 10s. was given
to me. This money was sent off this evening to the Orphan-Houses, for
the need of tomorrow morning. About nine o'clock a sister came to my
house, who had been to Shirehampton, and had there received 1l. 10s. 6d.
for the Orphans. She gave also the remaining 6d. of the change of two
sovereigns. The Lord inclined the heart of this sister to bring the
money at once, and we are thus supplied for tomorrow. At half-past nine
this evening I received another precious donation of 10s., with the
following letter:--
"Aug. 29, 1844.
"The history of this money is this. I did some work in the country some
time ago, and thought I should never get the money for it, as I had
repeatedly written about it, and could not get it. But some time ago I
was asking the Lord to incline the heart of the person who owed me the
money, to send it to me, and I told Him, that, if He would do so, I
would give 10s. for the Orphans. Three days ago I had such confidence,
that I should have the money, that I was enabled to praise
the Lord for it; and today I was going up Park Street, and met
the person coming with the money. It had been put into the party's
heart the day before yesterday to pay me the money. Now, dear brother,
I fulfil my promise to the Lord by giving you the money. Help me, dear
brother, to praise Him for it, and that I may be enabled to trust
Him more than ever I have done yet.
"Yours in Jesus,
"* * *"
This brother is a poor tradesman, himself working with his hands.
Aug. 30. Today 6s. 8d. came in by sale of Reports. This evening I met a
sister from Bath, who is staying in Bristol for two or three days. She
gave me her purse, and all that was in it, for the Orphans, being 5s.,
saying, she wanted nothing till she returned to Bath. This goes towards
tomorrow's need, which will be at least 4l., and for which we have as
yet only 1l. 6s. in hand.
Aug. 81, Saturday. There came in a few shillings besides, last evening
and this morning, so that I had 1l. 13s. 8d. to send to the
Orphan-Houses; but I find 4l. 5s. is needed.--Evening.
There came in still further, in the morning, 5s. 6d., by sale
of stockings, 1l. 8s. by sale of Reports, 15s. 1d. by sale of
articles given for the purpose,5s. 5d. by sale of ladies' bags.
And in the evening was received 2l. 10s. 2d. besides, so that I
had 2l. 12s. 10d. more than was actually needed.
Sept. 3, Tuesday. Since Saturday evening there has come in, in donations
18s. 10d., by sale of Reports 2l. 3s. 1d., and by work done by the
Orphan-girls 1l. 3s. 8d. Thus, with what was left on Saturday, we have
been supplied these two days.
Sept. 4. Only one farthing was in my hands this morning. Pause a moment,
dear reader! Only one farthing in hand when the day commenced. Think of
this, and think of nearly 140 persons to be provided for. You, poor
brethren, who have six or eight children and small wages, think of this;
and you, my brethren, who do not belong to the working classes, but
have, as it is called, very limited means, think of this! May you not
do, what we do, under your trials? Does the Lord love you less than He
loves us? Does He not love all His children with no less love than that,
with which He loves His only begotten Son, according to John xvii.
2023? Or are we better than you? Nay, are we not in ourselves poor
miserable sinners as you are; and have any of the children of God any
claim upon God, on account of their own worthiness? Is not that, which
alone can make us worthy to receive anything from our Heavenly Father,
the righteousness of the Lord Jesus, which is imputed to those who
believe in Him? Therefore, dear reader, as we pray in our every need, of
whatever character it may be, in connexion with this work, to our Father
in Heaven for help, and as he does help us, so is He willing to help all
His children who put their trust in Him. Especially do not think, that
because you may not be called by God to establish Orphan-Houses and
Schools for poor children, therefore you are not warranted to rely upon
God, in all your need; for the blessedness of depending upon the living
God may be enjoyed by all the children of God, though they are not all
called by Him to such a work as this Narrative describes. Nor must you
suppose, that our only trials in this work arise from want of means, so
that, in carrying it on, we have to rely upon God for nothing besides
this. I assure you that the want of means is the smallest trial, and
that I have had far, far greater exercises of faith on account of other
things in connexion with this work than those arising from the want of
means. But the trials connected with the want of means I dwell upon so
particularly, because that is a matter which can be understood by all,
and in which the senses themselves almost force us, so to speak, to
acknowledge the hand of God.--Well, let us hear then, how God helped
when there was only one farthing left in my hands, on the morning of
Sept. 4, 1844.
A little after nine o'clock I received a sovereign from a sister in
the Lord, who does not wish the name of the place, where she resides,
mentioned. Between ten and eleven o'clock the bag was sent from the
Orphan-Houses, in which in a note it was stated that 1l. 2s. was
required for today. Scarcely had I read this, when a fly stopped before
my house, and a gentleman, Mr. from the neighbourhood of Manchester,
was announced. I found that he was
a believer, who had come on business to Bristol. He had heard about the
Orphan-Houses, and expressed his surprise, that without any regular
system of collection, and without personal application to any one,
simply by faith and prayer, I obtained 2000l. and more yearly for the
work of the Lord in my hands. This brother, whom I had never seen
before, and whose name I did not even know before he came, gave me 2l.,
as an exemplification of what I had stated to him.--There came in
still further this morning 10s., being profits froth the sale of
ladies' bags. From the same donor who had sent the sovereign this
morning, I received, two hours later, a box containing the following
articles:--Three mourning rings, three other gold rings set with
cameos, two gold watch keys, four gold lockets, a gold brooch, a silver
snuffbox, six medals, three gold ear-drops, a pair of mourning earrings,
a purse, two pairs of babies' shoes, a pair of card-racks, two
necklaces, five ornamental hair pins, a wafer-stamp, a paper-knife, two
book marks, and a great variety of polished pebbles.Oh! how good is
the Lord, and how seasonably comes His help, in our great, great need,
when so much is required for clothes, &c. There came in likewise through
a sister in Bath 1l., and 5s. 6d. more. Thus, besides all the articles,
which have been mentioned, altogether 41l. 5s. 6d. has come in this day,
at the commencement of which I had only One farthing left.
Sept. 6. Besides the money, spoken of on the 4th, only 6s. 10d. more had
come in, so that, after this day's necessities had been met, there was
now again nothing at all in hand. Soon after I received 3s. 6d. this
also was presently spent, except 9d., when a brother from Essex came,
who gave me 2l.
Sept. 7, Saturday. Having had to pay out 10s. more, immediately after
the receipt of the 2l., this day began with 1l. 10s. 9d. in hand, whilst
the need was 3l. 15s. This 1l. 10s. 9d. I sent off to the Orphan-Houses,
trusting in the Lord for more. And this time also my hope in God was not
put to shame; for in the course of the morning came in 10s. 6d. by sale
of Reports, by a donation 10s., by sale of articles 2l. 8s. 8 ½ d., by
sale of stockings 1s. 8d., and by sale of ladies' bags 4s. It was very
kind of the Lord to send in this money in the course of the morning,
thus providing us not only with the 3l. 15s. which was needed for
housekeeping, but enabling us also to meet other unexpected expenses. In
the Evening I received still further, after the need of the day had been
met, but when all again was expended, a sovereign, four small old silver
coins, a pair of coral earrings, and a brooch.
Sept. 8 There was the sovereign in hand which came in last evening, as a
little towards the need of Monday, when I received this morning 50l., to
be used as most needed. It is impossible to express how seasonably this
help came, as, though our daily wants had been met day by day, yet very
much is required in the way of clothes, &c. But as the need for the
other objects is as great or greater, I took of this sum 30l. for them
and 20l. for the Orphans. We are thus greatly encouraged to continue in
prayer. Our poverty has scarcely ever lasted longer than now, yet the
Lord has helped us as our absolute need has required it. The donor of
this 50l. wished me to enter it with the text Philip iv. 6, judging that
this text must have been often a refreshment to me in seasons of trial,
as indeed it has.
From Sept. 8th to 17th came in 23l. 2s. 6 ½ d.
Sept. 18. From A. A. 5l., by sale of Reports, 13s. 8d., and by the boxes
in the Orphan-Houses 14s. 11d.
Sept. 19. This morning came in 10l. from Scotland. By this 10l., and
what came in yesterday, I am able to meet the expenses of today, which
were more than 16l.
Sept. 21, Saturday. Yesterday came in from Clapham, at an hour of need,
1l. 12s. 10d., together with several articles, also 1l. from Clifton;
and today by sale of Reports, 1l. 15s. 4d., and by sale of articles 14s.
9d. Thus we are brought to the close of another week, though the
expenses of it have not been less than 110l. (part of which had been put
by beforehand). At the close of the week I have not more than 3s. left
but the Lord will provide.
Sept. 22. Lord's-day morning. This morning I received from the
neighbourhood of Crediton 10l., and from Sidmouth 10l., of which 8l. is
for the Orphans, and 2l. for my own personal expenses. Likewise from A.
A. 2s. 2 ½d., for Reports 4s., and in the Chapel boxes was put
anonymously 6d., ditto 2s. 6d. ditto 2s. 6d., ditto 6d. with these
words: "Be still and know that I am God." How precious this word, and
how have I seen today again the truth of it!--Three days ago a sister
in the Lord, who is a servant, came to me, and brought me 9l. 16s. which
she had drawn out of the Savings' Bank, considering it the Lord's
will that she should not keep it there any longer, but spend it for him.
She gave me the money that I might do with it as I thought right.
However, I sent her home again with the money, advising her to weigh the
matter still further, and to pray still further about it, and to count
the cost; and if she was of the same mind, after some days, to come
again to me. Now this afternoon this sister came again, with her little
all, 9l. 16s. As she had now, for a long time, weighed the matter
(according to her own statement), and as there had three days more
passed away since I had sent her home again with the money, and as I
found her grounded upon Scripture for what she was going to do, I could
not refuse the money. See portioned it out thus: 2l. for her father,
brother, and sister, 1l. 10s. for the poor believers in fellowship with
us, 1l. for the Chapel expenses, and 1l. for missionary purposes. This
left 4l. 6s., of which she would give me 2l. which I declined, in order
that there might not be even the appearance as if I had persuaded this
poor servant to draw her money out of the Savings' Bank. She then
wished me to give brother Craik 1l., which I accepted for him, and as I
saw she wept, because I would not receive anything for myself, I said I
would take a sovereign. This I did, that she might not think I refused
her Christian kindness because she was a poor servant. The remaining 2l.
6s. she gave for the Orphans. By the donations which have come in
today I am able to meet almost all the expenses connected with the
procuring of many articles of clothing and furniture, for which I have
long been praying.
Oct. 1. Since the 22nd many pounds have come in, though not any sums
above 5l. Now this evening I have received a bank order for 70l., to be
used as the Lord might direct me. The donor wishes me to let him know if
anything particular should be connected with this donation. There is
indeed much connected with it, as it comes most manifestly in answer to
prayer; for thus I am able to supply all that is needed in the way of
articles of clothes for the Orphans, for which I have been long waiting
upon the Lord, and as the winter is now drawing near, the winter-clothes
need to be got ready; further, I am able to have the Boys'
Orphan-House painted inside and coloured down, which is much needed; I
am able to furnish all the labourers in the Orphan-Houses with some
money for themselves, which, on account of our long-continued poverty, I
had not been able to do for six months. Yet; though the donation comes
in so seasonably, I cannot write to the kind donor thus, lest he should
be induced to give more, by my exposing our circumstances, and lest also
the hand of God should not be so manifest, in providing me with means
for the work, as otherwise it would.
I took of this money 40l. for the Orphans, and 30l. for the other
funds.--During the last two weeks I have had to pay out for the work
about 200l., and this week I shall have to pay out again about 60l. Thus
the Lord helps continually.
Nov. 1. Since Oct. 1st there has come in such an abundance, that without
any difficulty I have been able to meet all the expenses for the
Orphans, though during the week ending Oct. 5th I had to pay out 59l.,
during the week ending on the 12th above 40l., during the week ending on
the 19th nearly 40l., and during the week ending on the 26th about 50l.
Of the many donations which came in during this period I will only
mention the following: From a small town in the kingdom of Wirtemburg
1s. 8d.; from Nice, in France, 1l.; from a missionary in the East Indies
14l. 12s. 6d. Notice, dear reader, how the Lord sends donations from
Wirtemburg, France, and the East Indies! Great, however, as our income
had been, we were now again poor, on account of the heavy expenses,
when, in answer to prayer, there came in today, from some sisters near
Coleford, 2l. 10, by sale of Reports 2s., and from A. A. 10l. 7s. 7 ½
d. The post was out this morning and nothing had come; but my heart
said, the Lord still can send, though the post is out; and these
donations were soon after given to me.
Nov. 11. From Nov. 1st up to this day we went on easily. There came in
again many donations. Now, however, we were again very poor, having had
again very heavy expenses. In this great need a ten pound note was this
afternoon put into an Orphan-box in my house. This evening I received
also still further, from a brother who labours in Demerara, 1l., and 1l.
10s. besides.
Nov. 13. Yesterday and today came in again more than 10l. Our expenses
having again been very great, as during these three days above 30l. had
been paid out for the Orphans, we were still poor, notwithstanding the
considerable income during the last three days. Under these
circumstances a ring was given to me this afternoon, set with one large
and six small brilliants. How kind of the Lord, thus to help us
continually in the work, and to listen to our supplications, which, day
after day, we bring to him! Daring no time, since I have been engaged in
this service, have the expenses been heavier than during the last four
months; yet the Lord has always given us what we have needed.
Nov. 18. The produce of the ring, together with about 10l, more, which
had come in since the 13th, was nearly all gone again, on account of the
expenses of the past week having been nearly 50l., when this morning a
Christian gentleman from Devonshire called on me, who, on leaving, left
a letter on my table, containing two five pound notes, of which five
pounds was for the Orphans and five pounds for three other objects. This
evening I found a five pound note in one of the Orphan-boxes in my
house. Thus we are again helped for the present. The name of the Lord be
praised!
Nov. 21. The need of today was 4l. 5s., but there were only a few
shillings in hand. I opened the boxes in my house, in which 1 found a
sovereign and a shilling. The sovereign could have been put in only last
evening. After family prayer I retired again for prayer, about the work
as I do daily, by which means I have been helped not only to meet the
very heavy expenses since July 15th, but have been helped through many
and great difficulties in other respects, and have been enabled to bring
many blessings upon the work. While in prayer, I received a letter from
the neighbourhood of Leeds, with 5l. Thus we are helped for today. This
afternoon came in still further, by sale of articles 1l. 9s., by the
boxes in the Orphan-Houses 1l. 6s. 3 ½ d.; and this evening I received
5l., being the profits from the sale of a Hymn book, which has been
printed for the benefit of the Orphans. Thus we have something for the
need of tomorrow also.
Nov. 23. As yesterday's expenses had to be met out of what had come in
on the 21st, only 11s. 10d. having come in yesterday, and as the need of
today for housekeeping was 4l. 10s., we had not enough in hand. Our
precious universal remedy, prayer, was now again resorted to. About ten
minutes after, I received a Post-office order from Stafford for 2l.
About twelve o'clock this morning came in still further, by the sale
of some books and prints, given for the purpose, 3l. 1s., by the sale of
other articles 3l. 7s. 9d., by the sale of Reports 1s. 1d., by the sale
of ladies' bags 13s. 5d., and by the sale of stockings 2s. 6d. This
afternoon came in still further from Glasgow 5l. Thus the day, which
commenced when we had not enough in hand for its necessities, has ended
in comparative abundance, though there is still little in hand for
present use, as we need to provide for the rent of the houses and for
the purchase of oatmeal, and therefore put by a part of the money given
today. Yet we are brought to the close of another week, having been able
to meet all its expenses.
Nov. 24. This morning I received a letter from the neighbourhood of
Dublin, with four five pound Post-office orders. Thus the Lord has done
according to my expectation; for in our usual weekly prayer meeting last
evening at the Orphan-houses with the labourers in the work, I was
enabled to praise the Lord, that He would provide for the need of this
week also.
Dec. 2, Monday. During the last week the income had been again about
36l. But having had still many extra expenses, and, also to put by money
for the rents due on the next quarter-day, there was nothing left at the
close of the week. Yesterday came in 5s. 10d., 4d., 5s., 19s. 10d., and
1l. By this money we were able to meet the housekeeping expenses of this
day, being only 2l. 5s.; but, having 2l. to pay out, besides the current
expenses, and having understood that a brother in the Lord from
Birmingham, with two other strangers, had visited the Orphan-Houses, and
that money had been put into the boxes, they were opened, and 3l. 3s.
1d. was found in them. Thus I was able to send off the 2l. There came in
also this afternoon 10s. for work done by a young lady, and this
evening, by sale of Reports, 4s.
Dec. 3. As only 1l. 15s. was required for housekeeping today, we had
enough, by what had come in yesterday afternoon and evening, and I had
twopence left.
Dec. 4. The Lord has again, in the love and compassion of His fatherly
heart, multiplied "the handful of meal in the barrel, and the little oil
in the cruse." The twopence have been multiplied more than a thousand
fold. Yesterday came in from Clapton 2s. 6d., from the county of Dorset
10l., and from A. A. 10s., being (as the donor writes) "the produce of a
needless article of jewelery."
Dec. 7, Saturday. Only 2l. 10s. 10d. having come in during the last two
days (among which was a remarkable donation of 10s. from Calv, in the
kingdom of Wirtemberg), I had again, after I had paid out yesterday what
was required, only 2l. 10s. 3d. left, which I knew would not be half
enough for this day. Yesterday afternoon came in from Sherborne 6s. This
morning I had an unusually full assurance that the Lord would help us
this day again, though I knew that more than 8l. would be needed today,
towards which there was only 2l. 16s. 3d. in hand. I praised the Lord
repeatedly this morning beforehand for the help which He again would
grant this day. By the first delivery arrived 10s. from the neighborhood
of Kingsbridge. Thus we had 3l. 6s. 3d.; but for housekeeping we needed
5l. 10s., and for other expenses 3l. 1s. 5d. However, when the Orphan
came with the letter-bag, to fetch the money, I received in it a letter
from Bath, containing 5l. Thus we had enough, and more than enough, for
the momentary need, as to the house-keeping expenses. About twelve
o'clock came in the following sums besides: by sale of articles 4l.
5s. 8d., by sale of Reports 8d., by sale of stockings 2s. 2d., by sale
of ladies' bags 3s. 9d. This evening came in still further, from
Dublin, for Reports 1l. 2s., and 1l. as a donation, together with some
prints, some books, etc. for sale. Thus we had all we needed, to help us
to the close of the week, and were able to put by some money for the
weekly rents and other expenses, to be met on quarter day.
Dec. 9, Monday. Though we had been helped abundantly on Saturday, yet,
as some money needed to be put by, we had still nothing for the
beginning of this week. Yesterday came in for Reports 7s. 4d., and
anonymously was put into the Chapel-boxes 1s. and 2s. 6d. There was also
anonymously put into the Chapel-boxes a 50l. note, with these words:
"25l. for the Orphan-Houses, and 25l. for clothing and blankets for the
poor." Thus we are again most seasonably helped, and are now almost
entirely prepared to meet all the expenses coming upon us a few weeks
hence.
Jan. 18 1845, Saturday. Since Dec. 9th we had always supplies sent,
before the last money was given out; it was a season of rich abundance,
for there came in (including the 25l. last mentioned) about 140l. Now,
however, this evening, after all the expenses of the day had been met,
there was nothing remaining. But admire with me, dear reader, the
goodness of the Lord! This very evening He has again kindly supplied us
with means for the commencement of another week. The boxes at the
Orphan-Houses were opened (our need leading us to do so) in winch was
found 10l. 16s., one of them containing a ten pound note. Is it not,
dear reader, a precious thing to trust in the Lord? Are not ten pounds,
thus received out of the hands of our Heavenly Father,
as the result of faith in God, most precious? Will not
you also seek to trust in Him, and depend on Him alone in all your
everyday's concerns, and in all spiritual matters too? If you have not
done so, do make but trial of the preciousness of this way, and you will
see how pleasant and sweet it is; and if you have done so in a measure,
do so yet more and more, and you will never have cause to regret it.
But, perhaps, you are not a believer; if so, you cannot trust in God,
and go in all circumstances to Him, as to your Father, except you are
first reconciled to him through our Lord Jesus. What you have then to do
is, to learn that you are a lost, ruined, guilty sinner, deserving
nothing but punishment. But, at the same time, you have to remember that
God, in the greatness of His love to sinners, sent His own dear Son,
that He, in their room and stead, might bear the punishment due to them,
make an atonement for their sins, and fulfil the law of God in their
stead, in order that every one, who believes on Him, might obtain the
forgiveness of his sins, and be reckoned righteous before God. If you
believe in the Lord Jesus, i.e., if you receive Him as the one whom God
has declared Him to be, even the Son of God (as to His person), and the
Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (as to His work), and
if you rest upon Him, trust in Him for the salvation of your soul, then
all your sins shall be forgiven. Though you have grown old in sin,
though your sins have been very many and very grievous, yet the blood of
Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. Do but believe, and you shall be
saved. And when thus you are reconciled to God, through faith in His
dear Son, walk before Him as an obedient child, seek in child-like
simplicity to go to God for every thing, and do really treat God as your
father.
There arrived also this Saturday evening, from the Isle of Wight, a
small box, containing 14s. and many articles for sale.
Jan. 20, Monday. 3l. 11s, has come in besides the 11l. 10s., which came
in on Saturday evening; but as, in addition to the ordinary
house-keeping expenses, I had this afternoon to order material for
boys' clothes, all the money which had come in since Saturday evening
was now again gone. About an hour afterwards I found that two five-pound
notes had been put into one of the boxes at my house, and at the same
time I received a bank order for 16l. from a poor missionary brother,
who labours about 3,000 miles from Bristol~ in dependence upon the Lord
for his temporal supplies. Of this 16l. the sum of 12l. is to be
employed in sending him Bibles and New Testaments, and 4l. he gives to
the Orphans. What ways has not the Lord to help His children who trust
in Him! Who would suppose that a poor missionary would send 4l. for the
Orphans, from a distance of 3,000 miles? But rather must the ravens
again bring supplies, as in the days of Elijah, than that the children
of God, who trust in their Heavenly Father, should not have their need
supplied. Thus the Lord has again given 14l. for the Orphans, when
all was gone.
Jan. 25, Saturday evening. We have been helped through the heavy
expenses of this week, without lacking any thing; but now we have
nothing left.--This evening, about ten o'clock, I received from
Barnstaple some articles for sale, and a Spanish dollar, two ¼ of a
franc, and a sixpence; also 1l. and 2l. Also sixpence for Reports.
Jan. 27, Monday. Yesterday I received from F. E. B. 2s. 6d., from
"Friends to the Institution" 4l.; and 2s. 6d. was put into the
Chapel-boxes anonymously, ditto 10s., ditto 2s. 6d. Thus, by what came
in on Saturday evening and yesterday, I am able to meet this day's
demands, being 4l. 5s. 6d.--Evening. This afternoon I received from
Camerton 5l., of which 3l. is for the circulation of the Holy
Scriptures, and 2l. for the Orphans. Thus, as the money goes out, the
Lord kindly sends in supplies, and all without speaking to one human
being about our necessities, but making them known to Him only; yea,
determined, by His help and support, rather to endure many trials, in
order that through our difficulties the Church of Christ at large may be
comforted, and those who are weak in faith be strengthened, than to go
away from the door of our Heavenly Father to that of brethren.
Feb. 1, Saturday. We are brought to the close of another week, and have
been supplied with all we needed; but there is now again nothing left.
Feb. 2. When now again there was nothing left last evening in my hands
for the beginning of the coming week, there have been today, by two
different donors, two five-pound notes put into the Chapel-boxes, ditto
2s. 6d., ditto 2s. 6d., and also 2s. 6d. was given besides. Thus we are
again supplied fur the present. O Lord, fill my--heart with lively
gratitude for all Thy goodness! Lord help me, not only to trust in Thee
more and more, but also to love Thee more and more, seeing that Thou
dost condescend to use such a poor sinful servant!
Feb. 8, Saturday evening. Above 30l. has come in during this week; but
as there have been bought eight hundred weight of rice and eight bushels
of peas, besides meeting the regular housekeeping expenses, again only a
few shillings remain.
Feb. 10, Monday. Yesterday 2l. was sent to me, from a physician residing
in Bristol; anonymously was put into the boxes at Bethesda Chapel 2s.,
ditto 1l., and ditto 2s. 6d. Also by A. A. was given to me 7s. 2d. I was
thus able, with the few shillings that were left on Saturday evening, to
meet the expenses of this day, after which 7s. 10d. remained. This
morning I was kept, through pressure of engagements, from having prayer,
on account of the work, at the usual time; but at half-past two I united
with my beloved wife and her sister in prayer, and I asked the Lord,
among other blessings, also for means. As to the latter, we had answer
upon answer before the close of the day. For this afternoon 1l. 5s. 9d.
arrived from Stirling. This afternoon also five sovereigns were put into
the box in my room, which I happened to find out soon after. I received
also this evening 5s., which had yesterday been anonymously put into the
boxes at Salem Chapel. A poor brother likewise gave me 2s. Still further
came in 11s. 5d.
Feb. 11. This morning I received still further a donation of 2l. This
afternoon I received, as the profit of the sale of ladies' bags, 1l.,
and 2l. 17s. 4d. came in by sale of articles.
Feb. 12. After I had sent off this morning the money which was required
for the housekeeping of today, I had again only 16s. 2 ½ d. left, being
only about one-fourth as much as is generally needed for one day, merely
for housekeeping, so that there was now again a fresh call for trusting
in the Lord. In the morning I met again, as usual, with my dear wife and
her sister, for prayer, to ask the Lord for many
blessings, in connexion with this work, and for means also. About one
hour after, I received a letter from Devonshire, containing an order for
22l., of which 10l. was for the Orphans, 2l. for a poor brother in
Bristol, and 10l. for myself.--Besides having thus a fresh proof of
the willingness of our Heavenly Father to answer our requests on behalf
of the Orphans, there is this, moreover, to be noticed. For many months
past the necessities of the poor saints among us have been particularly
laid upon my heart. The word of our Lord: "Ye have the poor with you
always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good," has again and again
stirred me up to prayer on their behalf, and thus it was again in
particular this morning. It was the coldest morning we have had the
whole winter. In my morning walk for prayer and meditation I thought how
well I was supplied with coals, nourishing food, and warm clothing, and
how many of the dear children of God might be in need; and I lifted up
my heart to God to give me more means for myself, that I might be able,
by actions, to show more abundant sympathy with the poor believers in
their need; and it was but three hours after when I received this 10l.
for myself. This evening was left at the Infant Orphan-House an
anonymous letter, containing a sovereign for the Orphans, with the
letters C. T. D.
Feb. 15, Saturday evening. 6l. 1s. 4d. has come in since the 12th. All
the wants of this week have been richly supplied, but now there was
again scarcely anything left towards the coming week, when this evening,
just before I was going to our usual Saturday evening prayer meeting at
the Orphan-Houses, a bank post bill for 10l. came to hand, being the
gift of an aged clergyman. Thus we have a little for the next week, and
we have also been able to order two hundred weight of soap, which it was
very desirable to have, in order that there might be no need of using
new soap for washing.
Feb. 16. Today the Lord has given still more. Anonymously were put into
the Chapel-boxes the following sums: A twenty-pound note, a sovereign,
2s. 6d., and 6s. There was given also by A. A. 3s. 7d., and a lady from
Nottingham sent 5s. It was particularly kind of the Lord to send in this
rich supply, because soon again a ton and a half of oatmeal will need to
be ordered from Scotland, the rents need to be provided for, and I
desire soon to be able to give again some money to the labourers in the
Orphan-Houses for their own personal necessities.
March 4, Besides the 32l. 7s. 1d. that had come in on the 15th and 16th
of Feb., there came in up to this day 38l. 17s. 1d., so that there was
not any difficulty to meet all the demands. After I had met the expenses
for housekeeping yesterday, all our means were again gone, and there was
therefore nothing in hand towards the expenses of today. But the Lord
helped us again; for two five-pound notes were found in one of the boxes
at my house, whereby I am able to meet the need of this day, which is
3l.
Dear Reader! does your heart admire the hand of God in these instances?
Does your heart praise the Lord for His goodness to us? Does it, or does
it not? If not, then I beseech you to lay aside this account of His
dealings with us, and fall on your knees, and ask God to have mercy upon
you, and to soften your heart, that you may be sensible of His goodness
to us. Surely if you can read this account of His goodness, and it makes
no impression upon you, it is a sign that your heart is not in a right
state before God. I do not expect that all the readers will, as much as
I do, by the grace of God, see the hand of God in all these matters,
though I could wish that they did so, even a thousand times more than I
do; but yet all should adore God for His great goodness to us, and
should remember that what He does for us, in answering our poor
sin-mixed petitions, for the sake of His dear Son, He is willing to do
for them also.--Particularly notice, that the help never comes too
late. We may be poor, yea, very poor; yet the help comes at the right
time. We may have to wait upon the Lord, yea, even a long time; but at
last He helps. It may seem as if the Lord had forgotten us, by allowing
us to be poor, and very poor, and that week after week; but at last He
helps abundantly, and shows that only for the trial of our faith, both
for our own benefit and the benefit of those who might hear of His
dealings with us, has He allowed us to call so long upon Him. By the
grace of God my heart is not troubled now, whether there be much or
little in hand. I am sure, that, in the best time and way, God will send
help; and thus it is not only with reference to temporal supplies, but
also as it regards other things that we may need, or when we may be in
peculiar difficulties in other respects. When boys need to be
apprenticed, or situations have to be found for the girls, and there are
difficulties in the way, as we never send them out, except to believing
masters and mistresses, my soul is yet at peace, because I betake myself
to my Heavenly Father. When there have been infectious diseases in the
Orphan-Houses, whereby, looking at it naturally, many children might be
taken away through death, my soul is at peace, because I cast this
burden upon the Lord, and He sustains me. When one or the other of my
fellow-labourers have left the work, and I needed their place supplied,
and knew of no suitable persons, I have been looking to God for help,
and that has kept my heart in peace, though this is no small difficulty,
as not only can no hirelings be engaged in this work, but also, in case,
the individual is a true child of God, there are yet so many things to
be considered as to fitness and call for the work. When all kinds of
lying reports have been spread about the work and about myself in
connexion with it (though they have been very much less than might have
been expected), I have committed my case to the Lord; and such things,
instead of casting me down, often have greatly cheered me, because they
have been a fresh proof to me, that God is at work, and that, therefore,
the devil is angry, and stirs up these lies. When I have had for months
to leave the work, as in the year 1838, for about four months, in
1843-4, for seven months, and in 1845, for three months, being called to
labour on the Continent, or being ill, as in 1838, my heart has been in
perfect peace, committing all the concerns of the whole Institution into
the hand of God, considering that it was not my work but His, and that,
therefore, I might be without carefulness about it. I seek to believe
more and more what God says about Himself in His holy word, and it is
this which gives this rest and peace to my heart, not only with
reference to all the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge
Institution for Home and Abroad, but also about my own body and soul, my
dear wife and child, my other dear relations, the temporal supplies for
myself and family, my service in the Church in which I labour, now
consisting of more than 700 believers, and the state of the Church of
Christ at large.
March 8, Saturday. 11l. 17s. 1 ¾ d. more has come in since March 4th.
Thus I have been able fully to meet all the expenses during this week,
but now hare again only a few shillings left towards the necessities of
the coming week.--Late in the Evening.--After our prayer-meeting
this evening four sovereigns were given to me, two for the Orphans, and
two for the other objects. This is the beginning of the help which the
Lord surely will give during the coming week also.
March 11, Tuesday. Only 17s. 6d. had come in since Saturday evening, and
therefore, after the expenses of yesterday had been met, there remained
again only a few shillings in hand, on account of which my prayer was,
that the Lord would be pleased to send in something for this day. When I
came home last evening from the meeting, my dear wife told me, that
there was some money in the box in our parlour. I opened it, and found
it to contain five sovereigns. Thus we are supplied for today.
March 13. Yesterday I had sent off all the money, which was remaining in
my hands, to the Orphan-Houses for housekeeping. Also the boxes were
opened in the Orphan-Houses, but only 10 ½ d. was found in them. We
were comfortably supplied yesterday with all that was required, but
there was no money at all in hand for today. When the letter-bag was
brought this morning for money, I found that the need for housekeeping
for today was 2l. 15s.; but there was nothing at all in hand. Therefore,
while the boy was waiting at my house, I disposed of some trinkets,
which had been sent a few days since, for 2l. 15s. 6d. Thus we had
enough, and 6d. over. There came in also 8d. by sale of Reports.--
Evening. This afternoon came in, by sale of articles, 17s. 6d., and by a
donation 1l.
March 14. The need of today is 2l. There was 1s. 4d. more needed than I
had in hand, when 5s. 6 ½ d. came in from two Orphan-boxes. Thus we are
helped for this day.
March 15. Yesterday afternoon half-a-sovereign was brought to me. In the
evening 19s. 4d. came in by sale of articles. But this was not enough
for the need of today. While the Orphan boy was waiting for the money, I
received the following letter from Bath:--
"Beloved Brother in the Lord,
"My sister E. and myself feel it laid on our hearts to send a little for
your need at this time, thinking it must be increased by the severity of
the weather. We send the inclosed in much love, and thankfulness to the
Lord for permitting us to do it, half for the Orphans, and the rest to
be applied as seems good to you. Etc."
The letter contained two sovereigns, of which I took one for the
Orphans, and the other for the School fund. (The latter sovereign was
needed today towards the payment of the teachers in the Day-schools.)
Thus we had all that was needed today for the Orphans. This evening I
found a sixpence in the box in my room.
March 17, Monday. The sixpence which I took out of the box in my room on
Saturday evening was all there was in hand, when yesterday came in the
following donations:
A. A. 1l. 2s. 4 ½ d., anonymously 6d., ditto 2s. 6d. When this morning
I had the bag sent from the Orphan-Houses, I found that the amount
needed for house-keeping was 2l. 5s.; but there was only 1l. 5s. 10 ½
d. in hand. Immediately after, before the bag was fetched, one of my
fellow-labourers sent me 1l. for the Orphans, so that we had enough for
today, and 10 ½ d. over. When now only 10 ½ d. remained, I received
from Swansea a letter containing a franc and a half, with the words
"Jehovah Jireh."
March 18. "Jehovah Jireh" (i.e. the Lord will provide) has been again
verified in our experience. 10 ½ d. remained in hand, and the need of
this day was 6l. 3s. But the Lord knew what we should need today, and he
helped accordingly. I opened the box in my room, and found a ten-pound
note in it. Thus we have more than is needed for the present moment.
March 19. Yesterday afternoon I had to pay out 3l. more, for one of the
apprentices. Thus the expenses of yesterday were altogether 9l. 3s. How
kind therefore of the Lord to have put it into the heart of the donor of
the ten-pound note to give that money just then. And now we had again
only 17s. 10 ½ d. left towards the need of today, which is 3l. 5s. But
our most faithful Lord has been again mindful of us at this time also.
For there came in yesterday from a lady at Sheffield 1l., by sale of
Reports 8d., by the profit from the sale of ladies' bags 15s., and by
three donations from Bristol donors 12s. Thus there is again all we need
for today, and 6 1/2d. left. Immediately after I had written this in my
journal, the Lord began to increase again "the handful of meal in the
barrel." I received from Barnstaple 5s.
March 20. Yesterday morning, when I was going to send off the money to
the Orphan-Houses, I found 2s. 6d. in the letter bag, slipped in
anonymously. I found also 1l. 5s. in the boxes at my house. Thus we have
1l. 13s. 0 ½ d. for the necessities of today, which I find is
sufficient.
March 21. All the money being spent, the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were
opened yesterday afternoon, in which were found a sovereign,
half-a-crown, and a penny. This is all we have for today.
March 22, Saturday. We were able to get through yesterday with the 1l.
2s. 7d. found in the boxes; but in this way our stores become much
reduced. Now, however, was Saturday before us with its heavy expenses,
and there was nothing yet to meet them, when I went last evening to our
public meeting, to minister in the word. However, my soul has been in
peace, by the grace of God, during all this week and the last, though
again and again we have had nothing. I have reminded the Lord repeatedly
during this week, that it is His commandment to His disciples to be
without anxiety, and that I am so, because it is His commandment that I
should be so, but that now He also, on His part, graciously would be
pleased to continue to help me, as He had done hitherto. And now observe
how the Lord again has helped! After the meeting last evening, between 8
and 9 o'clock, when I had nothing at all in hand, towards meeting the
necessities of this day, which I had every reason to believe would be
several pounds, one of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave to my
wife 5s., Miss E. N. sent 10s., and a sister in the Lord, who arrived
last evening from Hull, put the following letter into the hands of my
dear wife, addressed to me:
"Hull, March 20, 1845.
"Beloved Brother,
"I send you a small box of articles, which perhaps you can dispose of for
the Orphans, and 5l. 5s. 7d. in money. Accept it in the Lord's name as
a tribute of love from the brethren here. We shall be always glad to see
you if you travel this way.
"In haste,
"Yours affectionately in the Lord,
"* * * * "
The box contained the following articles:--a gold cross, two gold
pins, two brooches, three gold rings, a small gold seal, two gold
bracelet snaps, a pair of silver studs, a mourning brooch, necklace and
ear-rings, a silver pencil case, a stone cross and heart, a gilt
waist-buckle, a dozen new cloth caps, two books, two new cotton frocks,
three new pinafores, a new white lace veil, two waistcoats, a gown, a
pair of lady's boots, three veils, two lace capes, two lace shawls,
two muslin aprons, a lady's bag, four waist ribands, three pairs of
cuffs, a little scarf, three necklaces; 4l. 5s. 7d. for the Orphans, and
1l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures.--Today there came in
still further, by sale of articles 8s. 6d., for Reports 8d, and by sale
of stockings 6s. 8d. Also from Thornbury 2s. 6d. Thus we have enough for
today, and something left.
March 24, Monday. Yesterday and today came in only 7s. 6d. altogether.
We have enough for today, and 6s. 6d. left, as the demands were only 2l.
10s.
March 25. When there was again only 6s. 6d. left, 4s. 6d. came in
yesterday evening. There was also 5l. put into one of the boxes at my
house. This morning I received from a brother from the neighbourhood of
Birmingham 2l., and 10s. came in by another donation. Thus I had more
than sufficient for the need of today, which is 4l. 15s. There came in
still further from Bridgenorth 10s., and from a sister in Bristol 2s.
2d.
March 26. Only 3s. 2 ½ d. came in today, by the boxes in my house.
March 27. Yesterday morning I sent off for housekeeping all the money I
had left. It was enough for yesterday, but only enough. Only 1l came in
yesterday, and this morning 4d. This 1l. 0s. 4d. was all I had to send
to the Orphan-Houses. There came in 5s, 4d. besides, and thus we were
helped through this day also.
March 28. Nothing has come in. While the Orphan Boy was waiting for the
bag to be made up, 1l. 5s. 1d. came in for a few trinkets, which I had
sent out to be disposed of. This was all I could send.
March 29. By the 1l. 5s. 1d. we were helped through yesterday. But there
was now again not only nothing at all in hand, but we required the more,
as the last two days there had been so little laid out for housekeeping,
and also because today was Saturday. However, as the Lord never once has
forsaken me in the work during the last eleven years, so it has been at
this time also. About five o'clock yesterday afternoon a note was
given to me in which was enclosed 5l., which a physician of this city
kindly sent. In the evening I received 10s., being the profit from the
sale of ladies' bags, and this morning came in still further by the
sale of articles 9s. 6d., and by the sale of stockings 13s. There were
also last evening, anonymously left at my house, a gold seal, a brass
seal, and a pair of gilt ear-rings. There came in still further 10s.,
and 10s.
March 31. There came in yesterday and today anonymously from Hayes-Town,
near Uxbridge, 1l., and 2l. 10s. besides.
April 1. On account of the expenses of Saturday having been great, and
of yesterday likewise, there remained again but a few shillings. Our
gracious Lord, however, who day after day looks on our need, yea, so to
speak, inspects our stores, knew this, and therefore yesterday caused
ten pounds to be put into one of the boxes at my house. Last evening
came in also still further 1l. 7s. from the Isle of Wight.
April 2. As I had to expend today more than 10l, for the Orphans, I was
again reduced to a few shillings, when this morning 15l. was sent to me
by two donors from Liverpool. Also at the same time came from the
neighbourhood of Worcester 1l.
April 3. After having been comparatively poor, the Lord is now again
pouring in means, which come very seasonably for the replenishing of our
stores, for the obtaining of certain articles of clothing for the
children, etc. Today I received the following donations: 19l. 5s. from
the brethren assembling at Bethesda Chapel, Sunderland, from two sisters
6s., from A. A. 18s. 5d., and by sale of Reports 1s. 4d.
April 4. Still further from Sunderland 15s., from Sherborne 8s. 6d.,
from Sidmouth 1l., and from "S. P., Dublin," 1l. 10s.
April 12, Saturday. 33l. 19s. 7d. more has come in since the 4th. After
the expenses of today had been met, there again remained scarcely
anything, when, in addition to all the ordinary expenses during the
coming week before me, a fresh supply of oatmeal needed to be purchased.
The boxes in the Orphan-Houses therefore were opened, but only 1l. 8s.
6d. was found in them. There came in besides from A. A. 7s.
April 13, Lord's-day. This morning I received a letter from Hampstead,
containing four post-office orders of 5l. each, of which 10l. is for the
poor believers among whom I labour, and 10l, for the Orphans.
April 30. From the 13th to this day came in altogether 57l. 13s. 2d.
Thus we were well supplied with all the means which were needed during
that time; but yesterday morning I had
sent off to the Orphan-Houses the last money I had in hand. In the
afternoon a sister in the Lord from Bath called, and gave me a
sovereign, when I had not one penny in hand towards the need of today.
This morning came in still further 18s. 10 ½ d, by needlework done by
the Orphan-Girls. Also 4d. by sale of a Report. Thus we were supplied
for today.
May 1. When this day began I had only half-a-crown in hand, which I had
taken last evening out of one of the boxes in my house. When I was this
morning, on my usual walk before breakfast, bringing my circumstances
before the Lord, I reminded Him of His word, "Take no thought for the
morrow ", (i.e. be not anxious about the morrow), and I told Him that
yesterday I had not been anxious about today, and prayed that He would
now be pleased to help me. I was in perfect peace, though I had not the
least natural prospect of having the necessities of today supplied. Of
the money put by for the rent I would not take. Our need was my comfort.
When I returned to my house at eight o'clock, I found that there bad
been sent from the Orphan-Houses 5s., given there, and 2s. 6d. for
knitting. Also a person had brought yesterday to the Orphan-Houses the
contents of an Orphan-box, which had in his room, having felt himself,
as he said, much stirred up to do so. It was 3s. 6d. Also a sister from
Worcestershire had sent 10s. Before money was sent for from the
Orphan-Houses, I received this morning from Stafford 10s. Thus I had 1l.
13s. 6d, to send to the Orphan-Houses for the need of today.
May 2. A little after I had sent off yesterday all the money to the
Orphan-Houses, a brother in the Lord from Cornwall called on me and gave
me 1l. In the afternoon a sister, who had received peculiar mercy from
the Lord in the way of temporal help, called on me, and gave 10s.; and a
christian servant, who had received a fee, gave it, the amount being 2s.
Thus I have 1l. 12s. to send for the need of this day.--I had written
this in my journal, but the bag was not yet gone, when I received from a
distance of about 50 miles for Reports 4s. 1d, and from "a Field
Officer" 3l 10s.2d., so that I could send all that was needed today,
being 3l.
May 3. Yesterday afternoon I received half-a-crown more, and this morning
3s. by sale of articles, and from Kendal 1l 10s.
The money from Kendal came about two minutes before the boy came from
the Orphan-Houses to fetch the supply for this day's necessities. It
was a most seasonable help, as this is Saturday, and we needed today 3l.
15s., and I had not nearly enough in hand.--There came in further
this morning 2l. 1s. 2d. by sale of articles, and in the evening 10s.,
being the contents of an Orphan-box in the neighbourhood of Coleford.
We are thus brought to the close of another week, and have a little
left towards the heavy expenses of the next, as, besides the usual
housekeeping expenses of about 20l., there are ten tons of gravel for
the playgrounds to be bought, and a ton of oatmeal.
July 10. From May 3rd to this day was a season of comparatively rich
abundance. The total amount which was received amounts to 268l. 10s. 6
½ d. Immediately after the 3rd, the Lord sent considerable help, so
that I was able to meet the extraordinary expenses which are referred to
under the last date; for on the 4th came in 6l. 0s. 3d., on the 5th 9s.
6d., on the 6th 70l. and 100l., of which two sums one-half was put to
the Orphan-Fund, and the other half to the fund for the other objects.
On the 10th of May I had to leave Bristol on account of my health, and
was absent three weeks, and had to pay away, for the Orphans, about
100l. within one fortnight after. How seasonably, therefore, came these
two donations! When these two sums came in there was only 10s. 3d. in
hand, and, as has been stated, ten tons of gravel were needed, and a ton
of oatmeal, also money for the apprentices, besides the daily current
expenses. Of the other donations, which came in during this period, I
only mention: from Negro brethren in Demerara, twelve dollars. All the
money, after this long time of comparative abundance, was today, July
10th, reduced to 1l. 6s. 0 ½ d., and 2l. was needed. The boxes in the
Orphan-Houses were opened, in which 16s. 1d. was found. Thus we had
enough, and 2s. 1 ½ d. was left.
July 11. Yesterday afternoon came a box from Newport, in the Isle of
Wight, with many articles for the Orphans, and a little money for the
other objects. This was a precious encouragement to continue to wait
upon the Lord. At the first delivery this morning I received several
letters. The first I opened was from a brother in Devonshire, with a
post-office order for 8s. for the Orphans. He writes thus; "My box for
the Orphans still yields but little, but I have been frequently
inquiring of the Lord, when that little should be sent. For the last
few days it has appeared to me that the time was come to send it to you,
I therefore sent for the amount in an order, which I this day received,
and now send, in hope it may be of some help in a time of need." This
8s. was a further precious encouragement.--The next letter which I
opened was from a christian gentleman at Edinburgh, containing a bank
order for twenty-five guineas, of which twenty guineas are for the work
of the Lord in my hands, and five for my own personal necessities. There
came in still further today, from brethren at Perth 2l., and from the
neighbourhood of Glasgow 5l.
July 12. This morning I received a legacy of 5l. for the Orphans, from
the relatives of a dear departed sister in the Lord, who, from the
commencement of the work up to her last days, had taken the deepest
interest in it. Also from Jersey, together with a gold ring, 4l. Also
3l. 2s. 0 ½ d. by sale of articles and donations, so that during these
two days we have had above 40l. coming in.
From July 13th to 19th, came in 16l. 6s. 8d. more. On July 19th I left
for the Continent, to labour for a season in Germany, and returned to
Bristol on Oct 11th. For about eight months before this, I had seen it
to be the Lord's will that I should go again this year to the
Continent for a season, and had made my journey and service a subject of
prayer from Nov., 1844. Besides asking the Lord's blessing upon my
service, I also sought His help for means, and for this also I had not
to wait on Him in vain. For as the Lord had sent me, before I went in
1843, the sum of 702l. 3s. 7d. for various purposes, and for the work in
Germany in particular, so He gave me again, on May 3rd, 1845, the sum of
500l, for the work in Germany, yet so, that the surplus which there
might be should be employed for the Orphans and other work in my hands.
From the conditions under which this donation was given to me, it was
obvious then, that whilst on the one hand, when it plainly could be seen
that only a certain part of the money would be needed for the present
service in Germany, the remainder might be used for the benefit of the
Orphans, or the other part of the work; yet, on the other hand, we could
not begin at once to apply any part of this money to the objects of the
Scriptural Knowledge Institution; for at the commencement I could not
know how much might be expended on the service in Germany, particularly
as my intention was to do as much as I could for those on the Continent
who are in darkness and in the shadow of death, and also as I wished as
much as possible to help the Church of Christ in that part of the world.
Therefore those who said: "We are quite sure there must be much money in
hand for the Orphans, else Mr. Muller would not have gone to Germany,"
were quite mistaken. Often have I had similar things said to me, or
about the work, when we have been in the deepest poverty, simply because
in faith a certain step had been taken, or a certain thing had been
done, which was connected with great expense. At such times, of course,
my fellow-labourers and I have had to be silent. For we could not say it
was not so, else it would be exposing our poverty, and would look like
asking for help. Therefore we have had to be content with something like
this: "Lord, it is said that there is much money in hand, whereby some
who would otherwise help us, it may be, are kept from doing so; now,
Lord, do Thou nevertheless, as the work is Thine, lay our need, the real
state of things, on the hearts of Thy children, that they may help us."
Thus it was during my service in Germany in the summer of 1845 also. My
fellow-labourers in Bristol and my dear wife and I in Stuttgart, poured
out our hearts before the Lord, seeking His help upon the work, and
asking Him also for means, and He did not despise our cries. There came
in, during the twelve weeks that I was away, for the Orphans alone,
200l. 5s, 5 ½ d. This, together with what was in hand when I left, and
with come money that at the end of my stay in Germany (when I saw that I
should scarcely need one half of the 500l.) I could order to be drawn
out of my bankers' hands in Bristol, richly supplied all the need,
during my absence. But the labourers were repeatedly in straits, and
several times the last money was gone; but the Lord refreshed their
hearts by seasonable help.--Of the 500l. given for the service in
Germany, and for the printing of tracts, there remained 311l. 18s, 1 ½
d., of which I took for the Orphans 161l. 18s. 1 ½ d., and for the
other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution 150l.
Jan. 17, 1846. From the day of my return to Bristol, on Oct. 11, up to
this day, there has been no difficulty at all with regard to means. The
many donations which have come in, together with what came to the
Orphan-Fund from the surplus of the sum given for the work in Germany,
enabled me, without any difficulty, to meet all the expenses, though
they were many and great. Of the donations which came in during this
period I only refer to the following:
On Nov. 19th heft Bristol to labour for a little while at Sunderland. I
had but little money to leave with my dear wife for the work; but my
path was plain to go, and therefore my hope was in God, as to the work
in Bristol during the meantime, being assured that He would care for it.
And thus it was. Rich supplies were granted by Him. On the very next
day, after my departure, Nov. 20th, the following anonymous letter was
left at my house, containing six five-pound notes and two sovereigns.
"My dear Brother in the Lord,
"About six or eight weeks since, anticipating soon a remittance by a
bill, which would become available about a week previous to this date, I
was led to ask the Lord what He would desire to do with the money which
might remain in my hands when I should receive the money for this bill,
and your name was immediately presented to my mind with these words:
"the Lord has need of it." I therefore enclose the amount, viz,
thirty-two pounds, and remain,
"Dear Brother,
"Yours affectionately in the Lord,
"Nov. 20, 1845. &c. &c."
Look at this, dear reader! Is not the hand of God most manifest in such
cases? This unknown donor prays what to do with the money, and my name
is brought to his or her mind. See also how seasonable the help!
This 32l. was put to the Orphan-Fund, as there was but little in hand.
By this and the other sums which came in during my absence, my dear wife
was helped without any difficulty, through all the expenses.
There being now again little in hand, I asked the Lord yesterday (Jan.
16, 1846) that He would be pleased to send in supplies, when almost
immediately after a sister in the Lord, who had unexpectedly received a
rich remittance from distant relatives, gave me 10l.; and today a lady,
who on her way from Cornwall to London was staying for a day or two at
Clifton, kindly sent me 20l. Thus we are again supplied at least for a
week.
March 2. Goodness and mercy have followed us again in many respects with
reference to the work, since the last date, Jan. 17th, up to this day;
and with regard to means, there has been again a rich supply granted to
us, so that I have been able to meet all the expenses of the work,
though they have been for the Orphans alone. 180l. 19s. 1d., and more
than 100l. for the other objects, during these six weeks. But there
remained now scarcely anything in hand, when I received this morning,
from a distance of about 200 miles the following letter with 15l.
"Beloved Brother,
"Enclosed is the produce of the sale of a pianoforte, which I thankfully
send for the Lord's work in your hands, having received blessing to my
own soul by means of that work, and not the least in being weaned from
some of those things I once found pleasure in. I have been waiting
payment of the amount for some time, but, having money now in hand, I
send it without further delay, as you may possibly need it now. The 15l.
you will kindly allot as you see most desirable. That our God would
fulfil in you all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of
faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be
glorified in you, is the prayer of
"Your affectionate Brother,
"* * * * Feb. 28, 1846. * * * *"
March 18. Up to this day also we have been helped, though but little,
comparatively, has come in. When yesterday, March 17, all the means were
gone, a brother gave me 1l. as a thankoffering for having received a sum
of money unexpectedly, as a dividend from a bankruptcy. In the afternoon
I received a half sovereign as the profit of the sale of ladies' bags
made by a sister in the Lord for the benefit of the Orphans, and 2s. 6d.
was put into an Orphan-box at my house. This morning I received the
following letter from Devonshire, together with a Post-office order for
5l.
"Beloved Brother,
"I send you an order for 5l., half of which will you accept for yourself,
and the other half appropriate for the Orphans; or, if they happen to be
well supplied at present, you may apply it to the building you have in
contemplation. Job xxii. 21-30.
"Believe me very affectionately yours,
"* * * *"
The half of this money was taken for the present need of time Orphans.
There was also sent 1l. 13s. from Weymouth. Thus we are again supplied
for the present need.
March 20. Today I have to send more money for housekeeping to the
Orphan-Houses, and the Lord has kindly given me yesterday afternoon and
this morning the means for it. Yesterday came in by sale of trinkets,
&c., 3l. 8s. 4 ½ d. and by two donations 2s., and this morning I
received 11s, from Marlborough.
March 21, Saturday. Since yesterday morning, when I had sent off to the
Orphan-Houses the very last penny in hand, the following sums have come
in: A sister from Worcester gave 2s. 6d., and in the boxes in my house I
found 10l. This morning 10s. came from the neighbourhood of Castle Cary,
from a sister in Bristol 2s. 2d., by sale of articles 1l. 15s. 8d., and
by sale of stockings 5s. Thus I have been enabled, during this week
also, to meet all the expenses, though they have been more than 30l.;
and 7s. 6d. is left towards the coming week. My heart is in perfect
peace, though there are between 140 and 150 Persons to be provided for
(including the teachers and matrons in the Orphan-Houses and the
apprentices), and though there is heavy sickness in two of the houses.
Saturday Evening, The Lord has already increased "the handful of
meal in the barrel, and the little oil in the cruse." This afternoon I
received 3l. 14s., being the contents of an Orphan-box at Barnstaple.
There came in 3s. 6d, besides.
March 26. On the 23rd came in 3l. 2s. 1d. On the 24th and 25th came in
1l. 5s. Yesterday was also taken out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses
7s. 6d., our need having led to the opening of them, and in the boxes in
my house was found 2s. 6d.; but we had not quite enough for the need of
today, when about twelve o'clock this morning a box arrived from
Chelsea, containing 17s. 0 ¾ d., many ornaments, etc.--We are thus
helped for this day.
March 27. Today came in 4l. 11s. 7d. by sale of articles. Likewise 1s.
from a little girl. Thus we are again provided for today.
March 28, Saturday. Yesterday afternoon came in still further from
Street, by Sale of Reports 10s. and three donations of 6d., 4d., and 2d.
There was likewise given by a sister a small gold watch-chain. This
morning I received, by sale of articles 4l.14s. 4d., by sale of Reports
1s., and by sale of stockings 6s. Thus, by the income of this week, and
by about 2l. 12s. which I found I had more than was needed for the rent
when paying it on the 25th, having to receive drawbacks from the
landlords, I have been again able to meet the housekeeping expenses
during this week, amounting to 21l. 19s. 10d., besides the rent which is
37l., for which the money had been put by; and I am come to the close of
another week, with 17s. 8d. in hand towards the necessities of the next.
Late on Saturday. There has come in still further this evening from
A. A. 11s. 3 ½ d., and from Mrs. R. 8s.
March 30, Monday. My heart was particularly in peace on Saturday evening
after the prayer meeting, though I could leave only a few shillings for
each of the four houses towards the housekeeping expenses of this week,
where, besides the ordinary expenses, there is also money needed on
account of heavy sickness in two of the houses. When I emptied the purse
to the last penny, and returned home without anything in hand, I felt
fully assured that we should have again abundant reasons for
thanksgiving next Saturday, and told my dear fellow-labourers so, And,
thus it is. Yesterday was put into the Chapel-boxes for the Orphans
50l., ditto 1s., ditto 10s. This morning I received 5l. from a miner at
a distance, an entire stranger.
Thus our Heavenly Father has helped most seasonably. 1, In giving me
means for present necessities as to housekeeping. 2, In providing me
with means for the extra need on account of the illness of several
children. 3, In giving means for getting a ton and a half of oatmeal
from Scotland.
April 4, Saturday evening. On the 2nd I received anonymously from London
it, besides some money for needlework done by the Orphan-Girls; on the
2nd was sent to me 10l. from Bath, from a lady unknown to me. These two
donations I received the very moment I rose from my knees, having asked
the Lord for more means, as, on account of the heavy expenses just now,
we needed again more money by the end of this week. There was also given
on the 2nd 1l. by a lady who had received a present of 10l. from some
relations, and gave the tenth part of it to the Orphans. On the 3rd and
4th came in 2l. 10s. 7d. The actual expenses of this week, have been 42l.
besides 22l. having been put by for the oatmeal which has been
ordered, and we have a little more than 9l. left.
April 18, Saturday. The Lord has been again good to me since the 4th
with regard to means, 53l. 14s. 0 ½ d. having come in during these two
weeks. Today, having only 2l. 1s. 5 ½ d., in hand, towards the supplies
of the next week, we made known our requests to God, and while I was in
prayer with two of my fellow-labourers, there came a letter, in which F.
from London sent 10s. There came in almost immediately after by sale of
articles 13s. 8d., and by a sister in the Lord from Brixham, who called
this morning, 10s. was given. This afternoon the boxes in the
Orphan-Houses were opened, but only 10s. 10d. found in them. 6s, came in
besides. This afternoon a brother called at the Boys' Orphan-House,
and gave eight sovereigns, saying that he had had a desire to bring this
money for some days past, but had been unable on account of his health,
but now was pressed in spirit to do so, though scarcely able to walk.
The following points are to be noticed concerning the Lord's goodness
today. 1, I purpose, on account of my health, and for the sake of
procuring time for the writing of the Report, to leave Bristol on
Monday, and thus I am able to leave money behind for at least 3 or 4
days. 2, I had been speaking today and yesterday in my prayers to the
Lord, "It is buy will that I should not be anxious. I am not, by Thy
grace; but, Lord, there are about 140 persons to be provided for in the
4 Orphan-Houses, wilt Thou then help me with means!"--I was able to
send altogether 11l. 6s. 11 ½ d. to the matrons.
April 20, Monday morning. The Lord has helped still further. There came
yesterday anonymously from London 5l. with these words: "To Brother
Müller, with the writer's fervent prayer, that the giver of all good
may continue to pour down upon him and all his undertakings the
abundance of His blessings. Half for his own necessities, and half to be
disposed of as he thinks fit." I cannot help noticing here the Lord's
double kindness, both towards the Orphans and towards myself. I now need
for myself more money than usual, as besides the regular housekeeping
expenses at home, I need money for myself and dear wife in going away
for the twofold object of our health and my having thus time to write
the Report: and the Lord supplies me with means. Thus also I received
yesterday 5l. for "change of air," and 5l. was sent to me for myself the
day before yesterday from a brother at Winchester, whom I have never
seen. I find continually, that, without making provision for extra need,
and without reckoning anxiously about the future, the Lord helps me when
I need anything. I find it pleasant and precious, even as to this life,
to walk in the ways of the Lord.
There came in still further yesterday morning for the Orphans from A. A.
13s. 1d., from a brother 1l., from "A friend at Stirling" 6s., and from
an Irish sister 5s.--Thus I could send still further this morning to
the matrons, before my departure, 4l. 11s. 1d., so that I am able to
leave about 16l, behind, and thus the need is supplied for about five
days, humanly speaking; and before that time is gone, I expect to obtain
more, by waiting upon God.
This morning, before we departed, I received a letter in which was the
following sentence: "With regard to property I do not see my way
clearly. I trust it is all indeed at the disposal of the Lord; and if
you would let me know of any need of it in His service, any sum under
200l. shall be at your disposal at about a week's notice." This
brother meant what he said, I have every reason to believe. I might have
written; "The Orphans, my dear brother, are now in need, and it would be
a particular comfort to me, as I am going away, if you would send me
190l.," and I doubt not that I should have had it after a week. I
preferred, however, to continue, as heretofore, to deal with God alone
in this service, that the church of Christ at large still further may be
benefited, particularly those who are weak in the faith, or those who
are recently brought to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus, in seeing how
blessed it is to make known our requests unto God, and that those who
trust in Him are not confounded. I therefore wrote to this brother, with
regard to his kind offer, that I only speak to the Lord about my need.
May, 9, Saturday. This evening, after an absence of 19 days, we returned
to Bristol. During all this time the Lord supplied us with means, but it
was almost always by the day. During the last days, in the course of my
regular meditation on the New Testament, I came to that precious word:
"Casting all your care upon Him: for He careth for you," 1 Peter, v. 7,
and, by God's grace, I was able to cast all my care concerning His
work on the Lord; and when we returned this evening I found, that for
this day also the Lord had not only provided, but there was 1l. 16s. 3
½ d. more than was needed.
May 11, Monday. Yesterday a brother from Hackney gave 2l., and 17s. 1 ¼
d. came in besides. Thus, with what was left on Saturday, I was able to
send 4l. 13s. 5d. to the Orphan-Houses, to be divided among the four
matrons. After having sent this morning to the last penny all the money
I had in hand to the Orphan-Houses, I received 200l., which, being left
entirely at my disposal, was portioned out thus: 100l. for the present
need of the Orphans, 50l. for the other objects, and 50l. for the
Building Fund of the Orphan House. How kind of the Lord to help so
seasonably; for I have very many and heavy expenses before me, besides
the ordinary expenses of about 30l. per week. There are to be bought 4
bags of rice, 4 bushels of peas, 2 cwt. of soap, material for boys'
clothes, the 4 houses are to coloured down, several small sums for
apprentices are to be paid, the Report is to be printed, etc. This also
is to be noticed: The Lord rewarded me thus, for not exposing our
poverty to the brother, who offered on April 20th to give me any sum
under 200l., if I would let him know if I needed anything for the
Lord's work. Thus we had at least a little more than we should have had,
even if I had asked that brother.
May 26. Up to this day, till the last hours before the commencement of
our public meetings, at which an account is to be given of the Lord's
dealings with us since July 14, 1844, the Lord's goodness has
continued in supplying us with means. About 80l. more has come in during
the last fifteen days. And this very day, the last of this period, I
received 26l. anonymously from Stafford, with an affectionate and
encouraging note; 20l. 1s. 6 ½ d. I took out of the boxes at my house,
two ten pound notes having been put in; and several other little
donations came in besides.
It is scarcely needful to state, at the close of these details, that,
notwithstanding our having been often poor, and very poor, yet the
children have always had the needful articles of clothing and nourishing
food. Those who know what it is to walk in the fear of God, know also,
that God would not help us, in answer to our prayers, if we
hypocritically stated that the children were well provided with
wholesome food, etc., and yet it were not true.
Account of the New Orphan-House, on Ashley Down, Bristol, from its
earliest beginning to June 4, 1846.
I began the service of caring for children who are bereaved of both
parents, by death, born in wedlock, and are in destitute circumstances,
on Dec. 9, 1835. For nearly ten years I never had any desire to build an
Orphan-House. On the contrary, I decidedly preferred spending the means,
which might come in, for present necessities, and desired rather to
enlarge the work according to the means which the Lord might be pleased
to give. Thus it was till the end of October, 1845, when I was led to
consider this matter in a way I had never done before. The occasion of
my doing so was this: On Oct. 30, 1845, I received from a gentleman, who
lived in the street, where the 4 Orphan-Houses were, a polite and
friendly letter, in which he courteously stated to me that the
inhabitants in the adjoining houses were in various ways inconvenienced
by the Orphan-Houses being in Wilson Street. He left to myself the
judgment of the case.
This letter I received on Thursday morning, Oct. 30, 1845. Being very
much occupied that week, I had scarcely any time to consider time
matter. On Monday morning, however, Nov. 3, I set apart some hours for
the prayerful consideration of the subject, and after I had besought the
Lord to guide me to a right decision, I wrote down the reasons which
appeared to me to make it desirable that the Orphans should be removed
from Wilson Street, and also the reasons against removing. As far as
they are suitable for being stated in print, they were those: