been. Yet, the Lord be praised! I was as comfortable as ever; for I
was sure we were only for the trial of our faith in this state. Had
the Lord shut up His hand iii anger, He would not have continued to
give us, even during this week, from time to time, tokens of His care
over us. I said this morning: "Mans necessity is Gods opportunity"
is a proverb of the world, and how much more may we, His children,
now look to Him in our great need. I knew we must have help in some
way, as now it had come to the greatest extremity, there being in
none of the houses anything for dinner, except potatoes, of which we
have an abundance. At ten this morning I was informed that a large
box, bearing my address, had arrived at one of the Orphan-Houses. I
set off immediately, and found it was from the neighbourhood of
Wolverhampton. It contained 12l. for the Orphans, 1l. 11s. 10d. for
the other Funds, 4 yards of flannel, 9 yards of calico, 12 yards of
print, 4 1/2 yards of coloured cotton, 4 yards of stuff, 2 pairs of
stockings, and 3 1/4 yards of brown holland. Besides this, there were
in it the following articles for sale: 2 decanters and stands, 4
glass salt cellars, 3 scent bottles, a set of cruets and stand, 5
beer glasses, 7 chimney ornaments, 3 tortoise-shell combs, 3 fans, 2
silver vinaigrettes, 2 silver shoe-buckles, 2 waist buckles, 2 silver
salt-cellars, 1 pair of knives and forks with silver handles, a small
silver toasting fork, 9 silver coins, three gold rings, 4 pairs of
ear-rings, 3 brooches, a cornelian heart, a silver seal, 1 pair of
silver studs, 1 gold watch key, 1 silver pencil case, 5 pairs of
bracelets, 5 necklaces and 1 urn rug. The joy which I and my
fellowlabourers had when all these things lay before us, cannot be
described; it must be experienced in order that it may be known. It
was two hours and a half before the dinner time, when the help was
granted. The Lord knew that the Orphans had no dinner, and,
therefore, did He now send help.--This morning also a brother sent to
the Girls Orphan-House to ask whether the treacle-cask was empty,
and if so, to send it by the messenger, that it might be filled.
Nov. 24. Today 5l. came in again with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, besides
1l. 10s. for the rents.
Nov. 27. Today again some money was needed for housekeeping. But as a
little had come in yesterday and today, we had enough.
Nov. 28. Last evening 10s. came in, which was just enough to supply
this days need. We are now again penniless.
Nov. 29. A great part of the articles, which were sent this day week
from the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton, have now been disposed of
for 5l. 11s.; we are, therefore, supplied for today and tomorrow.
Dec. 2. Since the last money has been given out for housekeeping,
only 1l. 12s. has come in but as 1l. 10s. of this had been given for
the rents, I had only 2s. in hand, when brother B., the master at the
Boys-Orphan-House, came this morning, and told me that the need of
today would be at least 2l. I gave him the 2s. which I had, and
proposed that we should pray together for more means. WHILE WE WERE
IN PRAYER, a brother called. After prayer brother B. left me, and the
brother who had come gave me 5l. As soon as he had left, I went
joyfully with the money to the Orphan-Houses, to prevent the bakers
being sent away. This evening I received still further 2l. Thus the
Lord has richly supplied our need for today and tomorrow.
Dec. 3. The Lord has remembered again our need for tomorrow. I
received today from Liverpool 15s.; and from a brother in the
neighbourhood of London, who had been staying here for a season, 5l.;
also 1l. by the sale of some articles.
Dec. 4. It has been repeatedly our prayer during the last month and
in the beginning of this, that the Lord would be pleased to give us
again so much means, before the time of the public meetings, which
are fixed for the 10th, 11th, and 12th, of this month, that, when we
speak about His dealings with us during this year, we might also
respecting the close of it have again to speak, to His praise, of the
abundance which we had in hand. At the end of last year we made the
same request, and the Lord granted it. Now today, as an answer to
this our often repeated request, I received from the East Indies
100l., to be laid out for the Orphans, or the other objects of the
Institution. Respecting this money it is to be noticed: 1. The great
distance from whence it is sent. 2. That it comes just now, and thus
enables us to speak at the meetings of this rich supply after our
trials. 3. It furnishes us with means to order Bibles, as one half of
the money will be taken for the other funds; there having been a
great inquiry for Bibles lately, and we have not been able to meet
the demand, for want of means. Respecting this point also we have
prayed repeatedly, and now the Lord has answered our petition. How
very precious it is to wait on the Lord! What an abundant proof have
we in this donation, that all our late straits, as it regards means,
were only allowed for the trial of our faith! This evening came in
still further 1l. 5s.
Dec. 9. Since Dec. 4 several small donations have come in, so that
unto the last day of this fourth year of the Orphan-work the Lord has
continued His kindness to us.
On Dec. 10, 11, and 12 we had public meetings, at which the account
of the Lords dealings with us in reference to the Orphan-Houses and
the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution was given.
During the whole of the past year, as formerly, the labourers who are
engaged in the work had kept their trials and their joys of faith to
themselves; but now we considered the time to have come, when, for
the benefit of the church at large, and to the glory of our Lord, we
should make our boast in Him.--It is now (i. e. on Dec. 10, 1839) five
years and nine months since the Scriptural Knowledge Institution has
been in operation. In addition to what has been said about the Lords
dealings with us, more especially in regard to the funds, I make a
few more remarks, with reference to His kindness to us, in other
respects, during the last year. 1. During the last year also we have
been enabled to continue to provide all the needful expenses
connected with the six Day-Schools, three for boys and three for
girls. The number of the children, who are at present in them,
amounts to 286. The number of all the children that have had
schooling in the Day Schools, through the medium of the Institution,
since its formation, amounts to 1795. 2. There are at present 226
children in the Sunday School. 3. There are 14 taught to read in the
Adult School, and there have been about 130 adults instructed in that
School, since the formation of the Institution. 4. There have been
circulated during the last year 514 copies of the Scriptures, and
5592 since March 5, 1834. 5. There has been laid out during the last
year 91l. 6s. for Missionary purposes. 6. There have been received
into the three Orphan-Houses from Dec. 9, 1838, to Dec. 9, 1839, 16
orphans. There are at present 96 orphans in the three houses. The
number of all the orphans, who have been under our care from April
11, 1836, to Dec. 9, 1839, amounts to 126.
I notice further the following points in connexion with the
Orphan-Houses.
1. Without any one having been asked for any thing by us, the sum of
3,067l. 8s. 9 1/4d. has been given to us, entirely as the result of
prayer to God, from the commencement of the work up to Dec. 9, 1839.
2. Besides this, there have also been sent many articles of clothing,
furniture, and provisions, for the use of the Orphans. 3. Without our
solicitation, three medical gentlemen (one for each house), have up
to this time, kindly given their attendance and medicines
gratuitously. 4. The hand of God is most manifest in that we have had
so little sickness, considering that so many persons during this
autumn have been suffering from fever, etc. Even in this particular I
desire publicly to acknowledge the Lords peculiar kindness to us. 5.
Though most of the children have been brought up in a very different
manner from what we could desire, yet the Lord has constrained them,
on the whole, during this year also, to behave exceedingly well, so
much so that it has continued to attract the attention of all
observers. 6. That, however, which gives us the chief ground for
thankfulness, so far as the children are concerned, is, that in eight
of them we perceive decided proofs of a real change of heart and of
faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, so that they have been received into
church fellowship. We are not surprised that these children, who are
from 9 years old and upwards, have been converted; for the conversion
of the orphans under our care has been a frequent subject of prayer
among us, and that of late more than ever; so that we fully expect,
if the Lord shall continue to give prayer for them, that soon many
more will be brought to believe in the Lord Jesus.
The total of the expenses, connected with the objects of the
Institution, exclusive of the Orphan-Houses, from Nov. 19, 1838, to
Nov. 19, 1839, is 542l. 13s. The balance in hand on Nov. 19, 1839,
was 18s. 5d. The total of the expenses connected with the three
Orphan-Houses, from Dec. 9, 1838, to Dec. 9, 1839, is 960l. 9s. 2
3/4d. The balance in hand on Dec 9, 1839, was 46l. 8s. ld.
Dec. 24. This morning we wanted again more money for the Orphans than
there was in hand. It is only eight days since the last public
meeting, when there was a balance of 46l. 8s. ld. in hand. On this
account we disposed of some silver articles and books which had been
sent within the last days for the benefit of the Orphans, by which
means we have enough for today and tomorrow.
Dec. 31. My health is much better than for years. My mental powers
also are as good as they have been at any time during the last three
years. I ascribe this to Gods blessing, through the instrumentality
of early rising, and plunging my head into cold water when I rise.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1839.
I. As to the church--68 brethren and sisters brother Craik and I
found in fellowship when we came to Bristol.
573 have been admitted to fellowship since we came to Bristol.
641 would be, therefore, the total number of those in fellowship with
us, had there been no changes. But
40 have fallen asleep;
33 are under church discipline
55 saints have left Bristol;
38 have left us, but are still in Bristol;
166 are therefore to be deducted from 641, so that there are only 475
at present in fellowship with us.
During the last year have been added 115, of whom 34 have been
brought to the knowledge of the Lord among us.
II. As to my temporal supplies.
The Lord has been pleased to give me during the past year
1. By the Freewill Offerings through the boxes £137 4s. 5d.
2. By Presents in money, from saints residing in and out of Bristol
£121 18s. 0d.
3. By Money through family connexion £42 0s. 0d.
4. By Presents in clothes, provisions, &c., which were worth to us at
least £12 0s. 0d.
Altogether £313 2s. 5d.
January 1, 1840. Our usual meeting last night was most precious! We
continued together from seven till half-past twelve. Of all the
similar meetings which we have had, it was, according to my judgment,
by far the best. Not more than five prayed; but there was much more
real prayer than at former meetings.--This morning, about one hour
after midnight, when our prayer meeting was over, I received a paper
with some money sealed up in it for the Orphans. A few minutes
afterwards I remembered that the individual who gave it was in debt,
and I was aware she had been repeatedly asked by her creditors for
payment; I resolved therefore, with out opening the paper, to return
it, as no one has a right to give whilst in debt. This was done when
I knew that there was not enough in hand to meet the expences of the
day. About eight this morning a brother brought 5l., which he had
received just then from his mother, for the Orphans. Observe, the
brother is led to bring it at once! The Lord knew our need, and
therefore this brother could not delay bringing the money. A few
hours after I received 5l. more, and 8s. 5d., also 2s. 6d., so that
we are now again supplied for three or four days.
Jan. 5. Besides the 10l. 10s. 11d, which came in on New-years day,
there came in on the 2nd and 4th 3l. 0s. 7d. But when now we were
again without a penny, there came in 5s., and 6d., and 1s. Also 2l.
with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, and 1l. 10s. for rent.
Jan. 7. Today, when there were again only a few shillings in hand, as
since the 5th had come in only 3s., I gave myself to prayer, when,
just after I had risen from my knees, a sister came and brought 1l.,
as a thank-offering to the Lord for the many mercies of the past
year. There came in still further today, by ten different donations
and the sale of two Reports, 2l. 17s.
Jan. 8. There were only a few shillings more in hand than was needed
for housekeeping today. Nevertheless our kind Father remembered us
before the day was over. A sister, a servant, gave me 15s.; also with
Ecclesiastes ix. 10, came in 5l. 5s., from two sisters 6s, ld., and
by sale of Reports 3s.
Jan. 22. I have repeatedly asked the Lord for means to be able to
order more Bibles, as two sorts were again exhausted. There is
moreover scarcely enough money in hand to pay the teachers next
Saturday. This afternoon I received from a sister 14l. 2s. 7d., which
she had had in the Savings Bank. She considered that this money
would be better used in the Lords work, than left in the Savings
Bank. Thus I was enabled to order some Bibles.
From Jan. 8th to 22nd came in 34l. 9s. 5d. for the Orphans, and the
donations were so seasonable, that always either something was given,
or articles which had been given for sale could be disposed of,
before the last money had been expended. But as there was today again
only very little in hand, I was led to open the orphan-box in my
house, in which I found two papers, the one containing 10s., the
other a 5l. note. In both papers was written Eccles. ix. 10. There
came in today still further above 5l. Thus our Lord has sent us what
we are likely to need for three or four days to come.
Jan. 25. I have been much in prayer this week about going to Germany:
1, To see certain brethren who purpose to go as Missionaries to the
East Indies; and 2, To see my father once more. I am led to go just
now, instead of delaying it, because my health is again so failing,
that it seems desirable I should leave Bristol at all events, and
thus I could continue to serve in the work of the Lord, and yet
attend to the benefit of my health at the same time. Lord, keep me
from making a mistake in this matter!
Jan, 31, Since Jan. 22 several small donations came in for the
Orphans, and several pounds by the sale of silver articles, trinkets,
&c. But as I have had to pay out today 11l. 13s., we are now again
very poor. For many days past we have been so helped, that money has
always come in, before all was spent. Now there is only 1s. 5d. in
hand. The Lord will provide! I feel quite comfortable, though in
three days I shall have to leave the work for several week.--About
three hours after I had written the above, came in 1l. 14s. l 1/2d.
In the afternoon I received still further from Tottenham for the
Orphans 10l., and in the evening from Hereford 30l., of which latter
sum there was 6l. for the Orphans, and 24l. for the other objects of
the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. Thus the Lord will kindly allow
me to leave a little money behind on my departure, and I have also a
still further answer to my prayer for means to purchase Bibles, for
which I have asked the Lord repeatedly, and which he began to answer
by the donation which I received on the 22nd. I have received 5l.
besides for the other objects.
Feb. 1. I have now felt quite sure for several days past, that I
should leave Bristol for a season, and go to Germany. If the Lord
permit, I shall leave the day after tomorrow.
Feb. 2. Today and yesterday has come in still further, before my
departure, nearly 9l. for the Orphans. How kind of the Lord to send
this money just now, on the eve of my leaving home!
Feb. 3. Today I left Bristol for Berlin.
On Feb. 5th I left London in the steamer for Hamburg. Though it had
been so very stormy for several weeks past, the Lord gate us a very
favourable passage; the first, as the captain said, which they had
had for several weeks. We landed at Hamburg on the 7th at five in the
afternoon. The porter who carried my things led me, as I afterwards
found out, some by-way, either to save a long distance, or to get me
into the city with my luggage, though it was after the custom-house
hours. I did not understand this at first; but, when we were about to
enter the city, he told me that that was not the proper way, but that
if I would give to the custom-house officer, whom I should presently
see at the entrance into the city, a small fee, he would let me pass.
My reply was that I did not wish to do what was unlawful, nor should
I give a fee to encourage what was unlawful, and that I would rather
go a long way round, than get by such means into the city. Presently
we arrived at the place at which the custom-house officer stood, who,
on my telling him plainly that I had not the least wish to pass that
way, if it were unlawful, saw that I was only a passenger, and that I
had no wish to get into the city with goods which are not duty free,
and therefore let me pass. This little circumstance proves afresh in
how many little things the children of God may act differently from
the world, to the glory of their Father, and how in going the Lords
way, we find it to be, even as far as this life is concerned, the
easiest path.--About half an hour after, when I arrived at the hotel,
a little circumstance served afresh to remind me, that the Christian,
like the bee, might suck honey out of every flower. I saw upon a
snuffer-stand in bas-relief, "A heart, a cross under it, and roses
under both." The meaning was obviously this, that the heart which
bears the cross for a time meets with roses afterwards. I applied it
to myself, and this little event greatly cheered my heart in this
place, where I was without the fellowship of a single believer.
I left Hamburg in the evening of Feb. 8th, travelled all night, all
day, and the whole of the second night, and reached Berlin on the
morning of the 10th. I confessed not the Lord Jesus on this long
journey, which I record here to my shame; nor did I give any other
testimony for Jesus in the steamer, than merely refraining from the
light and trifling conversation of the party, and all this after I
had had on my way from Bristol to London a fresh encouragement in
conversing with a gay traveller addicted to drinking, who evidently
listened with a measure of attention, and with a desire of having his
chains broken.
From Feb. 10th to 20th I was in Berlin. I think it is likely that
eight or nine brethren and sisters will go from hence to the East
Indies.--After having been greatly helped by the Lord in my work, the
first and special object of my journey to the Continent; mercifully
kept by Him in the narrow path and in great peace, whilst surrounded
with temptations on every side; and after having also seen afresh
abundant reason to praise the Lord for all the way in which He had
led me since I lived here in 1828 and 1829; I left Berlin on the
evening of Feb. 20th for Magdeburg, which I reached on the morning of
the 21st, and on the same evening I arrived at my fathers house.--In
all human probability I now see my dear father the last time. He is
evidently much weaker than he was two years ago, and coughs much
more. What has the Lord done for me since I lived in the house where
I am now! The two rooms where I am now most in prayer, reading the
Word, and confessing His name, were those very rooms in which I
sinned most, whilst living here many years ago. I have had again
opportunity, most fully to bring out the truth about the work of the
Lord Jesus before my father, whilst conversing a long time with a
woman in his hearing, to whom I showed from the Scriptures, that we
are to be saved, not by our own works, but simply by faith in the
Lord Jesus, who bore the punishment instead of us, and who fulfilled
the law in our room.
Feb. 24 and 25. I am still at Heimersleben. My dear father is very
weak.
Feb. 26. This morning I left Heimersleben. I took leave of my father
most probably for the last time. It has been a great pleasure to me,
and I consider it a great privilege, to have been permitted by the
Lord once more to see my father, once more personally to show him
filial love and regard, and once more to set the truth before him. He
has been again during the whole of this my stay most affectionate to
me, as he was during my two former visits to him since I left the
Continent to reside in England. How cheerfully should I have left him
this morning, did I know him to be safe in Jesus! But, alas! he as
yet is not resting upon Christ, though he is so far religious as to
read prayers and the Bible.--After I had left him I went to my
faithful and beloved friend, brother Stahlschmidt, at Sandersleben,
but found him absent from home.
Brother Kroll, the servant of brother Stahlschmidt, [whom I have
mentioned in the first part of my Narrative,] received me with much
affection. When this brother first came to Sandersleben in 1829,
there was scarcely a single true Christian besides his master in the
little town. Soon afterwards he began to hold meetings, which were
attended by the two or three who loved the Lord Jesus. These meetings
were for a long time suffered to go on quietly; but when the Lord
blessed them, and others were stirred up to care about their souls,
brother Kroll had to appear before the magistrates, and was forbidden
to hold them. When this was of no effect, (as he considered that he
ought only to obey earthly rulers in things in which he could do so
with a good conscience,) and they continued still to meet together,
the police came into one of their meetings, and forced them to
discontinue it. When even this availed nothing, the brethren were
finally threatened that every one who attended these meetings should
pay three thalers, and every one who read or spoke at them should pay
five, which is a large sum in Germany for poor people. But
notwithstanding all these obstacles, the few poor saints continue
their meetings, but in secret, to be unmolested by the police. They
have now neither a stated place nor a fixed time for their meetings.
On the second and third evenings, whilst I was at Sandersleben, I met
with them. On the second evening we were in the room of a poor
weaver. The dear brethren would have me sit on the only chair which
was in the room. It was a very small room, perhaps twice as large as
the loom, which was in it. There were about twenty-five or thirty
persons present, many of whom had seated themselves in and under the
loom, and the rest sat on two or three little forms. These meetings
were very precious. The very fact of going to them with the feeling
of having to pay the fine, or to suffer an adequate imprisonment,
should one be found there, makes them to be doubly valued; and I
believe that the Lords double blessing rests upon them. I spoke long
both times; indeed, as long as I had strength, and the dear people
seemed to eat the Word.--I have so circumstantially related these
facts, that thereby the children of God in Great Britain may be led
more highly to value their religious privileges, and to make good use
of them whilst they are continued.
It is worthy of remark, that while the meeting at Sandersleben were
permitted to continue, there was no believing clergyman in the little
town; but about the time that they were forbidden, the Lord sent a
brother who truly preaches the gospel. I had for some hours refeshing
and most affectionate brotherly intercourse with Him. May the Lord
let His blessing rest upon him, and help him to be a faithful witness
for God in that dark neighbourhood!
I had travelled so fast, and stayed so short a time in the places
where I had been, that I was obliged to leave Heimersleben without
having received the letter which I had expected from my wife there, a
matter of no small trial (as those who have been for some time at a
great distance from home, know it to be); especially in my case, as,
on account of the Orphans and the other work, besides my family, it
was of so much importance for me to hear from time to time. I had
arranged with my father to have the letter sent to me to
Sandersleben, by an express messenger, who could be obtained for a
small remuneration. However, hour after hour passed away, on the
27th, and the messenger did not arrive. At last the time was gone by,
as it was getting dark, and the person ought to have come at noon. I
now lifted up my heart to the Lord, beseeching Him to give me grace
to give up my own will in this thing. No sooner had I been brought
into such a state, as to be TRULY content and satisfied with the will
of the Lord in this matter, than the expected letter was handed over
to me. The woman who brought it had lost her way in the morning, on
account of a dense fog, which made her so late. I have frequently
found, under similar circumstances, that after I had been brought
into such a state as to be willing to give up my own will, whereby I
was fitted to bear the blessing, the Lord gave me the desire of my
heart, according to the truth of that word: "Delight thyself also in
the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm
xxxvii. 4.