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

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Oct. 12. Received in an anonymous letter 1s. 8d. From the Isle of Man
2s. 6d. By sale of Reports 1l. 13s. 6d. Through a brother in Scotland
1l.--From two young gentlemen at Clifton 4s.--From Street 1s. 6d.
-- Through an Orphan-box 2s. 1d.

Oct. 13. From some believers near Kingsbridge 1l. By sale of articles
15s. Left at the Boys' Orphan-House 5s.

Oct. 14. From Bideford 2l. By sate of Reports 8s. By children's
needlework 19s. 8 1/2 d.

Oct. 15. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d. From A. S. A. 13s. 5d. From
Barnstaple 1l. From Yorkshire 5l., with these words: "Please to accept
the enclosed 5l., as a thank-offering to God for an answer to prayer, in
the conversion of a soul. I should like half of it to go to the Orphans,
the other half I leave to your discretion." The other half I put to the
Building-Fund.

Oct. 10. From Horsington 10s.--Through the boxes at my house 15s. 0
1/2 d.--From a sister 5s.

Oct. 17. From Reading 1l. By sale of Reports 5s. 6d. By sale of articles
4l. 10s. 6d.--Thus by this evening, Tuesday, the Lord had sent in
again 23l. 11s. 3d., whereby I had enough for advancing the
house-keeping expenses of the coming week, and the remainder I put by
for the rent and the current expenses for the apprentices.

Oct. 18. When now there was again nothing in hand, I received by sale of
Reports 12s., by a donation 7s, from Notts 5s. 1d., in small
contributions 12s. 3d., and 1s.

Oct. 19. Anonymously from Tottenham a half-sovereign. From Collumpton
8s. 6d. and 11s. 6d.

Oct. 20. By sale of Reports 4s. From Barnstaple 5s. From a sister 2s.
6d., and from Madeley 1s. From Dublin 5s.

Oct. 21. From Clevedon 1l. 10s. From Cirencester 1l. 13s. 4d. and also
3s.--By sale of Reports 1l. 2s. 6d.

Oct. 22. From A. S. A. 11s. 3 1/2 d. Anonymously 10s. Ditto 8d. From a
clergyman 10s. From S. 10s. By sale of Reports 1s. 6d. From a sister 5l.
Oct. 24. By sale of Reports 5s. 4d. Boxes in the Orphan-Houses 1l. 2s.
By sale of articles 3l. 2s. 1d.--Thus by this evening, Tuesday, again
20l. 4s. 11 1/2 d, had been received, and as the expenses of the coming
week for house-keeping, together with some extra expenses during the
past week, did not amount to more than 18l. 1s. 6d., I had 2l. 3s. 5 1/2
d. left, which I put by for the rent and the current expenses for the
apprentices, and am again looking to the Lord for fresh supplies, and
again assured that He will help me.

Oct. 31. Since last Tuesday evening it has pleased God again to make it
abundantly manifest that we do not wait on Him in vain. Besides many
articles, there came in 24l. 4s. 8 3/4 d. As the money which was needed
for the house-keeping expenses for the coming week, together with a few
other small expenses which I had had to meet during the last week, did
not amount to more than 19l. 19s. 3d., there was more than 4l. left,
which I put by towards the rent and the expenses for the apprentices,
and hope in God for the next week.

Nov. 1. When I came home last evening from our usual weekly prayer
meeting, I found 1l. from R. L. H. Thus the Lord has already given a
little.--There arrived today a box from Reading, containing the
following articles from various donors:

A black feather. Also two pairs of ladies' shoes and a pair of velvet
boots. Also two ladies' bags, 2 pairs of bracelets, 2 waistbands, a
pair of baby's shoes, 2 neck ribands, and some white lace.--Further,
a pair of worked slippers, a thimble case, 2 pin-cushions, a
pair of baby's stays, a lady's bag, a pocket-book, a silver brooch,
2 gilt brooches, a gilt seal, and 12 yards of calico.--Further, a box
of artificial flowers. Also an urn stand. Further, a bible and prayer
book in a case. Further, a little box containing 2 gold rings, a gilt
chain, a bead necklace, some mock pearls, and a gilt buckle.--Likewise
a paper containing a smelling bottle, a pen knife, a waist
buckle, and a card.--Further, a paper containing 2 needle-cases, a
purse, 2 little books, 2 medals, a scent bag, a little smelling bottle,
3 pebbles, and 3 mourning necklaces. Another paper, containing 4 gold
rings, a gold pin, 2 old silver thimbles, the handle of a silver fruit
knife, a snuff-box, 2 silver mounted corks, 7 pin-cushions, a
needle-book, a pair of bracelets, a bead purse, a smelling bottle, a
silver brooch, a gold brooch, a bead necklace, a pair of compasses, a
broken gold watch key, 1 shilling, an old silver thimble, an emery
cushion, a gold ring, a cloak fastener, and a little bead bag.--
Another paper, containing a silk scarf, a shawl, and some muslin for
night-caps. A paper box, containing a silver-mounted smelling bottle, a
toilette cushion, an amethyst brooch, a silver butter-knife, a pair of
gloves, and 2 shillings for missions. Another paper, containing 8 1/2
yards of blue print.--Also 50 books and some pamphlets. --Lastly, a
gauze dress, a silk dress, a collar, and 3 caps.--I have on purpose
given here at full length the contents of this box, to show what a
variety of articles, either for sale or for the use of the Orphans, has
been sent.--There arrived also today, anonymously, a box from a
considerable distance, containing more than one hundred different
articles. There was also 5s. in this box, to pay for the carriage. This
day also came in by sale of Reports 2s. 6d., and by needlework of the
Orphans 19s. 1d.

Nov. 2. From the neighbourhood of Lutterworth a half-sovereign, from a
sister in Bristol 10s., through a brother half-a-crown and 4 frocks.

Nov. 3. From S. N. 2s. 6d.

Nov. S. From A. S. A. 8s. Anonymously 2s. 6d. By sale of Reports 1s.
4d.

Nov. 6. By sale of stockings 9s. 2d. From Cumberland 5l. From Ayrshire
1l.

Nov. 7. By sale of articles 2l. 9s. 4 1/2 d., and by sale of a Report 6d.
This evening, Tuesday, as only 13l. 3s. 5 1/2 d. had come in during the
week, I had only 7l. to advance towards the house-keeping expenses of
the coming week, after having met some other expenses. But I hope in God
for more, before this is gone, which will only last two or three days.

Nov. 5. By sale of Reports came in 3s., and 2s. 6d. was given by a
relative of one of the Orphans.

Nov. 9. Only 5s. 6d. had come in yesterday. Tomorrow more money will be
needed for house-keeping. In this our poverty I received this morning
One Thousand Pounds. The money being left to me for disposal as it might
be most needed, I took of it 600l. for the Building Fund, 300l. for
missionary purposes and the circulation of bibles and tracts, and 100l.
for present use of the Orphans. I have thus the means which are yet
needed for this week's house-keeping expenses, besides being able to
meet other heavy expenses which are before me next week.

Feb. 20, 1849. For three months and ten days, since Nov. 9, 1848, the
donations have always come in so, that we abounded during the whole
period, there having been always fresh donations received, before all
the money in hand was disbursed. The total amount that came in during
this period was 469l. 14s. 10d. Now today there was no money in hand for
advancing the amount needed for the next week's house-keeping. All the
money in hand was due for rent, and therefore unavailable, as I never go
in debt for anything. In this our need there was given to me this
afternoon the sum of 200l., which was left to my disposal for fitting up
the New Orphan-House, or for any of the objects in connexion with the
Scriptural Knowledge Institution that might be in need. As, however, I
have all the means for fitting up and furnishing the New Orphan-House,
as far as I know, and as there is no money in hand for present use for
the Orphans, I took 100l. for that object, and 100l. for the circulation
of Bibles and Tracts, for the Day-Schools, the Sunday-School, and the
Adult-School, and for Home and Foreign labourers in the Word.

March 9. The New Orphan-House is now nearly ready. On this account we
have to get in large supplies for the children's clothes. Within the
last few days I have ordered thousands of yards of material for this
purpose, and thousands more will need to be ordered, besides providing a
stock of many other things. For this large sums are needed. Under these
circumstances I received today a donation of 300l., to be used for the
Building Fund, or the current expenses of the various objects, just as
it might be most required. As I judge that we have all that is needed
for the fitting up and furnishing of the house, and as there is more in
hand than usual for the missionary objects, the circulation of Bibles
and Tracts, and for the various Schools, and as we have only about 60l.
for present use for the Orphans, towards meeting all the heavy expenses
before us, I took the whole of this donation for the Orphans, as the
donor has kindly left the disposal of the money entirely to me. This
donation, coming in just now, has been an exceedingly great refreshment
to my spirit; for it is, at the commencement of the great increase of
our expenses, in connexion with the 300 Orphans, instead of 120, like an
earnest from God, that He will supply us also with means when the
demands for the 300 will be more than twice as great as they are now.
Through this donation I have means to meet all the expenses which will
be incurred in getting in for the new establishment the stores of
provisions, soap, material for clothes, haberdashery, and of the many
other articles of which it would be desirable to buy our supplies on
wholesale terms. The Lord be praised for His kindness!

April 10. Received this afternoon the following letter:--"Dear
Brother,

"I have the pleasure today of sowing a little more seed-corn for
eternity. Employ the enclosed 50l., if you please, for the support of
the Orphans. The remaining 5l. be pleased to divide between yourself and
dear brother Craik.

"Yours very truly in Christ,

"* * * *"

From the same donor I had recently had two donations of 120l. and 100l.

April 11. From the brethren at Sunderland, assembling at Bethesda
chapel, 10l., as a part of their annual thank-offering to the Lord for
Church mercies during the last twelvemonth.

April 18. Today I received a donation of 250l., of which I took 100l.
for the Orphans, and the other 150l. for the other objects. Never were
the current expenses for the Orphans nearly so great as they are now,
but at the same time never was the income nearly so great. Thereby the
Lord, as it were, says, that, when the New Orphan-House shall have been
filled with Orphans, He will likewise give what is requisite for them.
Whilst yet much is in hand, He has been pleased to send this donation.

From April 19th to May 23rd, the Lord was pleased to send in still
further many donations.

May 23. Today I received 360l., of which I took half for the current
expenses for the Orphans, and half for the other objects. By this
donation I am still further provided with means to meet all the expenses
connected with the removal of the children into the New Orphan-House,
the reception and fitting out of many fresh children, the filling the
stores of the New Orphan-House, &c. How does the Lord by all this
clearly say, that, when this house shall have been filled with children,
He will provide the means for their support!

June 18. Today, as the fruit of the prayers of three years and seven
months, the children began to be moved from the four Orphan-Houses in
Wilson Street, Bristol, into the New Orphan-House.

June 23. Saturday Evening. This has been indeed a week of great and many
and peculiar mercies. All the Orphans with their teachers and overseers
have been moved into the New Orphan-House, during Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday; so that there are now about 140 persons under
one roof. The Lord has most signally helped.--As I had for more than
three years sought the help of God concerning all matters connected with
the New Orphan-House, I did expect His help in this particular also; but
He has done beyond my expectations. Though only the day before yesterday
the last children were moved in, there is already such a measure of
order established in the house, by the help of God, as that things can
be done by the minute hands of the timepieces. His name is to be praised
for this, and my soul does magnify Him for His goodness!--Also with
regard to temporal supplies for the dear Orphans, the Lord has been
exceedingly kind. On the second day of receiving the children, there was
sent 20l. On the third day, an individual, who walked with me through
part of the house, said, "These children must consume a great deal of
provisions," and, whilst saying it, took out of his pocket a roll of
Bank of England notes, to the amount of one hundred pounds, and gave
them to me for the Orphans. On the same evening there was also sent for
the Orphans a very large cask of treacle, and for their teachers and
overseers 6 loaves of sugar. Also a cooper made gratuitously two large
new casks for treacle. On the next day I received information that about
10 cwt. of rice had been purchased for the Orphans, which should be
sent. Besides this, several small donations have come in. So bountifully
has the Lord been pleased to help of late, that I have not only been
able to meet all the extraordinary heavy expenses connected with moving
the Orphans from Wilson Street into the New Orphan-House, filling the
stores of the New Orphan-House, &c.; but I have more than five hundred
pounds in hand, to begin house-keeping in the New Orphan-House. How true
that word that those that trust in the Lord shall not be confounded!
After all the many and long-continued seasons of great trial of faith
within these thirteen years and two months, during which the Orphans
were in Wilson Street, the Lord dismisses us from thence in comparative
abundance. His holy name be praised for it!

In order that this chapter may not be too long, I can only mention of
the donations, from June 23, 1849, to May 20, 1850, those which came in
under particular circumstances. The total amount received from June 23,
1849, to May 26, 1850, for the current expenses of the Orphans, was
2,102l. 13s. 4 3/4 d.

Aug. 30. Received a Fifty Pound Note with these words: "I send you
herewith a Fifty Pound Note, half for the Missions, half for the
Orphans, unless you are in any personal need; if so, take 5l. for
yourself. This will be the last large sum I shall be able to transmit to
you. Almost all the rest is already out at interest." I took half of
this 50l. for the Orphans and half for Missionaries. The writer sold
some time since his only earthly possession, and sent me at different
times sums of 120l., of 100l., of 55l., of 50l, and of 20l. for the work
of the Lord in my hands. When he says therefore "the rest is already out
at interest," he means that he has given it away for the Lord, which
indeed both for time and eternity is the very best way of using the
means with which the Lord may be pleased to intrust us, in so far as,
considering in the fear of God all our various claims and duties and
relationships, we may do so. As this is written for the spiritual profit
of the reader, I cannot but add to this extract from my journal under
Aug. 30, 1849, that since that time I have received other donations from
the same donor, and much larger still. He used for God the means with
which He was pleased to intrust him, and, contrary to this brother's
expectation, the above 50l. was not the last large donation; for it
pleased God soon after, to intrust him with another considerable sum,
which he again used for the Lord. This did not at all surprise me; for
it is the Lord's order, that, in whatever way He is pleased to make us
His stewards, whether as to temporal or spiritual things, if we are
indeed acting as stewards and not as owners, He will make us stewards
over more. But for more, on this deeply important subject, I must refer
the reader to the third part of this Narrative, page 575 to 604.

Sept. 27. From friends at Othery 20l.--This donation is very
refreshing to my spirit. Last evening and this morning I had especially
besought the Lord, that He would be pleased to continue to send me
means, as the expenses are now so great; for there are 107 Orphans in
the house, and about 190 persons daily sit down to their meals, and this
number is every week increasing. Now, by this donation, which comes not
only from an entirely new but also most unexpected quarter, the Lord is,
as it were, saying to me, that He will not fail to help me, even when
there shall be about 330 persons in the house, for which number it is
fitted up.

Oct. S. Yesterday again seven Orphans were received. Every week I am now
taking in five, six, seven, or eight; and within the last nine weeks
altogether have been received, and about 200 persons sit down daily to
their meals. This has greatly increased the expenses already, and they
will be still more increased, as I purpose to receive still further 120
Orphans, if God permit, to make up the number 300. Yesterday, after
having received the seven children, I again gave myself to prayer for an
increase of means. Now today I have received from Devonshire a set of
valuable jewels, i.e. a ring set with 5 brilliants, a brooch set with 12
larger and 12 smaller brilliants and 1 large emerald, and a pair of
ear-rings, both together set with 10 brilliants and 2 emeralds. The
bearer brought also 1l. 10s. 4d. and 10s. 2d., being the proceeds of two
Orphan-boxes, likewise 1l. 4s. 6d. At the same time I received from
another brother from Devonshire. 4l.; and from a third 16s. 10d.--
Truly the Lord does not allow me to wait upon Him in vain!

Nov. 1. Today I have again received seven Orphans. There are now about
220 persons daily sitting down to their meals in the Orphan-House.
Before the seven fresh Orphans were brought, I received a letter from a
banker in London, giving me information that a brother in the Lord,
living between 200 and 300 miles from hence, had given order to pay me
40l. for the Orphans.--By the same post I received anonymously from
London 5/. from the same donor, who has now for several years sent twice
every year this amount, of which she kindly wishes me to use half for my
own personal expenses, and half for the work of the Lord in my hands. I
took the half for the Orphans.--This was not all. In the afternoon,
whilst receiving the Orphans, there came in still further 69l. 3s. 8d.,
also 2s. and a few articles.

Nov. 16. About 260l. has been spent within these 16 days, i.e. since the
first of the month, for current expenses for the Orphans alone, and
about 120l. for the other objects, making in all about 380l. within half
a month. Lord look upon the necessities of Thy servant, seeing that now
the outgoings are so large!

Nov. 30. We have been helped through this month most comfortably, though
the expenses for the Orphans have been heavier by far, than in any month
all the 14 years since this work was commenced, having been 380l. 9s.
2d., and, including the expenses for the other objects, about 540l.

Dec. 4. Today was paid to me a legacy of 50l., left for the benefit of
the Orphans.

Dec. 12. Anonymously a Bank Post Bill for 50l. 13s. 6d.

Jan. 9, 1850. Today was sent to me from the Committee of the Cholera
Fund in Bristol 20l., which the gentlemen constituting it had voted for
the benefit of the twenty children who had lost their parents in the
Cholera, and whom I had received into the New Orphan-House.

I had not applied either directly or indirectly for this money; indeed I
was reluctant even to give information as to the number of Cholera
Orphans received, lest there should be even the appearance as if after
all I asked for money, instead of solely trusting in the living God. But
some of the gentlemen on the Committee, knowing the fact that I had
received many Orphans, made such by means of the Cholera, proposed that
there should be paid to the Institution a sovereign on account of each
such child received. This sum was especially remarkable to me as a fresh
proof of the numberless ways, which God has at His command for providing
me with means.

I also cannot help noticing the remarkable coincidence that, at the time
God visited this land with the Cholera, in 1849, I had so much room for
the reception of Orphans. The Lord was pleased to allow me the joy and
sweet privilege of receiving altogether twenty-six children, from ten
months old and upward, who lost their parents in the Cholera at that
time, and many besides, since then, who were bereaved of their parents
through this fearful malady.

Jan. 31. Today five more Orphans are to be received. For the last
fortnight, comparatively little had come in for the Orphans, i.e. not
quite 60l. In the prospect of the Orphans coming today, I said last
evening to my dear wife, that the Lord would send us something for them;
for I have often found, that either He has sent something with the
children, or at the time that they have been received. It was but about
ten minutes after I had said so, when I received 450l. (see the account
of the income for the other objects), of which I took 200l. for the
Orphans. This morning I received further 10l. from a pious countess in
Edinburgh, and 10s. from Deptford. Thus the Lord has indeed sent
something for the Orphans. It is now seven months and thirteen days
since the Orphans began to be received into the New Orphan-House. The
expenses for them have been since then Fifteen Hundred and Twenty
Pounds; and yet we have this day more in hand, than when the New
Orphan-House was opened. Unbelief and natural reason would have said,
and did say, If there have often been scarcely any means in hand, while
the Orphans were in the rented houses, and only about 120 in number, how
will it be when there shall be 300 in the New Orphan-House? But
faith's reply was, Our poverty has been only for the trial of our
faith, and it will be as easy to the Lord to provide for 300 as for 120
Orphans. And thus we have proved it hitherto, and, no doubt, shall prove
it, as long as the Lord shall enable us to trust in Him.

May 25, 1850. The Lord has up to the close of this period helped also
for this as well as for the other parts of the work; for during this
last week I have received about 62l. for the current expenses for the
Orphans. With confidence in the living God I step into the new period,
though our expenses are now far heavier than ever they were, being fully
assured of His faithfulness. May He be pleased to uphold me during the
remainder of my earthly pilgrimage in His fear and truth, and may He
graciously be pleased to give me day by day the faith which my
circumstances may require.

Closing account as to the way in which the means were obtained for the
expenses connected with the erection, fitting up, and furnishing of the
New Orphan-House, Ashley Down, Bristol.

At the time where the last chapter, referring to this subject, closes,
the New Orphan-House was being built. Part of it was already roofed in,
and the remainder was to be roofed not many weeks afterwards. But how
much did there yet remain to be done in other respects! A building so
considerable as to contain about 300 large windows, would require, even
after it was finished, an immense amount of labour, to be fitted up and
furnished for 330 persons. Then, after this was done, the settling in of
the Orphans and their teachers and other overseers, needed still more
abundant help. Further, the obtaining of suitable helpers for this part
of the work, was indeed no small matter. Lastly, though the Lord had
been pleased to give me already above Eleven Thousand Pounds for the New
Orphan-House, yet I needed several thousand pounds more, in order to
bring the whole into such a state, as might render the building fit for
the reception of the Orphans. And now, in looking back, and finding that
I not only was helped in all these matters, but also in every one of
them far beyond my largest expectations --does it not become me to say
to those who love the Lord Jesus, and into whose hands this account may
fall: "0 magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!"
Each one of the foregoing difficulties which still existed on the 26th
of May, 1848, was so great, that if only one of them had remained, and I
had not been helped, what would have been the result? But while the
prospect before me would have been overwhelming had I looked at it
naturally, I was never, even for once, permitted to question what would
be the end. For as, from the beginning, I was sure that it was the will
of God, that I should go to the work of building for Him this large
Orphan-House, so also, from the beginning, I was as certain that the
whole would be finished, as if the building had been already before my
natural eyes, and as if the house had been already filled with three
hundred destitute Orphans. I was therefore of good courage, in the midst
of an overwhelming pressure of work yet to be done, and very many
difficulties yet to be overcome, and thousands of pounds yet needed; and
I gave myself still further to prayer, and sought still further to
exercise faith on the promises of God. And now, the work is done, the
difficulties are overcome, all the money that was needed has been
obtained, and even more than I needed; and, as to helpers in the work, I
have obtained even beyond my expectations and prayers. Nearly seven
years have passed away already [1856] since the New Orphan-House was
opened, and about three hundred and thirty persons sit down in it day by
day to their meals.

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