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

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Dec. 13. On the 39th day my sister-in-law, who had been for some weeks
absent in London, and who had now returned to Bristol, told me that she
had met a gentleman in London, who, having quite recently read with deep
interest the Narrative of the Lord's dealings with me, wished to know
as many particulars about the work in my hands as he could. Being told
by my sister-in-law that I purposed to build an Orphan-House, he, an
architect, offered to make the plan, and superintend the building,
gratuitously. Unsolicited he pressed this matter upon her with deep and
lively interest. I hear also that he is a Christian. The fact, that this
offer comes unsolicited and from a Christian architect, shows especially
the hand of God. This is the second proof that God will help me in this
matter.

Dec. 23. This is now the 50th day since I have come to the conclusion to
build, and the 49th day since we have been daily waiting upon God for
help. Nothing more has come in since Dec. 10th, not even one penny. This
morning I have been particularly encouraged by the consideration that
the Lord has sent me the 1000l. and the promise from that pious
architect, whom I have never seen, and of whose name I am as yet in
ignorance, not to mock me, but as an earnest that He will give all that
is needed.

It seems desirable that we should have a large piece of ground of at
least six or seven acres. This piece of ground must be in the vicinity
of Bristol. 1. In order that the Orphan-House may be accessible to me,
as my place at present is fixed by my other work in Bristol. 2. That the
labourers in the Institution and the Orphans may be able to attend our
meetings, at least on the Lord's day. 3. That the inhabitants of
Bristol may have the benefit of seeing with their own eyes this work of
God, which is so manifestly His and not mine. 4. That strangers, who
pass through Bristol, may have an easy access to it, for the same
reason. But then, such a piece of ground, near Bristol, where there is
just now an inordinate desire for building, in the way of speculation,
would cost in all human probability between 2000l. and 3000l. Then the
building itself, however plain, would not cost less than from 6000l. to
8000l., being for 300 Orphans, besides all their overseers, teachers,
and assistants. In addition to this, the fitting up and furnishing the
house for between 300 and 400 inmates, would not cost less than 1500l.
more. This is indeed a large sum of money which I need; but my hope is
in God. I have not sought after this thing. It has not begun with me.
God has altogether unexpectedly, by means of the letter before
mentioned, led me to it. Only the day before I received the letter, I
had no more thought about building premises for the accommodation of the
Orphans, than I had had during the ten previous years.--My especial
prayer is, that God would continue to me faith and patience. If He shall
be pleased to help me, in faith and patience to continue to wait on Him,
help will surely come.

Dec. 24. No further donation yet. But my hope in God is unshaken. He
most assuredly will help.--I have on purpose not issued any circular
in connexion with this matter, in order that the band of God may be the
more manifest. To some persons, residing in or out of Bristol, I have
spoken about my intention of building, when conversation led to it.
Through this, if the Lord please, He can make it known to others, and
thus send means for the Building Fund. Or He can send in such an
abundance of means for the work which is already in existence, that from
that abundance there may be a rich surplus towards the Building Fund.
But howsoever God may help, I do desire to see His hand made most
manifest. There will be, no doubt, many trials connected with this
enlargement of the field of labour (for if with 130 Orphans there has
been so much trial of faith, what is to be expected when the number is
300); and therefore I desire to see as clearly as daylight that God
Himself is leading me onward.

Dec.29. This is the 56th day since I came to the conclusion to build,
and the 55th since I have been day by day waiting upon God concerning
it. Only that one donation had come in till this evening, when I
received 50l. This donation is exceedingly precious to me,
not only because I am sure it is most cheerfully given, nor even
because of its largeness, but because it is another precious proof
that God will bring about the matter, else He would not give me these
earnest. All my business therefore is: to continue in faith and patience
to wait upon God. My assurance has been more and more increasing that
God will build for Himself a large Orphan-House in this city, to show
to the inhabitants, and to all who may read and hear about it, what a
blessed thing it is to trust in Him.--Of late I have seen, by God's
grace, more and more, how entirely unworthy I am of being used by God
for this glorious and honourable service, and I can only say, "Lord
here is thy servant, if thou art pleased to use such a one as I am."

Dec. 30, 1845. This morning I came, in course of my reading, to the
commencement of the book of Ezra. I was particularly refreshed by the
two following points contained in the first chapter, in applying them to
the building of the Orphan-House: 1. Cyrus, an idolatrous king, was used
by God to provide the means for building the temple at Jerusalem: how
easy therefore for God to provide Ten Thousand Pounds for the
Orphan-House, or even Twenty or Thirty Thousand Pounds, if needed. 2.
The people were stirred up by God to help those who went up to
Jerusalem. Thus it is a small matter for Him to put it into the hearts
of His children to help me, in desiring to build this house of mercy
unto His name.--This meditation I had before breakfast. After family
prayer in the morning I had again my usual season for prayer about the
building, and at this time it was particularly coupled with thanksgiving
for the 50l. received last evening, and with entreating blessings on the
donor. I was now looking out for more, as I am doing day by day, when
this afternoon I received from a person at Clevedon 2s. 6d., from her
grandson 6d., and from the sister in the Lord, who brought the money,
the change, which she did not wish back, being another 6d. These
donations, though small, are nevertheless very precious to me, as I take
them as further proofs out of the hands of God, that He will most
assuredly bring this thing to pass. This evening I received One Thousand
Pounds towards the Building Fund. When I received this donation, I was
as calm, yea as perfectly calm, as if I had received a single penny,
because, by God's grace, I have faith in Him, and therefore am looking
for answers to my prayers, and am sure that God will give every shilling
that is needed.

January 2, 1846. This evening I received from Bideford 11s, towards the
Building Fund.

Jan. 3. One of the Orphans gave 6d.

Jan. 6. Received a little bag made of foreign seed, and a shell-flower,
to be sold for the Building Fund. The sister who sent these articles
wrote to me, that the moment she heard of my intention of building an
Orphan-House, this text was before her mind: "Who art thou, O great
mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain."--Zech. iv. 7.
Also one of the Orphans sent 4d.

Having asked the Lord to go before me, I went out today to look for a
piece of ground. The armory which is to be sold had been several times
mentioned to me, as a suitable place. I did not think so, yet thought I
ought at least to look at it. Having seen it and been confirmed in my
judgment about its unsuitableness, I asked the Lord whether I should
turn towards the city or towards Stapleton. I felt led to go towards the
city, and saw immediately after some fields near the armory. After
having made inquiry to whom they belonged, I have been led to write this
evening to the owner of them, asking him whether he is disposed to sell
them, &c. I am now quietly waiting the Lord's pleasure. If His time is
come to answer our requests as to a suitable piece of land, I shall be
glad; if it is not yet come, I desire that "patience may have her
perfect work, being perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Jan. 8. This evening I received a reply to my letter. The owner of those
fields writes, that, if he did sell them, it would be only for building
land, and therefore they will be too dear.

Jan 9. Went this morning once more to see those fields, which seem very
suitable. Met there Mr. L., a land agent, who told me that they would be
nearly a Thousand Pounds per acre, and therefore too dear. I asked Mr.
L. to inform me if he should hear of any suitable land for sale.

Jan. 10. One of the Orphans having received half-a-crown from a cousin,
gave 1s. 6d. of it towards building the Orphan-House; a sister in the
Lord also gave me 3s., a ring, a pair of gold earrings, and a gold
brooch.

Jan. 11. Today I received from a gentleman of Liverpool, who has been
staying at Clifton, 5l, and from the sister, through whom this donation
was conveyed to me, I received 1l. more towards the Building-Fund.

Jan. 12. Received a case with ladies' working instruments, to be sold
for the Building Fund. Two of the Infant Orphans also gave 6d. and 4d.

Jan. 13. Half-a-crown was given today.

Jan. 16. From Bideford 1l. 15s.

Jan. 24. The produce of a knitted handkerchief, sold for 2s, was given
today; also 4s. 6d. by sale of two dolls; and some brethren at
Barnstaple sent 12l. as a token of their loving interest in this work.

Jan. 26. A sister in the Lord gave 2s. 6d.

Jan. 31. It is now 89 days since I have been daily waiting upon God
about the building of an Orphan-House. The time seems to me now near
when the Lord will give us a piece of ground, and I told the brethren
and sisters so this evening, after our usual Saturday evening prayer
meeting at the Orphan-Houses.

Feb. 1. A poor widow sent today 10s.

Feb. 2. Today I heard of suitable and cheap land on Ashley Down.

Feb. 3, Saw the land. It is the most desirable of all I have seen.--
There was anonymously put into an Orphan-box at my house a sovereign, in
a piece of paper, on which was written, "The New Orphan-House."

Feb. 4. This evening I called on the owner of the land on Ashley Down,
about which I had heard on the 2nd, but he was not at borne. As I,
however, had been informed that I should find him at his house of
business, I went there, but did not find him there either, as he had
just before left. I might have called again at his residence, at a later
hour, having been informed by one of the servants that he would be sure
to be at home about eight o'clock; but I did not do so, judging that
there was the hand of God in my not finding him at either place: and I
judged it best therefore not to force the matter, but to "let patience
have her perfect work."

Feb. 5. Saw this morning the owner of the land. He told me that he awoke
at three o'clock this morning and could not sleep again till five.
While he was thus lying awake, his mind was all the time occupied about
the piece of land, respecting which inquiry had been made of him for the
building of an Orphan-House, at my request; and he determined, that if I
should apply for it, he would not only let me have it, but for 120l. per
acre, instead of 200l., the price which he had previously asked for it.
How good is the Lord! The agreement was made this morning, and I
purchased a field of nearly seven acres, at 120l. per acre.

Observe the hand of God in my not finding the owner at home last
evening! The Lord meant to speak to His servant first about this matter,
during a sleepless night, and to lead him fully to decide, before I had
seen him.

Feb. 6. Two dolls were given for sale, and one of them was sold for 3s.

Feb. 7. Received from two of the Orphans 8d. and 4d. Also, one of the
labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave 10s, and a poor man 3d.

Feb. 8. I wrote the day before yesterday to the architect, who has
offered his help gratuitously.

Feb. 11. Received from a sister in the Lord 5l. Received also from the
architect the following reply to my letter:

"My dear Sir,

"It will afford me a gratification, beyond what I can communicate by
letter, to lend you a helping hand in the labour of love you are engaged
in, and I shall esteem it a very great privilege being allowed to
exercise my abilities as an architect and surveyor in the erection of
the building you propose to erect for the Orphans. I really do mean what
I say, and, if all is well, by the blessing of God, I will gratuitously
furnish you with plans, elevations, and sections; with specification of
the work, so that the cost may be accurately estimated. I will also make
you an estimate and superintend the works for you gratuitously, &c."

Feb. 12. This afternoon a little parcel was brought to my house,
containing ten sovereigns and a little slip of paper, on which was
written:

"Dear Sir, --I have sent you ten pounds for the New Orphan-House. It is
the Lord's doing. Seek not to know my name."

Feb. 14. There came in 8s. 6d. by sale of articles.

Feb. 15. Received the promise that on March 25th should be paid to me
500l. for the building of the Orphan-House.

Feb. 18. Received 1l. from Sunderland.

Feb. 19. The architect kindly came from London. He considers the ground
to be most suitable as to situation, drainage, water, &c. --I received
also today from a sister 5l.

Feb. 20. Received from a sister 10s., and from a brother 5l. The brother
told me that never in his life does he remember to have given any
donation with so much real pleasure as this 5l. This is of God. I own
God's hand in this. He it is that inclines the hearts of His dear
children towards this service. May He only be pleased to continue to
give me faith amid patience, and I shall most assuredly see this
building erected to the praise of His name!

Feb. 28. Two of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave 1s. each--Today
the 500l. which had been promised on the 15th, was paid 25 days sooner
than promised. I rejoiced in this speed; for I remembered that word:

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might: for there is
no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither
thou goest."

March 2. Received 2 rings, 6 brooches, 2 mourning brooches, 3 old silver
thimbles, a silver guard, a small gold chain, 4 pairs of earrings, 3
polished stones, a bracelet, 3 waist buckles, a silver mounting of a
horn, and 2 candlestick ornaments.

March 3. From a brother in the Lord 10l.

March 8. From Clevedon 1s., and from London 6d.

March 13. From a young sister in the Lord 13s. From a little girl at
Bath 2s. 6d.--Also 2 babies' pinafores for sale.--4 little
frocks, a pair of socks, and 4 pincushions (also for sale).--Likewise
a dozen doilies.

March 15. Anonymously 2l. with these lines written in the paper:
"Wishing for the privilege of raising a few stones towards erecting the
New Orphan-House, the enclosed trifle is sent for that purpose.--
There will doubtless be a conspiracy from beneath, to fight against and
to hinder the work; nevertheless let us make our prayer unto our God,
and set a watch against them day and night."

March 19. By sale of some articles 1l. 5s 4 1/2 d.

March 22. From a sister in the Lord 10s.

March 25. A pair of knitted cuffs for sale.

March 28. A lady at Clifton gave 2l.

March 31. A brother, having unexpectedly received a sum of money as a
dividend from a Bankruptcy, gave 10l. towards the Building-Fund, as "A
thank-offering to the Lord."

April 5. Anonymously 1l.

April 7. Four pairs of knitted socks were given for sale; and by a
sister in the Lord 10l., as "A thank-offering for mercies received."
This 10l. comes at a season of a very great trial of faith, on account
of a multiplicity of difficulties in which I am just now, and it is
another precious earnest to me from God, that He will give me in every
way what I need, after He has sufficiently tried my faith and
patience.--There were also given 5 stuffed birds and a pincushion. Also
2 cups, 2 shells, a book-mark, and a watch guard. Also a knitted cloth.

April 27. Anonymously 4s., and by sale of articles 3s. 9d. I received
also the following letter from Sunderland:

"Sunderland, April 24, 1846.

"Beloved Brother,

"A year having now elapsed since our chapel was opened, and our God
having signally blessed us in all things, the saints here have been
stirred up to present a thank-offering to our Father, and to give it for
the New Orphan-Houses. I therefore send you in their name, the sum of
17l. Etc."

May 3. From a sister at Bath 10s.

May 9. By sale of articles 1s. "A widow's mite" 1l.

May 11. From a brother 50l.

May 21. From Oxford 1l.

May 27. From a sister in Bristol 1l.

June 2. Through a sister 1s. 3d.

June. 4. From Leicestershire 5s., and from a sister in Bristol 2s. 6d.

That which has been stated above concerning the origin of the New
Orphan-House on Ashley Down, Bristol, was published in the Ninth Report
of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, which was
issued in the year 1846. In that Report were added to the above, the
following remarks, which I likewise give here again, in order that the
reader may have a clear under-standing of the whole, and also the full
particulars concerning this Orphan Establishment.

1. The total amount, which has been given for the Building-Fund, up to
June 4, 1846, is 2710l. 3s. 5 1/2 d. This is only a small part of what
will be needed, but, by the grace of God, I am in perfect peace, being
fully assured that God in His own time will send the whole sum which is
required. Many and great have already been the exercises of faith and
patient since I first began to give myself to prayer about this work,
and still greater they may be, before it is accomplished; but God, in
the riches of His grace, will help me through them all. It is now (June
4, 1846) 212 days since I first began to pray about this work, and day
after day, since then, have I been enabled to continue to wait upon God,
and I am more than ever assured that, notwithstanding all my exceeding
great unworthiness, God will condescend to use me, to build this House.
Had it been the excitement of the moment, the difficulties which have
already come upon me in connexion with this work, (which are not stated
here, on account of their occupying too much room) would have
overwhelmed me; but as God Himself, I trust, led me to this work, so He
has helped me, and does help me, and, I doubt not, will help me to the
end.

2. The house is intended to be built, so as to accommodate 140 Orphan
Girls above seven years of age, 80 Orphan Boys above seven, and 80 male
and female Orphans from their earliest days, till they are seven years
old, together with all the overseers and teachers, etc. that may be
needed. The Infants, after having passed the age of seven, will be
removed into the different departments for older boys and girls.

3. The plan of the building is, by the help of God, all but completed.
Scarcely anything more remains to be altered.

4. The building, however, will not commence till all the money, which is
required, has been received.

5. The land and house will be invested in the hands of about ten
brethren, as trustees, who shall be persons well known and of good
report.

6. Only such donations, ordinarily, will be put to time Building-Fund as
are expressly given for it. I should only depart from this my usual
mode, if the Lord by some very great abundance of means corning in, or
in other respects were to point out, that money not expressly given for
the Building-Fund, was to be appropriated to it. It is therefore
requested that donors will kindly state it, if they wish any donation
put to the Building-Fund.

Miscellaneous points respecting the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for
Home and Abroad, with reference to the period from July 14, 1844, to May
26, 1840.

1. During the whole of this period, 4 Day-Schools, with 278 children in
them, were entirely supported by the funds of the Institution. Three
Day-Schools besides were assisted. The number of the children that were
taught in the Day-Schools, entirely supported by the funds of the
Institution, from March 5, 1834, to May 26, 1846, amounts to 3983.
During the period from July 14, 1844, to May 26, 1846, 628l. 19s. 4 3/4
d. was spent on all the Schools, which were either entirely or in part
supported by the funds of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.
--Further, during this period there were also entirely supported a
Sunday-School with 80 children, and an Adult-School with 60 persons
attending it. The total number of Adult scholars who received
instruction, from the formation of this Institution to May 26, 1846, is
1146.

2. During this period were circulated 269 Bibles, and 171 Testaments;
and 5079 Bibles, and 3528 Testaments were circulated from the
commencement of the work up to May 26, 1846. 40l. 7s. 10d. was expended
of the Funds of the Institution on this object, from July 14, 1844, to
May 26, 1840.

3. From July 14, 1844, to May 20, 1846, was laid out for Foreign and
Home Missions the sum of 595l. 7s, 9d. Of this sum was spent for Foreign
Missions 447l. 17s. 9d, which was divided among 15 brethren and sisters
who labour in British Guiana, one brother and sister in Jamaica, 2
brethren in India, one brother in Prussia, and 3 brethren in
Switzerland. The remainder, 147l. 10s. was divided among 14 brethren who
labour in England without any salary, and in dependence upon the Lord
for their temporal supplies. During no period previously was so much of
the Funds of this Institution spent on Missionary work, which arose from
the fact, that, the more I corresponded with brethren who laboured in
the word and doctrine in foreign lands, the more I saw how much they
stood in need of assistance, and thus, my heart having been led out in
prayer to God on their behalf, that He would be pleased to send me
means, whereby I might be able to assist them, He was pleased to do so.
This led me to purpose, as God should give me grace, to be still more
mindful of them in future, and to seek to be able still more to assist
them. The same was the case with regard to those brethren who labour in
England, but who have no salary or stipend, but trust in the living God
for the supply of their daily necessities; I did long to help such
brethren, and had no doubt that God would enable me to do so.

When I now, whilst preparing this fourth part of my Narrative for the
press, look back to this period, how greatly has God helped me since
then even in this particular; for, of late years, he has enabled me to
spend on Missionary objects about seven times more than during the
period now referred to.

4. There was laid out for the circulation of tracts, from July 14, 1844,
to May 26, 1846, the sum of 50l. 9s. 9 1/2 d., for which Fifty-two
thousand and three such little publications were bought, which, with
5315 in hand on July 14, 1844, makes 57318, of which number 40565 were
circulated The total number circulated from Nov. 19, 1840, to May 26,
1846, amounts to 99647.

5. There were received into the four Orphan-Houses, from July 14, 1844,
to May 20, 1840, 30 Orphans, who, together with those who were in the
four Houses on July 14, 1844, make up 151 in all. Of these: 1. One child
died. 2. One boy left the Institution secretly just when he was ready to
be apprenticed, and went to his relatives. [In going over this account,
for time sake of preparing it for the press, I cannot help making a few
remarks on this case, for the sake of teachers, guardians, and parents,
who are greatly afflicted by the bad behaviour of children or young
persons. The boy referred to just now gave us for years much sorrow. All
means, to bring him into a different state, seemed entirely lost. At
last he was going to be apprenticed. His clothes and outfit for leaving
the House were already prepared, when he secretly left and at last
reached on foot the dwelling-place of an elder sister, in the North of
Devon, who is married to a master of a small vessel, a pious man. His
sister and brother-in-law were greatly afflicted by his bad behaviour
towards his friends in Bristol. There remained, however, now nothing to
be done, but that the lad should go with his brother-in-law to sea.
After he had been some time at sea, one night there was a terrific
storm, so that all hope of the vessel or crew being saved was gone. This
poor lad now remembered the instruction which he had received in the
Orphan-House in Bristol, and earnestly prayed to God for mercy, and
turned to Him. From that time, as the brother-in-law himself told me,
this youth was a truly changed character, and proved by his godly
deportment for several months afterwards, that he had the grace of God
in him; for he continued walking in the fear of God, till about 6 months
afterwards, when he was drowned by falling overboard. May this encourage
all who labour among the young, patiently to go on in their service.
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." Ps. 126, 5.] 3. Six children
were taken back by their relatives, who by that time were able to
provide for them. 4. Six boys were apprenticed at the expense of the
Institution, and five other boys, ready to be apprenticed, were sent to
their relatives to be apprenticed. 5. Two girls were apprenticed, and
eight sent out to service, and one girl was sent to her relatives to
serve them.

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