1. By anonymous offerings through the
Chapel boxes . . . . . £157 4 0 ¾
2. By presents in money from believers in
Bristol, not given anonymously . 135 5 4
3. By presents in money, from believers
not residing in Bristol . . . 156 6 9
4. By presents in provisions, clothes, &c.,
worth to us at least . . . 16 17 0
----
£465 13 1 ¾
Admire, dear reader, the Lord's kindness towards me, in that again,
during this year also, Ha has so abundantly supplied me with means for
my own personal and family necessities, without any regular salary or
other stated income whatever, simply in answer to prayer.
Further account of the intended Orphan House for Seven Hundred Poor
Children, bereaved of both parents by death, from May 26, 1852, to May
26, 1853.
In the last chapter on this subject, it was stated, that on May 26,
1852, 1 had actually in hand towards this object 3,530l. 9s. 0 ¼ d.;
and now I go on to relate how the Lord has been pleased to help me
further since then; but, for the sake of brevity, I can only refer to
the more remarkable donations.
June 18. Received 5s. 7d. from the Orphans in the Girl's Department of
the New Orphan House, in commemoration of the anniversary of the opening
of the New Orphan House, which took place this day three years. Received
also 3s. 9d. from the Orphan Boys. These little sums from these children
have given me much joy. I likewise received this day a donation of
200l., of which the donor kindly wished me to keep 20l. for my own
personal expenses, and to use the 180l. as might be most needed. I took
of this sum 60l. for the Building Fund, 60l. towards the support of the
300 Orphans, and 60l. for the various other objects of the Scriptural
Knowledge Institution.
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 Müller,' 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 Müller 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 ¾ 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 ¼ d. in hand, on May 26, 1852, made the total of
12,531l. 12s. 0 ¼ 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 ½ 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 ¼ 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 ½ 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 DemeraraAlso 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 ¾ 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 ½ d.--By sale of Reports, 3s.
--Through the boxes in the New Orphan House 1l. 6s. 9 ½ 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 ¼ 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 ½ 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 ½ 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 ½ 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 ¾ 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 ½ 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 ¾ 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 ½ 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.