A Narrative of Some of the Lord\'s Dealings with George Mueller

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April 29. One of the labourers gave 10l. for missionary purposes,
whereby at least one of the most needy among the brethren who labour in
the Word could be helped.--It has pleased God not to allow me, during
the last five months, to have the honour of helping the dear brethren,
who labour in the Word, to the same extent as the eighteen months
before. I confess that I am not worthy to be used any longer by the Lord
as a steward, to assist these His servants; still my heart craves after
it, and still prays that God would count me worthy for His dear Son's
sake to supply me with means for them, as I know they are in great need,
and many of them, through particular circumstances, in far greater need
than ever.

May 26, 1848. By the Lord's faithful love I have been enabled to meet
all the heavy expenses connected with these objects during the last two
years, amounting to nearly Two Thousand Six Hundred Pounds, and at the
same time owe no one anything, and have a balance of 5l. 19s. 7 1/4 d.
left in hand.

Supplies for the support of the Orphans, sent in answer to prayer, from
May 26, 1846, to May, 26, 1848.

May 26, 1846. Scarcely ever had we so much in hand, and certainly not
for the last eight years, when the accounts were closed, as at this
time. This evening I received 100l. It being left to me to apply this
sum as I felt led, and as it might be needed, I put half of it to the
Orphan Fund, and the other half to the fund for the other objects.

June 4. Today I received 50l. for the Orphans together with 100l. for
the other objects. This money came the instant after I had risen from my
knees, to ask the Lord for more means, as, on account of needing about
75l. for the printing of the Report, 23l. for oatmeal, 19l. for
fittings, 25l. for rent, and 26l. for the sisters who labour in the
Orphan-Houses (which sums are shortly to be paid), we shall soon again
need more.

Jan. 20, 1847. For the whole of this period since May 26, 1846,
therefore nearly eight months, when the accounts were closed, we have
had always an abundance of means, and for the greater part of the time
about 200l. in hand. The sum of One Thousand Sixty-Five Pounds has come
in for the Orphans in less than eight months, to which is to be added
the balance of 85l. 4s. 9 3/4 d. in hand when the accounts were closed.
Invariably I have thus been able to give to the Matrons of the four
Orphan-Houses the money in advance, which was required for the
necessities of one week. But now, after having paid away last evening
45l. 5s. for the house-keeping of a week in advance and for other
expenses, the money which remains in hand is needed for rent, and
oatmeal, which has been ordered from Scotland. This morning therefore I
gave myself particularly to prayer with regard to means for present use
for the Orphans. How blessed to have the living God to go to!
Particularly precious to know Him in these days of widespread distress!
Potatoes are too dear for food for the Orphans at this time. The rice,
which we have substituted instead of them, is twice as dear as usual;
the oatmeal more than twice as dear; and the bread one-half dearer than
usual. But the riches of God are as great as ever. He knows that our
expenses are great. He knows that a little will not do in these days,
when provisions are so dear, as there are about 150 persons to be
provided for, including teachers and apprentices. My soul is at peace.
-- Evening. About noon I received from a pious physician the following
note, with a check for 5l.

"My dear sir, I send you something towards buying bread for the Orphans.
The dearness of food must be felt by many; but the Lord in judgment is
nevertheless gracious He will sustain. I am your sincere friend and
well-wisher.

"* * * *"

From Maidenhead I received still further this evening 5s.

Jan. 21. Having had to pay out this morning 5l. 2s. 6d. for oatmeal for
present use, before the arrival of the larger quantity of a ton and a
half ordered from Scotland, there was again only 2s. 6d. left of the
money which had come in yesterday. About 1 o'clock this afternoon I
received 1l. through a Christian lady of Bristol from "a poor gardener."
There came in also-still further 1s. by sale of Reports and 1l. 2s. 6d.
from London.

Jan. 22. A brother from Devonshire came here on business, to obtain some
money which was owed to him. He did not obtain it; but God used him as
an instrument to bring me some money, for he gave me 10s. for the
Orphans. There came in still further by sale of trinkets and old silver
12l. 8s. 5d.

Jan. 23. By sale of books and some music 2l. 10s.

Jan. 24. Profits from the sale of ladies' bags 1l.--During this
period also two sisters kindly made some ladies' bags and baskets, and
gave the profits arising from the sale for the benefit of the Orphans.

On the 25th and 26th came in still further 2l. 4s. 1 3/4 d., so that,
when in the evening of the 26th at our usual weekly meeting for prayer
and conference I met with the brethren and sisters, who labour in the
various day schools and Orphan-Houses (then seventeen in number), I was
again able, by means of the 26l. 1s. 0 3/4 d., which the Lord had sent in
during the week, to give to the four matrons of the Orphan-Houses all
the needful supplies for the coming week. That which remained was put by
towards the rent of the houses. Our prayer now was, that the Lord would
be pleased again to send in fresh supplies, that we might have at the
next meeting all that might be needed for the week after.

Feb. 2, Tuesday. When we met this evening for prayer and conference, it
was found, that, whilst there had been nothing left in hand after our
meeting this day week (except money put by for oatmeal and rent), there
had come in altogether during the week 29l. 18s. 18 1/2 d. The way in
which the Lord supplied us with those means was as follows: On the 26th
and 27th I received 10s., and 10s. as profits from the sale of ladies'
bags. On the 27th from London 3l., and also 5s. From C. C. 2l. From
Braunton a purse with 6s. From Barnstaple 1l. On the 28th anonymously
from London, from J. W. A., 5l. with these words: "From the giver of
all, through one of His stewards." On the 29th from Sodbury 2s. 6d. On
the 30th from Droitwich 5s. 6d. Also anonymously by post 5s. worth of
postages with these words: "A sip of milk and a crust of bread for a
poor Orphan." Also from C. C. 10s. On the 31st an old shilling and
sixpence, a small silver pencil case, and a pair of small ear-drops.--
Feb. 1. Before breakfast I took a direction in my usual morning's
walk, in which I had not been for many weeks, feeling drawn in that
direction, just as if God had an intention in leading me in that way.
Returning home I met a Christian gentleman whom formerly I used to meet
almost every morning, but whom I had not met for many weeks, because I
had not been walking in that direction. He stopped me and gave me 21.
for the Orphans. Then I knew why I bad been led thus; for there is not
yet enough in hand, to supply the matrons tomorrow evening with the
necessary means for housekeeping during another week.--There came in
still further today for needlework done by the Orphans 1l. 17s. 7d. Also
4s. 5d., the contents of an Orphan box.--On Feb. 2nd came in 2l. 5s.
11d., by sale of a Report 4d., and by sale of stockings 9s. 3d.--On
Jan. 30th a box came from London. It contained 4 brooches, a gold chain,
2 pairs of earrings, 2 gold watch hooks, a locket, a ring, 2 parts of
gold chains, a rich silk dress, a silk cloak, a glass bottle, some
music, 39 books, 18 knitted doilies, and a pair of knitting pins. Some
of these articles were today, Feb. 2, sold for 8l. 2s. 3d.--There
came in further by the sale of articles and Reports, 4s. 1d., by the
boxes in the Orphan-Houses and at my house 1l. 2s., and anonymously was
sent 5s. worth of postages. Here then, dear reader, you have a specimen
how the Lord does week after week supply us--I said 29l. 18s. 10 1/2
d. had come in during the week. As, however, I was informed that the
arrival of the oatmeal from Scotland had been announced, and that it was
much dearer than I had expected, i.e. nearly three times as dear as
formerly, I found that there had not been sufficient money put by, and
took therefore in the first place what was yet needed for that. In
consequence of this I had only 10l. 14s. left for housekeeping, which I
divided among the matrons, being fully assured that the Lord would again
send in means, before that was spent. I went home in great peace, though
all the money I possessed for present use for the Orphans was only three
half-farthings.

Feb. 4. Yesterday nothing had come in. This morning, just before I was
going to give myself to prayer about the Orphans, a sister in the Lord
sent a sovereign, winch she had received, as she writes, "From a friend
who had met the Orphan Boys, and was particularly pleased with their
neat and orderly appearance." After having received this 1l., I prayed
for means for present use, though not confining my prayers to that.
About a quarter of an hour after I had risen from my knees, I received a
letter, with an order for 5l. The donor writes, that it is "the proceeds
of a strip of land, sold to the railway company." What various means
does the Lord employ to send us help, in answer to our prayers!--
About half an hour after having received this 5l., there was sent 10s.,
being the profits from the sale of ladies' bags. This evening was
received still further, by the sale of some trinkets, 1l. 18s. Thus I am
able to send all the remainder of the money, which is yet needed for
housekeeping up to Tuesday, Feb. 9th.

The Lord's holy name be praised for this fresh precious help!

Feb. 5. 1l. 4s. 10d. has come in today.

Feb. 7. Lord's day. Yesterday nothing had come in. In two days again
about 20l. will be needed for housekeeping, and there was only about the
tenth part in hand. But I was not in the least disturbed about this.
There are also new clothes to be found for the 32 Orphans in the Boys'
Orphan-House, which likewise will cost many pounds. That expense also, I
believed, God would help me to meet. Now observe the Lord's kindness!
On returning this morning from the meeting, I found the following letter
containing 50l.

"* * * *, Feb. 6, 1847.

"Beloved Brother,

"Having been led, during the past year, to see the unscripturalness of
life insurance, which I had been carrying on for some years previously,
I now enclose you the sum which I received from the office, on returning
to them my policy, viz. 22l. 8s., and the payment due about this time,
eleven guineas, as a thank-offering to the Lord for having, chiefly by
means of the work in which you are engaged in Bristol, opened my eyes in
some little measure to His will with regard to His pilgrim people here.
I ask your prayers on my behalf, dearest brother, amongst the many who
must be on your heart, for singleness of eye, to walk with God by faith,
that 'the whole body may be full of light,' and that I may not be
permitted to darken the little light I have, by serving any other
master.

I add also ten pounds, which you will kindly apply to the help of those
who are labouring in the Gospel abroad, or if more urgent, at home. Also
will you oblige me by accepting six pounds for your own use.

Of several Reports (which you sent me for distribution) I have received
payment for three, for which I enclose one shilling. The first items
please apply for the use of the Orphan-Houses, as you may see best."
&c.

Thus the Lord has given by one donation 34l. for the Orphans.--I have
also in this another answer, in receiving 10l. for missionary brethren,
for whom I had of late been especially seeking help from the Lord.--
This evening I received still further from C. C. 1l. 10s. 0 1/2 d.

Feb. 9. There was received today by sale of articles 3l. 9s. 8d. When I
met again this evening with my fellow-labourers for prayer and
conference at one of the Orphan-Houses, it was found that 48l. 12s. 6 1/2
d. had come in for present use for the Orphans during the past week,
which commenced with three half-farthings in my hands; so that there was
enough for all the expenses connected with the house-keeping of the
coming week, and the rest was put by for the rent, the apprentices, and
the boys' clothes; and as to the necessities of this day week, when
again fresh supplies will need to be given to the matrons, I am looking
to the Lord.

Feb. 10. This evening we hare received already a little towards the
expenses of the coming week. A brother gave me 10l., of which 5l. are
for the poor Irish and 5l. for the Orphans. Also 7s. 1d. from the
Orphan-box of a sister.

Feb. 11. Anonymously 2s. 6d. From Nottingham 1l. 15s.

Feb. 12. Anonymously, from a lady, 2l. to buy coals for the four
Orphan-houses.

Feb. 13. Anonymously from Islington a half-sovereign. By sale of Reports
8d.

Feb. 14. Through a sister 5s., from C. C. 8s. 3d., and anonymously 2s.
6d.

Feb. 15. From a Scotch sister 1l., by sale of stockings, Reports, and
articles 7l. 0s. 4d., from an Orphan- box 3s. O 1/2 d., from Nice 1l.,
anonymously 10s., from Cork 5s. 2d., and several shillings besides in
small donations, &c.--Thus there had come in again by this Tuesday
evening, Feb. 16th, 21l. 4s. 2d. during the past week. As, however, I
had to put by some money for the boys' clothes and rent, I could only
leave 12l. 4s. with the matrons, quite sufficient for a few days; and my
hope in God is, that He will send more, before this is gone.

Feb. 17. From the neighbourhood of Bridgewater 10s. 6d., and 1s. 1d.
came in besides. On the 18th came in 1l. more.

Feb. 19. This morning I gave myself again to prayer, importuning the
Lord that He would be pleased to send more means, as so little had come
in during the last two days. Almost immediately, after rising from my
knees, I received from Doncaster 3l. 3s. At the same tune I received
from Bromyard 5s., and 4s. from Aberystwith. About an hour later came
from a sister in the neighbourhood of Wotton-under-Edge 12s. 6d., a
lady's bag, and a knitted bread-basket cloth. Thus, with the 12l. 4s.
already given to the matrons, we are supplied till next Tuesday evening,
the 23rd of February.

Feb. 20. Today came in from the neighbourhood of Castle Cary 10s., by
sale of Reports 2l. 6d., and by sale of articles 10s. 6d. Also
anonymously a parcel from Tetbury, containing 2 shillings, a gold coin,
a silver coin, 2 copper coins, a brass coin, 4 gilt brooches, 2 silver
brooches, 3 gold brooches, 5 collars, a waistcoat, a pair of boots, 2
cloaks, and a shawl.

Feb. 21. From C. C. 14s., and 5l. with these words: "Your Heavenly
Father knoweth that ye have need of these things," and Philip iv. 19.
How true! My Heavenly Father knew that we had need of this, and
therefore put it into the heart of this donor to give this 5l. for in
two days we shall again require many pounds more than I had this
morning. Also how truly is again fulfilled in my experience at this time
Philip iv. 19.

Feb. 22. From Westmoreland a half sovereign and 1s. in postages.

Feb. 23. Anonymously a half sovereign. By sale of articles and Reports
3l. 16s. 0 1/2 d., and through an Orphan-box in my house 2s. A lady who
met the Orphans today in the fields, gave to one of the girls 2s.
Evening. Tuesday. By what the Lord has been pleased to send in during
the past week, I have enough to supply the matrons with all which is
needed during the coming week and 14s. left.

Feb. 24. From a poor brother 6s.; the produce of an Orphan-box 1s. 7 1/2
d. and a shilling bank token.--Feb. 26. From Bath 2s. 6d., and from
Droitwich 9s. 4d.

Feb. 27. Saturday evening. Only these few shillings have come in since
Tuesday evening, so that, having had to pay away several small sums
besides the housekeeping expenses, since Tuesday, nothing is in hand
towards supplying the matrons with housekeeping money next Tuesday.--
Received this evening from C. C. 5l., 6s. 6d. and anonymously from
Totness 1s. 6d. worth of postages.

Feb. 28. Today came in still further from the Hot-wells 3s. 6d., and
10l. as the profits of shares which the donor has in a certain concern.
How kind of the Lord to help us thus so seasonably in our poverty!

March 1. By work and knitting of the Orphans 1l. 4s. 8d. and from E. N.
10s.

March 2. By sale of articles 8l. 10s. 6d., and by sale of a Report 4d.
From H. C. as "A thank-offering to the Lord" 1l. From Manchester 1l.
From London 13s. From Staffordshire 1s.--Thus by this evening the
Lord has again sent in during the past week 29l. 8s. 11 1/2 d., whereby I
had enough to advance the house-keeping expenses to the matrons of the
four Orphan-Houses for the coming week, and to meet some other
expenses.

March 3. Received 6s. 7d.--March 4. 1l. from the neighbourhood of
Stroud, as "a thank-offering to God for partial recovery from
sickness."--Also from Bath 5l.--A gentleman gave anonymously to the
governess of the Infant Orphans 2l.--I also received the following
letter today: "Dear Sir, When my dear brother John died, he had one
shilling and fourpence halfpenny owing to him which he intended for the
Orphans. As I received it today, I now send it to you. He said 'Jesus
will never forsake the Orphans.' M. W." The paper contained 1s. 7 3/4
d. and a quarter of a gilder. This legacy came from a dear boy who I
hear died in the faith.--March 5. From Clevedon 2s. 6d.--March 6.
The proceeds of an Orphan-box 7s. 1d.

March 7. Only 8l. 17s. 9 3/4 d. had come in since the 2nd, and the day
after tomorrow fresh supplies will need to be given to the matrons for
house-keeping, Under these circumstances I received this morning 150l.,
of which the donor intends 100l. for labourers in the Lord's vineyard
at home and abroad, and 50l. for other work in my hands. Of this 50l. I
took 25l. for the Orphans, and 25l. for the School--Bible--and Tract
Fund. Thus we are helped afresh.--There came in besides from C. C.
6s., from a lady 1l., and anonymously 1s. 4d.

March 8. This morning I received still further from Falmouth a bank
order for 4l. from a brother "As a thank-offering to the Lord for
bringing him safely back to his native land;" 2l. of this amount is for
the Orphans, 1l. for Brother Craik, and 1l. for my own personal
necessities. Also 10s. from an Orphan-box, and 10s. from a sister.

March 6. By sale of articles and Reports 4l. 13s. 2d., from a poor
brother 6d., and through the boxes in my house
1l. 1s. 6d.--This evening, Tuesday, I find that since last
Tuesday evening again 44l. 1s. 6 3/4 d. has come in. Thus I have the
means to meet all the house-keeping expenses during the coming week, and
something will be left to put by towards the rent, the current expenses
for the apprentices, &c. How good is the Lord in helping us week after
week through the heavy expenses, especially in this season of deep
distress and dearness of provisions! To His praise I can say, we have
lacked nothing all this winter.

Whilst preparing these extracts from my journal for the press, I
remember to have heard the following remarks made with reference to the
time about which I am just now writing, namely the season of dearth
during the winter of 1846-7: "I wonder how it is now with the Orphans?
If Mr. Miller is now able to provide for them as he has, we will say
nothing." When I heard such remarks, I said nothing except this: "We
lack nothing:" or, "God helps us." Should this fall into the hands of
any who have had such thoughts, let them remember that it is the very
time for faith to work, when sight ceases. The greater the difficulties,
the easier for faith. As long as there remain certain natural prospects,
faith does not get on even as easily (if I may say so), as when all
natural prospects fail. It is true that during the time of the dearth
our expenses were considerably greater than usual it is also true that
many persons, who otherwise might have given, were unable to do so, or
had their surplus directed into other channels, such as Ireland, &c.;
but the gold and silver are the Lord's. To Him we made our prayer. In
Him we put our trust. And He did not forsake us.' For we went as
easily through that winter as through any winter since the work had been
in existence. Nor could it be otherwise; for God had at this very time
an especial opportunity of showing the blessedness of trusting in Him.
Seek, dear reader, more and more to put your trust in Him for
everything, and you will even concerning this life find it most precious
so to do.

March 10. I was able, last evening, to meet most comfortably all the
expenses for the coming week; yet we had then nothing left, as I put by
the rest of the money, that we might not get into debt with regard to
the rent, the expenses of the apprentices, &c. When now there was again
nothing left for future house-keeping expenses, a Christian lady at a
considerable distance informed me by this mornings post, that she has
paid into the hands of Messrs. Stuckey and Co. of Bristol, my bankers,
the sum of 100l. for my use, for the benefit of the Orphans. By the same
post I have received also 10s. from Droitwich. The Lord's holy name be
praised for this seasonable help! I have now all the rent for next
quarter day, am able to purchase two pieces of calico which were needed,
a fresh supply of rice and soap, and to meet other heavy expenses in the
way of certain alterations and improvements to be made in the four
houses, about which I had repeatedly asked the Lord.

May 1. From March 10th up to this day came in the sum of 132l. 10s. 5 3/4
d. Before the means in hand were expended, the Lord always gave a fresh
supply. This evening, Saturday May 1st, I gave myself especially to
prayer for means, as we were now again very poor, there being no means
to meet the house-keeping expenses on next Tuesday evening, when fresh
supplies are to be given to the matrons. About half an hour, after I had
risen from my knees, I received from a Friend to the Institution a
letter, containing 10l. Of this sum 8s. 5d. is from twenty poor Orphans
under his care, who, having read one of my Reports, desired him to send
to the Orphans in Bristol their little donations, each having
contributed from 2d. to 8d., 5s. 6d. is from an aged Christian, 10s.
from a servant of the donor, and 8l. 16s. 1d. from himself, to makeup
the 10l.

May 2. There came in still further from C. C. 1l., from a Christian lady
10s., from a Christian servant 5s., and anonymously 10s.

May 4. Today was received for articles and Reports 1l. 16s. 1d., and
through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 16s. 8 1/2 d. Thus I was able this
evening, by what had come in since Saturday evening, May 1, to meet the
house-keeping expenses of the coming week.

May 11. Another week is gone by. This evening also I have been able to
meet all the expenses connected with house-keeping during the coming
week, through what has come in since May 4th, but at the same time there
is nothing left. Hitherto the children have lacked nothing. Never were
provisions nearly so dear since the commencement of the work, as they
are now. The bread is almost twice as much as eighteen months ago, the
oatmeal nearly three times as much as formerly, the rice more than
double the usual price, and no potatoes can be used, on account of their
exceeding high price. But though I have now returned from the
Orphan-Houses, without any means being left in my hands for further
supplies, yet my heart is in peace, in great peace, being sure that the
Lord will help.

May 12. The Lord is beginning to help already. This evening I have
received 4l. from Scarborough.

May 13. This morning I received 6s. from the neighbourhood of Bideford.
This afternoon was given to me 50l., being left to my disposal, as it
might be most needed. Being so exceedingly poor as to means for the
Orphans, and having heavy expenses to meet, I put this 50l. to the
Orphan-Fund for present use. Thus I am able to order oatmeal from
Scotland, which is nearly out, put by money for the rent, pay for
medical attendance for the children, &c. How good is the Lord, in
helping us so seasonably in this time of great dearness of provisions!
-- There came in still further today 5s.--On May 14th from O. 1s.,
"through walking a short distance instead of riding."--On May 16th
from C. C. 13s. 1d. From O. 3s. being "the first fruits of increase of
wages." From the Isle of Wight 17s. 9d., from Hayle 2l., from Plymouth
15s.--On May 17th from a Christian lady 5s., from E. A. B. 13s. 6d.,
and from C. B. 13s. 10 1/2 d.--On May 18th by sale of articles and
Reports 2l. 6s. 4d. Though thus since last Tuesday evening, May 11th,
about 63l. has come in, yet as there have been heavy extra expenses to
meet in the course of the week, besides the usual amount required for
housekeeping for the coming week, and as I need to put by about 20l. for
oatmeal which has been ordered from Scotland, we are again without
anything in hand.

May 19. This morning the Lord has again begun to send in a little. I
received from Bath 1l., and from a Colonel in the Presidency of Madras
2l.--May 20th. From Worcester 1l., and from a sick little boy
6d.--May 23rd. From C. C. 5l. 2s. 4d. Also a stranger called at
the infant Orphan-House, bought books to the amount of 8s. 1d., and
gave a sovereign for them.

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