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

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By the same post I received also from the neighbourhood of Shrewsbury
10l., the disposal of which being left to me, I took for missionary
objects.--I have now the desire of my heart granted, being able to
send out the full amount of what it yesterday appeared to me desirable
that I should send to the brethren whom I seek to help.

Means for the support of the 300 Orphans, already under our care, sent
in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1853, to May 26, 1854.

At the commencement of this period, there was in hand the balance of
117l. 10s. 9d. This was the visible support, in the way of pecuniary
means, which we had to look to for 320 inmates in the New Orphan House,
whilst often two or three days might call for such an amount as this.
But we hoped in God, as in former years, and, by His grace, were upheld,
and our faith was not allowed to fail, though it was not a little tried,
as the following pages will show.

Of the donations which came in between May 26, and June. 13, 1853, I
will only mention the following. On June 1st I received from Cape Town
2l. for the Orphans, and 3l. for tracts. On June 8th I received from
Rhode Island, United States, 20 dollars and 5 dollars (4l. 15s. 9d.
English), when I had scarcely anything left for the Orphans. Observe,
dear Reader, from Africa and from America the Lord sends help to us,
yea from almost all parts of the world. Thus is He saying to us more and
more; "Only believe." On June 10th I received 5l. from a brother in the
Lord at a distance, as a thank-offering to God, that, having been thrown
from his horse, he had not been killed, but only greatly hurt.

June. 13. We were now very poor. Not indeed in debt, nor was even all
the money gone; for there was still about 12l. in hand; but then there
needed to be bought flour, of which we buy generally 10 sacks at a tine,
300 stones of oatmeal, 4 cwt. of soap, and there were many little
repairs going on in the house, with a number of workmen, besides the
regular current expenses of about 70l. per week. Over and above all
this, on Saturday, the day before yesterday, I found that the heating
apparatus needed to be repaired, which would cost in all probability
25l. It was therefore desirable, humanly speaking, to have 100l. for
these heavy extra expenses, besides means for the current expenses. But
I had no human prospect whatever of getting even 100 Pence, much less
100l. In addition to this, today was Monday, when generally the income
is little. But, in walking to the Orphan House this morning, and praying
as I went, I particularly told the Lord in prayer, that on this day,
though Monday, He could send me much. And thus it was. I received this
morning 301l. for the Lord's service, as might be most needed.--The
joy which I had cannot be described. I walked up and down in my room for
a long time, tears of joy and gratitude to the Lord running plentifully
over my cheeks, praising and magnifying the Lord for His goodness, and
surrendering myself afresh, with all my heart, to Him for His blessed
service. I scarcely ever felt more the kindness of the Lord in helping
me.--I took of this money 201l., for the current expenses for the
Orphans, and 100l. for missionary objects, the circulation of the Holy
Scriptures and Gospel Tracts, and for the various Schools.

Of the donations which came in between June 13th and Aug. 31st,
amounting to more than 600l., I will only mention: 50l., through a most
unexpected circumstance, from Glasgow, on June 29th. 2l. from Sunderland
on July 23rd, of which 1l was made up, by an individual putting by one
half-penny daily for the Orphans, and a poor widow one penny per week.
-- On Aug. 19th I received from a Christian Negro in Demerara an old
silver watch, a gold pin and brooch, and Five Dollars.

Aug. 31. When there was less than 20l. in, hand, I received today a
donation of 220l., of which the donor kindly wished me to take 20l. for
my own personal expenses, and to use the other for the work of the Lord
as most needed. I therefore took 150l. for the Orphans, and 50l. for the
other objects, and was thus enabled to advance today 30l., as usual, for
the house-keeping expenses; money being called for, which, otherwise, I
should not have been able to supply.

Of the donations received between Aug. 31st and Oct. 24th, amounting to
about 550l., I only notice 2l. 7s. 6d. "From South Africa," 1l. from
Malta, and 6s. 4d. from Demerara.

I will now minutely relate the Lord's dealings with us, with reference
to meeting the expenses for the 300 Orphans, for about three weeks, as a
specimen of how the Lord was pleased to help us during a period when the
flour was twice as dear as for several years before, and when other
expenses were much greater than usual.

Oct. 24. This afternoon I was called on to advance more house-keeping
money; but as I had only about 26l. altogether in hand, I could only
give 20l. this time, instead of the usual 30l. I had then about 6l. left
for all the many other expenses, large and small, connected with the
Establishment, and which are not included in the ordinary house-keeping
expenses. Before the day is over, I have received this evening the
following amounts Through Salem boxes 1s. By sale of Reports 5s. 1d.
with 10s. as a donation. Both sums from Waterford.--From a donor in
Bristol 1l.--From Bayswater 5l.

Oct. 25. From an Orphan-box in Bristol 4s.--From Warminster 1l. 1s.
-- From Seven Oaks 1l.1s. 6d. This was an old debt, owed for a long
time to the donor. He expressed in prayer that, if the Lord would cause
the money to be paid, it should be sent to me; and almost immediately
afterwards it was paid.--From Durham 12l., being a dividend on shares
in gas-works.--From Braunton 5s.--From Balham Hill, London, 1l.
10s., with a variety of articles to be sold for the benefit of the
Orphans.--By sale of Reports 2s.

Oct. 26. From Keswick 7s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 1s. 6d., and 3s.--By sale of
Reports 1l. 2s. 11 1/2 d.--By sale of some silver coins, a few tea
spoons, and a few trinkets 5l.--By sale of Reports 9s.--There was
found in the visitor's room at the New Orphan House a four-penny
piece.--Through the boxes in the New Orphan House 4l. 14s. This
afternoon was the time in the week when visitors see the establishment.
It was a wet afternoon, but still above 60 persons went over the house.
Being in great need of means, of which the visitors, however, could
perceive nothing, as all our stores were full as usual, I asked the
Lord, that He would be pleased to put it into their hearts to put money
into the boxes: and this sum I found in them this evening.--Yesterday
it was necessary to purchase ten sacks of flout, which, being just now
twice as dear as darning the last years, cost 27l. 10s.; and this day it
was needful to spend 8l. 1s. 2d. for smith's work. How kind,
therefore, of the Lord to have sent me today, yesterday, and the
afternoon of the day before yesterday, 34l. 11s, 4 1/2 d. Thus, with the
6l. left before, I am able to meet these two items of above 35l., and
have about 5l. left.

Now observe how the Lord further helped, when I had only Five Pounds
left.

Oct. 27. By sale of Reports 3s.--From West Brixton 5s., and 5s. from
Scotland.--Through a box in the New Orphan House 6d.--By sale of a
Report 6d.

Oct. 28. "From Friends of Petersham" 1l. 2s. 6d., and from Richmond 7s.
6d.--From the neighbourhood of Stourbridge. 1l.--From Wells 3s.
-- From a clergyman at Weston-super-Mare 5l.--Anonymously from
Scotland 6d.--From a brother in the Lord 1l., with two pewter plates.
-- From Clifton 10s.--From Hackney 1s.

Oct. 29. From Chilton Polden 5s., as "A thank-offering that the
donor's children have not been left Orphans."--From Kingsbridge 5s.
6d.--From Glasgow 7s. 6d.--By sale of articles and Reports 2l.
10s.--From Royston 1l.

Oct. 30. From Lichfield 2s. 6d. and 3s. 8d.--From a medical gentleman
in Bristol 1l.--From Clifton 3s.

Oct. 31. This afternoon more money was required for house-keeping. By
the donations which had come in since the 27th, I was able to pay away
7l. 13s., and 1l. 2s., and had 12l. 17s, 2d. besides. This I gave to the
last penny for house-keeping, and had now literally not one penny left
in hand for the current expenses for the Orphans.

This evening I received, when I had nothing in hand: from Clifton 1l.
-- From a sister in the Lord in Bristol 2s. 6d.--Through Bethesda
boxes 5s., "from servants in Scotland,"--From Wiveliscombe 1l.--
From Clifton 10s.--Through the Chapel boxes 2s.--A pair of
silver-mounted spectacles and 2s. 6d. from Clifton.

Nov. 1. By means of those little sums, which came in last evening, I was
able to let the matron have further 2l. 17s. early this morning. Thus we
were able to meet this day's demands. There came in further today: By
sale of old clothes 6s. 4d., and from Launceston, by sale of Reports,
7s. 6d.--There was put into the letter box at my house anonymously,
1s. 6d., with these words: "I had worked hard for this money, and could
not get paid. A thought passed lately through my mind, if I ever get it,
I will devote it to some charitable purpose. To my surprise, without
asking for it, it is paid. I now send it for the Orphans."--Evening.
By sale of Reports 3s.--From Spaldwick 2s. 6d. and 1s.--From the
neighbourhood of Arundel 11s. 6d.

Nov. 2. From Hull 5s.--From Knapp 1s.--From Gosport 2l.--From
six servants at Hampton Court Palace, a parcel, containing a variety of
articles, for the use of the Orphans, or to be sold for their benefit,
with 4s. --Through the boxes in the New Orphan House 1l. 16s. 5 1/2 d.
Given also by a visitor from Cornwall 10s., Ditto by another 10s., Ditto
by another 2s. 6d., Ditto by another 1s.--By sale of Reports 6s.--
I was thus further able to advance last evening for house-keeping
expenses 1l. 0s. 4d., this morning 3l. 1s., and this evening 3l. 12s. 11
1/2 d. Thus, though we are living by the day, as it respects supplies out
of the hands of our Heavenly Father, yet we have lacked nothing!

Received further 12s. by sale of Reports.

Nov. 3. From Helensburgh 2s. and 6d.--From Bideford 12s.--From
Islington 2l.--From Clifton Park 5l.--By sale of some books 3l.
-- From a donor in Bristol 5l. From Norwich 5s.--Thus we have
wherewith to meet the expenses for today and tomorrow, and, it may be,
of the day after tomorrow. At all events, before this is gone, the
faithful Lord will send in more.

Nov. 4. By sale of old clothes 11s. 2 1/2 d.--From Whitby 1l. Ditto
5s.--From Bodmin 1s.--By sale of rags 7s. 3d. [I transcribe from
the Income book. We think it right to turn every thing to account, so
that nothing be wasted, and that the expenses of the Institution be not
needlessly increased.]

Nov. 5. From Swansea 5s.--From Willenhall 5s.--From Bridgewater
5s.--From Worcester 5s. and 1s.--Evening, Saturday. Thus we have
had during another week everything needed.

Nov. 7. There came in yesterday 1s. from Stafford, and 3s. from Worksop.
-- To day from Kilkenny 1l.--When I had nothing at all in hand,
having paid out the last money today, and when more would be needed this
evening or tomorrow morning, I received this afternoon, from a most
unexpected quarter, 6l. This morning the matron had between 11l, and
12l. in hand for house-keeping expenses, but, by the time I arrived at
the New Orphan House, it had all been expended through unexpected
demands, so that she had had to add half a crown of her own. I had
received, however, this morning, at the very time while I was in prayer
for means, 1l. from Kilkenny, which, with, 9s. 3 1/2 d. besides, in hand,
I gave to her. Now this afternoon came in the 6l., and we have thus a
manifest answer to prayer. The Lord be magnified.--Evening. Through
Salem boxes 1s. Through Bethesda boxes 2s. 6d. Do. 6d. From P. 2s. 6d.

Nov. 8. From Guildford 1l. 1s.

Nov. 9. By sale of Reports 3s. 6d.--From Clonmell 9s. 5d.--Our
need of means is great, very great. The Lord tries our faith and
patience. This afternoon, a brother and sister in the Lord, from
Gloucestershire, called to see mc at the New Orphan House, before going
through the house. After a few minutes I received from the sister a
sovereign, which she had been requested to bring to me for the Building
Fund, and she gave mc from herself 1l. for my own personal expenses, and
1l. for tine Building Fund, and her husband gave me 5l. for the Orphans,
and 5l. for Foreign Missions. Thus the Lord has refreshed my spirit
greatly; but I look for more, and need much more.--Evening. By sale
of Reports 13s. 2d. By the boxes in the New Orphan House 3l. 1s. 10 1/2
d. I received also this evening from Walmer 10l., of which the donor
kindly wished 2l. to be used for the personal expenses of my family, and
the rest for missionary work and the support of the Orphans. I took
therefore one half for missions, and the other half for the Orphans.

Nov. 10. From Oakhill 5s.--By sale of Reports 15s. 10d.--From
Swansea 10s., 4s., and 6s.--From Anglesey 5s. and 2s. 6d.--From
Bath 2l.

Nov. 11. Anonymously from Banbury 1l.

Nov. 12. From Bideford 1l.--From Perth 1l. This evening, while
praying for means, came a little parcel, containing Ten Sovereigns, from
a Christian lady, living not far frown the New Orphan House. This was a
very great refreshment to my spirit. Also from Clydach 10s. and 1s.

Nov. 13. Further precious help. Received this morning through Bankers in
London, an anonymous donation of 50l. in a Bank Post Bill, with the
words: "To be applied to general purposes; to be used as you may judge
best." I took therefore the whole of this donation for the current
expenses of the Orphans. A most welcome and refreshing donation, the
fruit of many prayers, as just now the expenses are very great, and
there were no means in hand to meet them! From Clifton 16s. 5d. From
Easton 5l.

Nov. 14. From Melton Mowbray 2s. By sale of Reports 1s.--From Norwich
2s. 6d. Ditto 2s. 6d.--From Kingsbridge two brooches--Through the
boxes at Bethesda 1s.--From Clevedon 1l.--From F. E. B. 2s. 6d.

Nov. 15. Anonymously from Nottingham 10s.--From Cheltenham 5l.--
From the Isle of Wight 10s.--This evening I received from a Christian
lady a brooch set with amethysts, another brooch set with eight
brilliants and six other small diamonds, and a small gold necklace. My
heart was exceedingly refreshed by this donation, not only because we
arc still in need of supplies on account of our heavy daily expenses
just now; but also because this valuable donation consists of articles
which the Christian donor can spare, without the slightest
inconvenience.

Nov. 16. Anonymously in postages 3s. 6d.--From London 10l., with 5l.
for my own expenses.--By sale of Reports 7s.--Left by a visitor
from Aberdeen, at the New Orphan House 10s. Through the boxes at the New
Orphan House 2l. 11s. 6 1/2 d.--From South Brent 1s. 6d.

I have thus given, minutely, the manner in which the Lord was pleased,
for 24 days in succession to supply us with means for the Orphans, from
which the spiritual reader may easily perceive our position. Thus it was
with us not merely during the 24 days of which I have now given the
history, but also to a greater or less degree at other times during this
year. But I refrain from giving minutely the account of every day, for
the sake of brevity.

The particular end, why I have been so minute, is to show that the work
is now, as much as ever, a work carried on entirely in dependence upon
the Living God, who alone is our hope, and to whom alone we look for
help, and who never has forsaken us in the hour of need. There is,
however, one thing different with reference to this year, when compared
with former years, and that is, that, while our trials of faith during
this year were just as great as in previous years, the amount needed in
former times was never so great as during this year, especially as the
bread during the greater part of this year was about twice as dear as
for several years before.

But then, it may be said, if you have had this trial of faith, with
these 300 Orphans, why do you seek to build another Orphan House for 700
more, and thus have a thousand to care for? Will you not have still
greater trials of faith?

My reply is: 1, God has never failed me all the 20 years of this my
service. 2, I am going on as easily now, with 300 Orphans, as with 30,
the number with which I commenced. Their number is ten times as large,
as it was at the first; but God has always helped me. 3, Trials of faith
were anticipated, yea were one chief end of the work, for the profit of
the Church of Christ at large. 4, I had courage given me to go forward,
solely in dependence upon God, being assured that He would help me; yet
I waited in secret upon Him for six months, before I made this my
intention known, in order that I might not take a hasty step; and have
never regretted having gone forward. 5, But it needs to be added, that
the very abundance which the Lord gave me at the time, when my mind was
exercised about this matter, was a great confirmation to me, that I had
not mistaken His mind. And even during this year, how great has been His
help; for the income for the work altogether has been 12,785l. 15s. 7 1/4
d. I am therefore assured that the Lord will, in His own time, not only
allow me to build another Orphan House, but that He will also, when He
shall have been pleased to fill it, find the means to provide for these
children.

I give now a brief reference to some of the more remarkable donations
which came in between Nov. 16, 1853, and May 26, 1854.

Jan. 1, 1854. Received three old guinea pieces, with the following
words: "The enclosed has been too long held in reserve, as an esteemed
memento from a dear departed parent (for which may the Lord grant a
pardon). A conviction of its wrong overpowers the natural desire, of its
being retained, and not expended to the glory of God: for which purpose
it is now sent to dear Mr. Mueller, as a new year offering, to be used
in the way he thinks most conducive to the same,"--In this instance I
had a double answer to prayer; for we were not only much in need of
means, when the donation came in, but I had also again and again asked
the Lord to incline the hearts of His dear children to send me their
jewellery, their old gold and silver coins, and other valuable, but
needless, articles, to be turned into money for the work of the Lord.

Jan. 17. Memorable day. Today, in much need, was received from Glasgow
10l., with 10l. for Mr. Craik, and 10l. for my own personal expenses.
-- There came in also, a Bank Post Bill for 50l., anonymously, through
London Bankers, which amount was taken half for the Orphans and half for
the other objects.--Likewise from Stroud 10s.--From Reading 6s.
3d.--From Gloucester 2s. 6d.--But the Lord over and above all
this, allowed me to have this day the promise of that large donation
which has been spoken of under the Building Fund, of which 707l. was
taken towards the support of the Orphans, by which, together with
1,119l. 8s. 2 1/2 d. which came in for the support of the Orphans from
Jan. 17 up to May 26, 1854, we were helped to the close of this period.

March 1. There was left to me, for the benefit of the Orphans, a year
ago, by an individual in Bristol, whom I had never seen, a legacy of
100l., which was paid this day, less 10l. legacy duty.

April 9. This morning I received from an anonymous donor, through
Bankers in London, a Bank Post Bill for 50l., the application of which
was left to me. I took the whole of it for the support of the Orphans.
This donation has been a great spiritual refreshment to me, as the
expenses for the Orphans are now so very great, and as for five weeks no
large sums have come in.

April 17. Received 150l., of which the donor kindly wished me to take
20l. for my own personal expenses, and to use the rest as might be most
needed for the Lord's work in my hands. I took, therefore, 100l. for
the current expenses for the Orphans, and 30l. for the other Objects.
-- This donation has greatly refreshed my spirit, as the expenses for
the Orphans were never so great at any period, since the work commenced,
as during the last six mouths, on account of the high price of
provisions; and as the income, compared with the expenses, has been
small of late, though considerable, were not the expenses so very
great.

May 14. This morning I have received 150l., of which I have taken for
the current expenses for the Orphans 100l., and for the other objects
50l.--Tomorrow I shall have to pay out for the Orphans 107l. 4s. The
total amount I had in hand for them, before this donation was received,
was only 120l. How kind, therefore, of the Lord to replenish our means
again, before they were almost entirely exhausted!--I received, also,
this morning from Clifton 5l.

During the following 12 days there came in further 107l. altogether for
the support of the Orphans.

Miscellaneous points respecting the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for
Home and Abroad, with reference to the period from May 26, 1853, to May
26, 1854.

1. During this year 4 Day Schools, with 202 children, were entirely
supported by the funds of the Institution. Further, one Sunday School in
Bristol, with 137 children, was entirely supported, and three others in
Devonshire, Somersetshire, and Gloucestershire, with 300 children, were
assisted. Lastly, one Adult School, with 154 Adult scholars, was
entirely supported. The total amount which was spent during this year,
in connexion with these schools, was 359l. 15s. 10 1/2 d.--The number
of all the children, who were under our care, merely in the schools
which were entirely supported by this Institution, from March 5,1834, to
May 26, 1854, was 5,817 in the Day Schools, and 2,748 in the Sunday
Schools, and 2,315 persons in the Adult School.

2. During this year was expended on the circulation of the Holy
Scriptures, of the funds of the Institution, 433l. 2s. 9d. There were
circulated during this year 1890 Bibles and 1288 New Testaments; and
from the commencement of the work up to May 26, 1854, Twelve Thousand
Three Hundred and Sixty-six Bibles, and Seven Thousand Three Hundred and
Forty-nine New Testaments.

3. During this year there was spent of the Funds of the Institution for
Missionary objects the sum of 2,249l. 10s. 8 1/2 d. By this sum,
fifty-six labourers in the word and doctrine, in various parts of the
world, were to a greater or less degree assisted.

During this year, the Lord was pleased to bless again abundantly the
labours of many of those servants of Christ, who were assisted through
the funds of this Institution, and this has been the case in foreign
countries as well as at home.

4. There was laid out for the circulation of Tracts, from May 26, 1853,
to May 26, 1854, the sum of 563l. 5s. 0 1/2 d.; and there were circulated
869,636 Tracts.

The total number of all time Tracts circulated from the beginning up to
May 26, 1854, was Two Millions Six Hundred and Eighty-nine Thousand Six
Hundred and Seventy-six.

We desire to be grateful to the Lord, that, during no period previously
we were enabled to circulate more Tracts, and more copies of the Holy
Scriptures, and aid to a greater degree missionary labours, than during
this period; yet we would not rest in that. It is the blessing of the
Lord upon our labours which we need, which we desire, and which, by His
grace, we also seek. If never so many millions of Tracts, yea even
copies of the Holy Scriptures, were circulated, and the Lord did not
give His blessing, all these efforts would produce no results to the
glory of His name. Yea, if even tens of thousands of preachers of the
gospel could be supported with means, in the darkest places of the
earth, and they enjoyed not the blessing of the Lord upon their labours,
they would labour in vain. For this blessing God will be asked, in order
that He may bestow it; but, when it is sought at His hands, He delights
in giving it. By God's help we were enabled to seek this blessing, and
we obtained again precious answers to our prayers, during this year. It
is not merely that the Lord was pleased to give us answers to our
prayers with regard to means for carrying on the work; but also in that
the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution were
abundantly blessed to the conversion of very many souls; and this was
particularly also the case again with reference to the circulation of
Tracts.

If any of the Christian Readers are in the habit of circulating Tracts,
and yet have never seen fruit, may I suggest to them the following hints
for their prayerful consideration. 1, Seek for such a state of heart,
through Prayer and meditation on the Holy Scriptures, as that you are
willing to let God have all the honour, if any good is accomplished by
your service. If you desire for yourself the honour, yea, though it were
in part only, you oblige the Lord, so to speak, to put you as yet aside
as a vessel not meet for the Master's use. One of the greatest
qualifications for usefulness in the service of the Lord is a heart,
truly desirous of getting honour for Him. 2, Precede all your labours
with earnest, diligent prayer; go to them in a prayerful spirit; and
follow them by prayer. Do not rest on the number of Tracts you have
given. A million of Tracts may not be the means of converting one single
soul; and yet how great, beyond calculation, may be the blessing which
results from one single Tract. Thus it is also with regard to the
circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and the ministry of the Word itself.
Expect, then, everything from the blessing of the Lord, and nothing at
all from your own exertions. 3, And yet, at the same time, labour, press
into every open door, be instant in season and out of season, as if
everything depended upon your labours. This, as has been stated before,
is one of the great secrets in connexion with successful service for the
Lord; to work, as if everything depended upon our diligence, and yet not
to rest in the least upon our exertions, but upon the blessing of the
Lord. 4, This blessing of the Lord, however, should not merely be sought
in prayer, but should also be expected, looked for, continually looked
for; and the result will be, that we shall surely have it. 5, But
suppose, that, for the trial of our faith, this blessing were for a long
time withheld from our sight; or suppose even that we should have to
fall asleep, before we see much good resulting from our labours; yet
will they, if carried on in such a way and spirit as has been stated, be
at last abundantly owned, and we shall have a much harvest in the day of
Christ.

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