from the ,google ,print project47 99 99 99 99 99 ,,transcriber',s ,,note3 ,every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible2 please see detailed list of printing issues at the end of the text4 99 99 99 99 99 ,illustration3 ,,ashley ,,down ,,orphan ,,houses1 ,,bristol1 ,,eng4 ,,the ,,life ,,of ,,trust3 ,,being ,a ,,narrative ,,of ,,the ,,lord',s ,,dealings ,,with ,,george ,m,ue,l,l,e,r1 ,,written ,,by ,,himself4 ,,edited ,,and ,,condensed ,,by ,,rev4 ,h4 ,,lincoln ,,wayland1 ,,pastor ,,of ,,the ,,third ,,baptist ,,church1 ,,worcester1 ,,mass4 ,with an ,introduction ,,by ,,francis ,,wayland4 ,,boston3 ,,gould ,,and ,,lincoln1 #ei ,,washington ,,street4 ,,new ,,york3 ,,sheldon ,,and ,,company4 ,,cincinnati3 ,,george ,s4 ,,blanchard4 #ahfa4 ,entered according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahfj1 by ,,gould ,,and ,,lincoln1 ,in the ,clerk's office of the ,district ,court of the ,district of ,massachusetts4 ,,stereotyped ,,and ,,printed ,,by ,,geo4 ,c4 ,,rand ,,and ,,avery1 #c ,,cornhill4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,editor',s ,,preface4 ,having been requested by ,,messrs4 ,,gould ,,and ,,lincoln to examine the work entitled ,a ,,narrative ,,of ,,some ,,of ,,the ,,lord',s ,,dealings ,,with ,,george ,m,ue,l,l,e,r1 the ,editor was convinced that its republication in this country would greatly promote the piety of ,american ,christians4 ,but to reproduce the work in its original form was attended with difficulty4 ,the ,narrative1 in four parts1 7published respectively in #ahcg1 #ahda1 #ahde1 and #ahef17 and the four ,annual ,reports issued in #aheg1 #aheh1 #ahei1 and #ahfj1 would occupy not less than eighteen hundred pages of the size of those contained in this volume4 ,the cost of such a work would greatly limit its circulation and its usefulness1 if indeed any publisher should undertake its issue4 ,there seemed no alternative except to abandon the idea of an ,american edition altogether1 or to present it to the public in a condensed form4 ,such a condensation seemed1 on examination1 to be entirely practicable4 ,owing to the ,parts of the ,narrative having been published at four separate periods1 it often happens that the same matter is several times repeated4 ,a large portion of the space is occupied with the acknowledgment of donations received4 ,these entries1 although appropriate in a report made to the donors and to the ,british public1 have not the same interest for ,american readers4 ,the discussion of some points in church polity1 and the account of the ,author's journeys upon the ,continent1 though interesting and instructive1 are not necessary to the continuity of the history4 ,although in some cases the portions which have been omitted cover a considerable period of time1 yet it is believed that all which is essential has been retained4 ,no pains have been spared on the part of the ,editor to preserve the value of the work while reducing its compass1 and to give1 in a form universally accessible1 a clear exhibition of the wonderful results of the life of ,george ,mueller1 as well as of the principles by which his life has been governed4 ,believing that the book would be rendered more attractive to the reader1 and more convenient for reference1 the ,editor has divided it into ,chapters1 and has prefixed to each a brief statement of some of the leading subjects introduced in the ,chapter4 ,for these contents1 as well as for the headings of the ,chapters1 and for the general title of the volume1 the ,editor alone is responsible4 ,the ,narrative of ,george ,mueller has been blessed in other lands to the awakening of spiritual life4 ,it was the means1 as will be observed by the reader1 of greatly forwarding1 if not of originating1 the work of grace now advancing in ,ireland4 ,,the ,,life ,,of ,,trust is submitted to the ,christian public of ,america1 in the hope that its still small voice may be heard even amid the clangor of political strife and the revulsion of commercial interests1 and that it may be used by the ,divine ,spirit to promote and strengthen in the hearts of ,american ,christians1 ,,faith ,,in ,,the ,,living ,,god4 ,h4 ,l4 ,w4 ,,worcester1 ,,dec4 #ab1 #ahfj ,,author',s ,,preface4 ,it was only after the consideration of many months1 and after much self-examination as to my motives1 and after much earnest prayer1 that ,i came to the conclusion to write this work4 ,i have not taken one single step in the ,lord's service concerning which ,i have prayed so much4 ,my great dislike to increasing the number of religious books would1 in itself1 have been sufficient to have kept me forever from it1 had ,i not cherished the hope of being instrumental in this way to lead some of my brethren to value the ,holy ,scriptures more1 and to judge by the standard of the ,word of ,god the principles on which they act4 ,but that which weighed more with me than anything1 was1 that ,i have reason to believe1 from what ,i have seen among the children of ,god1 that many of their trials arise either from want of confidence in the ,lord as it regards temporal things1 or from carrying on their business in an unscriptural way4 ,on account1 therefore1 of the remarkable way in which the ,lord has dealt with me as to temporal things1 ,i feel that ,i am a debtor to the church of ,christ1 and that ,i ought1 for the benefit of my poorer brethren especially1 to make known the way in which ,i have been led4 ,in addition to this1 ,i know that to many souls the ,lord has blessed what ,i have told them about the way in which he has led me1 and therefore it seemed a duty to use such means1 whereby others also1 with whom ,i could not possibly converse1 might be benefited4 ,that which induced me finally to determine to write this ,narrative was1 that if the ,lord should permit the book to sell1 ,i might1 by the profits arising from the sale1 be enabled in a greater degree to help the poor brethren and sisters among whom ,i labor2--a matter which1 just at that time1 weighed much on my mind4 ,i therefore began to write4 ,but after three days ,i was obliged to lay the work aside on account of my other pressing engagements4 ,subsequently1 ,i was laid aside on account of an abscess2 and being unable1 for many weeks1 to walk about as usual1 though able to work at home1 ,i had time for writing4 ,when the manuscript was nearly completed ,i gave it to a brother to look over1 that ,i might have his judgment2 and the ,lord so refreshed his spirit through it1 that he offered to advance the means for having it printed1 with the understanding that if the book should not sell he would never consider me his debtor4 ,by this offer not a small obstacle was removed1 as ,i have no means of my own to defray the expense of printing4 ,these last two circumstances1 connected with many other points1 confirmed me that ,i had not been mistaken1 when ,i came to the conclusion that it was the will of ,god that ,i should serve his church in this way4 ,the fact of my being a foreigner1 and therefore but very imperfectly acquainted with the ,english language1 ,i judged to be no sufficient reason for keeping me from writing4 ,the ,christian reader1 being acquainted with this fact1 will candidly excuse any inaccuracy of expression4 ,for the poor among the brethren this ,narrative is especially intended1 and to their prayers ,i commend it in particular4 ,,george ,m,ue,l,l,e,r4 ,,contents4 ,,introduction ,,xv ,,chapter ,i4 ,boyhood and ,youth4 #ahje-ahbe4 ,,birth--,,early ,,dishonesty--,,insensibility--,,confirm ation ,,in ,,the ,,state ,,church--,,dissoluteness ,,of ,,life--,,the ,,hard ,,way ,,of ,,transgressors--,,the ,,gymnasium ,,at ,,nordhausen--,,the ,,university ,,at ,,halle--,,rovings #ca ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,the ,prodigal's ,return4 #ahbe-ahbf4 ,a ,,treasure ,,found--,,dawning ,,of ,,the ,,new ,,life--,,the ,,peace ,,of ,,god--,i ,,am ,,come ,,to ,,set ,a ,,man ,,at ,,variance ,,against ,,his ,,father--,,let ,,him ,,that ,,heareth ,,say1 ,,come--,,the ,,first ,,sermon--,,delight ,,in ,,the ,,lord--,a ,,common ,,error--,,the ,,fountain ,,neglected #ch ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,self-,dedication4 #ahbf-ahbi4 ,,desire ,,for ,,missionary ,,labor--,,providential ,,release ,,from ,,military ,,service--,,visit ,,at ,,home--,,led ,,to ,,the ,,land ,,of ,,his ,,future ,,labors--,,progress ,,in ,,religious ,,knowledge--,,desire ,,for ,,immediate ,,usefulness #dg ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,leaning on ,jesus4 #ahcj-ahcb4 ,a ,,door ,,opened--,,tokens ,,for ,,good--,,trust ,,exercised ,,in ,,the ,,study ,,and ,,ministry ,,of ,,the ,,word--,,the ,,sword ,,of ,,the ,,spirit--,,trusting ,,in ,,god ,,for ,,daily ,,bread--,,blessedness ,,of ,,waiting ,,upon ,,the ,,lord--,,owe ,,no ,,man--,,according ,,to ,,your ,,faith ,,be ,,it ,,unto ,,you--,,the ,,gift ,,of ,,faith ,,and ,,the ,,grace ,,of ,,faith #eh ,,chapter ,v4 ,ministry at ,bristol ,begun4 #ahcb-ahcc4 ,,here ,,have ,,we ,,no ,,continuing ,,city--,,caution ,,to ,,the ,,christian ,,traveller--,,new ,,tokens ,,for ,,good--,,the ,,way ,,made ,,clear--,,meetings ,,for ,,inquiry--,,no ,,respect ,,of ,,persons ,,with ,,god--,,francke1 ,,being ,,dead1 ,,yet ,,speaketh--,,daily ,,bread ,,supplied--,a ,,peculiar ,,people #hj ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 #ahcd-ahce4 ,,unscriptural ,,character ,,of ,,the ,,existing ,,religious ,,and ,,benevolent ,,societies--,a ,,new ,,institution ,,proposed--,,god',s ,,word ,,the ,,only ,,rule1 ,,and ,,god',s ,,promise ,,the ,,only ,,dependence--,,in ,,everything ,,let ,,your ,,request ,,be ,,made ,,known ,,unto ,,god--,,earnest ,,of ,,the ,,divine ,,blessing ,,on ,,the ,,institution--,,bereavement--,,helper ,,seasonably ,,sent--,,reward ,,of ,,seeking ,,god',s ,,face #id ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,home for ,destitute ,orphans4 #ahce-ahcf4 ,,franke',s ,,works ,,follow ,,him--,a ,,great ,,undertaking ,,conceived--,,reasons ,,for ,,establishing ,,an ,,orphan ,,house--,,prayer ,,for ,,guidance--,,treasure ,,laid ,,up ,,in ,,heaven ,,in ,,prayer ,,and ,,in ,,faith ,,the ,,work ,,is ,,begun #aaa ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,the ,field ,widening4 #ahcf-ahcg4 ,,an ,,unexpected ,,obstacle--,,implicit ,,submission--,a ,,second ,,orphan ,,house ,,proposed--,,an ,,encouraging ,,text--,,the ,,new ,,orphan ,,house ,,opened--,,completed ,,answer ,,to ,,prayer--,,progress ,,of ,,the ,,lord',s ,,work--,,the ,,oversight ,,of ,,the ,,flock #abe ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,trial4 #ahch4 ,,the ,,ministry ,,of ,,sickness--,,peace ,,of ,,mind--,,jesus ,a ,,present ,,help--,,deep ,,poverty--,,pleading ,,with ,,god--,,united ,,prayer #ach ,,chapter ,x4 ,deliverance4 #ahch4 ,,perplexed ,,but ,,not ,,in ,,despair--,,faith ,,justified--,a ,,lesson ,,of ,,obedience--,,bountiful ,,supplies--,,spiritual ,,ingathering--,a ,,day ,,of ,,mercies--,,timely ,,aid--,a ,,season ,,of ,,plenty--,,obedience ,,rewarded #aea ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,asking and ,receiving4 #ahci4 ,,help ,,for ,,the ,,poor ,,saints--,,the ,,unfailing ,,bank--,,means ,,exhausted--,,liberality ,,of ,a ,,laboring ,,sister--,,he ,,knoweth ,,our ,,frame--,,redeeming ,,the ,,time--,,godliness ,,profitable ,,unto ,,all ,,things #afg ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,plenty and ,want4 #ahdj4 ,a ,,pure ,,offering ,,required--,a ,,journey ,,proposed--,,seasonable ,,provision--,,looking ,,only ,,to ,,the ,,lord--,,the ,,wrath ,,of ,,man ,,praising ,,god--,a ,,promise ,,fulfilled--,,benefit ,,of ,,trial--,,new ,,springs ,,opened--,,before ,,they ,,call ,i ,,will ,,answer--,,trust ,,in ,,god ,,commended--,,spiritual ,,blessings #aha ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,faith ,strengthened by ,exercise4 #ahda4 ,a ,,want ,,supplied--,,resources ,,exceeding ,,the ,,demand--,,evil ,,of ,,suretyship--,,power ,,of ,,christian ,,love--,,god',s ,,word ,,the ,,food ,,of ,,the ,,soul--,,preparation ,,for ,,the ,,hour ,,of ,,trial--,,poverty--,,depending ,,only ,,on ,,the ,,living ,,god #bjj ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,walking in ,darkness4 #ahda-ahdb4 ,,god',s ,,way ,,leads ,,into ,,trial--,,grounds ,,of ,,thankfulness--,,protracted ,,darkness--,,cast ,,down1 ,,but ,,not ,,destroyed--,,trust ,,in ,,god ,,commended--,,the ,,means ,,of ,,its ,,attainment--,,review ,,of ,,the ,,work #bad ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,prosperity4 #ahdb-ahdc4 ,,abundant ,,supplies--,,resting ,,on ,,the ,,written ,,word--,,seeking ,,and ,,finding--,,erroneous ,,impressions ,,removed--,,persevering ,,and ,,prevailing ,,prayer ,,answered--,,lengthening ,,the ,,cords ,,and ,,strengthening ,,the ,,stakes--,a ,,fourth ,,orphan ,,house #bda ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,stewardship4 #ahdd4 ,,earthly ,,and ,,heavenly ,,treasures--,,seeking ,,the ,,kingdom ,,of ,,god--,,fellowship ,,with ,,the ,,father--,,the ,,christian ,,merchant--,,examples--,,mistakes #bei ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,reaping ,bountifully4 #ahde-ahdf4 ,,an ,,unexpected ,,request--,,deliberation--,a ,,great ,,undertaking--,,reliance ,,on ,,the ,,resources ,,of ,,the ,,living ,,god--,,an ,,answer ,,expected ,,and ,,received--,,prayer ,,for ,,faith ,,and ,,patience--,,further ,,proofs ,,of ,,divine ,,favor--,,the ,,blessedness ,,of ,,devising ,,liberal ,,things #bid ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,faith ,confirmed by ,prosperity4 #ahdf-ahdh4 ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,supplication ,,bestowed ,,and ,,prayer ,,answered--,,the ,,time ,,of ,,man',s ,,need ,,and ,,of ,,god',s ,,bounty--,,faith ,,not ,,shaken--,,dealing ,,only ,,with ,,god--,,the ,,needed ,,amount ,,furnished--,,perpetual ,,need--,,not ,,weary ,,in ,,god',s ,,work--,,joy ,,in ,,answered ,,prayer--,,four ,,requests ,,granted--,,continuing ,,instant ,,in ,,prayer--,,the ,,building ,,commenced--,,personal ,,history--,a ,,marked ,,deliverance #cai ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,continued ,mercies4 #ahdh-ahej4 ,,humble ,,beginnings--,,devising ,,liberal ,,things--,,the ,,orphans ,,provided ,,for--,a ,,memorable ,,day--,,money ,,at ,,interest--,,means ,,from ,,an ,,unexpected ,,source--,,the ,,progress ,,of ,,the ,,new ,,orphan ,,house--,,means ,,provided ,,for ,,its ,,completion--,,inexpressible ,,delight ,,in ,,god--,,review ,,of ,,the ,,two ,,years ,,past #cdg ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,a ,new ,victory of ,faith4 #ahej-ahea4 ,,past ,,mercies ,,an ,,encouragement ,,to ,,new ,,undertakings--,a ,,house ,,for ,,seven ,,hundred ,,orphans ,,proposed--,,walking ,,by ,,faith--,,counsel ,,sought ,,from ,,god--,,the ,,purpose ,,formed--,,delight ,,in ,,the ,,magnitude ,,and ,,difficulty ,,of ,,the ,,design #cfd ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,unvarying ,prosperity4 #ahej-aheb4 ,,desires ,,for ,,more ,,enlarged ,,usefulness ,,gratified--,a ,,large ,,donation ,,anticipated ,,and ,,received--,,review ,,of #ahea--,,personal ,,experience--,,building ,,fund ,,for ,,the ,,second ,,new ,,orphan ,,house--,,doubt ,,resisted--,,waiting ,,on ,,god ,,not ,,in ,,vain--,,review ,,of #aheb #chi ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,reaping in ,joy4 #aheb-ahed4 ,,expecting ,,great ,,things ,,from ,,god--,,munificent ,,donation--,,increasing ,,usefulness ,,of ,,the ,,scriptural ,,knowledge ,,institution--,,access ,,to ,,god ,,through ,,faith ,,in ,,christ--,a ,,voice ,,from ,,mount ,,lebanon--,,benefit ,,of ,,waiting ,,god',s ,,time--,,careful ,,stewardship--,,faith1 ,,the ,,only ,,reliance--,,this ,,poor ,,widow ,,hath ,,cast ,,in ,,more ,,than ,,they ,,all--,,greater ,,achievements ,,of ,,faith ,,anticipated--,,counsel ,,to ,,tract ,,distributors--,a ,,new ,,and ,,severe ,,trial ,,of ,,faith #djb ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,three ,years of ,prosperity4 #ahed-aheg4 ,,the ,,site ,,selected--,,six ,,thousand ,,orphans ,,in ,,prison--,,how ,,to ,,ask ,,for ,,daily ,,bread--,,review ,,of ,,twenty-,,four ,,years--,,take ,,no ,,thought ,,for ,,the ,,morrow--,,insurance ,,against ,,bad ,,debts #dbf ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,conclusion4 #aheg-ahfj4 ,,the ,,house ,,for ,,four ,,hundred ,,opened--,,prayer ,,more ,,than ,,answered--,,the ,,resort ,,in ,,trouble--,,an ,,outpouring ,,of ,,the ,,spirit ,,on ,,the ,,orphans--,,land ,,for ,a ,,new ,,building ,,purchased--,,but ,,one ,,life ,,to ,,spend ,,for ,,god--,,scattering1 ,,yet ,,increasing--,a ,,memorable ,,year--,,the ,,germ ,,of ,,the ,,irish ,,revival--,,letter ,,from ,,an ,,orphan--,,the ,,fruit ,,of ,,six ,,months' ,,prayer--,,the ,,results ,,of ,,the ,,work--,,revival ,,among ,,the ,,orphans #ddf ,,appendix #dgc ,,introduction4 ,what is meant by the prayer of faith8 is a question which is beginning to arrest1 in an unusual degree1 the attention of ,christians4 ,what is the significance of the passages both in the ,new ,testament and the ,old which refer to it8 ,what is the limit within which they may be safely received as a ground of practical reliance8 ,were these promises limited to prophetical or apostolical times2 or have they been left as a legacy to all believers until the end shall come8 ,somehow or other1 these questions are seldom discussed either from the pulpit or the press4 ,i do not remember to have heard any of them distinctly treated of in a sermon4 ,i do not know of any work in which this subject is either theoretically explained or practically enforced4 ,it really seems as if this portion of ,revelation was1 by common consent1 ignored in all our public teachings4 ,do not men believe that ,god means what he appears plainly to have asserted8 or1 if we believe that he means it1 do we fear the charge of fanaticism if we openly avow that we take him at his word8 ,the public silence on this subject does not1 however1 prevent a very frequent private inquiry in respect to it4 ,the thoughtful ,christian1 when in his daily reading of the ,scriptures he meets with any of those wonderful promises made to believing prayer1 often pauses to ask himself1 ,what can these words mean8 ,can it be that ,god has made such promises as these to me1 and to such men as ,i am8 ,have ,i really permission to commit all my little affairs to a ,god of infinite wisdom1 believing that he will take charge of them and direct them according to the promptings of boundless love and absolute omniscience8 ,is prayer really a power with ,god1 or is it merely an expedient by which our own piety may be cultivated8 ,is it not merely a power 7that is1 a stated antecedent accompanied by the idea of causation71 but is it a transcendent power1 accomplishing what no other power can1 over-ruling all other agencies1 and rendering them subservient to its own wonderful efficiency8 ,i think there are few devout readers of the ,bible to whom these questions are not frequently suggested4 ,we ask them1 but we do not often wait for an answer4 ,these promises seem to us to be addressed either to a past or to a coming age1 but not to us1 at the present day4 ,yet with such views as these the devout soul is not at all satisfied4 ,if an invaluable treasure is here reserved for the believer1 he asks1 why should ,i not receive my portion of it8 ,he cannot doubt that ,god has in a remarkable manner1 at various times1 answered his prayers2 why should he not always answer them8 and why should not the believer always draw near to ,god in full confidence that he will do as he has said8 ,he may remember that the prayer which has been manifestly answered was the offspring of deep humility1 of conscious unworthiness1 of utter self-negation1 and of simple and earnest reliance on the promises of ,god through the mediation of ,christ4 ,why should not his prayers be always of the same character8 ,with the apostles of old he pours out his soul in the petition1 ,lord1 increase our faith4 ,and yet it can scarcely be denied that the will of ,god has been distinctly revealed on this subject4 ,the promises made to believing prayer are explicit1 numerous1 and diversified4 ,if we take them in their simple and literal meaning1 or if in fact we give to them any reasonable interpretation whatever1 they seem to be easily understood4 ,our difficulty seems to be this3 the promise is so exceeding great that we cannot conceive ,god really to mean what he clearly appears to have revealed4 ,the blessing seems too vast for our comprehension2 we stagger at the promises1 through unbelief1 and thus fail to secure the treasure which was purchased for us by ,christ ,jesus4 ,it may be appropriate for us to review some of the passages which refer most directly to this subject3-- ,ask1 and it shall be given you2 seek1 and ye shall find2 knock1 and it shall be opened unto you2 for every one that asketh receiveth1 and he that seeketh findeth1 and to him that knocketh it shall be opened4 ,if ye then1 being evil1 know how to give good gifts unto your children1 how much more shall your ,father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him4#a ,footnote #a3 ,matthew vii4 #g-aa4 ,in the ,gospel of ,luke the same words are repeated1 with a single variation at the close4 ,if ye1 being evil1 know how to give good gifts unto your children1 how much more shall your heavenly ,father give the ,holy ,spirit to them that ask him4#b ,footnote #b3 ,luke xi4 #ac4 ,i say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask1 it shall be done for them of my ,father which is in heaven4 ,for where two or three are gathered together in my name1 there am ,i in the midst of them4#c ,footnote #c3 ,matthew xviii4 #ai1 #bj4 ,jesus answered and said unto them1 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,if ye have faith1 and doubt not1 ye shall not only do that which is done to the fig-tree1 but also ye shall say to this mountain1 ,be thou removed1 and be thou cast into the sea1 and it shall be done4 ,and all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer1 believing1 ye shall receive4#d ,footnote #d3 ,matthew xxi4 #ba1 #bb4 ,the same promise1 slightly varied in form1 is found in the ,gospel of ,mark4 ,have faith in ,god4 ,for verily ,i say unto you that whosoever shall say to this mountain1 ,be thou removed1 and be thou cast into the sea1 and shall not doubt in his heart1 but shall believe that those things which he hath said shall come to pass1 he shall have whatever he saith4 ,therefore ,i say unto you1 ,whatsoever things ye desire1 when ye pray1 believe that ye receive them1 and ye shall have them4#e ,footnote #e3 ,mark xi4 #bb-bd4 ,now ,i do not pretend that we are obliged to receive these words literally4 ,unless1 however1 we believe the ,saviour to have spoken repeatedly on the same subject1 at random1 and with no definite meaning1 we must understand him to have asserted that things impossible by the ordinary laws of material causation are possible by faith in ,god4 ,i do not perceive1 if we allow these words to have any meaning whatever1 that we can ascribe to them any other significance4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,he that believeth in me1 the works that ,i do shall he do also2 and greater works than these shall he do1 because ,i go unto my ,father4 ,and whatsoever ye shall ask in my name1 that ,i will do1 that the ,father may be glorified in the ,son4 ,if ye shall ask anything in my name ,i will do it4#f ,footnote #f3 ,john xiv4 #ab-ad4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,whatsoever ye shall ask the ,father in my name1 he will give it you4 ,hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name4 ,ask1 and ye shall receive1 that your joy may be full4#g ,footnote #g3 ,john xvi4 #bc1 #bd4 ,the effectual1 fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much2#h that is1 it is a real power1 a positive energy4 ,the apostle illustrates what he means by availing prayer by the example of ,elias1 a man subject to like passions as we are3 ,he prayed earnestly that it might not rain1 and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months2 and he prayed again1 and the heavens gave rain1 and the earth brought forth her fruit4#i ,footnote #h3 ,james v4 #af4 ,footnote #i3 ,james v4 #ag1 #ah4 ,the conditions on which prayer will be heard are in various places specified1 but particularly in ,john xv4 #g3 ,if ye abide in me and my words abide in you1 ye shall ask what ye will1 and it shall be done unto you4 ,that is1 if ,i understand the passage1 prevalence in prayer is conditioned by the conformity of our souls to the will of ,god2 if ye abide in me and my words abide in you4 ,on this condition1 and on this only1 may we ask what we will1 with the assurance that it will be done unto us4 ,faith1 in its most simple meaning1 is that temper of the mind in the creature which responds to every revealed perfection of the ,creator4 ,just according to the degree in which this correspondence exists1 is the promise made that we shall have whatsoever we ask4 ,it is evident1 from the eleventh of ,hebrews1 that the views of the ,apostle ,paul concerning faith were entirely in harmony with the passages recited above4 ,he reviews the lives of the most eminent saints1 for the express purpose of showing that the impressive events in their history1 whether physical or moral1 were controlled entirely by faith4 ,he sums up the whole in this remarkable language3-- ,and what shall ,i say more8 ,for the time would fail me to tell of those who through faith subdued kingdoms1 wrought righteousness1 obtained promises1 stopped the mouths of lions1 quenched the violence of fire1 escaped the edge of the sword1 out of weakness were made strong1 waxed valiant in fight1 turned to flight the armies of the aliens2 women received their dead raised to life again2 and others were tortured1 not accepting deliverance1 that they might obtain a better resurrection4 ,we are1 ,i think1 taught by this passage that the apostle believed faith to be a power capable of transcending and modifying every other agency1 by which changes became possible which to every other known power were impossible4 ,we see that in this catalogue of the victories of faith he includes the subjection of almost every form of what we call natural laws4 ,the whole passage seems an illustration of the meaning of our ,lord1 when he says1 ,if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed1 ye shall say to this sycamine tree1 ,be thou removed and planted in the midst of the sea1 and it shall obey you4 ,it seems then apparent that the doctrine of the peculiar and wonderful power of the prayer of faith is as clearly revealed in the ,scriptures as any other doctrine4 ,it would seem evident1 at any rate1 from the passages just quoted1 that the ,apostle ,paul understood the teachings of our ,saviour to mean what they say4 ,from the general tenor of the ,scriptures ,i think we may learn two important truths3 ,first1 that there is a certain state of mind in a devout soul to which ,god has promised all that it asks1 subject1 however1 as to the manner of the answer1 to the dictates of his infinite wisdom and goodness2 and1 second1 that in granting such petitions he does not always limit his action within the ordinary or acknowledged laws of matter or of mind4 ,i do not perceive how we can interpret the passages above cited1 as well as many others1 without giving them a meaning at least as extensive as this4 ,why is it1 then1 that this whole range of revealed truth has so generally been looked upon as an unknown and unexplored region8 ,why should we limit either the goodness or the power of ,god by our own knowledge of what we call the laws of nature8 ,why should we not admit that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in our philosophy8 ,in a universe governed by moral law1 why should not moral laws take precedence of all others8 ,why should we deny that there is a power in prayer to which we have not commonly attained8 ,we are straitened in ourselves1 and suppose that we are straitened in ,god4 ,we interpret the gracious promises of our most loving ,father in heaven by the rule of our own imperfect and unbelieving piety4 ,we ask for light from without1 while the light can only come from a more elevated piety within4 ,we ask for examples of the effects of faith at the present day1 corresponding to those spoken of in the sacred ,scriptures4 ,thoughtful men acknowledge that there must be a meaning in these promises1 which they have not yet understood1 and they see plainly that the kingdom of ,god can never come with power until this prevalence in prayer shall have become a matter of universal attainment2 and yet they dare hardly believe that ,god is as good as he has revealed himself to be4 ,there have1 nevertheless1 from time to time1 occurred1 what plainly appear to be1 remarkable instances of answers to prayer4 ,many of them have faded from recollection1 with the generation in which they occurred2 those which are remembered1 however1 seem to teach us that ,god is a living ,god now as truly as in times past4 ,the history of persecutions is always filled with remarkable answers to prayer4 ,the rescue of ,peter from the power of the ,sanhedrim in one case1 and from the power of ,herod in another1 has been a thousand times repeated in the history of the church of ,christ4 ,the answer to prayer for divine direction as to the time and manner of performing some ,christian service1 to which an individual has felt himself specially called1 has frequently been very remarkable4 ,the biographies of the early and of many of the later ,friends are replete with such instances4 ,any one who will read the edifying memoirs of ,george ,fox1 ,john ,woolman1 ,william ,allen1 and ,stephen ,grellet1 will find what ,i have alluded to abundantly exemplified4 ,the well-authenticated accounts of the late revivals in this country and in ,ireland teach us that most remarkable instances of answers to prayer were of almost daily occurrence4 ,in the last century a single instance deserves particular remembrance2 it was the founding of ,franke's ,orphan ,house at ,halle4 ,it seemed to him to be a ,christian duty to attempt something for the relief of orphans1 and he commenced the undertaking4 ,from time to time1 as the number of applicants increased1 the means for their support was provided1 in answer1 as he firmly believed1 to fervent and unceasing prayer4 ,thus an extensive establishment was reared1 which has continued to the present day1 providing education and support for thousands of the poor and destitute1 and it has been for a century and a half one of the most honored of the charitable institutions of the continent of ,europe4 ,the most remarkable instance of the efficacy of prayer with which ,i am acquainted1 is that recorded in the following pages4 ,it seems1 in fact1 to be a practical illustration of the meaning of those passages of ,scripture which ,i have already recited4 ,a young ,german ,christian1 friendless and unknown1 is conscious of what he believes to be a call from the ,lord to attempt something for the benefit of the poor vagabond children of ,bristol4 ,he is at this time preaching the gospel to a small company of believers1 from whom1 at his own suggestion1 he receives no salary1 being supported day by day by the voluntary offerings of his brethren4 ,without the promise of aid from any being but ,god1 he commences his work4 ,in answer to prayer1 funds are received as they are needed1 and the attempt succeeds beyond his expectation4 ,after a few years he is led to believe that ,god has called him to establish a house for the maintenance and education of orphans4 ,he was impelled to this effort1 not only from motives of benevolence1 but from a desire to convince men that ,god was a ,,living ,,god1 as ready now as ever to answer prayer2 and that1 in the discharge of any duty to which he calls us1 we may implicitly rely upon his all-sufficient aid in every emergency4 ,mr4 ,mueller was led to undertake this work in such a manner that aid could not be expected from any being but ,god4 ,he did not of course expect ,god to create gold and silver and put them into his hands4 ,he knew1 however1 that ,god could incline the hearts of men to aid him1 and he believed1 if the thing that he attempted was of ,him1 that he would so incline them1 in answer to prayer1 as his necessities should require4 ,most men in making such an attempt would have spread the case before the public1 employed agents to solicit in its behalf1 and undertaken nothing until funds adequate to the success of the enterprise had been already secured4 ,but ,mr4 ,mueller1 true to his principles1 would do no such thing4 ,from the first day to the present moment he has neither directly nor indirectly solicited either of the public or of an individual a single penny4 ,as necessities arose he simply laid his case before ,god and asked of him all that he needed1 and the supply has always been seasonable and unfailing4 ,the conductors of benevolent enterprises generally consider it important to publish the names of donors1 appealing thus to what is considered an innocent desire in man to let our good deeds be known1 and thus also to stimulate others to do likewise4 ,ignoring every motive of this kind1 ,mr4 ,mueller made it his rule to publish the name of no contributor4 ,when the name was known to him1 which1 however1 was not often the case1 he made a private acknowledgment2 while in his printed account he only made known the sum received1 and the date of its reception4 ,in this manner1 forsaking every other reliance but ,god1 and in childlike simplicity looking to him alone for the supply of every want1 all that he needed was furnished as punctually as if1 in possession of millions1 he had drawn from time to time on his banker4 ,thus has he continued from1 ,i think1 the year #ahcd4 ,by degrees the establishment increased1 and it was necessary to leave the hired houses in which the children had thus far been accommodated4 ,land was purchased1 and a building was erected in the vicinity of ,bristol4 ,this was soon filled to overflowing1 and another building was demanded4 ,this was erected1 and it also was very soon filled4 ,these buildings were sufficient to accommodate seven hundred orphans4 ,at the present moment1 a third building1 larger than either1 is in the process of erection1 and is to be finished in the course of the ensuing summer4 ,when this shall be completed1 accommodations will have been provided for eleven hundred and fifty orphans4 ,these expensive buildings have been erected2 the land has been purchased on which they stand2 this multitude of children has been clothed and fed and educated2 support and remuneration have been provided for all the necessary teachers and assistants1 and all this has been done by a man who is not worth a dollar4 ,he has never asked any one but ,god for whatever they needed1 and from the beginning they have never wanted a meal1 nor have they ever allowed themselves to be in debt4 ,there seems in this to be something as remarkable as if ,mr4 ,mueller had commanded a sycamine tree to be removed and planted in the sea1 and it had obeyed him4 ,but this is not all4 ,mr4 ,mueller saw that there was a great demand for copies of the ,holy ,scriptures1 both in ,great ,britain and on the ,continent1 and he commenced the work of ,bible distribution4 ,this so rapidly extended itself that he was soon obliged to open in ,bristol a large ,bible ,house4 ,he believed that great good might be done by the circulation of religious tracts1 and he has carried on this work extensively4 ,he was moved to make an attempt to aid and even to support missionaries among the heathen1 as well as other good men1 of various denominations1 who1 with very inadequate means of living1 were preaching the gospel to the poor and destitute at home4 ,he began to aid them as their necessities came to his knowledge1 and now one hundred such men are depending on him1 wholly or in part1 for support4 ,here1 then1 we certainly behold a remarkable phenomenon4 ,a single man1 wholly destitute of funds1 is supporting and educating seven hundred orphans1 providing everything needful for their education1 is in himself an extensive ,bible and ,tract and ,missionary ,society1 the work is daily increasing in magnitude1 and the means for carrying it on are abundantly supplied1 while he is connected with no particular denomination1 is aided by no voluntary association1 and he has asked the assistance of not a single individual4 ,he has asked no one but ,god1 and all his wants have been regularly supplied4 ,in these labors of love he has1 up to the present time1 expended nearly a million of dollars4 ,it is thus that he has endeavored to show to an unbelieving world that ,god is a living ,god1 and that he means what he has said in every one of his promises4#aj ,footnote #aj3 ,the following brief statistics will show the magnitude of the work already accomplished3-- ,the number of pupils hitherto instructed in all the day1 evening1 and ,sunday schools1 is #ac1abd4 ,the whole number of orphans educated within the establishment is #a1aec4 ,of the #gjj now in the ,institution1 #bfj are hopefully pious4 ,missionaries aided at the present time1 #ajj4 ,since #ahcd there have been circulated1--,bibles1 #bd1gfh2 ,testaments1 #ae1ajj2 ,psalms1 #gai2 other portions of ,scripture1 #a1hgf2 or1 total1 #db1dfc ,bibles or portions of ,scripture4 ,tracts and books 7not pages1 but separate publications71 #aa1dic1agd4 ,two large buildings have been erected1 a third is in the process of erection2 the land on which they stand has been purchased4 ,the expense of the orphan work alone has amounted to ,l#acc1ebh sterling1 and the expenses are daily increasing4 ,the contributions by which these expenditures have been met have been sent from every quarter of the globe4 ,the largest amounts have been1 as might be expected1 from ,england1 ,scotland1 ,ireland1 and ,wales2 but to these may be added the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 ,mt4 ,lebanon1 ,demerara1 ,newport1 ,r4 ,i41 ,new ,york1 ,philadelphia1 ,california1 ,france1 ,holland1 ,sardinia1 ,australia1 etc41 etc4 ,i have referred to ,mr4 ,mueller as if he were the sole agent in this work4 ,this1 however1 is by no means true4 ,his co-workers in the ,institution are all of the same spirit as himself4 ,mr4 ,craik1 a gentleman from ,scotland1 has been with him from the beginning1 has shared in all the labors and responsibilities of these vast undertakings1 and has been specially blessed as a preacher of the gospel4 ,the remuneration of all the assistants is contingent on the means received in answer to prayer4 ,when sacrifices are to be made1 they are all prompt to make them1 and they do not expect an answer to prayer until they have contributed1 from their own scanty wages1 whatever can be spared after providing for their actual necessities4 ,the last ,report of ,mr4 ,mueller's labors has just been received4 ,from this we learn another interesting fact4 ,it seems that the late revival in ,ireland is indirectly connected with these labors in ,bristol4 ,a pious young ,irishman read ,the ,dealings of the ,lord with ,george ,mueller1 and received from it new views of the power of believing prayer4 ,he felt the need of prayer for the perishing around him1 and determined by prayer and conversation to labor for their salvation4 ,first1 however1 he asked that ,god would give him an associate4 ,this prayer was granted4 ,these two then united in earnest prayer for some additions to their number4 ,this prayer was granted4 ,in this manner a small company was united in asking for an outpouring of the ,holy ,spirit on their neighborhood4 ,they devoted themselves to prayer and to labor among the people by whom they were surrounded4 ,their prayers were answered4 ,the ,spirit was poured out2 twenty-five souls were converted4 ,multitudes united with them in supplication4 ,they went from place to place1 praying and laboring for the conversion of men2 and thus the work extended1 until the whole district of ,ulster was visited with that remarkable outpouring of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,all these we suppose to be indisputable facts4 ,if in any respect there has been a misstatement1 or even an exaggeration1 the means are abundant for detecting it4 ,the whole work has been carried on in the presence and under the inspection of the whole city of ,bristol4 ,there stand those large and expensive buildings4 ,there are seen the seven hundred orphans who are in every respect admirably cared for4 ,everything has been paid for1 for ,mr4 ,mueller is never in debt4 ,his poverty is well known1 and he will not accept of any money as a provision for his future necessities4 ,his accounts have been annually audited by a competent committee4 ,there is not the man living who can contradict his assertion1 ,i never asked aid from a single individual4 ,hundreds weekly visit the ,institution1 and no one has ever found in it anything at variance with ,mr4 ,mueller's published statements4 ,last of all1 the ,rev4 ,dr4 ,sawtelle1 a gentleman known to thousands in this country1 has added his independent testimony to the truth of all that is here related4 ,more conclusive evidence to the truth of facts cannot be desired4 ,to account for a fact is to refer it to some general law whose existence is already established4 ,when it is therefore asked1 ,how shall these facts be accounted for8 we inquire1 to what known law can they be referred8 ,they cannot certainly be referred to any known law of human action4 ,how would we decide if a similar case should occur in physics8 ,suppose a series of experiments should be made daily for twenty-five years in chemistry or mechanics1 with the same invariable result1 and this result could be referred to no previously established law1--to what conclusion should we arrive8 ,there could be but one conclusion1 in which all men of science would unite4 ,they would all declare that a new law had been discovered1 and would modify their systems accordingly4 ,it seems to me that on all sound philosophical principles we are bound to come to the same conclusion in the present case4 ,we can refer these facts to no other law than to that announced by the ,saviour in his promise to answer the prayer of faith4 ,there is no reason to suppose that in the case of ,mr4 ,mueller and his associates there is anything exceptional or peculiar4 ,what ,god has done for them we cannot doubt that1 under the same conditions1 he will do for every other believing disciple of ,christ4 ,what1 then1 are the conditions of this remarkable experiment1 if such we may call it8 ,they are something like the following4 ,a poor and unknown man is convinced that it is his duty1 as a servant of ,christ1 to labor in several ways for the relief of the temporal and spiritual wants of the ignorant and destitute4 ,he consecrates himself to the work by dedicating to it his time and labor1 and whatever pecuniary means should come into his possession4 ,he resolved that he would neither appeal to any of the ordinary motives which dispose men to humanity1 nor even solicit aid from any human being1 but simply make his wants known to ,god1 believing that1 if he was doing the work of ,god1 the divine promise was pledged in his behalf4 ,not only did he trust in ,god that all the pecuniary aid which he needed would be furnished1 but that1 in answer to prayer1 all needed wisdom would be given him in the conduct of his complicated and arduous undertakings4 ,the result has met his most sanguine expectations4 ,the institution has increased to a most magnificent charity1 aside from its missionary1 ,bible1 and tract operations2 all its wants have been from time to time supplied2 and it is at the present moment carried on upon precisely the same principles on which it commenced4 ,we cannot resist the conclusion that if any one will undertake any other ,christian work in a similar spirit1 and on the same principles1 his labor will be attended with a similar result4 ,while we believe this1 however1 we do not pretend to affirm that just such immediate results will always be seen4 ,this would be to limit the omniscience of ,god by the short-sighted ignorance of man4 ,it may best suit the purposes of infinite goodness to answer the prayer of faith by crosses and disappointments2 but these in the end shall be found in the most signal manner to promote the object to be accomplished4 ,while the disciples were praying and laboring for the extension of the kingdom of ,christ in ,jerusalem1 it seemed a strange answer to prayer that they should be driven out of the city2 but the meaning of it was evident when churches arose in ,phenice and ,cyprus and ,antioch1 and it became manifest that the gospel was designed not for ,jews alone2 but for the whole family of man4 ,paul devoted himself with unquenchable zeal to the salvation of men1 and1 with a fervid eloquence which has given him a place among the noblest orators of antiquity1 delighted to spend his life in persuading men to be reconciled to ,god4 ,he was a man whose confidence in ,god was as unshaken as any whose history has been recorded by the pen of inspiration4 ,it doubtless was to the disciples of that age1 as well as to himself1 a most unaccountable dispensation that he should have been impeded in his great work by the necessity of composing dissensions and rectifying errors which were constantly arising in the churches which he had planted1 and1 most of all1 that so many years of his life should have been spent in prison4 ,yet it is to these1 at the time untoward circumstances1 that we owe the writing of those epistles which occupy so large a portion of the volume of inspiration1 and without which the message of ,god to man would not have been completed4 ,in no other way could his prayer to be useful to the cause of ,christ have been so fully answered4 ,with this understanding of the promise granted to the prayer of faith1 ,i do not see why we should not take the case of ,mr4 ,mueller as an example for our imitation4 ,whoever attains to this same simple desire in all things to do the will of ,god1 and to the same childlike trust in his promises1 may1 ,i think1 hope for a similar blessing4 ,god is no respecter of persons4 ,if any man do his will1 him he heareth4 ,and all the teaching of the ,scriptures confirms us in this belief4 ,the passages which we have quoted at the commencement of this paper1 with hundreds of others1 all lead to the same conclusion4 ,in the ,scriptures every form of illustration is used to impress upon us the conviction that ,god is indeed our ,father1 and that he delights to grant our requests for anything that is for our benefit1 and specially that he pledges himself to direct by his counsel1 and aid by his providence1 every one who honestly labors to promote the cause of true benevolence and real religion4 ,if this be so1 how important is this subject in its bearing on individual effort4 ,no ,christian1 though the poorest and humblest1 ever need despair of doing a noble work for ,god4 ,he need never wait until he can obtain the co-operation of the multitude or the wealthy4 ,let him undertake what he believes to be his duty1 on ever so small a scale1 and look directly to ,god for aid and direction4 ,if it be a seed which ,god has planted1 it will take root1 grow1 and bear fruit1 having seed within itself4 ,it is better to trust in ,god than to put confidence in man2 it is better to trust in ,god than to put confidence in princes4 ,a multitude of cases can be adduced to prove that this course is in harmony with the designs of ,god4 ,it is abundantly shown in the case of ,mr4 ,mueller4 ,take the case of ,robert ,raikes4 ,suppose that he had established no school until a powerful association1 formed from ecclesiastical dignitaries1 millionaires1 and the multitude1 had united in his support1 his effort could hardly have escaped ridiculous failure4 ,on the contrary1 he simply established a school by himself4 ,it was a seed which ,god had planted1 and its fruit now shakes like ,lebanon4 ,on the contrast which is seen between the plan of ,mr4 ,mueller and the plans by which our missionary and other benevolent operations are conducted1 it is unnecessary to enlarge4 ,if ,mr4 ,mueller is right1 ,i think it is evident that we are all wrong4 ,we cannot go into this subject in detail4 ,we may1 however1 be permitted to remark1 that the means which are frequently employed to secure the approbation and pecuniary aid of worldly men1 in carrying forward the cause of ,christ1 are intensely humiliating4 ,it would seem as though ,god was the last being to be relied on in carrying forward the work which he has given us to do4 ,but it is time to bring these remarks to a close4 ,we commend this most unpretending of narratives to the thoughtful consideration of ,christians of all denominations4 ,we have greatly overrated the teaching of these facts1 if they do not furnish strong incentives to ,a ,,life ,,of ,,holy ,,exertion1 ,,and ,,impart ,,an ,,unwonted ,,and ,,powerful ,,motive ,,to ,,earnest ,,and ,,believing ,,prayer4 ,,providence1 ,december #ag1 #ahfj4 ,,the ,,life ,,of ,,trust4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,boyhood ,,and ,,youth4 #ahje-ahbe4 ,,birth--,,early ,,dishonesty--,,insensibility--,,confirm ation ,,in ,,the ,,state ,,church--,,dissoluteness ,,of ,,life--,,the ,,hard ,,way ,,of ,,transgressors--,,the ,,gymnasium ,,at ,,nordhausen--,,the ,,university ,,at ,,halle--,,rovings4 ,i was born at ,kroppenstaedt1 near ,halberstadt1 in the kingdom of ,prussia1 ,september #bg1 #ahje4 ,in ,january1 #ahaj1 my parents removed to ,heimersleben1 about four miles from ,kroppenstaedt1 where my father was appointed collector in the excise4 ,my father1 who educated his children on worldly principles1#aa gave us much money1 considering our age4 ,the result was1 that it led me and my brother into many sins4 ,before ,i was ten years old1 ,i repeatedly took of the government money which was intrusted to my father1 and which he had to make up2 till one day1 as he had repeatedly missed money1 he detected my theft1 by depositing a counted sum in the room where ,i was1 and leaving me to myself for a while4 ,being thus left alone1 ,i took some of the money1 and hid it under my foot in my shoe4 ,when my father1 after his return1 had counted and missed the money1 ,i was searched and my theft detected4 ,footnote #aa3 ,the opinion is often entertained that persons who become eminent for power in prayer and nearness of communion with ,god1 owe their attainments to natural excellence of character1 or to peculiarly favoring circumstances of early education4 ,the narrative of the youth of ,mueller exhibits the fallaciousness of this view1 and shows that the attainments which he made are within the reach of any one who will ask of ,god1 that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not4--,,ed4 ,when ,i was between ten and eleven years of age ,i was sent to ,halberstadt1 there to be prepared for the university2 for my father's desire was that ,i should become a clergyman2 not1 indeed1 that thus ,i might serve ,god1 but that ,i might have a comfortable living4 ,my time was now spent in studying1 reading novels1 and indulging1 though so young1 in sinful practices4 ,thus it continued till ,i was fourteen years old1 when my mother was suddenly removed4 ,the night she was dying1 ,i1 not knowing of her illness1 was playing at cards till two in the morning1 and on the next day1 being the ,lord's day1 ,i went with some of my companions in sin to a tavern1 and then we went about the streets half intoxicated4 ,this bereavement made no lasting impression on my mind4 ,i grew worse and worse4 ,three or four days before ,i was confirmed1 and thus admitted to partake of the ,lord's ,supper1 ,i was guilty of gross immorality2 and the very day before my confirmation1 when ,i was in the vestry with the clergyman to confess my sins1 after a formal manner1 ,i defrauded him2 for ,i handed over to him only the twelfth part of the fee which my father had given me for him4 ,in this state of heart1 without prayer1 without true repentance1 without faith1 without knowledge of the plan of salvation1 ,i was confirmed1 and took the ,lord's ,supper1 on the ,sunday after ,easter1 #ahbj4 ,yet ,i was not without some feeling about the solemnity of the thing1 and stayed at home in the afternoon and evening1 whilst the other boys and girls1 who had been confirmed with me1 walked about in the fields4 ,my time till midsummer1 #ahba1 was spent partly in study1 but in a great degree in playing the piano-forte and guitar1 reading novels1 frequenting taverns1 forming resolutions to become different1 yet breaking them almost as fast as they were made4 ,my money was often spent on my sinful pleasures1 through which ,i was now and then brought into trouble1 so that once1 to satisfy my hunger1 ,i stole a piece of coarse bread1 the allowance of a soldier who was quartered in the house where ,i lodged4 ,at midsummer1 #ahba1 my father obtained an appointment at ,schoenebeck1 near ,magdeburg1 and ,i embraced the opportunity of entreating him to remove me to the cathedral classical school of ,magdeburg2 for ,i thought that if ,i could but leave my companions in sin1 and get out of certain snares1 and be placed under other tutors1 ,i should then live a different life4 ,my father consented1 and ,i was allowed to leave ,halberstadt1 and to stay at ,heimersleben till ,michaelmas4 ,being thus quite my own master1 ,i grew still more idle1 and lived as much as before in all sorts of sin4 ,when ,michaelmas came1 ,i persuaded my father to leave me at ,heimersleben till ,easter1 and to let me read the classics with a clergyman living in the same place4 ,i was now living on the premises belonging to my father1 under little real control1 and intrusted with a considerable sum of money1 which ,i had to collect for my father1 from persons who owed it to him4 ,my habits soon led me to spend a considerable part of this money1 giving receipts for different sums1 yet leaving my father to suppose ,i had not received them4 ,in ,november1 ,i went on a pleasure excursion to ,magdeburg1 where ,i spent six days in much sin1 and though my absence from home had been found out by my father before ,i returned from thence1 yet ,i took all the money ,i could obtain1 and went to ,brunswick1 after ,i had1 through a number of lies1 obtained permission from my tutor4 ,i spent a week at ,brunswick1 in an expensive hotel4 ,at the end of the week my money was expended4 ,i then went1 without money1 to another hotel1 in a village near ,brunswick1 where ,i spent another week in an expensive way of living4 ,at last1 the owner of the hotel1 suspecting that ,i had no money1 asked for payment1 and ,i was obliged to leave my best clothes as security4 ,i then walked about six miles1 to ,wolfenbuttel1 went to an inn1 and began again to live as if ,i had plenty of money4 ,on the second or third morning ,i went quietly out of the yard1 and then ran off2 but being suspected and observed1 and therefore seen to go off1 ,i was immediately called after1 and so had to return4 ,i was arrested1 and being suspected to be a thief1 was examined for about three hours1 and then sent to jail4 ,i now found myself1 at the age of sixteen1 an inmate of the same dwelling with thieves and murderers4 ,i was locked up in this place day and night1 without permission to leave my cell4 ,i was in prison from ,dec4 #ah1 #ahba1 till ,january #ab1 #ahbb1 when the keeper told me to go with him to the police office4 ,here ,i found that the commissioner before whom ,i had been tried1 had acquainted my father with my conduct2 and thus ,i was kept in prison till my father sent the money which was needed for my travelling expenses1 to pay my debt in the inn1 and for my maintenance in the prison4 ,so ungrateful was ,i now for certain little kindnesses shown to me by a fellow-prisoner1 that1 although ,i had promised to call on his sister1 to deliver a message from him1 ,i omitted to do so2 and so little had ,i been benefited by this1 my chastisement1 that1 though ,i was going home to meet an angry father1 only two hours after ,i had left the town where ,i had been imprisoned1 ,i chose an avowedly wicked person as my travelling companion for a great part of my journey4 ,my father1 who arrived two days after ,i had reached ,heimersleben1 after having severely beaten me1 took me home to ,schoenebeck1 intending1 at ,easter1 to send me to a classical school at ,halle1 that ,i might be under strict discipline and the continual inspection of a tutor4 ,easter came1 and ,i easily persuaded him to let me stay at home till ,michaelmas4 ,but after that period he would not consent to my remaining any longer with him1 and ,i left home1 pretending to go to ,halle to be examined4 ,but having a hearty dislike to the strict discipline of which ,i had heard1 ,i went to ,nordhausen1 and had myself examined to be received into that school4 ,i then went home1 but never told my father a word of all this deception till the day before my departure1 which obliged me to invent a whole chain of lies4 ,he was then very angry2 but at last1 through my entreaties and persuasion1 he gave way and allowed me to go4 ,this was in ,october1 #ahbb4 ,i continued at ,nordhausen two years and six months4 ,during this time ,i studied with considerable diligence the ,latin classics1 ,french1 history1 my own language1 etc42 but did little in ,hebrew1 ,greek1 and the mathematics4 ,i lived in the house of the director1 and got1 through my conduct1 highly into his favor1 so much so that ,i was held up by him in the first class as an example to the rest4 ,i used now to rise regularly at four1 winter and summer1 and generally studied all the day1 with little exception1 till ten at night4 ,but whilst ,i was thus outwardly gaining the esteem of my fellow-creatures1 ,i did not care in the least about ,god1 but lived secretly in much sin1 in consequence of which ,i was taken ill1 and for thirteen weeks confined to my room4 ,during my illness ,i had no real sorrow of heart1 yet1 being under certain natural impressions of religion1 ,i read through ,klopstock's works without weariness4 ,i cared nothing about the word of ,god4 ,i had about three hundred books of my own1 but no ,bible4 ,now and then ,i felt that ,i ought to become a different person1 and ,i tried to amend my conduct1 particularly when ,i went to the ,lord's ,supper1 as ,i used to do twice every year1 with the other young men4 ,the day previous to attending that ordinance1 ,i used to refrain from certain things2 and on the day itself ,i was serious1 and also swore once or twice to ,god1 with the emblem of the broken body in my mouth1 to become better1 thinking that for the oath's sake ,i should be induced to reform4 ,but after one or two days were over1 all was forgotten1 and ,i was as bad as before4 ,at ,easter1 #ahbe1 ,i became a member of the ,university of ,halle1 and that with very honorable testimonials4 ,i thus obtained permission to preach in the ,lutheran ,establishment2 but ,i was as truly unhappy and as far from ,god as ever4 ,i had made strong resolutions now at last to change my course of life1 for two reasons3 first1 because1 without it1 ,i thought no parish would choose me as their pastor2 and secondly1 that without a considerable knowledge of divinity ,i should never get a good living4 ,but the moment ,i entered ,halle1 the university town1 all my resolutions came to nothing4 ,being now more than ever my own master1 ,i renewed my profligate life afresh1 though now a student of divinity4 ,yet in the midst of it all ,i had a desire to renounce this wretched life1 for ,i had no enjoyment in it1 and had sense enough left to see that the end1 one day or other1 would be miserable4 ,but ,i had no sorrow of heart on account of offending ,god4 ,one day1 when ,i was in a tavern with some of my wild fellow-students1 ,i saw among them one of my former school-fellows1 named ,beta1 whom ,i had known four years before at ,halberstadt1 but whom at that time ,i had despised1 because he was so quiet and serious4 ,it now appeared well to me to choose him as my friend1 thinking that1 if ,i could but have better companions1 ,i should by that means improve my own conduct4 ,cursed be the man that trusteth in man1 and maketh flesh his arm4 ,this ,beta was a backslider4 ,when formerly he was so quiet at school1 ,i have reason to believe it was because the ,spirit of ,god was working on his heart2 but now1 having departed from the ,lord1 he tried to put off the ways of ,god more and more1 and to enjoy the world of which he had known but little before4 ,i sought his friendship1 because ,i thought it would lead me to a steady life2 and he gladly formed an acquaintance with me1 as he told me afterwards1 because he thought it would bring him into gay society4 ,at the commencement of ,august1 ,beta and ,i1 with two other students1 drove about the country for four days4 ,when we returned1 instead of being truly sorry on account of this sin1 we thought of fresh pleasures2 and as my love for travelling was stronger than ever1 through what ,i had seen on this last journey1 ,i proposed to my friends to set off for ,switzerland4 ,the obstacles in the way1 the want of money1 and the want of the passports1 were removed by me4 ,for1 through forged letters from our parents1 we procured passports1 and through pledging all we could1 particularly our books1 we obtained as much money as we thought would be enough4 ,forty-three days we were day after day travelling1 almost always on foot4 ,i had now obtained the desire of my heart4 ,i had seen ,switzerland4 ,but still ,i was far from being happy4 ,i was on this journey like ,judas2 for1 having the common purse1 ,i was a thief4 ,i managed so that the journey cost me but two thirds of what it cost my friends4 ,i had1 by many lies1 to satisfy my father concerning the travelling expenses4 ,during the three weeks ,i stayed at home1 ,i determined to live differently for the future4 ,i was different for a few days2 but when the vacation was over1 and fresh students came1 and1 with them1 fresh money1 all was soon forgotten4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,the ,,prodigal',s ,,return4 #ahbe-ahbf4 ,a ,,treasure ,,found--,,dawning ,,of ,,the ,,new ,,life--,,the ,,peace ,,of ,,god--,i ,,am ,,come ,,to ,,set ,a ,,man ,,at ,,variance ,,against ,,his ,,father--,,let ,,him ,,that ,,heareth ,,say1 ,,come--,,the ,,first ,,sermon--,,delight ,,in ,,the ,,lord--,a ,,common ,,error--,,the ,,fountain ,,neglected4 ,the time was now come when ,god would have mercy upon me4 ,at a time when ,i was as careless about him as ever1 he sent his ,spirit into my heart4 ,i had no ,bible1 and had not read in it for years4 ,i went to church but seldom2 but1 from custom1 ,i took the ,lord's ,supper twice a year4 ,i had never heard the gospel preached4 ,i had never met with a person who told me that he meant1 by the help of ,god1 to live according to the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,in short1 ,i had not the least idea that there were any persons really different from myself1 except in degree4 ,on ,saturday afternoon1 about the middle of ,november1 #ahbe1 ,i had taken a walk with my friend ,beta4 ,on our return he said to me that he was in the habit of going on ,saturday evenings to the house of a ,christian1 where there was a meeting4 ,on further inquiry1 he told me that they read the ,bible1 sang1 prayed1 and read a printed sermon4 ,no sooner had ,i heard this than it was to me as if ,i had found something after which ,i had been seeking all my life long4 ,we went together in the evening4 ,as ,i did not know the manners of believers1 and the joy they have in seeing poor sinners1 even in any measure1 caring about the things of ,god1 ,i made an apology for coming4 ,the kind answer of the dear brother ,i shall never forget4 ,he said3 ,come as often as you please2 house and heart are open to you4 ,we sat down and sang a hymn4 ,then brother ,kayser1 now a missionary in ,africa1 fell on his knees and asked a blessing on our meeting4 ,this kneeling down made a deep impression upon me2 for ,i had never either seen any one on his knees1 nor had ,i ever myself prayed on my knees4 ,he then read a chapter and a printed sermon2 for no regular meetings for expounding the ,scriptures were allowed in ,prussia1 except an ordained clergyman was present4 ,at the close we sang another hymn1 and then the master of the house prayed4 ,whilst he prayed1 my feeling was something like this3 ,i could not pray as well1 though ,i am much more learned than this illiterate man4 ,the whole made a deep impression on me4 ,i was happy2 though1 if ,i had been asked why ,i was happy1 ,i could not have clearly explained it4 ,when we walked home1 ,i said to ,beta3 ,all we have seen on our journey to ,switzerland1 and all our former pleasures1 are as nothing in comparison with this evening4 ,whether ,i fell on my knees when ,i returned home1 ,i do not remember2 but this ,i know1 that ,i lay peaceful and happy in my bed4 ,this shows that the ,lord may begin his work in different ways4 ,for ,i have not the least doubt that on that evening he began a work of grace in me1 though ,i obtained joy without any deep sorrow of heart1 and with scarcely any knowledge4 ,but that evening was the turning-point in my life4 ,the next day1 and ,monday1 and once or twice besides1 ,i went again to the house of this brother1 where ,i read the ,scriptures with him and another brother2 for it was too long for me to wait till ,saturday came again4 ,now my life became very different1 though not so that all sins were given up at once4 ,my wicked companions were given up2 the going to taverns was entirely discontinued2 the habitual practice of telling falsehoods was no longer indulged in2 but still a few times after this ,i spoke an untruth4 ,i read the ,scriptures1 prayed often1 loved the brethren1 went to church from right motives1 and stood on the side of ,christ1 though laughed at by my fellow-students4 ,in ,january1 #ahbf1 ,i began to read missionary papers1 and was greatly stirred up to become a missionary myself4 ,i prayed frequently concerning this matter1 and thus made more decided progress for a few weeks4 ,about ,easter1 #ahbf1 ,i saw a devoted young brother1 named ,hermann ,ball1 a learned man1 and of wealthy parents1 who1 constrained by the love of ,christ1 preferred laboring in ,poland among the ,jews as a missionary to having a comfortable living near his relations4 ,his example made a deep impression on me4 ,the ,lord smiled on me1 and ,i was1 for the first time in my life1 able fully and unreservedly to give up myself to him4 ,at this time ,i began truly to enjoy the peace of ,god which passeth all understanding4 ,in my joy ,i wrote to my father and brother1 entreating them to seek the ,lord1 and telling them how happy ,i was2 thinking that1 if the way to happiness were but set before them1 they would gladly embrace it4 ,to my great surprise an angry answer was returned4 ,about this period the ,lord sent a believer1 ,dr4 ,tholuck1 as professor of divinity to ,halle1 in consequence of which a few believing students came from other universities4 ,thus also1 through becoming acquainted with other brethren1 the ,lord led me on4 ,my former desire to give myself to missionary service returned1 and ,i went at last to my father to obtain his permission1 without which ,i could not be received into any of the ,german missionary institutions4 ,my father was greatly displeased1 and particularly reproached me1 saying that he had expended so much money on my education1 in hope that he might comfortably spend his last days with me in a parsonage1 and that he now saw all these prospects come to nothing4 ,he was angry1 and told me he would no longer consider me as his son4 ,but the ,lord gave me grace to remain steadfast4 ,he then entreated me1 and wept before me2 yet even this by far harder trial the ,lord enabled me to bear4 ,after ,i had left my father1 though ,i wanted more money than at any previous period of my life1 as ,i had to remain two years longer in the university1 ,i determined never to take any more from him2 for it seemed to me wrong1 so far as ,i remember1 to suffer myself to be supported by him1 when he had no prospect that ,i should become what he would wish me to be1 namely1 a clergyman with a good living4 ,this resolution ,i was enabled to keep4 ,shortly after this had occurred1 several ,american gentlemen1 three of whom were professors in ,american colleges1 came to ,halle for literary purposes1 and1 as they did not understand ,german1 ,i was recommended by ,dr4 ,tholuck to teach them4 ,these gentlemen1 some of whom were believers1 paid so handsomely for the instruction which ,i gave them1 and for the lectures of certain professors which ,i wrote out for them1 that ,i had enough and to spare4 ,thus did the ,lord richly make up to me the little which ,i had relinquished for his sake4 ,o fear the ,lord1 ye his saints2 for there is no want to them that fear him4 ,whitsuntide1 and the two days following1 ,i spent in the house of a pious clergyman in the country2 for all the ministers at ,halle1 a town of more than twenty thousand inhabitants1 were unenlightened men4 ,god greatly refreshed me through this visit4 ,dear ,beta was with me4 ,on our return we related to two of our former friends1 whose society we had not quite given up1 though we did not any longer live with them in sin1 how happy we had been on our visit4 ,i then told them how ,i wished they were as happy as ourselves4 ,they answered1 ,we do not feel that we are sinners4 ,after this ,i fell on my knees1 and asked ,god to show them that they were sinners4 ,having done so1 ,i went into my bedroom1 where ,i continued to pray for them4 ,after a little while1 ,i returned to my sitting-room and found them both in tears1 and both told me that they now felt themselves to be sinners4 ,from that time a work of grace commenced in their hearts4 ,though very weak and ignorant1 yet ,i had now1 by the grace of ,god1 some desire to benefit others1 and he who so faithfully had once served ,satan1 sought now to win souls for ,christ4 ,i circulated every month about three hundred missionary papers4 ,i also distributed a considerable number of tracts1 and often took my pockets full in my walks1 and distributed them1 and spoke to poor people whom ,i met4 ,i also wrote letters to some of my former companions in sin4 ,i visited1 for thirteen weeks1 a sick man1 who1 when ,i first began to speak to him about the things of ,god1 was completely ignorant of his state as a sinner1 trusting for salvation in his upright and moral life4 ,after some weeks1 however1 the ,lord allowed me to see a decided change in him1 and he afterwards repeatedly expressed his gratitude that ,i had been sent to him by ,god to be the means of opening his blind eyes4 ,having heard that there was a schoolmaster living in a village about six miles from ,halle1 who was in the habit of holding a prayer meeting at four o'clock every morning1 with the miners1 before they went into the pit1 giving them also an address1 ,i thought he was a believer2 and as ,i knew so very few brethren1 ,i went to see him1 in order1 if it might be1 to strengthen his hands4 ,about two years afterwards1 he told me that when ,i came to him first he knew not the ,lord1 but that he had held these prayer meetings merely out of kindness to a relative1 whose office it was1 but who had gone on a journey2 and that those addresses which he had read were not his own1 but copied out of a book4 ,he also told me that he was much impressed with my kindness1 and what he considered condescension on my part in coming to see him1 and this1 together with my conversation1 had been instrumental in leading him to care about the things of ,god1 and ,i knew him ever afterwards as a true brother4 ,this schoolmaster asked me whether ,i would not preach in his parish1 as the aged clergyman would be very glad of my assistance4 ,up to this time ,i had never preached2 yet ,i thought that by taking a sermon1 or the greater part of one1 written by a spiritual man1 and committing it to memory1 ,i might benefit the people4 ,i set about putting a printed sermon into a suitable form1 and committing it to memory4 ,there is no joy in man's own doings and choosings4 ,i got through it1 but had no enjoyment in the work4 ,it was on ,august #bg1 #ahbf1 at eight in the morning1 in a chapel of ease4 ,there was one service more1 in the afternoon1 at which ,i needed not to have done anything2 but having a desire to serve the ,lord1 though ,i often knew not how to do it scripturally1 and knowing that this aged and unenlightened clergyman had had this living for forty-eight years1 and having therefore reason to believe that the gospel scarcely ever had been preached in that place1 ,i had it in my heart to preach again in the afternoon4 ,it came to my mind to read the fifth chapter of ,matthew1 and to make such remarks as ,i was able4 ,i did so4 ,immediately upon beginning to expound ,blessed are the poor in spirit1 etc41 ,i felt myself greatly assisted2 and whereas in the morning my sermon had not been simple enough for the people to understand it1 ,i now was listened to with the greatest attention1 and ,i think was also understood4 ,my own peace and joy were great4 ,i felt this a blessed work4 ,on my way to ,halle ,i thought1 this is the way ,i should like always to preach4 ,but then it came immediately to my mind that such sort of preaching might do for illiterate country people1 but that it never would do before a well-educated assembly in town4 ,i thought the truth ought to be preached at all hazards1 but it ought to be given in a different form1 suited to the hearers4 ,thus ,i remained unsettled in my mind as it regards the mode of preaching2 and it is not surprising that ,i did not then see the truth concerning this matter1 for ,i did not understand the work of the ,spirit1 and therefore saw not the powerlessness of human eloquence4 ,further1 ,i did not keep in mind that if the most illiterate persons in the congregation can comprehend the discourse1 the most educated will understand it too2 but that the reverse does not hold true4 ,it was not till three years afterwards that ,i was led1 through grace1 to see what ,i now consider the right mode of preparation for the public preaching of the word4 ,but about this1 if ,god permit1 ,i will say more when ,i come to that period of my life4 ,it was about this time that ,i formed the plan of exchanging the ,university of ,halle for that of ,berlin1 on account of there being a greater number of believing professors and students in the latter place4 ,but the whole plan was formed without prayer1 or at least without earnest prayer4 ,when1 however1 the morning came on which ,i had to apply for the university testimonials1 the ,lord graciously stirred me up prayerfully to consider the matter2 and finding that ,i had no sufficient reason for leaving ,halle1 ,i gave up the plan1 and have never had reason to regret having done so4 ,the public means of grace by which ,i could be benefited were very few4 ,though ,i went regularly to church when ,i did not preach myself1 yet ,i scarcely ever heard the truth2 for there was no enlightened clergyman in the town4 ,and when it so happened that ,i could hear ,dr4 ,tholuck1 or any other godly minister1 the prospect of it beforehand1 and the looking back upon it afterwards1 served to fill me with joy4 ,now and then ,i walked ten or fifteen miles to enjoy this privilege4 ,another means of grace which ,i attended1 besides the ,saturday-evening meetings in brother ,wagner's house1 was a meeting every ,lord's-day evening with the believing students1 six or more in number1 increased1 before ,i left ,halle1 to about twenty4 ,in these meetings1 one or two1 or more1 of the brethren prayed1 and we read the ,scriptures1 sang hymns1 and sometimes also one or another of the brethren spoke a little in the way of exhortation1 and we read also such writings of godly men as were calculated for edification4 ,i was often greatly stirred up and refreshed in these meetings2 and twice1 being in a backsliding state1 and therefore cold and miserable1 ,i opened my heart to the brethren1 and was brought out of that state through the means of their exhortations and prayers4 ,as to the other means of grace1 ,i would say1 ,i fell into the snare into which so many young believers fall1 the reading of religious books in preference to the ,scriptures4 ,i read tracts1 missionary papers1 sermons1 and biographies of godly persons4 ,i never had been at any time of my life in the habit of reading the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,when under fifteen years of age1 ,i occasionally read a little of them at school2 afterwards ,god's precious book was entirely laid aside1 so that ,i never read one single chapter of it till it pleased ,god to begin a work of grace in my heart4 ,now the scriptural way of reasoning would have been3 ,god himself has consented to be an author1 and ,i am ignorant about that precious book1 which his ,holy ,spirit has caused to be written through the instrumentality of his servants1 and it contains that which ,i ought to know1 the knowledge of which will lead me to true happiness2 therefore ,i ought to read again and again this most precious book of books1 most earnestly1 most prayerfully1 and with much meditation2 and in this practice ,i ought to continue all the days of my life4 ,but instead of acting thus1 my difficulty in understanding it1 and the little enjoyment ,i had in it1 made me careless of reading it2 and thus1 like many believers1 ,i practically preferred1 for the first four years of my divine life1 the works of uninspired men to the oracles of the living ,god4 ,the consequence was1 that ,i remained a babe1 both in knowledge and grace4 ,the last and most important means of grace1 prayer1 was comparatively but little used by me4 ,i prayed1 and prayed often1 and in general1 by the grace of ,god1 with sincerity2 but had ,i prayed as earnestly as ,i have of late years1 ,i should have made much more rapid progress4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,self-,,dedication4 #ahbf-ahbi4 ,,desire ,,for ,,missionary ,,labor--,,providential ,,release ,,from ,,military ,,service--,,visit ,,at ,,home--,,led ,,to ,,the ,,land ,,of ,,his ,,future ,,labors--,,progress ,,in ,,religious ,,knowledge--,,desire ,,for ,,immediate ,,usefulness4 ,in ,august1 #ahbg1 ,i heard that the ,continental ,society in ,england intended to send a minister to ,bucharest1 the residence of many nominal ,german ,christians1 to help an aged brother in the work of the ,lord4 ,after consideration and prayer1 ,i offered myself for this work to ,professor ,tholuck1 who was requested to look out for a suitable individual2 for with all my weakness ,i had a great desire to live wholly for ,god4 ,most unexpectedly my father gave his consent1 though ,bucharest was above a thousand miles from my home1 and as completely a missionary station as any other4 ,i now prepared with earnestness for the work of the ,lord4 ,i set before me the sufferings which might await me4 ,and he who once so fully served ,satan was now willing1 constrained by the love of ,christ1 rather to suffer affliction for the sake of ,jesus than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season4 ,i also prayed with a degree of earnestness concerning my future work4 ,one day1 at the end of ,october1 the above-mentioned brother1 ,hermann ,ball1 missionary to the ,jews1 stated that he feared1 on account of his health1 he should be obliged to give up laboring among the ,jews4 ,when ,i heard this1 ,i felt a peculiar desire to fill up his place4 ,about this very time1 also1 ,i became exceedingly fond of the ,hebrew language1 which ,i had cared about very little up to that time1 and which ,i had merely studied now and then1 from a sense of duty4 ,but now ,i studied it1 for many weeks1 with the greatest eagerness and delight4 ,whilst ,i thus from time to time felt a desire to fill up brother ,ball's place1 and whilst ,i thus greatly delighted in the study of ,hebrew1 ,i called1 in the evening of ,november #ag1 on ,dr4 ,tholuck4 ,in the course of conversation he asked me whether ,i had ever had a desire to be a missionary to the ,jews1 as ,i might be connected with the ,london ,missionary ,society for promoting ,christianity among them1 for which he was an agent4 ,i was struck with the question1 and told him what had passed in my mind1 but added that it was not proper to think anything about that1 as ,i was going to ,bucharest2 to which he agreed4 ,when ,i came home1 however1 these few words were like fire within me4 ,the next morning ,i felt all desire for going to ,bucharest gone1 which appeared to me very wrong and fleshly1 and ,i therefore entreated the ,lord to restore to me the former desire for laboring on that missionary station4 ,he graciously did so almost immediately4 ,my earnestness in studying ,hebrew1 and my peculiar love for it1 however1 continued4 ,about ten days after1 ,dr4 ,tholuck received a letter from the ,continental4 ,society1 stating1 that on account of the war between the ,turks and ,russians1 it appeared well to the committee for the time being to give up the thought of sending a minister to ,bucharest1 as it was the seat of war between the two armies4 ,dr4 ,tholuck then asked me again what ,i now thought about being a missionary to the ,jews4 ,my reply was that ,i could not then give an answer1 but that ,i would let him know1 after ,i had prayerfully considered the matter4 ,after prayer and consideration1 and consulting with experienced brethren1 in order that they might probe my heart as to my motives1 ,i came to this conclusion1 that ,i ought to offer myself to the committee1 leaving it with the ,lord to do with me afterwards as it might seem good in his sight4 ,accordingly1 ,dr4 ,tholuck wrote1 about the beginning of ,december1 #ahbg1 to the committee in ,london4 ,it was not before ,march1 #ahbh1 that he received an answer from ,london respecting me1 in which the committee put a number of questions to me1 on the satisfactory answers to which my being received by them would depend4 ,after replying to this first communication1 ,i waited daily for an answer1 and was so much the more desirous of having it1 as my course in the university was completed4 ,at last1 on ,june #ac1 ,i received a letter from ,london1 stating that the committee had determined to take me as a missionary student for six months on probation1 provided that ,i would come to ,london4 ,i had now had the matter before me about seven months1 having supposed not only that it would have been settled in a few weeks1 but also1 that1 if ,i were accepted1 ,i should be sent out immediately1 as ,i had passed the university4 ,instead of this1 not only seven months passed over before the decision came1 but ,i was also expected to come to ,london2 and not only so1 but though ,i had from my infancy been more or less studying1 and now at last wished actively to be engaged1 it was required that ,i should again become a student4 ,for a few moments1 therefore1 ,i was greatly disappointed and tried4 ,but on calmly considering the matter1 it appeared to me but right that the committee should know me personally1 and that it was also well for me to know them more intimately than merely by correspondence1 as this afterwards would make our connection much more comfortable4 ,i determined1 therefore1 after ,i had seen my father1 and found no difficulty on his part1 to go to ,london4 ,there was1 however1 an obstacle in the way of my leaving the country4 ,every ,prussian male subject is under the necessity of being for three years a soldier1 provided his state of body allows it2 but those who have had a classical education up to a certain degree1 and especially those who have passed the university1 need to be only one year in the army1 but have to equip and maintain themselves during that year4 ,i could not obtain a passport out of the country till ,i had either served my time or had been exempted by the king himself4 ,the latter ,i hoped would be the case2 for it was a well-known fact that those who had given themselves to missionary service had always been exempted4 ,certain brethren of influence1 living in the capital1 to whom ,i wrote on the subject1 wrote to the king2 but he replied that the matter must be referred to the ministry and to the law1 and no exception was made in my favor4 ,my chief concern now was how ,i might obtain a passport for ,england1 through exemption from military duty4 ,but the more certain brethren tried1 though they knew how to set about the matter1 and were also persons of rank1 the greater difficulty there appeared to be in obtaining my object2 so that in the middle of ,january1 #ahbi1 it seemed as if ,i must immediately become a soldier4 ,there was now but one more way untried1 and it was at last resorted to4 ,a believing major1 who was on good terms with one of the chief generals1 proposed that ,i should actually offer myself for entering the army1 and that then ,i should be examined as to my bodily qualifications1 in the hope that1 as ,i was still in a very weak state of body1 ,i should be found unfit for military service4 ,in that case it would belong to the chief general finally to settle the matter2 who1 being a godly man himself1 on the major's recommendation1 would1 no doubt1 hasten the decision1 on account of my desire to be a missionary to the ,jews4 ,thus far the ,lord had allowed things to go1 to show me1 it appears1 that all my friends could not procure me a passport till his time was come4 ,but now it was come4 ,the ,king of kings had intended that ,i should go to ,england1 because he would bless me there and make me a blessing1 though ,i was at that time1 and am still1 most unworthy of it2 and1 therefore1 though the king of ,prussia had not been pleased to make an exemption in my favor1 yet now all was made plain1 and that at a time when hope had almost been given up1 and when the last means had been resorted to4 ,i was examined1 and was declared to be unfit for military service4 ,with a medical certificate to this effect1 and a letter of recommendation from the major1 ,i went to this chief general1 who received me very kindly1 and who himself wrote instantaneously to a second military physician1 likewise to examine me at once4 ,this was done1 and it was by him confirmed that ,i was unfit4 ,now1 the chief general himself1 as his adjutants happened to be absent1 in order to hasten the matter1 wrote1 with his own hands1 the papers which were needed1 and ,i got a complete dismissal1 and that for life1 from all military engagements4 ,on ,february #e ,i arrived at my father's house2 it was the place where ,i had lived as a boy1 and the scene of many of my sins1 my father having now returned to it after his retirement from office4 ,there were but three persons in the whole town with whom my soul had any fellowship4 ,one of them was earning his daily bread by thrashing corn4 ,as a boy ,i had in my heart laughed at him4 ,now ,i sought him out1 having been informed that he was a brother1 to acknowledge him as such1 by having fellowship with him1 and attending a meeting in his house on the ,lord's-day evening4 ,my soul was refreshed1 and his also4 ,such a spiritual feast as meeting with a brother was a rare thing to him4 ,i left my father's house on ,february #aj1 and about ,february #bb arrived at ,rotterdam4 ,my going to ,england by the way of ,rotterdam was not the usual way2 but1 consulting with a brother in ,berlin1 who had been twice in ,england1 ,i was told that this was the cheapest route4 ,my asking this brother1 to be profited by his experience1 would have been quite right1 had ,i1 besides this1 like ,ezra1 sought of the ,lord the right way4#ab ,but ,i sought unto men only1 and not at all unto the ,lord1 in this matter4 ,when ,i came to ,rotterdam1 ,i found that no vessels went at that time from that port to ,london1 on account of the ice having just broken up in the river4 ,thus ,i had to wait nearly a month at ,rotterdam1 and needed much more time than ,i should have required to go by way of ,hamburg1 and also much more money4 ,footnote #ab3 ,then ,i proclaimed a fast1 to seek of ,god a right way for us1 and for our little ones1 and for all our substance4--,ezra viii4 #ba4 ,on ,march #ai1 #ahbi1 ,i landed in ,london4 ,soon after my arrival1 ,i heard one of the brethren speak of ,mr4 ,groves1 a dentist1 who1 for the ,lord's sake1 had given up his profession1 which brought him in at least ,l#a1ejjac a year1 and who intended to go as a missionary to ,persia1 with his wife and children1 simply trusting in the ,lord for temporal supplies4 ,this made such an impression on me1 and delighted me so1 that ,i not only marked it down in my journal1 but also wrote about it to my ,german friends4 ,footnote #ac3 ,to avoid the necessity of reducing the sums named to federal money1 it may be stated that a pound 7,l47 is equal to about #d4hh1 a sovereign to the same1 a shilling 7s47 to about #bh cts4 and a penny 7d47 to #b cts4 ,for convenience of computation1 when exactness is not required1 we may call the pound #e4jj1 and the shilling #be cts4--,,ed4 ,i came to ,england weak in body1 and1 in consequence of much study1 as ,i suppose1 ,i was taken ill on ,may #ae1 and was soon1 at least in my own estimation1 apparently beyond recovery4 ,the weaker ,i became in body1 the happier ,i was in spirit4 ,never in my whole life had ,i seen myself so vile1 so guilty1 so altogether what ,i ought not to have been1 as at this time4 ,it was as if every sin of which ,i had been guilty was brought to my remembrance2 but at the same time ,i could realize that all my sins were completely forgiven1--that ,i was washed and made clean1 completely clean1 in the blood of ,jesus4 ,the result of this was great peace4 ,i longed exceedingly to depart and be with ,christ4 ,when my medical attendant came to see me1 my prayer was something like this3 ,lord1 thou knowest that he does not know what is for my real welfare1 therefore do thou direct him4 ,when ,i took my medicine1 my hearty prayer each time was something like this3 ,lord1 thou knowest that this medicine is in itself nothing1 no more than as if ,i were to take a little water4 ,now please1 ,o ,lord1 to let it produce the effect which is for my real welfare1 and for thy glory4 ,let me either be taken soon to thyself1 or let me be soon restored2 let me be ill for a longer time1 and then taken to thyself1 or let me be ill for a longer time1 and then restored4 ,o ,lord1 do with me as seemeth thee best6 ,after ,i had been ill about a fortnight1 my medical attendant unexpectedly pronounced me better4 ,as ,i recovered but slowly1 my friends entreated me to go into the country for change of air4 ,i thought that it might be the will of ,god that ,i should do so1 and ,i prayed therefore thus to the ,lord3 ,lord1 ,i will gladly submit myself to thy will1 and go1 if thou wilt have me to go4 ,and now let me know thy will by the answer of my medical attendant4 ,if1 in reply to my question1 he says it would be very good for me1 ,i will go2 but if he1 says it is of no great importance1 then ,i will stay4 ,when ,i asked him1 he said that it was the best thing ,i could do4 ,i was then enabled willingly to submit1 and accordingly went to ,teignmouth4 ,a few days after my arrival at ,teignmouth1 the chapel1 called ,ebenezer1 was reopened1 and ,i attended the opening4 ,i was much impressed by one of those who preached on the occasion4 ,for though ,i did not like all he said1 yet ,i saw a gravity and solemnity in him different from the rest4 ,after he had preached1 ,i had a great desire to know more of him2 and1 being invited by two brethren of ,exmouth1 in whose house he was staying1 to spend some time with them1 ,i had an opportunity of living ten days with him under the same roof4 ,it was at this time that ,god began to show me that his word alone is our standard of judgment in spiritual things2 that it can be explained only by the ,holy ,spirit2 and that in our day1 as well as in former times1 he is the teacher of his people4 ,the office of the ,holy ,spirit ,i had not experimentally understood before that time4 ,indeed1 of the office of each of the blessed persons1 in what is commonly called the ,trinity1 ,i had no experimental apprehension4 ,i had not before seen from the ,scriptures that the ,father chose us before the foundation of the world2 that in him that wonderful plan of our redemption originated1 and that he also appointed all the means by which it was to be brought about4 ,further1 that the ,son1 to save us1 had fulfilled the law1 to satisfy its demands1 and with it also the holiness of ,god2 that he had borne the punishment due to our sins1 and had thus satisfied the justice of ,god4 ,and1 further1 that the ,holy ,spirit alone can teach us about our state by nature1 show us the need of a ,saviour1 enable us to believe in ,christ1 explain to us the ,scriptures1 help us in preaching1 etc4 ,it was my beginning to understand this latter point in particular which had a great effect on me2 for the ,lord enabled me to put it to the test of experience1 by laying aside commentaries1 and almost every other book1 and simply reading the word of ,god and studying it4 ,the result of this was1 that the first evening that ,i shut myself into my room1 to give myself to prayer and meditation over the ,scriptures1 ,i learned more in a few hours than ,i had done during a period of several months previously4 ,but the particular difference was1 that ,i received real strength for my soul in doing so4 ,i now began to try by the test of the ,scriptures the things which ,i had learned and seen1 and found that only those principles which stood the test were really of value4 ,my stay in ,devonshire was most profitable to my soul4 ,my prayer had been1 before ,i left ,london1 that the ,lord would be pleased to bless my journey to the benefit of my body and soul4 ,in the beginning of ,september ,i returned to ,london1 much better in body2 and as to my soul1 the change was so great that it was like a second conversion4 ,after my return to ,london1 ,i sought to benefit my brethren in the seminary1 and the means which ,i used were these3 ,i proposed to them to meet together every morning from six to eight for prayer and reading the ,scriptures2 and that then each of us should give out what he might consider the ,lord had shown him to be the meaning of the portion read4 ,one brother in particular was brought into the same state as myself2 and others1 ,i trust1 were more or less benefited4 ,several times1 when ,i went to my room after family prayer in the evening1 ,i found communion with ,god so sweet that ,i continued in prayer till after twelve1 and then1 being full of joy1 went into the room of the brother just referred to2 and finding him also in a similar frame of heart1 we continued praying until one or two2 and even then ,i was a few times so full of joy that ,i could scarcely sleep1 and at six in the morning again called the brethren together for prayer4 ,after ,i had been for about ten days in ,london1 and had been confined to the house on account of my studies1 my health began again to decline2 and ,i saw that it would not be well1 my poor body being only like a wreck or brand brought out of the devil's service1 to spend my little remaining strength in study1 but that ,i now ought to set about actual engagement in the ,lord's work4 ,i wrote to the committee of the ,society1 requesting them to send me out at once2 and1 that they might do so more comfortably1 to send me as a fellow-laborer with an experienced brother4 ,however1 ,i received no answer4 ,after having waited about five or six weeks1 in the mean time seeking1 in one way or other1 to labor for the ,lord1 it struck me that1 considering myself called by the ,lord to preach the gospel1 ,i ought to begin at once to labor among the ,jews in ,london1 whether ,i had the title of missionary or not4 ,in consequence of this1 ,i distributed tracts among the ,jews1 with my name and residence written on them1 thus inviting them to conversation about the things of ,god2 preached to them in those places where they most numerously collect together2 read the ,scriptures regularly with about fifty ,jewish boys2 and became a teacher in a ,sunday school4 ,in this work ,i had much enjoyment1 and the honor of being reproached and ill-treated for the name of ,jesus4 ,but the ,lord gave me grace1 never to be kept from the work by any danger1 or the prospect of any suffering4 ,mr4 ,mueller was led1 toward the close of #ahbi1 to doubt the propriety of continuing under the patronage of the ,london ,society4 ,it seemed to him unscriptural for a servant of ,christ to put himself under the control and direction of any one but the ,lord4 ,a correspondence with the ,society1 evincing on his part1 and on their part1 entire kindness and love1 resulted in a dissolution of his relation to them4 ,he was left free to preach the gospel wherever ,providence might open the way4 ,on ,december #cj1 ,i went to ,exmouth1 where ,i intended to spend a fortnight in the house of some ,christian friends4 ,i arrived at ,exmouth on ,december #ca1 at six in the evening1 an hour before the commencement of a prayer-meeting at ,ebenezer ,chapel4 ,my heart was burning with a desire to tell of the ,lord's goodness to my soul4 ,being1 however1 not called on1 either to speak or pray1 ,i was silent4 ,the next morning1 ,i spoke on the difference between being a ,christian and a happy ,christian1 and showed whence it generally comes that we rejoice so little in the ,lord4 ,this1 my first testimony1 was blessed to many believers1 that ,god1 as it appears1 might show me that he was with me4 ,at the request of several believers1 ,i spoke again in the afternoon1 and also proposed a meeting in the chapel every morning at ten1 to expound the epistle to the ,romans4 ,the second day after my arrival1 a brother said to me1 ,i have been praying for this month past that the ,lord would do something for ,lympstone1 a large parish where there is little spiritual light4 ,there is a ,wesleyan chapel1 and ,i doubt not you would be allowed to preach there4 ,being ready to speak of ,jesus wherever the ,lord might open a door1 yet so that ,i could be faithful to the truths which he had been pleased to teach me1 ,i went1 and easily obtained liberty to preach twice on the next day1 being the ,lord's day4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,leaning ,,on ,,jesus4 #ahcj-ahcb4 ,a ,,door ,,opened--,,tokens ,,for ,,good--,,trust ,,exercised ,,in ,,the ,,study ,,and ,,ministry ,,of ,,the ,,word--,,the ,,sword ,,of ,,the ,,spirit--,,trusting ,,in ,,god ,,for ,,daily ,,bread--,,blessedness ,,of ,,waiting ,,upon ,,the ,,lord--,,owe ,,no ,,man--,,according ,,to ,,your ,,faith ,,be ,,it ,,unto ,,you--,,the ,,gift ,,of ,,faith1 ,,and ,,the ,,grace ,,of ,,faith4 ,after ,i had preached about three weeks at ,exmouth and its neighborhood1 ,i went to ,teignmouth1 with the intention of staying there ten days1 to preach the word among the brethren with whom ,i had become acquainted during the previous summer1 and to tell them of the ,lord's goodness to me4 ,in the evening1 ,monday1 ,i preached for ,brother ,craik1 at ,shaldon1 in the presence of three ministers1 none of whom liked the sermon2 yet it pleased ,god1 through it1 to bring to the knowledge of his dear ,son a young woman4 ,how differently does the ,lord judge from man6 ,here was a particular opportunity for the ,lord to get glory to himself4 ,a foreigner was the preacher1 with great natural obstacles in the way1 for he was not able to speak ,english with fluency2 but he had a desire to serve ,god1 and was by this time also brought into such a state of heart as to desire that ,god alone should have the glory1 if any good were done through his instrumentality4 ,on ,tuesday evening1 ,i preached at ,ebenezer ,chapel1 ,teignmouth1 the same chapel at the opening of which ,i became acquainted with the brother whom the ,lord had afterwards used as an instrument of benefiting me so much4 ,during the week ensuing1 ,mr4 ,m4 preached almost daily at the same place1 a blessing attending his labors4 ,by this time1 the request that ,i might stay at ,teignmouth1 and be the minister of the above chapel1 had been repeatedly expressed by an increasing number of the brethren2 but others were decidedly against my remaining there4 ,this opposition was instrumental in settling it in my mind that ,i should stay for a while1 at least until ,i was formally rejected4 ,i preached again three times on the ,lord's day1 none saying we wish you not to preach1 though many of the hearers did not hear with enjoyment4 ,some of them left1 and never returned2 some left1 but returned after a while4 ,others came to the chapel who had not been in the habit of attending there previous to my coming4 ,there was a great stir1 a spirit of inquiry1 and a searching of the ,scriptures1 whether these things were so4 ,and1 what is more than all1 ,god set his seal upon the work1 in converting sinners4 ,twelve weeks ,i stood in this same position1 whilst the ,lord graciously supplied my temporal wants1 through two brethren1 unasked for4 ,after this time1 the whole little church1 eighteen in number1 unanimously gave me an invitation to become their pastor4 ,they offered to supply my temporal wants by giving me fifty-five pounds a year1 which sum was afterwards somewhat increased1 on account of the increase of the church4 ,that which ,i now considered the best mode of preparation for the public ministry of the word1 no longer adopted from necessity1 on account of want of time1 but from deep conviction1 and from the experience of ,god's blessing upon it1 both as it regards my own enjoyment1 the benefit of the saints1 and the conversion of sinners1 is as follows3 ,first1 ,i do not presume to know myself what is best for the hearers1 and ,i therefore ask the ,lord1 in the first place1 that he would graciously be pleased to teach me on what subject ,i shall speak1 or what portion of his word ,i shall expound4 ,now1 sometimes it happens that1 previous to my asking him1 a subject or passage has been in my mind1 on which it has appeared well for me to speak4 ,in that case1 ,i ask the ,lord whether ,i should speak on this subject or passage4 ,if1 after prayer1 ,i feel persuaded that ,i should1 ,i fix upon it1 yet so that ,i would desire to leave myself open to the ,lord to change it if he please4 ,frequently1 however1 it occurs that ,i have no text or subject in my mind1 before ,i give myself to prayer for the sake of ascertaining the ,lord's will concerning it4 ,in this case1 ,i wait some time on my knees for an answer1 trying to listen to the voice of the ,spirit to direct me4 ,if1 then1 a passage or subject1 whilst ,i am on my knees1 or after ,i have finished praying for a text1 is brought to my mind1 ,i again ask the ,lord1 and that sometimes repeatedly1 especially if1 humanly speaking1 the subject or text should be a peculiar one1 whether it be his will that ,i should speak on such a subject or passage4 ,if1 after prayer1 my mind is peaceful about it1 ,i take this to be the text1 but still desire to leave myself open to the ,lord for direction1 should he please to alter it1 or should ,i have been mistaken4 ,frequently1 also1 in the third place1 it happens that ,i not only have no text nor subject on my mind previous to my praying for guidance in this matter1 but also ,i do not obtain one after once1 or twice1 or more times praying about it4 ,i used formerly at times to be much perplexed when this was the case1 but1 for more than twenty years1 it has pleased the ,lord1 in general at least1 to keep me in peace about it4 ,what ,i do is1 to go on with my regular reading of the ,scriptures1 where ,i left off the last time1 praying 7whilst ,i read7 for a text1 now and then also laying aside my ,bible for prayer1 till ,i get one4 ,thus it has happened that ,i have had to read five1 ten1 yea1 twenty chapters1 before it has pleased the ,lord to give me a text2 yea1 many times ,i have even had to go to the place of meeting without one1 and obtained it1 perhaps1 only a few minutes before ,i was going to speak2 but ,i have never lacked the ,lord's assistance at the time of preaching1 provided ,i had earnestly sought it in private4 ,the preacher cannot know the particular state of the various individuals who compose the congregation1 nor what they require1 but the ,lord knows it2 and if the preacher renounces his own wisdom1 he will be assisted by the ,lord2 but if he will choose in his own wisdom1 then let him not be surprised if he should see little benefit result from his labors4 ,before ,i leave this part of the subject1 ,i would just observe one temptation concerning the choice of a text4 ,we may see a subject to be so very full that it may strike us it would do for some other occasion4 ,for instance1 sometimes a text brought to one's mind for a week-evening meeting may appear more suitable for the ,lord's day1 because then there would be a greater number of hearers present4 ,now1 in the first place1 we do not know whether the ,lord ever will allow us to preach on another ,lord's day2 and1 in the second place1 we know not whether that very subject may not be especially suitable for some or many individuals present just that week-evening4 ,thus ,i was once tempted1 after ,i had been a short time at ,teignmouth1 to reserve a subject which had been just opened to me for the next ,lord's day4 ,but being able1 by the grace of ,god1 to overcome the temptation by the above reasons1 and preaching about it at once1 it pleased the ,lord to bless it to the conversion of a sinner1 and that1 too1 an individual who meant to come but that once more to the chapel1 and to whose case the subject was most remarkably suited4 #b4 ,now1 when the text has been obtained in the above way1 whether it be one1 or two1 or more verses1 or a whole chapter or more1 ,i ask the ,lord that he would graciously be pleased to teach me by his ,holy ,spirit whilst meditating over it4 ,within the last twenty-five years1 ,i have found it the most profitable plan to meditate with my pen in my hand1 writing down the outlines as the word is opened to me4 ,this ,i do1 not for the sake of committing them to memory1 nor as if ,i meant to say nothing else1 but for the sake of clearness1 as being a help to see how far ,i understand the passage4 ,i also find it useful afterwards to refer to what ,i have thus written4 ,i very seldom use any other help besides the little ,i understand of the original of the ,scriptures1 and some good translations in other languages4 ,my chief help is prayer4 ,i have ,,never in my life begun to study one single part of divine truth without gaining some light about it when ,i have been able really to give myself to prayer and meditation over it4 ,but that ,i have often found a difficult matter1 partly on account of the weakness of the flesh1 and partly1 also1 on account of bodily infirmities and multiplicity of engagements4 ,this ,i most firmly believe1 that no one ought to expect to see much good resulting from his labors in word and doctrine1 if he is not much given to prayer and meditation4 #c4 ,having prayed and meditated on the subject or text1 ,i desire to leave myself entirely in the hands of the ,lord4 ,i ask him to bring to my mind what ,i have seen in my closet concerning the subject ,i am going to speak on1 which he generally most kindly does1 and often teaches me much additionally whilst ,i am preaching4 ,in connection with the above1 ,i must1 however1 state that it appears to me there is a preparation for the public ministry of the word which is even more excellent than the one spoken of4 ,it is this2 to live in such constant and real communion with the ,lord1 and to be so habitually and frequently in meditation over the truth1 that without the above effort1 so to speak1 we have obtained food for others1 and know the mind of the ,lord as to the subject or the portion of the word on which we should speak4 ,that which ,i have found most beneficial in my experience for the last twenty-six years in the public ministry of the word1 is expounding the ,scriptures1 and especially the going now and then through a whole gospel or epistle4 ,this may be done in a twofold way1 either by entering minutely into the bearing of every point occurring in the portion1 or by giving the general outlines1 and thus leading the hearers to see the meaning and connection of the whole4 ,the benefits which ,i have seen resulting from expounding the ,scriptures1 are these3 #a4 ,the hearers are thus1 with ,god's blessing1 led to the ,scriptures4 ,they find1 as it were1 a practical use of them in the public meetings4 ,this induces them to bring their ,bibles1 and ,i have observed that those who at first did not bring them1 have afterwards been induced to do so2 so that1 in a short time1 few 7of the believers at least7 were in the habit of coming without them4 ,this is no small matter2 for everything which in our day will lead believers to value the ,scriptures is of importance4 #b4 ,the expounding of the ,scriptures is in general more beneficial to the hearers than if1 on a single verse1 or half a verse1 or two or three words of a verse1 some remarks are made1 so that the portion of ,scripture is scarcely anything but a motto for the subject2 for few have grace to meditate much over the word1 and thus exposition may not merely be the means of opening to them the ,scriptures1 but may also create in them a desire to meditate for themselves4 #c4 ,the expounding of the ,scriptures leaves to the hearers a connecting link1 so that the reading over again the portion of the word which has been expounded brings to their remembrance what has been said1 and thus1 with ,god's blessing1 leaves a more lasting impression on their minds4 ,this is particularly of importance as it regards the illiterate1 who sometimes have neither much strength of memory nor capacity of comprehension4 #d4 ,the expounding of large portions of the word as the whole of a gospel or an epistle1 besides leading the hearer to see the connection of the whole1 has also this particular benefit for the teacher1 that it leads him1 with ,god's blessing1 to the consideration of portions of the word which otherwise he might not have considered1 and keeps him from speaking too much on favorite subjects1 and leaning too much to particular parts of truth1 which tendency must surely sooner or later injure both himself and his hearers4 ,expounding the word of ,god brings little honor to the preacher from the unenlightened or careless hearer1 but it tends much to the benefit of the hearers in general4 ,simplicity in expression1 whilst the truth is set forth1 is1 in connection with what has been said1 of the utmost importance4 ,it should be the aim of the teacher to speak so that children1 servants1 and people who cannot read may be able to understand him1 so far as the natural mind can comprehend the things of ,god4 ,it ought also to be remembered that there is1 perhaps1 not a single congregation in which there are not persons of the above classes present1 and that if they can understand1 the well-educated or literary persons will understand likewise2 but the reverse does not hold good4 ,it ought further to be remembered that the expounder of the truth of ,god speaks for ,god1 for eternity1 and that it is not in the least likely that he will benefit the hearers1 except he use plainness of speech1 which nevertheless needs not to be vulgar or rude4 ,it should also be considered that if the preacher strive to speak according to the rules of this world1 he may please many1 particularly those who have a literary taste2 but1 in the same proportion1 he is less likely to become an instrument in the hands of ,god for the conversion of sinners1 or for the building-up of the saints4 ,for neither eloquence nor depth of thought makes the truly great preacher1 but such a life of prayer and meditation and spirituality as may render him a vessel meet for the ,master's use1 and fit to be employed both in the conversion of sinners and in the edification of the saints4 ,becoming convinced1 after a prayerful examination of the ,scriptures1 that baptism should be administered only by immersion1 ,mr4 ,mueller was then baptized in the spring of #ahcj4 ,it was so usual for me to preach with particular assistance1 especially during the first months of this year1 that once1 when it was otherwise1 it was much noticed by myself and others4 ,the circumstance was this4 ,one day1 before preaching at ,teignmouth1 ,i had more time than usual1 and therefore prayed and meditated about six hours in preparation for the evening meeting1 and ,i thought ,i saw many precious truths in the passage on which ,i had meditated4 ,it was the first part of the first chapter of the epistle to the ,ephesians4 ,after ,i had spoken a little time1 ,i felt that ,i spoke in my own strength1 and ,i1 being a foreigner1 felt particularly the want of words1 which had not been the case before4 ,i told the brethren that ,i felt ,i was left to myself1 and asked their prayers4 ,but after having continued a little longer1 and feeling the same as before1 ,i closed1 and proposed that we should have a meeting for prayer1 that the ,lord still might be pleased to help me4 ,we did so1 and ,i was particularly assisted the next time4 ,on ,october #g1 #ahcj1 ,i was united by marriage to ,miss ,mary ,groves1 sister of the brother whose name has already been mentioned4 ,this step was taken after prayer and deliberation1 from a full conviction that it was better for me to be married2 and ,i have never regretted since either the step itself or the choice1 but desire to be truly grateful to ,god for having given me such a wife4 ,about this time1 ,i began to have conscientious objections against any longer receiving a stated salary4 ,my reasons against it were these3 #a4 ,the salary was made up by pew-rents2 but pew-rents are1 according to ,james ii4 #a-f1 against the mind of the ,lord1 as1 in general1 the poor brother cannot have so good a seat as the rich4 #b4 ,a brother may gladly do something towards my support if left to his own time2 but1 when the quarter is up1 he has perhaps other expenses1 and ,i do not know whether he pays his money grudgingly1 and of necessity1 or cheerfully2 but ,god loveth a cheerful giver4 ,nay1 ,i knew it to be a fact that sometimes it had not been convenient to individuals to pay the money when it had been asked for by the brethren who collected it4 #c4 ,though the ,lord had been pleased to give me grace to be faithful1 so that ,i had been enabled not to keep back the truth when he had shown it to me2 still1 ,i felt that the pew-rents were a snare to the servant of ,christ4 ,it was a temptation to me1 at least for a few minutes1 at the time when the ,lord had stirred me up to pray and search the word respecting the ordinance of baptism1 because thirty pounds of my salary was at stake if ,i should be baptized4 ,for these reasons1 ,i stated to the brethren1 at the end of ,october1 #ahcj1 that ,i should for the future give up having any regular salary4 ,after ,i had given my reasons for doing so1 ,i read ,philippians iv41 and told the saints that if they still had a desire to do something towards my support1 by voluntary gifts1 ,i had no objection to receive them1 though ever so small1 either in money or provisions4 ,a few days after1 it appeared to me that there was a better way still2 for1 if ,i received personally every single gift offered in money1 both my own time and that of the donors would be much taken up2 and in this way1 also1 the poor might1 through temptation1 be kept from offering their pence1 a privilege of which they ought not to be deprived2 and some also might in this way give more than if it were not known who was the giver1 so that it would still be doubtful whether the gift were given grudgingly or cheerfully4 ,for these reasons especially1 there was a box put up in the chapel1 over which was written that whoever had a desire to do something towards my support might put his offering into the box4 ,at the same time1 it appeared to me right that henceforth ,i should ask no man1 not even my beloved brethren and sisters1 to help me1 as ,i had done a few times1 according to their own request1 as my expenses1 on account of travelling much in the ,lord's service1 were too great to be met by my usual income4 ,for1 unconsciously1 ,i had thus again been led1 in some measure1 to trust in an arm of flesh1 going to man instead of going to the ,lord at once4 ,to come to this conclusion before ,god required more grace than to give up my salary4 ,about the same time1 also1 my wife and ,i had grace given to us to take the ,lord's commandment1 ,sell that ye have1 and give alms1 ,luke xii4 #cc1 literally1 and to carry it out4 ,our staff and support in this matter were ,matthew vi4 #ai-cd1 ,john xiv4 #ac1 #ad4 ,we leaned on the arm of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,it is now twenty-five years since we set out in this way1 and we do not in the least regret the step we then took4 ,as ,i have written down how the ,lord has been pleased to deal with us since1 ,i shall be able to relate some facts concerning this matter1 as far as they may tend to edification4 ,nov4 #ah1 #ahcj4 ,our money was reduced to about eight shillings4 ,when ,i was praying with my wife in the morning1 the ,lord brought to my mind the state of our purse1 and ,i was led to ask him for some money4 ,about four hours after1 a sister said to me1 ,do you want any money8 ,i told the brethren1 said ,i1 dear sister1 when ,i gave up my salary1 that ,i would for the future tell the ,lord only about my wants4 ,she replied1 ,but he has told me to give you some money4 ,about a fortnight ago1 ,i asked him what ,i should do for him1 and he told me to give you some money2 and last ,saturday it came again powerfully to my mind1 and has not left me since1 and ,i felt it so forcibly last night that ,i could not help speaking of it to brother ,p4 ,my heart rejoiced1 seeing the ,lord's faithfulness1 but ,i thought it better not to tell her about our circumstances1 lest she should be influenced to give accordingly2 and ,i also was assured that1 if it were of the ,lord1 she could not but give4 ,i therefore turned the conversation to other subjects1 but when ,i left she gave me two guineas4 ,we were full of joy on account of the goodness of the ,lord4 ,i would call upon the reader to admire the gentleness of the ,lord1 that he did not try our faith much at the commencement1 but allowed us to see his willingness to help us1 before he was pleased to try it more fully4 ,the next ,wednesday ,i went to ,exmouth1 our money having then again been reduced to about nine shillings4 ,i asked the ,lord on ,thursday1 when at ,exmouth1 to be pleased to give me some money4 ,on ,friday morning1 about eight o'clock1 whilst in prayer1 ,i was particularly led to ask again for money2 and before ,i rose from my knees ,i had the fullest assurance that we should have the answer that very day4 ,about nine o'clock ,i left the brother with whom ,i was staying1 and he gave me half a sovereign1 saying1 ,take this for the expenses connected with your coming to us4 ,i did not expect to have my expenses paid1 but ,i saw the ,lord's fatherly hand in sending me this money within one hour after my asking him for some4 ,but even then ,i was so fully assured that the ,lord would send more that very day1 or had done so already1 that1 when ,i came home about twelve o'clock1 ,i asked my wife whether she had received any letters4 ,she told me she had received one the day before from a brother in ,exeter1 with three sovereigns4 ,thus even my prayer on the preceding day had been answered4 ,the next day one of the brethren came and brought me four pounds1 which was due to me of my former salary1 but which ,i could never have expected1 as ,i did not even know that this sum was due to me4 ,thus ,i received1 within thirty hours1 in answer to prayer1 seven pounds ten shillings4 ,about ,christmas1 when our money was reduced to a few shillings1 ,i asked the ,lord for more2 when1 a few hours after1 there was given to us a sovereign by a brother from ,axminster4 ,this brother had heard much against me1 and was at last determined to hear for himself1 and thus came to ,teignmouth1 a distance of forty miles2 and having heard about our manner of living1 gave us this money4 ,with this closes the year #ahcj4 ,throughout it the ,lord richly supplied all my temporal wants1 though at the commencement of it ,i had no certain human prospect for one single shilling3 so that1 even as it regards temporal things1 ,i had not been in the smallest degree a loser in acting according to the dictates of my conscience2 and as it regards spiritual things1 the ,lord had dealt bountifully with me1 and had condescended to use me as an instrument in doing his work4 ,on the #fth1 #gth1 and #hth of ,jan4 #ahca1 ,i had repeatedly asked the ,lord for money1 but received none4 ,on the evening of ,january #h1 ,i left my room for a few minutes1 and was then tempted to distrust the ,lord1 though he had been so gracious to us in that he not only1 up to that day1 had supplied all our wants1 but had given us also those answers of prayer which have been in part just mentioned4 ,i was so sinful1 for about five minutes1 as to think it would be of no use to trust in the ,lord in this way4 ,i also began to say to myself1 that ,i had perhaps gone too far in living in this way4 ,but1 thanks to the ,lord6 this trial lasted but a few minutes4 ,he enabled me again to trust in him1 and ,satan was immediately confounded2 for when ,i returned to my room1 out of which ,i had not been absent ten minutes1 the ,lord had sent deliverance4 ,a sister in the ,lord had brought us two pounds four shillings3 so the ,lord triumphed1 and our faith was strengthened4 ,jan4 #aj4 ,to-day1 when we had again but a few shillings1 five pounds were given to us1 which had been taken out of the box4 ,i had1 once for all1 told the brethren1 who had the care of these temporal things1 to have the kindness to let me have the money every week2 but as these beloved brethren either forgot to take it out weekly1 or were ashamed to bring it in such small sums1 it was generally taken out every three1 four1 or five weeks4 ,as ,i had stated to them1 however1 from the commencement1 that ,i desired to look neither to man nor the box1 but to the living ,god1 ,i thought it not right on my part to remind them of my request to have the money weekly1 lest it should hinder the testimony which ,i wished to give1 of trusting in the living ,god alone4 ,it was on this account that on ,january #bh1 when we had again but little money1 though ,i had seen the brethren1 on ,january #bd1 open the box and take out the money1 ,i would not ask the brother1 in whose hands it was1 to let me have it2 but standing in need of it1 as our coals were almost gone1 ,i asked the ,lord to incline his heart to bring it2 and but a little time afterwards it was given to us2 even one pound eight shillings and sixpence4 ,i would here mention1 that1 since the time ,i began living in this way1 ,i have been kept from speaking1 either directly or indirectly1 about my wants1 at the time ,i was in need4 ,the only exception is1 that in a few instances1 twenty years or more since1 ,i have1 at such times1 spoken to very poor brethren1 in the way of encouraging them to trust in the ,lord1 telling them that ,i had to do the same1 being myself in similar straits2 or1 in a few instances1 where it was needful to speak about my own want1 lest ,i should appear unfeeling1 in that ,i did not help at all1 in cases of distress1 or not as much as might have been expected4 ,on ,february #ad we had again very little money1 and1 whilst praying1 ,i was led to ask the ,lord graciously to supply our wants2 and the instant that ,i got up from my knees a brother gave me one pound1 which had been taken out of the box4 ,on ,march #g1 ,i was again tempted to disbelieve the faithfulness of the ,lord1 and though ,i was not miserable1 still1 ,i was not so fully resting upon the ,lord that ,i could triumph with joy4 ,it was but one hour after1 when the ,lord gave me another proof of his faithful love4 ,a ,christian lady brought five sovereigns for us1 with these words written in the paper3 ,i was an hungered1 and ye gave me meat2 ,i was thirsty1 and ye gave me drink1 etc4 ,april #af4 ,this morning ,i found that our money was reduced to three shillings2 and ,i said to myself1 ,i must now go and ask the ,lord earnestly for fresh supplies4 ,but before ,i had prayed1 there was sent from ,exeter two pounds1 as a proof that the ,lord hears before we call4 ,i would observe here1 by the way1 that if any of the children of ,god should think that such a mode of living leads away from the ,lord1 and from caring about spiritual things1 and has the effect of causing the mind to be taken up with the question1 ,what shall ,i eat8--,what shall ,i drink8--and ,wherewithal shall ,i be clothed8--,i would request him prayerfully to consider the following remarks3 #a4 ,i have had experience of both ways1 and know that my present mode of living1 as to temporal things1 is connected with less care4 #b4 ,confidence in the ,lord1 to whom alone ,i look for the supply of my temporal wants1 keeps me1 when a case of distress comes before me1 or when the ,lord's work calls for my pecuniary aid1 from anxious reckoning like this3 ,will my salary last out8 ,shall ,i have enough myself the next month8 etc4 ,in this my freedom1 ,i am1 by the grace of ,god1 generally1 at least1 able to say to myself something like this3 ,my ,lord is not limited2 he can again supply2 he knows that this present case has been sent to me3 and thus1 this way of living1 so far from leading to anxiety1 is rather the means of keeping from it4 ,and truly it was once said to me by an individual1--,you can do such and such things1 and need not to lay by1 for the church in the whole of ,devonshire cares about your wants4 ,my reply was3 ,the ,lord can use not merely any of the saints throughout ,devonshire1 but those throughout the world1 as instruments to supply my temporal wants4 #c4 ,this way of living has often been the means of reviving the work of grace in my heart1 when ,i have been getting cold2 and it also has been the means of bringing me back again to the ,lord1 after ,i have been backsliding4 ,for it will not do1--it is not possible to live in sin1 and at the same time1 by communion with ,god1 to draw down from heaven everything one needs for the life that now is4 #d4 ,frequently1 too1 a fresh answer to prayer1 obtained in this way1 has been the means of quickening my soul1 and filling me with much joy4 ,may #ab4 ,a sister has been staying for some time at ,teignmouth on account of her health2 and when she was about to return home to-day1 we saw it the ,lord's will to invite her to stay with us for some time2 as we knew that she would stay longer if her means allowed it4 ,we were persuaded that1 as we saw it to be the ,lord's will to invite her1 he himself would pay the expenses connected with her stay4 ,about the time when she came to our house1 a parcel with money was sent from ,chumleigh4 ,a few weeks before1 ,i had preached at ,chumleigh and in the neighborhood4 ,the brethren1 knowing about my manner of living1 after my departure collected some money for me1 and thus1 in small offerings 7one hundred and seven altogether1 as ,i have been told71 two pounds and one penny halfpenny were given4 ,thus the ,lord paid for the expenses connected with our sister's staying with us4 ,june #ab4 ,lord's day4 ,on ,thursday last ,i went with brother ,craik to ,torquay1 to preach there4 ,i had only about three shillings with me1 and left my wife with about six shillings at home4 ,i asked the ,lord repeatedly for money2 but when ,i came home my wife had only about three shillings left1 having received nothing4 ,we waited still upon the ,lord4 ,yesterday passed away1 and no money came4 ,we had ninepence left4 ,this morning we were still waiting upon the ,lord1 and looking for deliverance4 ,we had only a little butter left for breakfast1 sufficient for brother ,e4 and a relative living with us1 to whom we did not mention our circumstances1 that they might not be made uncomfortable4 ,after the morning meeting1 brother ,y4 most unexpectedly opened the box1 and1 in giving me quite as unexpectedly the money at such a time1 he told me that he and his wife could not sleep last night1 on account of thinking that we might want money4 ,the most striking point is1 that after ,i had repeatedly asked the ,lord1 but received nothing1 ,i then prayed yesterday that the ,lord would be pleased to impress it on brother ,y4 that we wanted money1 so that he might open the box4 ,there was in it one pound eight shillings and tenpence halfpenny4 ,november #af4 ,this morning ,i proposed united prayer respecting our temporal wants4 ,just as we were about to pray1 a parcel came from ,exmouth4 ,in prayer we asked the ,lord for meat for dinner1 having no money to buy any4 ,after prayer1 on opening the parcel1 we found1 among other things1 a ham1 sent by a brother at ,exmouth1 which served us for dinner4 ,november #ai4 ,we had not enough to pay our weekly rent2 but the ,lord graciously sent us again to-day fourteen shillings and sixpence4 ,i would just observe1 that we never contract debts1 which we believe to be unscriptural 7according to ,romans xiii4 #h72 and therefore we have no bills with our tailor1 shoemaker1 grocer1 butcher1 baker1 etc42 but all we buy we pay for in ready money4 ,the ,lord helping us1 we would rather suffer privation than contract debts4 ,thus we always know how much we have1 and how much we have a right to give away4 ,i am well aware that many trials come upon the children of ,god1 on account of not acting according to ,rom4 xiii4 #h4 ,november #bg4 ,lord's day4 ,our money had been reduced to two pence halfpenny2 our bread was hardly enough for this day4 ,i had several times brought our need before the ,lord4 ,after dinner1 when ,i returned thanks1 ,i asked him to give us our daily bread1 meaning literally that he would send us bread for the evening4 ,whilst ,i was praying1 there was a knock at the door of the room4 ,after ,i had concluded1 a poor sister came in1 and brought us some of her dinner1 and from another poor sister five shillings4 ,in the afternoon she also brought us a large loaf4 ,thus the ,lord not only literally gave us bread but also money4 ,after we had1 on ,december #ca1 #ahca1 looked over the ,lord's gracious dealings with us during the past year1 in providing for all our temporal wants1 we had about ten shillings left4 ,a little while after1 the providence of ,god called for that1 so that not a single farthing remained4 ,thus we closed the old year1 in which the ,lord had been so gracious in giving to us1 without our asking any one1--#a4 ,through the instrumentality of the box1 thirty-one pounds fourteen shillings4 #b4 ,from brethren of the church at ,teignmouth1 in presents of money1 six pounds eighteen shillings and sixpence4 #c4 ,from brethren living at ,teignmouth and elsewhere1 not connected with the church at ,teignmouth1 ninety-three pounds six shillings and twopence4 ,altogether1 one hundred and thirty-one pounds eighteen shillings and eightpence4 ,there had been likewise many articles of provision1 and some articles of clothing given to us1 worth at least twenty pounds4 ,i am so particular in mentioning these things1 to show that we are never losers from acting according to the mind of the ,lord4 ,for had ,i had my regular salary1 humanly speaking1 ,i should not have had nearly as much2 but whether this would have been the case or not1 this is plain1 that ,i have not served a hard master1 and that is what ,i delight to show4 ,january #g1 #ahcb4 ,we had been again repeatedly asking the ,lord to-day and yesterday to supply our temporal wants1 having no means to pay our weekly rent1 and this evening1 as late as eleven o'clock1 a brother gave us nineteen shillings and sixpence1--a proof that the ,lord is not limited to time4 ,january #ad4 ,this morning we had nothing but dry bread with our tea2 only the second time since we have been living by simple faith upon ,jesus for temporal supplies4 ,we have more than forty pounds of ready money in the house for two bills1#ad which will not be payable for several weeks2 but we do not consider this money to be our own1 and would rather suffer great privation1 ,god helping us1 than take of it4 ,we were looking to our ,father1 and he has not suffered us to be disappointed4 ,for when now we had but threepence left1 and only a small piece of bread1 we received two shillings and five shillings4 ,footnote #ad3 ,one bill ,i had to meet for a brother1 the other was for money which1 in the form of a bill1 ,i had sent to the ,continent2 but in both cases the money was in my hands before the bills were given4 ,february #ah4 ,this afternoon ,i broke a bloodvessel in my stomach1 and lost a considerable quantity of blood4 ,i was very happy immediately afterwards4 ,february #ai4 ,this morning1 ,lord's day1 two brethren called on me1 to ask me what arrangement there should be made to-day1 as it regarded the four villages1 where some of the brethren were in the habit of preaching1 as1 on account of my not being able to preach1 one of the brethren would need to stay at home to take my place4 ,i asked them1 kindly1 to come again in about an hour1 when ,i would give them an answer4 ,after they were gone1 the ,lord gave me faith to rise4 ,i dressed myself2 and determined to go to the chapel4 ,i was enabled to do so1 though so weak when ,i went1 that walking the short distance to the chapel was an exertion to me4 ,i was enabled to preach this morning with as loud and strong a voice as usual1 and for the usual length of time4 ,after the morning meeting1 a medical friend called on me1 and entreated me not to preach again in the afternoon1 as it might greatly injure me4 ,i told him that ,i should indeed consider it great presumption to do so had the ,lord not given me faith4 ,i preached again in the afternoon1 and this medical friend called again1 and said the same concerning the evening meeting4 ,nevertheless1 having faith1 ,i preached again in the evening4 ,after each meeting ,i became stronger1 which was a plain proof that the hand of ,god was in the matter4 ,february #bj4 ,the ,lord enabled me to rise early in the morning1 and to go to our usual prayer meeting1 where ,i read1 spoke1 and prayed4 ,afterwards ,i wrote four letters1 expounded the ,scriptures at home1 and attended the meeting again in the evening4 ,february #ba4 ,i attended the two meetings as usual1 preached in the evening1 and did my other work besides4 ,february #bb4 ,to-day ,i attended the meeting in the morning1 walked afterwards six miles with two brethren1 and rode to ,plymouth4 ,february #bc4 ,i am now as well as ,i was before ,i broke the bloodvessel4 ,in relating the particulars of this circumstance1 ,i would earnestly warn every one who may read this not to imitate me in such a thing if he has no faith2 but if he has1 it will1 as good coin1 most assuredly be honored by ,god4 ,i could not say that if such a thing should happen again ,i would act in the same way2 for when ,i have been not nearly so weak as when ,i had broken the bloodvessel1 having no faith1 ,i did not preach2 yet1 if it were to please the ,lord to give me faith1 ,i might be able to do the same1 though even still weaker than at the time just spoken of4 ,about this time ,i repeatedly prayed with sick believers till they were restored4 ,unconditionally ,i asked the ,lord for the blessing of bodily health 7a thing which ,i could not do now71 and almost always had the petition granted4 ,in some instances1 however1 the prayer was not answered4 ,in the same way1 whilst in ,london1 ,november1 #ahbi1 in answer to my prayers1 ,i was immediately restored from a bodily infirmity under which ,i had been laboring for a long time1 and which has never returned since4 ,the way in which ,i now account for these facts is as follows4 ,it pleased the ,lord1 ,i think1 to give me in such cases something like the gift 7not grace7 of faith1 so that unconditionally ,i could ask and look for an answer4 ,the difference between the gift and the grace of faith seems to me this4 ,according to the gift of faith1 ,i am able to do a thing1 or believe that a thing will come to pass1 the not doing of which1 or the not believing of which1 would not be sin2 according to the grace of faith1 ,i am able to do a thing1 or believe that a thing will come to pass1 respecting which ,i have the word of ,god as the ground to rest upon1 and1 therefore1 the not doing it1 or the not believing it1 would be sin4 ,for instance1 the gift of faith would be needed to believe that a sick person should be restored again1 though there is no human probability1 for there is no promise to that effect2 the grace of faith is needed to believe that the ,lord will give me the necessaries of life1 if ,i first seek the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness1 for there is a promise to that effect4#ae ,footnote #ae3 ,matt4 vi4 ,march #ah4 ,these two days we have not been able to purchase meat4 ,the sister in whose house we lodge gave us to-day part of her dinner4 ,we are still looking to ,jesus for deliverance4 ,we want money to pay the weekly rent and to buy provisions4 ,march #ai4 ,our landlady sent again of her meat for our dinner4 ,we have but a halfpenny left4 ,i feel myself very cold in asking for money3 still1 ,i hope for deliverance1 though ,i do not see whence money is to come4 ,we were not able to buy bread to-day as usual4 ,march #bj4 ,this has been again a day of very great mercies4 ,in the morning we met round our breakfast which the ,lord had provided for us1 though we had not a single penny left4 ,the last halfpenny was spent for milk4 ,we were then still looking to ,jesus for fresh supplies4 ,we both had no doubt that the ,lord would interfere4 ,i felt it a trial that ,i had but little earnestness in asking the ,lord1 and had this not been the case1 perhaps we might have had our wants sooner supplied4 ,we have about seven pounds in the house2 but considering it no longer our own1 the ,lord kept us from taking of it1 with the view of replacing what we had taken1 as formerly ,i might have done4 ,the meat which was sent yesterday for our dinner was enough also for to-day4 ,thus the ,lord had provided another meal4 ,two sisters called upon us about noon1 who gave us two pounds of sugar1 one pound of coffee1 and two cakes of chocolate4 ,whilst they were with us1 a poor sister came and brought us one shilling from herself and two shillings and sixpence from another poor sister4 ,our landlady also sent us again of her dinner1 and also a loaf4 ,our bread would scarcely have been enough for tea1 had the ,lord not thus graciously provided4 ,in the afternoon1 the same sister who brought the money brought us also1 from another sister1 one pound of butter and two shillings1 and from another sister five shillings4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,ministry ,,at ,,bristol ,,begun4 #ahcb-ahce4 ,,here ,,have ,,we ,,no ,,continuing ,,city--,,caution ,,to ,,the ,,christian ,,traveller--,,new ,,tokens ,,for ,,good--,,the ,,way ,,made ,,clear--,,meetings ,,for ,,inquiry--,,no ,,respect ,,of ,,persons ,,with ,,god--,,francke1 ,,being ,,dead1 ,,yet ,,speaketh--,,daily ,,bread ,,supplied--,a ,,peculiar ,,people4 ,april #h4 ,i have felt much this day that ,teignmouth is no longer my place1 and that ,i shall leave it4 ,i would observe that in ,august of #ahca ,i began greatly to feel as if my work at ,teignmouth were done1 and that ,i should go somewhere else4 ,i was led to consider the matter more maturely1 and at last had it settled in this way1--that it was not likely to be of ,god1 because1 for certain reasons1 ,i should naturally have liked to leave ,teignmouth4 ,afterwards1 ,i felt quite comfortable in remaining there4 ,in the commencement of the year #ahcb ,i began again much to doubt whether ,teignmouth was my place1 or whether my gift was not much more that of going about from place to place1 seeking to bring believers back to the ,scriptures1 than to stay in one place and to labor as a pastor4 ,i resolved to try whether it were not the will of ,god that ,i should still give myself to pastoral work among the brethren at ,teignmouth2 and with more earnestness and faithfulness than ever ,i was enabled to give myself to this work1 and was certainly much refreshed and blessed in it2 and ,i saw immediately blessings result from it4 ,this my experience seemed more than ever to settle me at ,teignmouth4 ,but notwithstanding this1 the impression that my work was done there came back after some time1 as the remark in my journal of ,april #h shows1 and it became stronger and stronger4 ,there was one point remarkable in connection with this4 ,wherever ,i went ,i preached with much more enjoyment and power than at ,teignmouth1 the very reverse of which had been the case on my first going there4 ,moreover1 almost everywhere ,i had many more hearers than at ,teignmouth1 and found the people hungering after food1 which1 generally speaking1 was no longer the case at ,teignmouth4 ,april #aa4 ,felt again much that ,teignmouth will not much longer be my residence4 ,april #ab4 ,still feel the impression that ,teignmouth is no longer my place4 ,april #ac4 ,found a letter from brother ,craik1 from ,bristol1 on my return from ,torquay1 where ,i had been to preach4 ,he invites me to come and help him4 ,it appears to me1 from what he writes1 that such places as ,bristol more suit my gifts4 ,o ,lord1 teach me6 ,i have felt this day more than ever that ,i shall soon leave ,teignmouth4 ,i fear1 however1 there is much connected with it which savors of the flesh1 and that makes me fearful4 ,it seems to me as if ,i should shortly go to ,bristol1 if the ,lord permit4 ,april #ad4 ,wrote a letter to brother ,craik1 in which ,i said ,i should come1 if ,i clearly saw it to be the ,lord's will4 ,have felt again very much to-day1 yea1 far more than ever1 that ,i shall soon leave ,teignmouth4 ,april #ae4 ,lord's day4 ,this evening ,i preached1 as fully as time would permit1 on the ,lord's second coming4 ,after having done so1 ,i told the brethren what effect this doctrine had had upon me1 on first receiving it1 even to determine me to leave ,london1 and to preach throughout the kingdom2 but that the ,lord had kept me chiefly at ,teignmouth for these two years and three months1 and that it seemed to me now that the time was near when ,i should leave them4 ,i reminded them of what ,i told them when they requested me to take the oversight of them1 that ,i could make no certain engagement1 but stay only so long with them as ,i should see it to be the ,lord's will to do so4 ,there was much weeping afterwards4 ,but ,i am now again in peace4 ,april #af4 ,this morning ,i am still in peace4 ,i am glad ,i have spoken to the brethren1 that they may be prepared1 in case the ,lord should take me away4 ,i left to-day for ,dartmouth1 where ,i preached in the evening4 ,i had five answers to prayer to-day4 #a4 ,i awoke at five1 for which ,i had asked the ,lord last evening4 #b4 ,the ,lord removed from my dear wife an indisposition under which she had been suffering4 ,it would have been trying to me to have had to leave her in that state4 #c4 ,the ,lord sent us money4 #d4 ,there was a place vacant on the ,dartmouth coach1 which only passes through ,teignmouth4 #e4 ,this evening ,i was assisted in preaching1 and my own soul refreshed4 ,april #ba4 ,i would offer here a word of warning to believers4 ,often the work of the ,lord itself may be a temptation to keep us from that communion with him which is so essential to the benefit of our own souls4 ,on the #aith ,i had left ,dartmouth1 conversed a good deal that day1 preached in the evening1 walked afterwards eight miles1 had only about five hours' sleep1 travelled again the next day twenty-five miles1 preached twice1 and conversed very much besides1 went to bed at eleven1 and arose before five4 ,all this shows that my body and spirit required rest1 and1 therefore1 however careless about the ,lord's work ,i might have appeared to my brethren1 ,i ought to have had a great deal of quiet time for prayer and reading the word1 especially as ,i had a long journey before me that day1 and as ,i was going to ,bristol1 which in itself required much prayer4 ,instead of this1 ,i hurried to the prayer meeting1 after a few minutes' private prayer4 ,but let none think that public prayer will make up for closet communion4 ,then again1 afterwards1 when ,i ought to have withdrawn myself1 as it were1 by force1 from the company of beloved brethren and sisters1 and given my testimony for the ,lord1 7and1 indeed1 it would have been the best testimony ,i could have given them17 by telling them that ,i needed secret communion with the ,lord1 ,i did not do so1 but spent the time1 till the coach came1 in conversation with them4 ,now1 however profitable in some respects it may have been made to those with whom ,i was on that morning1 yet my own soul needed food2 and not having had it1 ,i was lean1 and felt the effects of it the whole day2 and hence ,i believe it came that ,i was dumb on the coach1 and did not speak a word for ,christ1 nor give away a single tract1 though ,i had my pockets full on purpose4 ,april #bb4 ,this morning ,i preached at ,gideon ,chapel1 ,bristol4 ,in the afternoon ,i preached at the ,pithay ,chapel4 ,this sermon was a blessing to many1 many souls2 and many were brought through it to come afterwards to hear brother ,craik and me4 ,among others it was the means of converting a young man who was a notorious drunkard1 and who was just again on his way to a public house1 when an acquaintance of his met him1 and asked him to go with him to hear a foreigner preach4 ,he did so2 and from that moment he was so completely altered1 that he never again went to a public house1 and was so happy in the ,lord afterwards that he often neglected his supper1 from eagerness to read the ,scriptures1 as his wife told me4 ,he died about five months afterwards4 ,this evening ,i was much instructed in hearing brother ,craik preach4 ,i am now fully persuaded that ,bristol is the place where the ,lord will have me to labor4 ,april #bg4 ,it seems to brother ,craik and myself the ,lord's will that we should go home next week1 in order that in quietness1 without being influenced by what we see here1 we may more inquire into the ,lord's will concerning us4 ,it especially appears to us much more likely that we should come to a right conclusion among the brethren and sisters in ,devonshire1 whose tears we shall have to witness1 and whose entreaties to stay with them we shall have to hear1 than here in ,bristol1 where we see only those who wish us to stay4 ,april #bh4 ,it still seems to us the ,lord's will that we should both leave soon1 to have quiet time for prayer concerning ,bristol4 ,april #bi4 ,i preached this morning on ,rev4 iii4 #ad-bb4 ,as it afterwards appeared1 that testimony was blessed to many1 though ,i lacked enjoyment in my own soul4 ,this afternoon brother ,craik preached in a vessel called the ,clifton ,ark1 fitted up for a chapel4 ,in the evening ,i preached in the same vessel4 ,these testimonies also ,god greatly honored1 and made them the means of afterwards bringing several1 who then heard us1 to our meeting places4 ,how was ,god with us1 and how did he help us1 thereby evidently showing that he himself had sent us to this city6 ,april #cj4 ,it was most affecting to take leave of the dear children of ,god1 dozens pressing us to return soon1 many with tears in their eyes4 ,the blessing which the ,lord has given to our ministry seems to be very great4 ,we both see it fully the ,lord's will to come here1 though we do not see under what circumstances4 ,a brother has promised to take ,bethesda ,chapel for us1 and to be answerable for the payment of the rent2 so that thus we should have two large chapels4 ,i saw1 again1 two instances to-day in which my preaching has been blessed4 ,may #a4 ,brother ,craik and ,i left this morning for ,devonshire4 ,may #c4 ,i saw several of the brethren to-day1 and felt so fully assured that it is the ,lord's will that ,i should go to ,bristol1 that ,i told them so4 ,this evening ,i had a meeting with the three deacons1 when ,i told them plainly about it2 asking them1 if they see anything wrong in me concerning this matter1 to tell me of it4 ,they had nothing to say against it2 yea1 though much wishing me to stay1 they were convinced themselves that my going is of ,god4 ,may #e4 ,one other striking proof to my mind that my leaving ,teignmouth is of ,god1 is1 that some truly spiritual believers1 though they much wish me to stay1 themselves see that ,i ought to go to ,bristol4 ,may #g4 ,having received a letter from ,bristol on ,may #e1 it was answered to-day in such a way that the ,lord may have another opportunity to prevent our going thither if it be not of him4 ,may #ae4 ,just when ,i was in prayer concerning ,bristol1 ,i was sent for to come to brother ,craik4 ,two letters had arrived from ,bristol4 ,the brethren assembling at ,gideon accept our offer to come under the conditions we have made1 i4 e4 for the present1 to consider us only as ministering among them1 but not in any fixed pastoral relationship1 so that we may preach as we consider it to be according to the mind of ,god1 without reference to any rules among them2 that the pew-rents should be done away with2 and that we should go on1 respecting the supply of our temporal wants1 as in ,devonshire4 ,we intend1 the ,lord willing1 to leave in about a week1 though there is nothing settled respecting ,bethesda ,chapel4 ,may #ba4 ,i began to-day to take leave of the brethren at ,teignmouth1 calling on each of them4 ,it has been a trying day4 ,much weeping on the part of the saints4 ,were ,i not so fully persuaded that it is the will of ,god we should go to ,bristol1 ,i should have been hardly able to bear it4 ,may #bb4 ,the brethren at ,teignmouth say that they expect us soon back again4 ,as far as ,i understand the way in which ,god deals with his children1 this seems very unlikely4 ,towards the evening1 the ,lord1 after repeated prayer1 gave me ,col4 i4 #ba-bc as a text for the last word of exhortation4 ,it seemed to me best to speak as little as possible about myself1 and as much as possible about ,christ4 ,i scarcely alluded to our separation1 and only commended myself and the brethren1 in the concluding prayer1 to the ,lord4 ,the parting scenes are very trying1 but my full persuasion is that the separation is of the ,lord4 ,may #bc4 ,my wife1 ,mr4 ,groves1 my father-in-law1 and ,i left this morning for ,exeter4 ,dear brother ,craik intends to follow us to-morrow4 ,we had unexpectedly received1 just before we left ,teignmouth1 about fifteen pounds1 else we should not have been able to defray all the expenses connected with leaving1 travelling1 etc4 ,by this1 also1 the ,lord showed his mind concerning our going to ,bristol4 ,the following record will now show to the believing reader how far what ,i have said concerning my persuasion that it was the will of ,god that we should go to ,bristol has been proved by facts4 ,may #be1 #ahcb4 ,this evening we arrived at ,bristol4 ,may #bg4 ,this morning we received a sovereign1 sent to us by a sister residing in ,devonshire1 which we take as an earnest that the ,lord will provide for us here also4 ,may #bh4 ,when we were going to speak to the brethren1 who manage the temporal affairs of ,gideon ,chapel1 about giving up the pew-rents1 having all the seats free1 and receiving the free-will offerings through a box1 a matter which was not quite settled on their part1 as brother ,craik and ,i had thought1 we found that the ,lord had so graciously ordered this matter for us that there was not the least objection on the part of these brethren4 ,june #d4 ,for several days we have been looking about for lodgings1 but finding none plain and cheap enough1 we were led to make this also a subject of earnest prayer2 and now1 immediately afterwards1 the ,lord has given us such as are suitable4 ,we pay only eighteen shillings a week for two sitting-rooms and three bedrooms1 coals1 and attendance4 ,it was particularly difficult to find cheap furnished lodgings1 having five rooms in the same house1 which we need1 as brother ,craik and we live together4 ,how good is the ,lord to have thus appeared for us1 in answer to prayer1 and what an encouragement to commit everything to him in prayer6 ,june #be4 ,to-day it was finally settled to take ,bethesda ,chapel for a twelvemonth1 on condition that a brother at once paid the rent1 with the understanding that1 if the ,lord shall bless our labors in that place1 so that believers are gathered together in fellowship1 he expects them to help him2 but if not1 that he will pay all4 ,this was the only way in which we could take the chapel2 for we could not think it to be of ,god to have had this chapel1 though there should be every prospect of usefulness1 if it had made us in any way debtors4 ,july #f4 ,to-day we commenced preaching at ,bethesda ,chapel4 ,it was a good day4 ,july #ac4 ,to-day we heard of the first cases of cholera in ,bristol4 ,july #af4 ,this evening1 from six to nine o'clock1 we had appointed for conversing at the vestry1 one by one1 with individuals who wished to speak to us about their souls4 ,there were so many that we were engaged from six till twenty minutes past ten4 ,these meetings we have continued ever since1 twice a week1 or once a week1 or once a fortnight1 or once a month1 as our strength and time allowed it1 or as they seemed needed4 ,we have found them beneficial in the following respects3-- #a4 ,many persons1 on account of timidity1 would prefer coming at an appointed time to the vestry to converse with us1 to calling on us in our own house4 #b4 ,the very fact of appointing a time for seeing people1 to converse with them in private concerning the things of eternity1 has brought some1 who1 humanly speaking1 never would have called upon us under other circumstances2 yea1 it has brought even those who1 though they thought they were concerned about the things of ,god1 yet were completely ignorant2 and thus we have had an opportunity of speaking to them4 #c4 ,these meetings have also been a great encouragement to ourselves in the work1 for often1 when we thought that such and such expositions of the word had done no good at all1 it was through these meetings found to be the reverse2 and likewise1 when our hands were hanging down1 we have been afresh encouraged to go forward in the work of the ,lord1 and to continue sowing the seed in hope1 by seeing at these meetings fresh cases in which the ,lord has condescended to use us as instruments1 particularly as in this way instances have sometimes occurred in which individuals have spoken to us about the benefit which they derived from our ministry not only a few months before1 but even as long as two1 three1 and four years before4 ,for the above reasons ,i would particularly recommend to other servants of ,christ1 especially to those who live in large towns1 if they have not already introduced a similar plan1 to consider whether it may not be well for them also to set apart such times for seeing inquirers4 ,those meetings1 however1 require much prayer1 to be enabled to speak aright to all those who come1 according to their different need2 and one is led continually to feel that one is not sufficient of one's self for these things1 but that our sufficiency can be alone of ,god4 ,these meetings also have been by far the most wearing-out part of all our work1 though at the same time the most refreshing4 ,july #ah4 ,to-day ,i spent the whole morning in the vestry1 to procure a quiet season4 ,this has now for some time been the only way1 on account of the multiplicity of engagements1 to make sure of time for prayer1 reading the word1 and meditation4 ,july #ai4 ,i spent from half past nine till one in the vestry1 and had real communion with the ,lord4 ,the ,lord be praised1 who has put it into my mind to use the vestry for a place of retirement6 ,august #e4 ,when all our money was gone to-day1 the ,lord again graciously supplied our wants4 ,august #f4 ,this afternoon1 from two till after six1 brother ,craik and ,i spent in the vestry1 to see the inquirers4 ,we have had again1 in seeing several instances of blessing upon our labors1 abundant reason brought before us to praise the ,lord for having sent us to ,bristol4 ,august #ac4 ,this evening one brother and four sisters united with brother ,craik and me in church-fellowship at ,bethesda1 without any rules1 desiring only to act as the ,lord shall be pleased to give us light through his word4 ,september #ag4 ,this morning the ,lord1 in addition to all his other mercies1 has given us a little girl1 who1 with her mother1 is doing well4 ,october #a4 ,a meeting for inquirers this afternoon from two to five4 ,many more are convinced of sin through brother ,craik's preaching than my own4 ,this circumstance led me to inquire into the reasons1 which are probably these3 #a4 ,that brother ,craik is more spiritually minded than ,i am4 #b4 ,that he prays more earnestly for the conversion of sinners than ,i do4 #c4 ,that he more frequently addresses sinners1 as such1 in his public ministrations1 than ,i do4 ,this led me to more frequent and earnest prayer for the conversion of sinners1 and to address them more frequently as such4 ,the latter had never been intentionally left undone1 but it had not been so frequently brought to my mind as to that of brother ,craik4 ,since then1 the cases in which it has pleased the ,lord to use me as an instrument of conversion have been quite as many as those in which brother ,craik has been used4 ,february #i1 #ahcc4 ,i read a part of ,franke's life4 ,the ,lord graciously help me to follow him1 as far as he followed ,christ4 ,most of the ,lord's people whom we know in ,bristol are poor1 and if the ,lord were to give us grace to live more as this dear man of ,god did1 we might draw much more than we have as yet done out of our heavenly ,father's bank1 for our poor brethren and sisters4 ,march #b4 ,a man in the street ran up to brother ,craik and put a paper containing ten shillings into his hand1 saying1 ,that is for you and ,mr4 ,mueller1 and went hastily away4 ,may #bh4 ,this morning1 whilst sitting in my room1 the distress of several brethren and sisters was brought to my mind1 and ,i said to myself1 ,o that it might please the ,lord to give me means to help them6 ,about an hour afterwards ,i received sixty pounds from a brother whom up to this day ,i never saw1 and who then lived1 as he does still1 a distance of several thousand miles4 ,may #bi4 ,review of the last twelve months1 as it regards the fruits of our labors in ,bristol3 #a4 ,the total number of those added to us within the year has been one hundred and nine4 #b4 ,there have been converted through our instrumentality1 so far as we have heard and can judge respecting the individuals1 sixty-five4 #c4 ,many backsliders have been reclaimed1 and many of the children of ,god have been encouraged and strengthened in the way of truth4 ,june #ab4 ,i felt1 this morning1 that we might do something for the souls of those poor boys and girls1 and grown-up or aged people1 to whom we have daily given bread for some time past1 in establishing a school for them1 reading the ,scriptures to them1 and speaking to them about the ,lord4 ,this desire was not carried out4 ,the chief obstacle in the way was a pressure of work coming upon brother ,craik and me just about that time4 ,shortly after1 the number of the poor who came for bread increased to between sixty and eighty a day1 whereby our neighbors were molested1 as the beggars were lying about in troops in the street1 on account of which we were obliged to tell them no longer to come for bread4 ,this thought ultimately issued in the formation of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 and in the establishment of the ,orphan ,houses4 ,december #ag4 ,this evening brother ,craik and ,i took tea with a family of whom five had been brought to the knowledge of the ,lord through our instrumentality4 ,as an encouragement to brethren who may desire to preach the gospel in a language not their own1 ,i would mention that the first member of this family who was converted came merely out of curiosity to hear my foreign accent1 some words having been mentioned to her which ,i did not pronounce properly4 ,december #ca4 ,in looking over my journal1 ,i find1--#a4 ,that at least two hundred and sixty persons 7according to the number of names we have marked down1 but there have been many more7 have come to converse with us about the concerns of their souls4 ,out of these1 one hundred and fifty-three have been added to us in fellowship these last eighteen months1 sixty of whom have been brought to the knowledge of the ,lord through our instrumentality4 #b4 ,in looking over the ,lord's dealings with me as to temporal things1 ,i find that he has sent me1 during the past year1-- #a4 ,in freewill offerings through the boxes1 as my part ,l#aeb #ad #ea_/d #b4 ,presents in money given to me #be #a #c #c4 ,presents in clothes and provisions1 worth1 at least #bj #j #j #d4 ,a brother sent me1 from a distance #fj #j #j #e4 ,we live free of rent1 which is worth for our part #aj #j #j ---------- ,l#bfg #ae #ha_/d ,it is just now four years since ,i first began to trust in the ,lord alone for the supply of my temporal wants4 ,my little all ,i then had1 at most worth one hundred pounds a year1 ,i gave up for the ,lord1 having then nothing left but about five pounds4 ,the ,lord greatly honored this little sacrifice1 and he gave me1 in return1 not only as much as ,i had given up1 but considerably more4 ,for during the first year1 he sent me already1 in one way or other1 including what came to me through family connection1 about one hundred and thirty pounds4 ,during the second year1 one hundred and fifty-one pounds eighteen shillings and eight pence4 ,during the third year1 one hundred and ninety-five pounds three shillings4 ,during this year1 two hundred and sixty-seven pounds fifteen shillings and eight and one fourth pence4 ,the following points require particular notice3 #a4 ,during the last three years and three months ,i never have asked any one for anything2 but1 by the help of the ,lord1 ,i have been enabled at all times to bring my wants to him1 and he graciously has supplied them all4 #b4 ,at the close of each of these four years1 though my income has been comparatively great1 ,i have had only a few shillings or nothing at all left2 and thus it is also to-day1 by the help of ,god4 #c4 ,during the last year a considerable part of my income has come from a distance of several thousand miles1 from a brother whom ,i never saw4 #d4 ,since we have been obliged to discontinue the giving away of bread to about fifty poor people every day1 on account of our neighbors1 our income has not been during the second part of this year nearly so great1 scarcely one half as much1 as during the first part of it4 ,january #i1 #ahcd4 ,brother ,craik and ,i have preached during these eighteen months1 once a month1 at ,brislington1 a village near ,bristol1 but have not seen any fruit of our labors there4 ,this led me to-day very earnestly to pray to the ,lord for the conversion of sinners in that place4 ,i was also1 in the chapel1 especially led to pray again about this1 and asked the ,lord in particular that he would be pleased to convert1 at least1 one soul this evening1 that we might have a little encouragement4 ,i preached with much help1 and ,i hope there has been good done this evening4 ,the ,lord did according to my request4 ,there was a young man brought to the knowledge of the truth4 ,january #ad4 ,i was greatly tried by the difficulty of fixing upon a text from which to preach on the morning of ,october #bj1 and at last preached without enjoyment4 ,to-day ,i heard of a ,,ninth instance in which this very sermon has been blessed4 ,january #ca4 ,this evening a ,dorcas ,society was formed among the sisters in communion with us1 but not according to the manner in which we found one when we came to ,bristol2 for1 as we have dismissed all teachers from the ,sunday ,school who were not real believers1 so now believing females only will meet together to make clothes for the poor4 ,the being mixed up with unbelievers had not only proved a barrier to spiritual conversation among the sisters1 but must have been also injurious to both parties in several respects4 ,one sister1 now united to us in fellowship1 acknowledged that the being connected with the ,dorcas ,society1 previous to her conversion1 had been1 in a measure1 the means of keeping her in security2 as she thought that1 by helping on such like things1 she might gain heaven at last4 ,o that the saints1 in faithful love1 according to the word of ,god 7#b ,cor4 vi4 #ad-ah71 might be more separated in all spiritual matters from unbelievers1 and not be unequally yoked together with them6 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,the ,,scriptural ,,knowledge ,,institution4 #ahcd-ahce4 ,,unscriptural ,,character ,,of ,,the ,,existing ,,religious ,,and ,,benevolent ,,societies--,a ,,new ,,institution ,,proposed--,,god',s ,,word ,,the ,,only ,,rule1 ,,and ,,god',s ,,promise ,,the ,,only ,,dependence--,,in ,,everything1 ,,let ,,your ,,request ,,be ,,made ,,known ,,unto ,,god--,,earnest ,,of ,,the ,,divine ,,blessing ,,on ,,the ,,institution--,,bereavement--,,helper ,,seasonably ,,sent--,,reward ,,of ,,seeking ,,god',s ,,face4 ,feb4 #ba4 ,i was led this morning to form a plan for establishing1 upon scriptural principles1 an institution for the spread of the gospel at home and abroad4 ,i trust this matter is of ,god4 ,feb4 #be4 ,i was led again this day to pray about the forming of a new ,missionary ,institution1 and felt still more confirmed that we should do so4 ,some readers may ask why we formed a new ,institution for the spread of the gospel1 and why we did not unite with some of the religious societies1 already in existence1 seeing that there are several missionary1 ,bible1 tract1 and school societies4 ,i give1 therefore1 our reasons1 in order to show that nothing but the desire to maintain a good conscience led us to act as we have done4 ,for as1 by the grace of ,god1 we acknowledged the word of ,god as the only rule of action for the disciples of the ,lord ,jesus1 we found1 in comparing the then existing religious societies with the word of ,god1 that they departed so far from it1 that we could not be united with them1 and yet maintain a good conscience4 ,i only mention here the following points4 #a4 ,the end which these religious societies propose to themselves1 and which is constantly put before their members1 is1 that the world will gradually become better and better1 and that at last the whole world will be converted4 ,to this end1 there is constantly reference made to the passage in ,habakkuk ii4 #ad3 ,for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the ,lord1 as the waters cover the sea2 or the one in ,isaiah xi4 #i3 ,for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the ,lord1 as the waters cover the sea4 ,but that these passages can have no reference to the present dispensation1 but to the one which will commence with the return of the ,lord1--that in the present dispensation things will not become spiritually better1 but rather worse1--and that in the present dispensation it is not the whole world that will be converted1 but only a people gathered out from among the ,gentiles for the ,lord1--is clear from many passages of the divine testimony1 of which ,i only refer to the following3 ,matt4 xiii4 #bd-cj1 and verses #cf-dc1 #b ,tim4 iii4 #a-ac1 ,acts xv4 #ad4 ,a hearty desire for the conversion of sinners1 and earnest prayer for it to the ,lord1 is quite scriptural2 but it is unscriptural to expect the conversion of the whole world4 ,such an end we could not propose to ourselves in the service of the ,lord4 #b4 ,but that which is worse1 is1 the connection of those religious societies with the world1 which is completely contrary to the word of ,god 7#b ,cor4 vi4 #ad-ah74 ,in temporal things the children of ,god need1 whilst they remain here on earth1 to make use of the world2 but when the work to be done requires that those who attend to it should be possessed of spiritual life 7of which unbelievers are utterly destitute71 the children of ,god are bound1 by their loyalty to their ,lord1 entirely to refrain from association with the unregenerate4 ,but1 alas6 the connection with the world is but too marked in these religious societies2 for every one who pays a guinea1 or1 in some societies1 half-a-guinea1 is considered as a member4 ,although such an individual may live in sin2 although he may manifest to every one that he does not know the ,lord ,jesus2 if only the guinea or the half-guinea be paid1 he is considered a member1 and has a right as such to vote4 ,moreover1 whoever pays a larger sum1 for instance1 ten pounds or twenty pounds1 can be1 in many societies1 a member for life1 however openly sinful his life should be for the time1 or should become afterwards4 ,surely such things ought not to be4 #c4 ,the means which are made use of in these religious societies to obtain money for the work of the ,lord are also in other respects unscriptural2 for it is a most common case to ask the unconverted for money1 which even ,abraham would not have done 7,genesis xiv4 #ba-bd72 and how much less should we do it1 who are not only forbidden to have fellowship with unbelievers in all such matters 7#b ,cor4 vi4 #ad-ah71 but who are also in fellowship with the ,father and the ,son1 and can therefore obtain everything from the ,lord which we possibly can need in his service1 without being obliged to go to the unconverted world6 ,how altogether differently the first disciples acted1 in this respect1 we learn from #c ,john #g4 #d4 ,not merely1 however1 in these particulars is there a connection with the world in these religious societies2 but it is not a rare thing for even committee members 7the individuals who manage the affairs of the societies7 to be manifestly unconverted persons1 if not open enemies to the truth2 and this is suffered because they are rich1 or of influence1 as it is called4 #e4 ,it is a most common thing to endeavor to obtain for patrons and presidents of these societies and for chairmen at the public meetings1 persons of rank or wealth1 to attract the public4 ,never once have ,i known a case of a ,,poor1 but very devoted1 wise1 and experienced servant of ,christ being invited to fill the chair at such public meetings4 ,surely1 the ,galilean fishermen1 who were apostles1 or our ,lord himself1 who was called the carpenter1 would not have been called to this office1 according to these principles4 ,these things ought not so to be among the disciples of the ,lord ,jesus1 who should not judge with reference to a person's fitness for service in the church of ,christ by the position he fills in the world1 or by the wealth he possesses4 #f4 ,almost all these societies contract debts1 so that it is a comparatively rare case to read a report of any of them without finding that they have expended more than they have received1 which1 however1 is contrary both to the spirit and to the letter of the ,new ,testament4 7,rom4 xiii4 #h47 ,now1 although brother ,craik and ,i were ready1 by the grace of ,god1 heartily to acknowledge that there are not only many true children of ,god connected with these religious societies1 but that the ,lord has also blessed their efforts in many respects1 notwithstanding the existence of these and other principles and practices which we judged to be unscriptural2 yet it appeared to us to be his will that we should be entirely separate from these societies1 7though we should be considered as singular persons1 or though it should even appear that we despised other persons1 or would elevate ourselves above them17 in order that1 by the blessing of ,god1 we might direct the attention of the children of ,god in those societies to their unscriptural practices2 and we would rather be entirely unconnected with these societies than act contrary to the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,we therefore separated entirely from them1 although we remained united in brotherly love with individual believers belonging to them1 and would by no means judge them for remaining in connection with them1 if they do not see that such things are contrary to ,scripture4 ,but seeing them to be so ourselves1 we could not with a clear conscience remain4 ,after we had thus gone on for some time1 we considered that it would have an injurious tendency upon the brethren among whom we labored1 and also be at variance with the spirit of the gospel of ,christ1 if we did nothing at all for missionary objects1 the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 tracts1 etc41 and we were therefore led1 for these and other reasons1 to do something for the spread of the gospel at home and abroad1 however small the beginning might be4 ,march #e4 ,this evening1 at a public meeting1 brother ,craik and ,i stated the principles on which we intend to carry on the institution which we propose to establish for the spread of the gospel at home and abroad4 ,there was nothing outwardly influential either in the number of people present or in our speeches4 ,may the ,lord graciously be pleased to grant his blessing upon the institution1 which will be called ,the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 for ,home and ,abroad4 ,i4 ,,the ,,principles ,,of ,,the ,,institution4 #a4 ,we consider every believer bound1 in one way or other1 to help the cause of ,christ1 and we have scriptural warrant for expecting the ,lord's blessing upon our work of faith and labor of love2 and although1 according to ,matt4 xiii4 #bd-dc1 #b ,tim4 iii4 #a-ac1 and many other passages1 the world will not be converted before the coming of our ,lord ,jesus1 still1 while he tarries1 all scriptural means ought to be employed for the ingathering of the elect of ,god4 #b4 ,the ,lord helping us1 we do not mean to seek the patronage of the world2 i4 e4 we never intend to ask unconverted persons of rank or wealth to countenance this ,institution1 because this1 we consider1 would be dishonorable to the ,lord4 ,in the name of our ,god we set up our banners1 ,ps4 xx4 #e2 he alone shall be our patron1 and if he helps us we shall prosper1 and if he is not on our side we shall not succeed4 #c4 ,we do not mean to ask unbelievers for money 7#b ,cor4 vi4 #ad-ah72 though we do not feel ourselves warranted to refuse their contributions1 if they of their own accord should offer them4 ,acts xxviii4 #b-aj4 #d4 ,we reject altogether the help of unbelievers in managing or carrying on the affairs of the ,institution4 #b ,cor4 vi4 #ad-ah4 #e4 ,we intend never to enlarge the field of labor by contracting debts 7,rom4 xiii4 #h71 and afterwards appealing to the ,church of ,christ for help1 because this we consider to be opposed both to the letter and the spirit of the ,new ,testament2 but in secret prayer1 ,god helping us1 we shall carry the wants of the ,institution to the ,lord1 and act according to the means that ,god shall give4 #f4 ,we do not mean to reckon the success of the ,institution by the amount of money given1 or the number of ,bibles distributed1 etc41 but by the ,lord's blessing upon the work 7,zech4 iv4 #f72 and we expect this in the proportion in which he shall help us to wait upon him in prayer4 #g4 ,while we would avoid aiming after needless singularity1 we desire to go on simply according to ,scripture1 without compromising the truth2 at the same time thankfully receiving any instruction which experienced believers1 after prayer1 upon scriptural ground1 may have to give us concerning the ,institution4 ,,ii4 ,,the ,,objects ,,of ,,the ,,institution4 #a4 ,to assist day schools1 ,sunday schools1 and adult schools1 in which instruction is given upon scriptural principles1 and as far as the ,lord may give the means1 and supply us with suitable teachers1 and in other respects make our path plain1 to establish schools of this kind4 ,with this we also combine the putting of poor children to such day schools4 a4 ,by day schools upon scriptural principles1 we understand day schools in which the teachers are godly persons1--in which the way of salvation is scripturally pointed out1--and in which no instruction is given opposed to the principles of the gospel4 b4 ,sunday schools1 in which all the teachers are believers1 and in which the ,holy ,scriptures are alone the foundation of instruction1 are such only as the ,institution assists with the supply of ,bibles1 ,testaments1 etc42 for we consider it unscriptural that any persons who do not profess to know the ,lord themselves should be allowed to give religious instruction4 c4 ,the ,institution does not assist any adult school with the supply of ,bibles1 ,testaments1 spelling-books1 etc41 except the teachers are believers4 #b4 ,to circulate the ,holy ,scriptures4 #c4 ,the third object of this ,institution is to aid missionary efforts4 ,we desire to assist those missionaries whose proceedings appear to be most according to the ,scriptures4 99 99 99 99 99 ,march #g4 ,to-day we have only one shilling left4 ,this evening1 when we came home from our work1 we found a brother1 our tailor1 waiting for us1 who brought a new suit of clothes both for brother ,craik and me1 which a brother1 whose name was not to be mentioned1 had ordered for us4 ,april #bc4 ,yesterday and to-day ,i had asked the ,lord to send us twenty pounds1 that we might be able to procure a larger stock of ,bibles and ,testaments than our small funds of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution would allow us to purchase2 and this evening a sister1 unasked1 promised to give us that sum1 adding that she felt a particular pleasure in circulating the ,holy ,scriptures1 as the simple reading of them had been the means of bringing her to the knowledge of the ,lord4 ,june #h4 ,lord's day4 ,i obtained no text yesterday1 notwithstanding repeated prayer and reading of the word4 ,this morning ,i awoke with these words3 ,my grace is sufficient for thee4 ,as soon as ,i had dressed myself1 ,i turned to #b ,cor4 xii4 to consider this passage2 but in doing so1 after prayer1 ,i was led to think that ,i had not been directed to this portion for the sake of speaking on it1 as ,i at first thought1 and ,i therefore followed my usual practice in such cases1 i4 e4 to read on in the ,scriptures where ,i left off last evening4 ,in doing so1 when ,i came to ,heb4 xi4 #ac-af1 ,i felt that this was the text4 ,having prayed1 ,i was confirmed in it1 and the ,lord was pleased to open this passage to me4 ,i preached on it with great enjoyment4 ,it pleased ,god greatly to bless what ,i said on that passage1 and at least one soul was brought through it to the ,lord4 ,june #be4 ,these last three days ,i have had very little real communion with ,god1 and have therefore been very weak spiritually1 and have several times felt irritability of temper4 ,june #bf4 ,i was enabled1 by the grace of ,god1 to rise early1 and ,i had nearly two hours in prayer before breakfast4 ,i feel now this morning more comfortable4 ,july #aa4 ,i have prayed much about a master for boys' school1 to be established in connection with our little ,institution4 ,eight have applied for the situation1 but none seemed to be suitable4 ,now1 at last1 the ,lord has given us a brother1 who will commence the work4 ,october #i4 ,our little ,institution1 established in dependence upon the ,lord1 and supplied by him with means1 has now been seven months in operation1 and through it have been benefited with instruction1--#a4 ,in the ,sunday school1 about #abj children4 #b4 ,in the adult school1 about #dj adults4 #c4 ,in the two day schools for boys and the two days schools for girls1 #bji children1 of whom #ed have been entirely free2 the others pay about one third of the expense4 ,there have been also circulated #dhb ,bibles and #ebj ,new ,testaments4 ,lastly1 fifty-seven pounds has been spent to aid missionary exertion4 ,the means which the ,lord has sent us1 as the fruit of many prayers1 during these seven months1 amount to one hundred and sixty-seven pounds ten shillings and halfpenny4 ,october #bh4 ,we heard a most affecting account of a poor little orphan boy who for some time attended one of our schools1 and who seems there1 as far as we can judge1 to have been brought to a real concern about his soul1 through what ,i said concerning the torments of hell1 and who some time ago was taken to the poorhouse1 some miles out of ,bristol4 ,he has expressed great sorrow that he can no longer attend our school and ministry4 ,may this1 if it be the ,lord's will1 lead me to do something also for the supply of the temporal wants of poor children1 the pressure of which has caused this poor boy to be taken away from our school6 ,november #d4 ,i spent the greater part of the morning in reading the word and in prayer1 and asked also for our daily bread1 for we have scarcely any money left4 ,november #e4 ,i spent almost the whole of the day in prayer and reading the word4 ,i prayed also again for the supply of our temporal wants1 but the ,lord has not as yet appeared4 ,november #h4 ,saturday4 ,the ,lord has graciously again supplied our temporal wants during this week1 though at the commencement of it we had but little left4 ,i have prayed much this week1 for money1 more than any other week1 as far as ,i remember1 since we have been in ,bristol4 ,the ,lord has supplied us through our selling what we did not need1 or by our being paid what was owed to us4 ,december #aj4 ,to-day we found that a departed brother had left both to brother ,craik and me twelve pounds4 ,december #ca1 #ahcd4 #a4 ,since brother ,craik and ,i have been laboring in ,bristol1 #bbg brethren and sisters have been added to us in fellowship4 ,out of the #bbg who have been added to us1 #ajc have been converted through our instrumentality1 and many have been brought into the liberty of the gospel1 or reclaimed from backsliding4 ,forty-seven young converts are at ,gideon1 and fifty-six at ,bethesda4 #b4 ,the income which the ,lord has given me during this year is3-- #a4 ,my part of the freewill offerings through the boxes1 ,l#ace #ac #ba_/d #b4 ,money given to me by saints in and out of ,bristol #ib #g #f ------------- ,altogether ,l#bbh #j #ha_/d #c4 ,besides this1 many articles in provisions1 clothing1 and furniture1 worth to us about #fj #j #j ,january #a1 #ahce4 ,we had last evening an especial prayer meeting1 for the sake of praising the ,lord for all his many mercies1 which we have received during the past year1 and to ask him to continue to us his favor4 ,january #ac4 ,i visited from house to house the people living in ,orange ,street1 and saw in this way the families living in nine houses1 to ascertain whether any individuals wanted ,bibles1 whether they could read1 whether they wished their children put to our day schools or ,sunday school1 with the view of helping them accordingly4 ,this afforded opportunities to converse with them about their souls4 ,january #ae4 ,this morning ,i went again from house to house in ,orange ,street4 ,i should greatly delight in being frequently engaged in such work1 for it is a most important one2 but our hands are so full with other work that we can do but little in this way4 ,january #ba4 ,received1 in answer to prayer1 from an unexpected quarter1 five pounds1 for the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,the ,lord pours in1 whilst we seek to pour out4 ,for during the past week1 merely among the poor1 in going from house to house1 fifty-eight copies of the ,scriptures were sold at reduced prices1 the going on with which is most important1 but will require much means4 ,january #bh4 ,i have1 for these several days1 prayed much to ascertain whether the ,lord will have me to go as a missionary to the ,east ,indies1 and ,i am most willing to go1 if he will condescend to use me in this way4 ,january #bi4 ,i have been greatly stirred up to pray about going to ,calcutta as a missionary4 ,may the ,lord guide me in this matter6 7,after all my repeated and earnest prayer in the commencement of #ahce1 and willingness on my part to go1 if it were the ,lord's will1 still1 he did not send me47 ,february #be4 ,in the name of the ,lord1 and in dependence upon him alone for support1 we have established a fifth day school for poor children1 which to-day has been opened4 ,we have now two boys' schools and three girls' schools4 ,mr4 ,mueller having determined to visit ,germany1 chiefly on missionary business1 reached ,london ,february #bg1 and writes3-- ,this morning ,i went to the ,alien ,office for my passport4 ,on entering the office1 ,i saw a printed paper1 in which it is stated that every alien neglecting to renew every six months his certificate of residence1 which he receives on depositing his passport1 subjects himself to a penalty of fifty pounds1 or imprisonment4 ,this law ,i have ignorantly broken ever since ,i left ,london1 in #ahbi4 ,it appeared to me much better to confess at once that ,i had ignorantly done so than now wilfully break it2 trusting in the ,lord as it regarded the consequences of the step4 ,i did so1 and the ,lord inclined the heart of the officer with whom ,i had to do to pass over my non-compliance with the law1 on account of my having broken it ignorantly4 ,having obtained my passport1 ,i found an unexpected difficulty in the ,prussian ambassador refusing to sign it1 as it did not contain a description of my person1 and therefore ,i needed to prove that ,i was the individual spoken of in the passport4 ,this difficulty was not removed for three days1 when1 after earnest prayer1 through a paper signed by some citizens of ,london1 to whom ,i am known1 the ambassador was satisfied4 ,this very difficulty1 when once the ,lord had removed it1 afforded me cause for thanksgiving2 for ,i now obtained a new passport1 worded in a way that1 should ,i ever need it again1 will prevent similar difficulties4 ,mr4 ,mueller was absent for five weeks1 during which time he experienced many answers to prayer and encouragements to faith4 ,april #ae4 ,bristol4 ,yesterday1 at one1 we landed in ,london4 ,in answer to prayer1 ,i soon obtained my things from the custom-house1 and reached my friends in ,chancery ,lane a little before two4 ,june #c4 ,to-day we had a public meeting on account of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad4 ,it is now fifteen months since1 in dependence upon the ,lord for the supply of means1 we have been enabled to provide poor children with schooling1 circulate the ,holy ,scriptures1 and aid missionary labors4 ,during this time1 though the field of labor has been continually enlarging1 and though we have now and then been brought low in funds1 the ,lord has never allowed us to be obliged to stop the work4 ,we have been enabled during this time to establish three day schools1 and to connect with the ,institution two other charity day schools1 which1 humanly speaking1 otherwise would have been closed for want of means4 ,the number of the children that have been thus provided with schooling1 in the day schools only1 amounts to #dci4 ,the number of copies of the ,holy ,scriptures which have been circulated is #gie ,bibles and #gec ,new ,testaments4 ,we have also sent1 in aid of missionary labors in ,canada1 in the ,east ,indies1 and on the ,continent of ,europe1 one hundred and seventeen pounds1 eleven shillings4 ,the whole amount of the free-will offerings put into our hands for carrying on this work from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #ai1 #ahce1 is ,l#cfc #abs4 #jc_/d;d4 ,june #bb4 ,this morning at two my father-in-law died4 ,june #be4 ,our little boy is so ill that ,i have no hope of his recovery4 ,the ,lord's holy will be done concerning the dear little one4 ,june #bf4 ,my prayer1 last evening1 was1 that ,god would be pleased to support my dear wife under the trial1 should he remove the little one2 and to take him soon to himself1 thus sparing him from suffering4 ,i did not pray for the child's recovery4 ,it was but two hours after that the dear little one went home4 ,i am so fully enabled to realize that the dear infant is so much better off with the ,lord ,jesus than with us1 that ,i scarcely feel the loss at all1 and when ,i weep ,i weep for joy4 ,july #ah4 ,i have felt for several days weak in my chest4 ,this weakness has been increasing1 and to-day ,i have felt it more than ever4 ,i have thought it well to refrain next week from all public speaking4 ,may the ,lord grant that ,i may be brought nearer to him through this1 for ,i am not at all in the state in which ,i ought to be1 and ,i think sometimes that our late afflictions have been lost upon me1 and that the ,lord will need to chastise me severely4 ,july #ca4 ,to-day brother ,c----r1 formerly a minister in the establishment1 who came to us a few days since1 began1 in connection with the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 to go from house to house to spread the truth as a city missionary4 ,this was a remarkable interposition of ,god4 ,brother ,craik had before this1 for some months1 been unable1 on account of bodily infirmity1 to labor in the work of the schools1 the circulation of the ,scriptures1 etc41 and my own weakness1 shortly after brother ,c----r's arrival1 increased so that ,i was obliged to give up the work entirely4 ,how gracious1 therefore1 of the ,lord to send brother ,c----r1 that thus the work might go on6 ,up to ,july1 #ahcg1 this beloved brother was enabled to continue in his work1 and thus this little ,institution was in a most important way enlarged as it regards the field of labor4 ,august #bd4 ,i feel very weak1 and suffer more than before from the disease4 ,i am in doubt whether to leave ,bristol entirely for a time4 ,i have no money to go away for a change of air4 ,i have had an invitation to stay for a week with a sister in the country1 and ,i think of accepting the invitation1 and going to-morrow4 ,august #bf4 ,to-day ,i had five pounds given to me for the express purpose of using change of air4 ,august #bi4 ,to-day ,i received another five pounds for the same purpose4 ,august #cj4 ,to-day1 for the first ,lord's day since our arrival in ,bristol1 ,i have been kept from preaching through illness4 ,how mercifully has the ,lord dealt in giving me so much strength for these years6 ,i had another five pounds sent to aid me in procuring change of air4 ,how kind is the ,lord in thus providing me with the means for leaving ,bristol6 ,september #b4 ,went with my family to ,portishead4 ,september #ae4 ,as ,i clearly understood that the person who lets me his horse has no license1 ,i saw that1 being bound as a believer to act according to the laws of the country1 ,i could use it no longer2 and as horse exercise seems most important1 humanly speaking1 for my restoration1 and as this is the only horse which is to be had in the place1 we came to the conclusion to leave ,portishead to-morrow4 ,immediately after1 ,i received a kind letter from a brother and two sisters in the ,lord1 who live in the ,isle of ,wight1 which contained a fourth invitation1 more pressing than ever1 to come and stay with them for some time4 ,in addition to this1 they wrote that they had repeatedly prayed about the matter1 and were persuaded that ,i ought to come4 ,this matter has been to-day a subject for prayer4 ,september #af4 ,we came this morning to the conclusion that ,i should go to the ,isle of ,wight2 but we saw not how my wife and child and our servant could accompany me1 as we had not sufficient money for travelling expenses2 and yet this seemed of importance4 ,the ,lord graciously removed the difficulty this evening2 for we received1 most unexpectedly and unasked for1 five pounds and thirteen shillings1 which was owed to us1 and also1 when we had already retired to rest1 a letter was brought1 containing a present of two pounds4 ,how very1 very kind and tender is the ,lord6 ,september #ai4 ,this evening we arrived at our friends' in the ,isle of ,wight1 by whom we were most kindly received4 ,september #bi4 ,last evening1 when ,i retired from the family1 ,i had a desire to go to rest at once1 for ,i had prayed a short while before2 and feeling weak in body1 the coldness of the night was a temptation to me to pray no further4 ,however1 the ,lord did help me to fall upon my knees2 and no sooner had ,i commenced praying than he shone into my soul1 and gave me such a spirit of prayer as ,i had not enjoyed for many weeks4 ,he graciously once more revived his work in my heart4 ,i enjoyed that nearness to ,god and fervency in prayer1 for more than an hour1 for which my soul had been panting for many weeks past4 ,for the first time1 during this illness1 ,i had now also a spirit of prayer as regards my health4 ,i could ask the ,lord earnestly to restore me again1 which had not been the case before4 ,i now long to go back again to the work in ,bristol1 yet without impatience1 and feel assured that the ,lord will strengthen me to return to it4 ,i went to bed especially happy1 and awoke this morning in great peace1 rose sooner than usual1 and had again1 for more than an hour1 real communion with the ,lord1 before breakfast4 ,may he in mercy continue this state of heart to his most unworthy child6 ,october #i4 ,i have many times had thoughts of giving in print some account of the ,lord's goodness to me1 for the instruction1 comfort1 and encouragement of the children of ,god4 ,i have considered to-day all the reasons for and against1 and find that there are scarcely any against1 and many for it4 ,november #ae4 ,bristol4 ,brother ,c----r and ,i have been praying together1 the last five days1 that the ,lord would be pleased to send us means for carrying on the work of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,this evening1 a brother gave me six shillings and one penny1 being money which he formerly used to pay towards the support of a trade club1 which he has lately given up for the ,lord's sake4 ,november #ah4 ,this evening thirty pounds were given to me2 twenty-five pounds for the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 and five pounds for myself4 ,this is a most remarkable answer to prayer4 ,brother ,c----r and ,i have prayed repeatedly together during the last week concerning the work1 and especially that the ,lord would be pleased to give us the means to continue1 and even enlarge the field4 ,in addition to this1 ,i have several times asked for a supply for myself1 and he has kindly granted both these requests4 ,o that ,i may have grace to trust him more and more6 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,home ,,for ,,destitute ,,orphans4 #ahce-ahcf4 ,,franke',s ,,works ,,follow ,,him--,,great ,,undertaking ,,conceived--,,reasons ,,for ,,establishing ,,an ,,orphan ,,house--,,prayer ,,for ,,guidance--,,treasure ,,laid ,,up ,,in ,,heaven--,,in ,,prayer ,,and ,,in ,,faith1 ,,the ,,work ,,is ,,begun4 ,november #bj4 ,this evening ,i took tea at a sister's house1 where ,i found ,franke's life4 ,i have frequently1 for a long time1 thought of laboring in a similar way1 on a much smaller scale2 not to imitate ,franke1 but in reliance upon the ,lord4 ,may ,god make it plain6 ,november #ba4 ,to-day ,i have had it very much impressed on my heart1 no longer merely to think about the establishment of an orphan house1 but actually to set about it1 and ,i have been very much in prayer respecting it1 in order to ascertain the ,lord's mind4 ,november #bc4 ,to-day ,i had ten pounds sent from ,ireland1 for our ,institution4 ,the ,lord1 in answer to prayer1 has given me1 in a few days1 about fifty pounds4 ,i had asked only for forty pounds4 ,this has been a great encouragement to me1 and has still more stirred me up to think and pray about the establishment of an orphan house4 ,nov4 #be4 ,i have been again much in prayer yesterday and to-day about the orphan house1 and am more and more convinced that it is of ,god4 ,may he in mercy guide me6 ,it may be well to enter somewhat minutely upon the reasons which led me to establish an orphan house4 ,through my pastoral labors1 through my correspondence1 and through brethren who visited ,bristol1 ,i had constantly cases brought before me1 which proved that one of the especial things which the children of ,god needed in our day1 was1 to have their faith strengthened4 ,i might visit a brother who worked fourteen or even sixteen hours a day at his trade1 the necessary result of which was1 that not only his body suffered1 but his soul was lean1 and he had no enjoyment in ,god4 ,i might point out to him that he ought to work less1 in order that his bodily health might not suffer1 and that he might gather strength for his inner man1 by reading the word of ,god1 by meditation over it1 and by prayer4 ,the reply1 however1 ,i generally found to be something like this3 ,but if ,i work less1 ,i do not earn enough for the support of my family4 ,even now1 whilst ,i work so much1 ,i have scarcely enough4 ,there was no trust in ,god1 no real belief in the truth of that word1 ,seek ye first the kingdom of ,god1 and his righteousness1 and all these things shall be added unto you4 ,i might reply something like this3 ,my dear brother1 it is not your work which supports your family1 but the ,lord2 and he who has fed you and your family when you could not work at all1 on account of illness1 would surely provide for you and yours2 if1 for the sake of obtaining food for your inner man1 you were to work only for so many hours a day as would allow you proper time for retirement4 ,and is it not the case now that you begin the work of the day after having had only a few hurried moments for prayer2 and when you leave off your work in the evening1 and mean then to read a little of the word of ,god1 are you not too much worn out in body and mind to enjoy it1 and do you not often fall asleep whilst reading the ,scriptures1 or whilst on your knees in prayer8 ,the brother would allow it was so2 he would allow that my advice was good2 but still ,i read in his countenance1 even if he should not have actually said so1 ,how should ,i get on1 if ,i were to carry out your advice8 ,i longed1 therefore1 to have something to point the brother to1 as a visible proof that our ,god and ,father is the same faithful ,god that he ever was1--as willing as ever to ,,prove himself the ,,living ,,god1 in our day as formerly1 to all who put their trust in him4 ,again1 sometimes ,i found children of ,god tried in mind by the prospect of old age1 when they might be unable to work any longer1 and therefore were harassed by the fear of having to go into the poorhouse4 ,if in such a case ,i pointed out to them how their heavenly ,father has always helped those who put their trust in him1 they might not say that times have changed2 but yet it was evident enough that ,god was not looked upon by them as the ,,living ,god4 ,i longed to set something before the children of ,god whereby they might see that he does not forsake1 even in our day1 those who rely upon him4 ,another class of persons were brethren in business1 who suffered in their souls1 and brought guilt on their consciences1 by carrying on their business almost in the same way as unconverted persons do4 ,the competition in trade1 the bad times1 the over-peopled country1 were given as reasons why1 if the business were carried on simply according to the word of ,god1 it could not be expected to do well4 ,such a brother1 perhaps1 would express the wish that he might be differently situated1 but very rarely did ,i see that there was a stand made for ,god1 that there was the holy determination to trust in the living ,god1 and to depend on him1 in order that a good conscience might be maintained4 ,to this class1 likewise1 ,i desired to show by a visible proof that ,god is unchangeably the same4 ,then there was another class of persons1 individuals who were in professions in which they could not continue with a good conscience1 or persons who were in an unscriptural position with reference to spiritual things2 but both classes feared1 on account of the consequences1 to give up the profession in which they could not abide with ,god1 or to leave their position1 lest they should be thrown out of employment4 ,my spirit longed to be instrumental in strengthening their faith1 by giving them not only instances from the word of ,god of his willingness and ability to help all those who rely upon him1 but to show them by proofs that he is the same in our day4 ,i well knew that the word of ,god ought to be enough2 but ,i considered that ,i ought to lend a helping hand to my brethren1 if by any means1 by this visible proof to the unchangeable faithfulness of the ,lord1 ,i might strengthen their hands in ,god2 for ,i remembered what a great blessing my own soul had received through the ,lord's dealings with his servant ,a4 ,h4 ,franke1 who1 in dependence upon the living ,god alone1 established an immense orphan house1 which ,i had seen many times with my own eyes4 ,i therefore judged myself bound to be the servant of the church of ,christ in the particular point on which ,i had obtained mercy2 namely1 in being able to take ,god by his word1 and to rely upon it4 ,all these exercises of my soul1 which resulted from the fact that so many believers with whom ,i became acquainted were harassed and distressed in mind1 or brought guilt on their consciences on account of not trusting in the ,lord1 were used by ,god to awaken in my heart the desire of setting before the church at large1 and before the world1 a proof that he has not in the least changed2 and this seemed to me best done by the establishing of an orphan house4 ,it needed to be something which could be seen1 even by the natural eye4 ,now1 if ,i1 a poor man1 simply by prayer and faith1 obtained1 without asking any individual1 the means for establishing and carrying on an orphan house1 there would be something which1 with the ,lord's blessing1 might be instrumental in strengthening the faith of the children of ,god1 besides being a testimony to the consciences of the unconverted of the reality of the things of ,god4 ,this1 then1 was the primary reason for establishing the orphan house4 ,i certainly did from my heart desire to be used by ,god to benefit the bodies of poor children1 bereaved of both parents1 and seek in other respects1 with the help of ,god1 to do them good for this life4 ,i also particularly longed to be used by ,god in getting the dear orphans trained up in the fear of ,god2 but still1 the first and primary object of the work was1 and still is1 that ,god might be magnified by the fact that the orphans under my care are provided with all they need1 only by prayer and faith1 without any one being asked by me or my fellow-laborers1 whereby it may be seen that ,god is ,,faithful ,,still1 and ,,hears ,,prayer ,,still4 ,that ,i was not mistaken1 has been abundantly proved since ,november1 #ahce1 both by the conversion of many sinners who have read the accounts which have been published in connection with this work1 and also by the abundance of fruit that has followed in the hearts of the saints1 for which1 from my inmost soul1 ,i desire to be grateful to ,god1 and the honor and glory of which not only is due to him alone1 but which ,i1 by his help1 am enabled to ascribe to him4 ,november #bh4 ,i have been1 every day this week1 very much in prayer concerning the orphan house1 chiefly entreating the ,lord to take away every thought concerning it out of my mind if the matter be not of him2 and have also repeatedly examined my heart concerning my motives in the matter4 ,but ,i have been more and more confirmed that it is of ,god4 ,december #b4 ,i have again these last days prayed much about the orphan house1 and have frequently examined my heart1 that if it were at all my desire to establish it for the sake of gratifying myself ,i might find it out4 ,to that end ,i have also conversed with brother ,craik about it1 that he might be instrumental in showing me any hidden corruption of my heart concerning the matter1 or any other scriptural reason against my engaging in it4 ,the one only reason which ever made me at all doubt as to its being of ,god that ,i should engage in this work1 is the multiplicity of engagements which ,i have already4 ,but if the matter be of ,god1 he will in due time send suitable individuals1 so that comparatively little of my time will be taken up in this service4 ,this morning ,i asked the ,lord especially that he would be pleased to teach me through the instrumentality of brother ,c42 and ,i went to him1 that he might have an opportunity of probing my heart4 ,for as ,i desire only the ,lord's glory1 ,i should be glad to be instructed through the instrumentality of any brother1 if the matter be not of him4 ,but brother ,c41 on the contrary1 greatly encouraged me in it4 ,therefore1 ,i have this day taken the first actual step in the matter1 in having ordered bills to be printed1 announcing a public meeting on ,december #i1 at which ,i intend to lay before the brethren my thoughts concerning the orphan house1 as a means of ascertaining more clearly the ,lord's mind concerning the matter4 ,december #e4 ,this evening ,i was struck1 in reading the ,scriptures1 with these words3 ,open thy mouth wide1 and ,i will fill it4 ,i was led to apply this ,scripture to the orphan house1 and asked the ,lord for premises1 one thousand pounds1 and suitable individuals to take care of the children4 ,december #g4 ,to-day ,i received the first shilling for the orphan house4 ,december #i4 ,this afternoon the first piece of furniture was given1--a large wardrobe4 ,this afternoon and evening ,i was low in spirit as it regards the orphan house1 but as soon as ,i began to speak at the meeting ,i received peculiar assistance from ,god4 ,after the meeting1 ten shillings was given to me4 ,there was purposely no collection1 nor did any one speak besides myself2 for it was not in the least intended to work upon the feelings1 for ,i sought to be quite sure concerning the mind of ,god4 ,after the meeting1 a sister offered herself for the work4 ,i went home1 happy in the ,lord1 and full of confidence that the matter will come to pass1 though but ten shillings has been given4 ,december #aj4 ,i have sent to the press a statement1 which contains the substance of what ,i said at the meeting last evening4 ,i have received a letter1 in which a brother and sister wrote thus3 ,we propose ourselves for the service of the intended orphan house1 if you think us qualified for it2 also to give up all the furniture1 etc41 which the ,lord has given us1 for its use2 and to do this without receiving any salary whatever1 believing that if it be the will of the ,lord to employ us1 he will supply all our need1 etc4 ,in the evening a brother brought1 from several individuals1 three dishes1 twenty-eight plates1 three basins1 one jug1 four mugs1 three salt-stands1 one grater1 four knives1 and five forks4 ,december #ab4 ,while ,i was praying this morning that the ,lord would give us a fresh token of his favor concerning the orphan house1 a brother brought three dishes1 twelve plates1 one basin1 and one blanket4 ,after this had been given1 ,i thanked ,god1 and asked him to give even this day another encouragement4 ,shortly after1 fifty pounds was given1 and that by an individual from whom1 for several reasons1 ,i could not have expected this sum4 ,thus the hand of ,god appeared so much the more clearly4 ,even then ,i was led to pray that this day the ,lord would give still more4 ,in the evening1 accordingly1 there was sent1 by a sister1 twenty-nine yards of print4 ,also a sister offered herself for the work4 ,december #ac4 ,a brother was influenced this day to give four shillings per week1 as long as the ,lord gives the means3 eight shillings was given by him as two weeks' subscription4 ,to-day a brother and sister offered themselves1 with all their furniture1 and all their provisions which they have in the house1 if they can be usefully employed in the concerns of the orphan house4 ,december #ad4 ,to-day a sister offered her services for the work4 ,in the evening another sister offered herself for the institution4 ,december #ae4 ,a sister brought1 from several friends1 ten basins1 eight mugs1 one plate1 five dessert spoons1 six teaspoons1 one skimmer1 one toasting-fork1 one flour-dredge1 three knives and forks1 one sheet1 one pillow-case1 one table-cloth2 also one pound4 ,in the afternoon were sent fifty-five yards of sheeting1 and twelve yards of calico4 ,december #af4 ,i took out of the box in my room one shilling4 ,december #ag4 ,i was rather cast down last evening and this morning about the matter2 questioning whether ,i ought to be engaged in this way1 and was led to ask the ,lord to give me some further encouragement4 ,soon after were sent by a brother two pieces of print1 the one seven and the other twenty-three and three fourths yards1 six and three fourths yards of calico1 four pieces of lining1 about four yards altogether1 a sheet1 and a yard measure4 ,this evening another brother brought a quantity of household articles1 and told me that it had been put into the heart of an individual to send to-morrow one hundred pounds4 ,december #ah4 ,this afternoon the same brother brought1 from a sister1 a counterpane1 a flatiron-stand1 eight cups and saucers1 a sugar-basin1 a milk jug1 a teacup1 sixteen thimbles1 five knives and forks1 six dessert-spoons1 twelve teaspoons1 four combs1 and two little graters2 from another friend a flatiron1 and a cup and saucer4 ,at the same time he brought the hundred pounds above referred to4 ,since the publication of the second edition1 it has pleased the ,lord to take to himself the donor of this hundred pounds1 and ,i therefore give1 in this present edition1 some further account of the donation and the donor4 ,a4 ,l4 was known to me almost from the beginning of my coming to ,bristol1 in #ahcb4 ,she earned her bread by needle-work1 by which she gained from two shillings to five shillings per week2 the average1 ,i suppose1 was not more than three shillings sixpence1 as she was weak in body4 ,but ,i do not remember ever to have heard her utter a word of complaint on account of earning so little4 ,some time before ,i had been led to establish an orphan house1 her father had died1 through which event she had come in possession of four hundred and eighty pounds1 which sum had been left to her 7and the same amount to her brother and two sisters7 by her grandmother1 but of which her father had had the interest during his lifetime4 ,the father1 who had been much given to drinking1 died in debt1 which debts the children wished to pay2 but the rest1 besides ,a4 ,l41 did not like to pay in full1 and offered to the creditors twenty-five per cent1 which they gladly accepted1 as they had not the least legal claim upon the children4 ,after the debts had been paid according to this agreement1 sister ,a4 ,l4 said to herself1 ,however sinful my father may have been1 yet he was my father1 and as ,i have the means of paying his debts to the full amount1 ,i ought1 as a believing child1 to do so1 seeing that my brother and sisters will not do it4 ,she then went to all the creditors secretly1 and paid the full amount of the debts1 which took forty pounds more of her money1 besides her share1 which she had given before3 ,her brother and two sisters now gave fifty pounds each of their property to their mother2 but ,a4 ,l4 said to herself1 ,i am a child of ,god2 surely ,i ought to give my mother twice as much as my brothers and sisters4 ,she therefore gave her mother one hundred pounds4 ,shortly after this she sent me the hundred pounds towards the orphan house4 ,i was not a little surprised when ,i received this money from her1 for ,i had always known her as a poor girl1 and ,i had never heard anything about her having come into the possession of this money1 and her dress had never given me the least indication of an alteration in her circumstances4 ,before1 however1 accepting this money from her1 ,i had a long conversation with her1 in which ,i sought to probe her as to her motives1 and in which ,i sought to ascertain whether1 as ,i had feared1 she might have given this money in the feeling of the moment1 without having counted the cost4 ,but ,i had not conversed long with this beloved sister1 before ,i found that she was1 in this particular1 a quiet1 calm1 considerate follower of the ,lord ,jesus1 and one who desired1 in spite of what human reason might say1 to act according to the words of our ,lord1 ,lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth4 ,sell that ye have1 and give alms4 ,when ,i remonstrated with her1 in order that ,i might see whether she had counted the cost1 she said to me1 ,the ,lord ,jesus has given his last drop of blood for me1 and should ,i not give him this hundred pounds8 ,she would also have me take five pounds for the poor saints in communion with us4 ,i mention here particularly that this dear sister kept all these things to herself1 and did them as much as possible in secret2 and during her lifetime1 ,i suppose1 not six brethren and sisters among us knew that she had ever possessed four hundred and eighty pounds1 or that she had given one hundred pounds towards the orphan house4 ,i relate one instance more4 ,august #d1 #ahcf1 seven months and a half after she had given the hundred pounds1 she came one morning to me1 and said3 ,last evening ,i felt myself particularly stirred up to pray about the funds of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution2 but whilst praying1 ,i thought1 what good is it for me to pray for means1 if ,i do not give when ,i have the means1 and ,i have therefore brought you this five pounds4 ,as ,i had reason to believe that1 by this time1 by far the greater part of her money was gone1 ,i again had a good deal of conversation with her1 to see whether she really did count the cost1 and whether this donation also was given unto the ,lord1 or from momentary excitement1 in which case it was better not to give the money4 ,however1 she was at this time also steadfast1 grounded upon the word of ,god2 and evidently constrained by the love of ,christ2 and all the effect my conversation had upon her was1 that she said1 ,you must take five shillings in addition to the five pounds1 as a proof that ,i give the five pounds cheerfully4 ,and thus she constrained me to take the five pounds and five shillings4--,four things are especially to be noticed about this beloved sister1 with reference to all this period of her earthly pilgrimage3 #a4 ,she did all these things in secret1 avoiding to the utmost all show about them1 and thus proved that she did not desire the praise of man4 #b4 ,she remained1 as before1 of an humble and lowly mind1 and she proved thus that she had done what she did unto the ,lord1 and not unto man4 #c4 ,her dress remained1 during all the time that she had this comparative abundance1 the same as before4 ,it was clean1 yet as simple and as inexpensive as it was at the time when all her income consisted of three shillings and sixpence1 or at most five shillings per week4 ,there was not the least difference as to her lodging1 dress1 manner of life1 etc4 ,she remained in every way the poor handmaid of the ,lord1 as to all outward appearance4 #d4 ,but that which is as lovely as the rest1 she continued working at her needle all this time4 ,she earned her two shillings-sixpence1 or three shillings1 or a little more1 a week1 by her work1 as before2 whilst she gave away the money in sovereigns or five-pound notes4 ,at last all her money was gone1 and that some years before she fell asleep2 and as her bodily health never had been good as long as ,i had known her1 and was now much worse1 she found herself peculiarly dependent upon the ,lord1 who never forsook her1 up to the last moments of her earthly course4 ,her body became weaker and weaker1 in consequence of which she was able to work very little1 for many months before she died2 but the ,lord supplied her with all she needed1 though she never asked for anything4 ,for instance1 a sister in communion ,with us sent her1 for many months1 all the bread she used4 ,her mouth was full of thanksgiving1 even in the midst of the greatest bodily sufferings4 ,december #bj4 ,a sister gave five pounds4 ,december #ba4 ,a friend sent one pound4 ,weekly subscription of four shillings4 ,december #bb4 ,a sister gave me one pound1 and a friend sent two shillings and sixpence4 ,december #bc4 ,a brother gave1 this evening1 a piece of blind line and a dozen of blind tassels4 ,about ten in the evening1 a gentleman brought me from an individual1 whose name he was not to mention1 four pounds1 of which ,i was allowed to take two pounds for the orphan house1 and to give the other two pounds to poor believers4 ,december #ca4 ,this evening we had a special meeting for prayer and praise4 ,there have been received into the church1 during the past year1 #ei4 ,there are men in communion with us1 #ie4 ,i have received for my temporal wants1 in freewill offerings1 presents1 etc41 ,l#bhe #as4 #aa_/d;d4 ,during ,january to ,may of #ahcf1 numerous donations were made of furniture1 provisions1 half-worn clothing1 and money 7varying from one hundred pounds to a halfpenny74 ,encouraged by these unsolicited offerings1 ,mr4 ,mueller determined to open the ,orphan ,house4 ,april1 #ba4 ,this day was set apart for prayer and thanksgiving concerning the ,orphan ,house1 as it is now opened4 ,in the morning1 several brethren prayed1 and brother ,craik spoke on the last verses of ,psalm xx4 ,in the afternoon1 ,i addressed our day and ,sunday school children1 the orphans1 and other children present4 ,in the evening we had another prayer meeting4 ,there are now seventeen children in the ,orphan ,house4 ,may #f4 ,i have now been for some years1 and especially these last few months1 more or less thinking and praying respecting publishing a short account of the ,lord's dealings with me4 ,to-day ,i have at last settled to do so1 and have begun to write4 ,may #af4 ,for these several weeks our income has been little2 and though ,i had prayed many times that the ,lord would enable us to put by the taxes1 yet the prayer remained unanswered4 ,in the midst of it all1 my comfort was1 that the ,lord would send help by the time it would be needed4 ,one thing particularly has been a trial to us of late1 far more than our own temporal circumstances1 which is1 that we have scarcely1 in any measure1 been able to relieve the distress among the poor saints4 ,to-day1 the ,lord1 at last1 after ,i had many times prayed to him for these weeks past1 answered my prayers1 there being seven pounds twelve shillings and one farthing given to me as my part of the freewill offerings through the boxes1--two five-pound notes having been put in yesterday1 one for brother ,craik and one for me4 ,thus the ,lord has again delivered us1 and answered our prayers1 and that not one single hour too late2 for the taxes have not as yet been called for4 ,may he fill my heart with gratitude for this fresh deliverance1 and may he be pleased to enable me more and more to trust in him1 and to wait patiently for his help8 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,the ,,field ,,widening4 #ahcf-ahcg4 ,,an ,,unexpected ,,obstacle--,,implicit ,,submission--,a ,,second ,,orphan ,,house ,,proposed--,,an ,,encouraging ,,text--,,the ,,new ,,orphan ,,house ,,opened--,,completed ,,answer ,,to ,,prayer--,,progress ,,of ,,the ,,lord',s ,,work--,,the ,,oversight ,,of ,,the ,,flock4 ,under date of ,may #ah1 #ahcf1 ,mr4 ,m4 says3-- ,in the foregoing pages1 a statement has been given of the success with which the ,lord has been pleased to crown the prayers of his servant respecting the establishment of an ,orphan ,house in this city4 ,the subject of my prayer was1 that he would graciously provide a house1 either as a loan or as a gift1 or that some one might be led to pay the rent for one2 further1 that he would give me one thousand pounds for the object1 and likewise suitable individuals to take care of the children4 ,a day or two after1 ,i was led to ask1 in addition to the above1 that he would put it into the hearts of his people to send me articles of furniture1 and some clothes for the children4 ,in answer to these petitions1 many articles of furniture1 clothing1 and food were sent1 a conditional offer of a house1 as a gift1 was made1 individuals proposed themselves to take care of the children1 and various sums of money were given1 varying from one hundred pounds to a halfpenny4 ,it may be well to state that the above results have followed in answer to prayer1 without any one having been asked by me for one single thing2 from which ,i have refrained1 not on account of want of confidence in the brethren1 or because ,i doubted their love to the ,lord1 but that ,i might see the hand of ,god so much the more clearly4 ,so far as ,i remember1 ,i brought even the most minute circumstances concerning the ,orphan ,house before the ,lord in my petitions1 being conscious of my own weakness and ignorance4 ,there was1 however1 one point ,i never had prayed about1 namely1 that the ,lord would send children2 for ,i naturally took it for granted that there would be plenty of applications4 ,the appointed time came1 and not even one application was made4 ,this circumstance now led me to lie low before my ,god in prayer1 and to examine my heart once more as to all the motives concerning it2 and being able1 as formerly1 to say1 that his glory was my chief aim1 i4 e4 that it might be seen that it is not a vain thing to trust in the living ,god1 and still continuing in prayer1 ,i was at last brought to this state1 that ,i could say from my heart that ,i should rejoice in ,god being glorified in this matter1 though it were by bringing the whole to nothing4 ,but as still1 after all1 it seemed to me more tending to the glory of ,god to establish and prosper the ,orphan ,house1 ,i could then ask him heartily to send applications4 ,i enjoyed now a peaceful state of heart concerning the subject1 and was also more assured than ever that ,god would establish it4 ,the very next day the first application was made1 and within a short time forty-three applied4 ,i rented the house ,no4 #f1 ,wilson ,street1 as being1 on account of its cheapness and largeness1 very suitable4 ,i have mentioned that we intended to take in the children from the seventh to the twelfth year4 ,but after six applications had been made for children between four and six years of age1 it became a subject of solemn and prayerful consideration1 whether1 as long as there were vacancies1 such children should not be received1 though so young4 ,i came at last to the conclusion to take in the little girls under seven years of age1 for whom application had been made4 ,further1 it has been repeatedly brought before me1 how desirable it would be to establish also1 in this city1 an ,orphan ,house for male children1 and there were even articles sent for little orphan boys4 ,partly1 then1 on account of these reasons2 and partly because the ,institution already opened was quite filled in a few days2 and partly because the ,lord has done hitherto far above what ,i could have expected2 ,i have at last1 after repeated prayer1 come to the conclusion1 in the name of the ,lord1 and in dependence upon him alone for support1 to propose the establishment of an ,infant ,orphan ,house4 ,june #c4 ,from ,may #af up to this day ,i have been confined to the house1 and a part of the time to my bed1 on account of a local inflammation1 which keeps me from walking4 ,almost every day during this time ,i have been able to continue writing a narrative of the ,lord's dealings with me1 which had been again laid aside after ,may #g1 on account of a number of pressing engagements4 ,it is very remarkable that the greatest objection against writing it for the press was want of time4 ,now1 through this affliction1 which leaves my mind free1 and gives me time1 on account of confinement to the house1 ,i have been able to write about a hundred quarto pages4 ,june #ad4 ,this morning brother ,c----r and ,i prayed unitedly1 chiefly about the schools and the circulation of the ,scriptures4 ,besides asking for blessings upon the work1 we have also asked the ,lord for the means which are needed2 for on ,july #a1 seventeen pounds ten shillings will be due for the rent of school-rooms1 and1 besides this1 we want at least forty pounds more to go on with the circulation of the ,scriptures1 to pay the salaries of the masters1 etc4 ,towards all this we have only about seven pounds4 ,i also prayed for the remainder of the thousand pounds for the ,orphan ,house4 ,june #ba4 ,this evening brother ,c----r and ,i found that the ,lord has not only been pleased to send us1 through the offerings which have come in during the last week1 in answer to our prayers1 the seventeen pounds ten shillings which will be due for the rent of two school-rooms on ,july #a1 but that we have five pounds more than is needed4 ,thus the ,lord once more has answered our prayers4 ,july #bh4 ,for some weeks past we have not been able to pay the salary of the masters and governesses a month in advance1 but have been obliged to pay it weekly4 ,brother ,c----r and ,i have lately prayed repeatedly together respecting the funds1 but we were now brought so low1 that we should not have been able to pay even this weekly salary of the teachers1 had not the ,lord most remarkably helped us again to-day4 ,for1 besides one pound1 which was given to us1 this evening a brother gave eight pounds1 which sum had been made up by a number of his workmen paying weekly one penny each1 of their own accord1 towards our funds4 ,the money had been collecting for many months1 and1 in this our necessity1 it had been put into the heart of this brother to bring it4 ,july #bi4 ,this evening1 from six to half past nine1 we had a meeting for inquirers4 ,there came twelve fresh cases before us4 ,october #a4 ,to-day1 in dependence upon the ,lord alone for means1 we engaged a brother as a master for a sixth day school4 ,on account of the many deliverances which we have had of late1 we have not hesitated to enlarge the field1 as another boys' school was greatly needed4 ,october #e4 ,this evening twenty-five pounds was given to me for the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,thus the ,lord has already given the means of defraying the expenses of the new boys' school for some months to come4 ,october #ai4 ,to-day1 after having many times prayed respecting the matter1 ,i have at last engaged a sister as matron for the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 never having been able1 up to this day1 to meet with an individual who seemed suitable1 though there has been money enough in hand1 for some time past1 for commencing this work1 and there have been applications made for several infant orphans4 ,october #be4 ,to-day we obtained1 without any trouble1 through the kind hand of ,god1 very suitable premises for the ,infant ,orphan ,house4 ,november #e4 ,there was given by a brother one hundred pounds1 fifty pounds of which was previously promised1 to insure the rent for premises4 ,it is a remarkable fact1 concerning this donation1 that ,i had1 in ,december of last year1 repeatedly asked the ,lord to incline the heart of this brother to give this hundred pounds1 and ,i made a memorandum of this prayer in my journal of ,december #ab1 #ahce4 ,on ,january #be1 #ahcf1 fifty pounds was promised by him1 and on ,november #e1 fifty pounds besides that sum was given2 but it was not till some days after1 that ,i remembered that the very sum for which ,i had asked the ,lord had been given4 ,when it came to my mind that this prayer had been noted down in my journal1 and ,i showed it to the donor1 we rejoiced together2 he1 to have been the instrument in giving1 and ,i to have had the request granted4 ,november #cj4 ,on account of many pressing engagements1 ,i had not been led1 for some time past1 to pray respecting the funds4 ,but being in great need1 ,i was led1 yesterday morning1 earnestly to ask the ,lord2 and in answer to this petition a brother gave me1 last evening1 ten pounds4 ,he had had it in his heart1 for several months past1 to give this sum1 but had been hitherto kept from it1 not having the means4 ,just now1 in this our great necessity1 the ,lord furnished him with the means1 and we were helped in this way4 ,in addition to this ten pounds1 ,i received last evening a letter with five pounds1 from a sister whom ,i never saw1 and who has been several times used by ,god as an instrument to supply our wants4 ,she writes thus3 ,it has been so much on my mind lately to send you some money1 that ,i feel as if there must be some need1 which the ,lord purposes to honor me by making me the instrument of supplying4 ,i therefore enclose you five pounds1 all ,i have in the house at this moment4 ,december #i4 ,one pound1 with ,mark ix4 #cf-g3 ,and taking a little child1 he set him in the midst of them1 etc41 a most encouraging passage for this work1 the force of which ,i had never felt before4 ,december #ae4 ,this day was set apart for prayer and thanksgiving respecting the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 which was opened on ,november #bh4 ,in the morning we had a prayer meeting4 ,in the afternoon1 besides prayer and thanksgiving1 ,i addressed the children of our day schools and the orphans1 about #cej1 on ,ecclesiastes xii4 #a4 ,in addition to the items mentioned above1 donations were received during the year1 of money1 food1 clothes1 books1 boxes1 coal-hods1 ornaments 7to be sold71 etc42 also1 the offer of gratuitous medical attendance1 and medicine4 ,up to the close of #ahcf1 seven hundred and seventy pounds and ninepence halfpenny had been given1 and forty pounds promised4 ,december #ca4 ,we had this evening a prayer meeting to praise the ,lord for his goodness during the past year1 and to ask him for a continuance of his favors4 ,during the past year there have been received into the church1 #eb2 and the ,lord has been pleased to give me1 as it regards my temporal supplies1 ,l#bcb #aas4 #i;d4 ,january #b1 #ahcg4 ,this evening the two churches had again an especial prayer meeting4 ,january #e4 ,to-day a sister called and told me about the conversion of her father1 who1 in his eightieth year1 after having for many years lived openly in sin1 is at last brought to the knowledge of the ,lord4 ,this sister had long prayed for the conversion of her father1 and at last1 though only after twenty years1 the ,lord gave her the desire of her heart4 ,may #ah4 ,there are now sixty-four children in the two ,orphan ,houses1 and two more are expected1 which will fill the two houses4 ,may #bh4 ,the narrative of some of the ,lord's dealings with me is now near being published1 which has led me again most earnestly this day week1 and repeatedly since1 to ask the ,lord that he would be pleased to give me what is wanting of the one thousand pounds1 for which sum ,i have asked him on behalf of the orphans2 for though1 in my own mind1 the thing is as good as done1 so much so that ,i have repeatedly been able to thank ,god that he will surely give me every shilling of that sum1 yet to others this would not be enough4 ,as the whole matter1 then1 about the ,orphan ,house had been commenced for the glory of ,god1 that in this way before the world and the church there might be another visible proof that the ,lord delights in answering prayer2 and as there was yet a part of the thousand pounds wanting2 and as ,i earnestly desired the book might not leave the press before every shilling of that sum had been given in answer to prayer1 without one single individual having been asked by me for anything1 that thus ,i might have the sweet privilege of bearing my testimony for ,god in this book2--for these reasons1 ,i say1 ,i have given myself earnestly to prayer about this matter since ,may #ba4 ,on ,may #bb came in seven pounds and ten shillings1 and on ,may #bc1 three pounds4 ,on ,may #bd1 a lady1 whom ,i never saw before1 called on me1 and gave me forty pounds4 ,this circumstance has greatly encouraged me2 for the ,lord showed me thereby1 afresh1 his willingness to continue to send us large sums1 and that they can even come from individuals whom we have never seen before4 ,on ,may #be1 three pounds and six shillings were sent1 from two unexpected quarters4 ,on ,may #bg was sent1 anonymously1 a parcel of worn clothes1 from ,london1 and a sovereign4 ,to-day 7,may #bh7 ,i received again four pounds three shillings and sixpence2 and also a parcel was sent from a considerable distance1 containing seven pairs of socks1 and the following trinkets1 to be sold for the support of the orphans3 one gold pin with an ,irish pearl1 fifteen ,irish pearls1 two pins1 two brooches1 two lockets1 one seal1 two studs1 eleven rings1 one chain1 and one bracelet1 all of gold4 ,june #ae4 ,to-day ,i gave myself once more earnestly to prayer respecting the remainder of the thousand pounds4 ,this evening five pounds were given1 so that now the whole sum is made up4 ,during eighteen months and ten days this petition has been brought before ,god almost daily4 ,from the moment ,i asked till the ,lord granted it fully1 ,i had never been allowed to doubt that he would give every shilling of that sum4 ,often have ,i praised him beforehand1 in the assurance that he would grant my request4 ,the thing after which we have especially to seek in prayer is1 that we believe that we receive1 according to ,mark xi4 #bd3 ,what things soever ye desire1 when ye pray1 believe that ye receive them1 and ye shall have them4 ,as the ,lord has so greatly condescended to listen to my prayers1 and as ,i consider it one of the particular talents which he has intrusted to me to exercise faith upon his promises1 as it regards my own temporal wants and those of others2 and as an ,orphan ,house for boys above seven years of age seems greatly needed in this city2 and as also without it we know not how to provide for the little boys in the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 when they are above seven years of age1 ,i purpose to establish an ,orphan ,house for about forty boys above seven years of age4 ,july #ab4 ,the same friend who gave me on ,may #bd1 #ahcg1 forty pounds for the orphans1 and whom1 up to that time1 ,i had never seen1 gave four hundred and sixty pounds more1 being altogether five hundred pounds4 ,it is now three years and four months since brother ,craik and ,i began1 in dependence upon the ,lord for funds1 to seek to help the spread of the gospel through the instrumentality of schools1 the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 and by aiding missionary exertions4 ,since then there have been circulated1 through our instrumentality1 #d1jcj copies of the ,scriptures2 four day schools1 for poor children1 have been established by us2 #a1aai children have been instructed in the six day schools1 and #cec children are now in those six day schools4 ,besides this1 a ,sunday school and an adult school have been supplied with all they needed1 and missionary exertions in the ,east ,indies1 in ,upper ,canada1 and on the continent of ,europe1 have been aided4 ,in addition to this1 the word of ,god has been preached from house to house among the poor1 in connection with the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 by brother ,c----r1 within the last two years4 ,on the #aeth of ,august1 #ahcg1 the preceding portion of this narrative was published4 ,aug4 #ag4 ,to-day two more children were received into the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 which makes up our full number1 sixty-six in the ,girls' and ,infant ,orphan ,houses4 ,september #b4 ,i have been looking about for a house for the orphan boys1 these last three days4 ,everything else has been provided4 ,the ,lord has given suitable individuals to take care of the children1 money1 etc4 ,in his own time he will give a house also4 ,september #ai4 ,it was to-day particularly impressed upon my heart that ,i ought to seek for more retirement1 though the work should apparently suffer ever so much2 and that arrangements should be made whereby ,i may be able to visit the brethren more1 as an unvisited church will sooner or later become an unhealthy church4 ,pastors1 as fellow-laborers1 are greatly needed among us4 ,september #bh4 ,i have for a long time been too much outwardly engaged4 ,yesterday morning ,i spent about three hours in the vestry of ,gideon1 to be able to have more time for retirement4 ,i meant to do the same in the afternoon1 but before ,i could leave the house ,i was called on1 and thus one person after the other came1 till ,i had to go out4 ,thus it has been again to-day4 ,october #af4 ,for a long time past brother ,craik and ,i have felt the importance of more pastoral visiting1 and it has been one of our greatest trials that we have been unable to give more time to it4 ,this evening we had purposely a meeting of the two churches1 at which brother ,craik and ,i1 and a brother from ,devonshire1 spoke on3 ,i4 ,the importance of pastoral visiting4 ,,ii4 ,the particular obstacles which hindered us in attending to it4 ,,iii4 ,the question whether there was any way of removing some of the obstacles4 ,i4 ,as to the importance of pastoral visiting1 the following points were mentioned3 #a4 ,watching over the saints1 by means of visiting them1 to prevent coldness1 or to recover them from backsliding4 #b4 ,to counsel and advise them in family affairs1 in their business1 and in spiritual matters4 #c4 ,to keep up that loving and familiar intercourse which is so desirable between saints and those who have the oversight of them4 ,these visits should be1 if possible1 frequent2 but in our case there have been several obstacles in the way4 ,,ii4 ,the particular obstacles in our case are3 #a4 ,the largeness of the number who are in communion with us4 ,one hundred would be quite as many as we have strength to visit regularly1 and as often as would be desirable2 but there are nearly four hundred in fellowship with us4 #b4 ,the distance of the houses of the saints from our own dwellings1 as many live more than two miles off4 #c4 ,the ,lord's blessing upon our labors4 ,not one year has passed away1 since we have been in ,bristol1 without more than fifty having been added to our number1 each of whom1 in general1 needed several times to be conversed with before being admitted into fellowship4 #d4 ,that brother ,craik and ,i have each of us the care of two churches4 ,at the first sight it appears as if the work is thus divided1 but the double number of meetings1 etc41 nearly double the work4 #e4 ,the mere ruling1 and taking care1 in general1 of a large body of believers1 irrespective of the other work1 takes much more time1 and requires much more strength1 than the taking care of a small body of believers1 as we1 by grace1 desire not to allow known sin among us4 #f4 ,the position which we have in the church at large brings many brethren to us who travel through ,bristol1 who call on us1 or lodge with us1 and to whom1 according to the ,lord's will1 we have to give some time4 #g4 ,in my own case1 an extensive needful correspondence4 #h4 ,the weakness of body on the part of both of us4 ,when the preaching is done1--when strangers who lodge with us are gone1--when the calls at our house are over1--when the needful letters1 however briefly1 are written1--when the necessary church business is settled1--our minds are often so worn out that we are glad to be quiet4 #i4 ,but suppose we have bodily strength remaining1 after the above things have been attended to1 yet the frame of mind is not always so as that one could visit4 ,after having been particularly tried by church matters1 which in so large a body does not rarely occur1 or being cast down in one's own soul1 one may be fit for the closet1 but not for visiting the saints4 #aj4 ,lastly1 in my own case1 no small part of my time is taken up by attending to the affairs of the ,orphan ,houses1 schools1 the circulation of the ,scriptures1 the aiding missionary efforts1 and other work connected with the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,,iii4 ,what is to be done under these circumstances8 #a4 ,in the days of the apostles there would have been more brethren to take the oversight of so large a body as we are4 ,the ,lord has not laid upon us a burden which is too heavy for us2 he is not a hard master4 ,it is evident that he does not mean us even to attempt to visit all the saints as much as is evidently needful1 and much less as frequently as it would be desirable4 ,we mention this1 to prevent uncomfortable feelings on the part of the dear saints under our pastoral care1 who find themselves not as much visited as they used to be when we came to ,bristol1 when the number of them was not seventy1 and now it is about four hundred1 and when in many other respects the work in our hands was not half so much as it is now1 and when we had much more bodily strength4 #b4 ,it is therefore evident that there are other pastors needed2 not nominal pastors1 but such as the ,lord has called1 to whom he has given a pastor's heart and pastoral gifts4 #c4 ,such may be raised up by the ,lord from our own number1 or the ,lord may send them from elsewhere4 #d4 ,but in the mean time we should at least see whether there are not helpers among us4 #e4 ,as to the work itself1 in order that time may be saved1 it appears desirable that the two churches1 ,bethesda and ,gideon1 should be united into one1 that the breaking of bread should be alternately1 and that the number of weekly meetings should be reduced4 ,october #ba4 ,to-day the ,lord has given me a house for the ,orphan ,boys1 in the same street in which the other two ,orphan ,houses are4 ,mr4 ,mueller's health having suffered from his cares1 money was sent him from unexpected sources1 to be used in travelling and recreation4 ,,review ,,of ,,the ,,year #ahcg4 #a4 ,there are now eighty-one children in the three ,orphan ,houses1 and nine brethren and sisters1 who have the care of them4 ,ninety1 therefore1 daily sit down to table4 ,lord1 look on the necessities of thy servant6 #b4 ,the schools require as much help as before2 nay1 more1 particularly the ,sunday school1 in which there are at present about #cbj children1 and in the day schools about #cej4 ,lord1 thy servant is a poor man2 but he has trusted in thee1 and made his boast in thee1 before the sons of men2 therefore let him not be confounded6 ,let it not be said all this was enthusiasm1 and therefore it is come to naught6 #c4 ,my temporal supplies have been ,l#cjg #bs4 #fa_/b;d4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,trial4 #ahch4 ,,the ,,ministry ,,of ,,sickness--,,peace ,,of ,,mind--,,jesus ,a ,,present ,,help--,,deep ,,poverty--,,pleading ,,with ,,god--,,united ,,prayer4 ,january #f1 #ahch4 ,i feel little better in my head1 though my general health seems improved2 but my kind physician says ,i am much better1 and advises me now change of air4 ,this evening a sister1 who resides about fifty miles from hence1 and who is quite unacquainted with the medical advice given to me this morning1 sent me fifteen pounds for the express purpose of change of air2 and wrote that she felt assured1 from having been similarly afflicted1 that nothing would do me so much good1 humanly speaking1 as quiet and change of air4 ,january #g4 ,this is the ninth ,lord's day that ,i have been kept from ministering in the word4 ,my affliction is connected with a great tendency to irritability of temper2 yea1 with some satanic feeling1 foreign to me even naturally4 ,january #aj4 ,to-day ,i went with my family to ,trowbridge4 ,jan4 #ad4 ,lord's day4 ,i have spent several hours in prayer to-day1 and read on my knees1 and prayed for two hours over ,psalm lxiii4 ,god has blessed my soul much to-day4 ,my soul is now brought into that state that ,i delight myself in the will of ,god1 as it regards my health4 ,yea1 ,i can now say1 from my heart1 ,i would not have this disease removed till ,god1 by its means1 has bestowed the blessing for which it was sent4 ,january #ae4 ,i have had1 since yesterday afternoon1 less suffering in my head than for the last eight days2 though it is even now far from being well4 ,i have still an inward assurance1 on account of the spiritual blessings which the ,lord has granted to me1 that through this affliction he is only purifying me for his blessed service1 and that ,i shall be soon restored to the work4 ,to-day1 also1 ,god has continued to me fervency of spirit1 which ,i have now enjoyed for three days following4 ,he has to-day1 also1 drawn out my soul into much real communion with himself1 and into holy desires to be more conformed to his dear ,son4 ,when ,god gives a spirit of prayer1 how easy then to pray6 ,nevertheless1 it was given to me in the use of the means1 as ,i fell on my knees last ,saturday1 to read his word with meditation1 and to turn it into prayer4 ,to-day ,i spent about three hours in prayer over ,psalms lxiv4 and lxv4 ,in reference to that precious word1 ,o thou that hearest prayer1 7,ps4 lxv4 #b17 ,i asked the ,lord the following petitions1 and entreated him to record them in heaven1 and to answer them4 #a4 ,that he would give me grace to glorify him by a submissive and patient spirit under my affliction4 #b4 ,that as ,i was enabled now1 and only now from my heart1 to praise ,god for this affliction1 he would not remove his hand from me until he had qualified me for his work more than ,i have been hitherto4 #c4 ,that he would be pleased to grant that the work of conversion1 through the instrumentality of brother ,craik and myself1 might not cease1 but go on as much now as when we first came to ,bristol1 yea1 more abundantly than even then4 #d4 ,that he would be pleased to give more real spiritual prosperity to the church under our care than ever we have as yet enjoyed4 #e4 ,having praised him for the sale of so many copies of my ,narrative in so short a time1 ,i entreated him to cause every copy to be disposed of4 #f4 ,i asked him to continue to let his rich blessing rest upon this little work1 and more abundantly1 so that many may be converted through it1 and many of the children of ,god truly benefited by it1 and that thus ,i might now be speaking through it1 though laid aside from active service4 #g4 ,i asked him for his blessing1 in the way of conversion1 to rest upon the orphans1 and upon the ,sunday and day-school children under our care4 #h4 ,i asked him for means to carry on these ,institutions1 and to enlarge them4 ,these are some of the petitions which ,i have asked of my ,god this evening1 in connection with this his own word4 ,i believe he has heard me4 ,i believe he will make it manifest in his own good time that he has heard me1 and ,i have recorded these my petitions1 this #aeth day of ,january1 #ahch1 that when ,god has answered them he may get1 through this1 glory to his name4 ,whilst writing this second part1 ,i add to the praise of the ,lord1 and for the encouragement of the children of ,god1 that petitions #d1 #e1 #f1 #g1 and #h1 have been fully answered1 and the other petitions1 likewise1 in part4 ,january #af4 ,tuesday4 ,a blessed day4 ,how very good is the ,lord6 ,fervency of spirit1 through his grace1 is continued to me2 though this morning1 but for the help of ,god1 ,i should have lost it again4 ,the weather has been very cold for several days2 but to-day ,i suffered much1 either because it was colder than before1 or because ,i felt it more1 owing to the weakness of my body1 and having taken so much medicine4 ,i arose from my knees and stirred the fire1 but ,i still remained very cold4 ,i was a little irritated by this4 ,i moved to another part of the room1 but felt the cold still more4 ,at last1 having prayed for some time1 ,i was obliged to rise up and take a walk to promote circulation4 ,i now entreated the ,lord on my walk that this circumstance might not be permitted to rob me of the precious communion which ,i have had with him the last three days2 for this was the object at which ,satan aimed4 ,i confessed also my sin of irritability on account of the cold1 and sought to have my conscience cleansed through the blood of ,jesus4 ,he had mercy upon me1 my peace was restored1 and when ,i returned ,i sought the ,lord again in prayer1 and had uninterrupted communion with him4 ,his health remaining feeble1 ,mr4 ,m4 left ,england on ,april #f1 for ,germany1 and returned to ,bristol ,may #g4 ,he continues his narrative3-- ,may #h4 ,this evening ,i went to the prayer meeting at ,gideon4 ,i read ,psalm ciii41 and was able to thank the ,lord publicly for my late affliction4 ,this is the first time that ,i have taken any part in the public meetings of the brethren since ,november #f1 #ahcg4 ,july #ab4 ,the funds1 which were this day twelvemonth about seven hundred and eighty pounds1 are now reduced to about twenty pounds2 but1 thanks be to the ,lord1 my faith is as strong1 or stronger1 than it was when we had the larger sum in hand2 nor has he at any time1 from the commencement of the work1 allowed me to distrust him4 ,nevertheless1 as our ,lord will be inquired of1 and as real faith is manifested as such by leading to prayer1 ,i gave myself to prayer with brother ,t----1 of the ,boys' ,orphan ,house1 who had called on me1 and who1 besides my wife and brother ,craik1 is the only individual to whom ,i speak about the state of the funds4 ,while we were praying1 an orphan child from ,frome was brought1 and some believers at ,frome1 having collected among them five pounds1 sent this money with the child4 ,thus we received the first answer at a time of need4 ,we have given notice for seven children to come in1 and purpose to give notice for five more1 though our funds are so low1 hoping that ,god will look on our necessities4 ,july #ag and #ah4 ,these two days we have had two especial prayer meetings1 from six to nine in the evening1 to commend publicly to the ,lord the ,boys' ,orphan ,house4 ,our funds are how very low4 ,there are about twenty pounds in hand1 and in a few days thirty pounds1 at least1 will be needed2 but ,i purposely avoided saying anything about our present necessities1 and spoke only to the praise of ,god1 about the abundance with which our gracious ,father1 the ,father of the fatherless1 has hitherto supplied us4 ,this was done in order that the hand of ,god1 in sending help1 may be so much the more clearly seen4 ,july #bb4 ,this evening ,i was walking in our little garden1 meditating on ,heb4 xiii4 #h1 ,jesus ,christ the same yesterday1 and to-day1 and forever4 ,whilst meditating on his unchangeable love1 power1 wisdom1 etc41 and turning all1 as ,i went on1 into prayer respecting myself2 and whilst applying likewise his unchangeable love1 and power1 and wisdom1 etc41 both to my present spiritual and temporal circumstances1--all at once the present need of the ,orphan ,houses was brought to my mind4 ,immediately ,i was led to say to myself1 ,jesus in his love and power has hitherto supplied me with what ,i have needed for the orphans1 and in the same unchangeable love and power he will provide me with what ,i may need for the future4 ,a flow of joy came into my soul whilst realizing thus the unchangeableness of our adorable ,lord4 ,about one minute after1 a letter was brought me1 enclosing a bill for twenty pounds4 ,august #ah4 ,i have not one penny in hand for the orphans4 ,in a day or two again many pounds will be needed4 ,my eyes are up to the ,lord4 ,evening4 ,before this day is over1 ,i have received from a sister five pounds4 ,she had some time since put away her trinkets1 to be sold for the benefit of the orphans4 ,this morning1 whilst in prayer1 it came to her mind1 ,i have this five pounds1 and owe no man anything1 therefore it would be better to give this money at once1 as it may be some time before ,i can dispose of the trinkets4 ,she therefore brought it1 little knowing that there was not a penny in hand4 ,august #bi4 ,to-day sixteen believers were baptized4 ,among those who were baptized was an aged brother of above eighty-four years1 and one above seventy4 ,for the latter1 his believing wife had prayed thirty-eight years1 and at last the ,lord answered her prayers in his conversion4 ,august #ca4 ,i have been waiting on the ,lord for means1 as the matron's books from the ,girls' ,orphan ,house have been brought1 and there is no money in hand to advance for housekeeping4 ,but1 as yet1 the ,lord has not been pleased to send help4 ,as the matron called to-day for money1 one of the laborers gave two pounds of his own1 for the present necessities4 ,september #a4 ,the ,lord in his wisdom and love has not yet sent help4 ,whence it is to come1 need not be my care4 ,but ,i believe ,god will1 in due time1 send help4 ,his hour is not yet come4 ,as there was money needed in the ,boys' ,orphan ,house also1 the same brother just alluded to gave two pounds for that also4 ,thus we were delivered at this time likewise4 ,but now his means are gone4 ,this is the most trying hour that as yet ,i have had in the work1 as it regards means2 but ,i know that ,i shall yet praise the ,lord for his help4 ,september #e4 ,our hour of trial continues still4 ,the ,lord mercifully has given enough to supply our daily necessities2 but he gives by the day now1 and almost by the hour1 as we need it4 ,nothing came in yesterday4 ,i have besought the ,lord again and again1 both yesterday and to-day4 ,it is as if the ,lord said3 ,mine hour is not yet come4 ,but ,i have faith in ,god4 ,i believe that he surely will send help1 though ,i know not whence it is to come4 ,many pounds are needed within a few days1 and there is not a penny in hand4 ,this morning two pounds was given for the present necessities1 by one of the laborers in the work4 ,evening4 ,this very day the ,lord sent again some help to encourage me to continue to wait on him1 and to trust in him4 ,as ,i was praying this afternoon respecting the matter1 ,i felt fully assured that the ,lord would send help1 and praised him beforehand for his help1 and asked him to encourage our hearts through it4 ,i have been also led1 yesterday and to-day1 to ask the ,lord especially that he would not allow my faith to fail4 ,a few minutes after ,i had prayed1 brother ,t---- came and brought four pounds one shilling and fivepence1 which had come in in several small donations4 ,he told me1 at the same time1 that to-morrow the books will be brought from the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 when money must be advanced for housekeeping4 ,i thought for a moment it might be well to keep three pounds of this money for that purpose4 ,but it occurred to me immediately1 ,sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof4 ,the ,lord can provide by to-morrow much more than ,i need2 and ,i therefore sent three pounds to one of the sisters whose quarterly salary was due1 and the remaining one pound one shilling and fivepence to the ,boys' ,orphan ,house for housekeeping4 ,thus ,i am still penniless4 ,my hope is in ,god2 he will provide4 ,september #f4 ,this morning the books were brought from the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 and the matron sent to ask when she should fetch them1 implying when they would have been looked over1 and when money would be advanced for housekeeping4 ,i said1 to-morrow1 though ,i had not a single penny in hand4 ,about an hour after1 brother ,t---- sent me a note1 to say that he had received one pound this morning1 and that last evening a brother had sent twenty-nine pounds of salt1 forty-four dozen of onions1 and twenty-six pounds of groats4#af ,footnote #af3 ,groats4 ,oats or other grain1 with the hulls removed4--,,ed4 ,september #g4 ,the time had come that ,i had to send money to the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 but the ,lord had not sent any more4 ,i gave1 therefore1 the pound which had come in yesterday1 and two shillings and twopence which had been put into the box in my house1 trusting to the good ,lord to send in more4 ,september #h4 ,it has not pleased my gracious ,lord to send me help as yet4 ,yesterday and to-day ,i have been pleading with ,god eleven arguments why he would be graciously pleased to send help4 ,the arguments which ,i plead with ,god are3-- #a4 ,that ,i set about the work for the glory of ,god1 i4 e4 that there might be a visible proof1 by ,god supplying1 in answer to prayer only1 the necessities of the orphans1 that he is the living ,god1 and most willing1 even in our day1 to answer prayer2 and that1 therefore1 he would be pleased to send supplies4 #b4 ,that ,god is the ,father of the fatherless1 and that he1 therefore1 as their father1 would be pleased to provide4 ,psalm lxviii4 #e4 #c4 ,that ,i have received the children in the name of ,jesus1 and that therefore he1 in these children1 has been received1 and is fed1 and is clothed2 and that therefore he would be pleased to consider this4 ,mark ix4 #cf1 #cg4 #d4 ,that the faith of many of the children of ,god has been strengthened by this work hitherto1 and that1 if ,god were to withhold the means for the future1 those who are weak in faith would be staggered2 whilst1 by a continuance of means1 their faith might still further be strengthened4 #e4 ,that many enemies would laugh1 were the ,lord to withhold supplies1 and say1 ,did we not foretell that this enthusiasm would come to nothing8 #f4 ,that many of the children of ,god1 who are uninstructed1 or in a carnal state1 would feel themselves justified to continue their alliance with the world in the work of ,god1 and to go on as heretofore in their unscriptural proceedings respecting similar institutions1 so far as the obtaining of means is concerned1 if he were not to help me4 #g4 ,that the ,lord would remember that ,i am his child1 and that he would graciously pity me1 and remember that ,i cannot provide for these children1 and that therefore he would not allow this burden to lie upon me long without sending help4 #h4 ,that he would remember likewise my fellow-laborers in the work1 who trust in him1 but who would be tried were he to withhold supplies4 #i4 ,that he would remember that ,i should have to dismiss the children from under our scriptural instruction to their former companions4 #aj4 ,that he would show that those were mistaken who said1 that1 at the first1 supplies might be expected1 while the thing was new1 but not afterwards4 #aa4 ,that ,i should not know1 were he to withhold means1 what construction ,i should put upon all the many most remarkable answers to prayer which he had given me heretofore in connection with this work1 and which most fully have shown to me that it is of ,god4 ,in some small measure ,i now understand1 experimentally1 the meaning of that word1 how long1 which so frequently occurs in the prayers of the ,psalms4 ,but even now1 by the grace of ,god1 my eyes are up unto him only1 and ,i believe that he will send help4 ,sept4 #aj4 ,monday morning4 ,neither ,saturday nor yesterday had any money come in4 ,it appeared to me now needful to take some steps on account of our need1 i4 e4 to go to the ,orphan ,houses1 call the brethren and sisters together 7who1 except brother ,t----1 had never been informed about the state of the funds71 state the case to them1 see how much money was needed for the present1 tell them that amidst all this trial of faith ,i still believed that ,god would help1 and to pray with them4 ,especially1 also1 ,i meant to go for the sake of telling them that no more articles must be purchased than we have the means to pay for1 but to let there be nothing lacking in any way to the children1 as it regards nourishing food and needful clothing2 for ,i would rather at once send them away than that they should lack4 ,i meant to go for the sake also of seeing whether there were still articles remaining which had been sent for the purpose of being sold1 or whether there were any articles really needless1 that we might turn them into money4 ,i felt that the matter was now come to a solemn crisis4 ,about half-past nine sixpence came in1 which had been put anonymously into the box at ,gideon ,chapel4 ,this money seemed to me like an earnest that ,god would have compassion and send more4 ,about ten1 after ,i had returned from brother ,craik1 to whom ,i had unbosomed my heart again1 whilst once more in prayer for help1 a sister called who gave two sovereigns to my wife for the orphans1 stating that she had felt herself stirred up to come1 and that she had delayed coming already too long4 ,a few minutes after1 when ,i went into the room where she was1 she gave me two sovereigns more1 and all this without knowing the least about our need4 ,thus the ,lord most mercifully has sent us a little help1 to the great encouragement of my faith4 ,a few minutes after ,i was called on for money from the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 to which ,i sent two pounds1 and one pound sixpence to the ,boys' ,orphan ,house1 and one pound to the ,girls' ,orphan ,house4 ,to-day ,i saw a young brother who1 as well as one of his sisters1 has been brought to the knowledge of the ,lord through my ,narrative4 ,sept4 #aa4 ,the good ,lord1 in his wisdom1 still sees it needful to keep us very low4 ,but this afternoon brother ,t---- called1 and told me that one of our fellow-laborers had sold his metal watch1 and two gold pins1 for one pound one shilling1 that nine shillings sixpence had come in1 and that two of our fellow-laborers had sent two lots of books of their own1 nineteen and twenty-one in number1 to be sold for the orphans4 ,sept4 #ab4 ,still the trial continues4 ,only nine shillings came in to-day1 given by one of the laborers4 ,in the midst of this great trial of faith the ,lord still mercifully keeps me in great peace4 ,he also allows me to see that our labor is not in vain2 for yesterday died ,leah ,culliford1 one of the orphans1 about nine years old1 truly converted1 and brought to the faith some months before her departure4 ,sept4 #ac4 ,no help has come yet4 ,this morning ,i found it was absolutely needful to tell the brethren and sisters about the state of the funds1 and to give necessary directions as to going into debt1 etc4 ,we prayed together1 and had a very happy meeting4 ,they all seemed comfortable4 ,twelve shillings sixpence was taken out of the boxes in the three houses1 twelve shillings one of the laborers gave1 and one pound one shilling had come in for needlework done by the children4 ,one of the sisters1 who is engaged in the work1 sent a message after me1 not to trouble myself about her salary1 for she should not want any for a twelvemonth4 ,sept4 #ad4 ,i met again this morning with the brethren and sisters for prayer1 as the ,lord has not yet sent help4 ,after prayer one of the laborers gave me all the money he had1 sixteen shillings1 saying that it would not be upright to pray1 if he were not to give what he had4 ,one of the sisters told me that in six days she would give six pounds1 which she had in the savings bank for such a time of need4 ,up to this day1 the matrons of the three houses had been in the habit of paying the bakers and the milk-man weekly1 because they had preferred to receive the payments in this way1 and sometimes it had thus been also with the butcher and grocer4 ,but now1 as the ,lord deals out to us by the day1 we consider it would be wrong to go on any longer in this way1 as the week's payment might become due1 and we have no money to meet it2 and thus those with whom we deal might be inconvenienced by us1 and we be found acting against the commandment of the ,lord1 ,owe no man anything4 ,rom4 xiii4 #h4 ,from this day1 and henceforward1 whilst the ,lord gives to us our supplies by the day1 we purpose1 therefore1 to pay at once for every article as it is purchased1 and never to buy any thing except we can pay for it at once1 however much it may seem to be needed1 and however much those with whom we deal may wish to be paid only by the week4 ,the little which was owed was paid off this day4 ,sept4 #ae4 ,saturday4 ,we met again this morning for prayer4 ,god comforts our hearts4 ,we are looking for help4 ,i found that there were provisions enough for to-day and to-morrow1 but there was no money in hand to take in bread as usual1 in order that the children might not have newly baked bread4 ,this afternoon one of the laborers1 who had been absent for several days from ,bristol1 returned1 and gave one pound4 ,this evening we met again for prayer1 when ,i found that ten shillings sixpence more had come in since the morning4 ,with this one pound ten shillings sixpence we were able to buy1 even this ,saturday evening1 the usual quantity of bread 7as it might be difficult to get stale bread on ,monday morning71 and have some money left4 ,god be praised1 who gave us grace to come to the decision not to take any bread to-day1 as usual1 nor to buy anything for which we cannot pay at once4 ,we were very comfortable1 thankfully taking this money out of our ,father's hands1 as a proof that he still cares for us1 and that1 in his own time1 he will send us larger sums4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,deliverance4 #ahch4 ,,perplexed ,,but ,,not ,,in ,,despair--,,faith ,,justified--,a ,,lesson ,,of ,,obedience--,,bountiful ,,supplies--,,spiritual ,,ingathering--,a ,,day ,,of ,,mercies--,,timely ,,aid--,a ,,season ,,of ,,plenty--,,obedience ,,rewarded4 ,sept4 #af1 #ahch4 ,lord's day afternoon4 ,we met again for prayer respecting supplies for the orphans4 ,we are in peace1 and our hope is in ,god1 that he graciously will appear1 though but one shilling has come in since last evening4 ,sept4 #ag4 ,the trial still continues4 ,it is now more and more trying1 even to faith1 as each day comes4 ,but ,i am sure ,god will send help1 if we can but wait4 ,one of the laborers had had a little money come in1 of which he gave twelve shillings sixpence2 another laborer gave eleven shillings eightpence1 being all the money she had left3 this1 with seventeen shillings sixpence1 which partly had come in1 and partly was in hand1 enabled us to pay what needed to be paid1 and to purchase provisions1 so that nothing yet1 in any way1 has been lacking4 ,this evening ,i was rather tried respecting the long delay of larger sums coming2 but being led to go to the ,scriptures for comfort1 my soul was greatly refreshed1 and my faith again strengthened1 by ,psalm xxxiv41 so that ,i went very cheerfully to meet with my dear fellow-laborers for prayer4 ,i read to them the ,psalm1 and sought to cheer their hearts through the precious promises contained in it4 ,sept4 #ah4 ,brother ,t4 had twenty-five shillings in hand1 and ,i had three shillings4 ,this one pound eight shillings enabled us to buy the meat and bread which was needed1 a little tea for one of the houses1 and milk for all3 no more than this is needed4 ,thus the ,lord has provided not only for this day1 but there is bread for two days in hand4 ,now1 however1 we are come to an extremity4 ,the funds are exhausted4 ,the laborers who had a little money have given as long as they had any left4 ,now observe how the ,lord helped us6 ,a lady from the neighborhood of ,london1 who brought a parcel with money from her daughter1 arrived four or five days since in ,bristol1 and took lodgings next door to the ,boys' ,orphan ,house4 ,this afternoon she herself kindly brought me the money1 amounting to three pounds two shillings and sixpence4 ,we had been reduced so low as to be on the point of selling those things which could be spared2 but this morning ,i had asked the ,lord1 if it might be1 to prevent the necessity of our doing so4 ,that the money had been so near the ,orphan ,houses for several days without being given1 is a plain proof that it was from the beginning in the heart of ,god to help us2 but1 because he delights in the prayers of his children1 he had allowed us to pray so long2 also to try our faith1 and to make the answer much the sweeter4 ,it is indeed a precious deliverance4 ,i burst out into loud praises and thanks the first moment ,i was alone after ,i had received the money4 ,i met with my fellow-laborers again this evening for prayer and praise2 their hearts were not a little cheered4 ,this money was this evening divided1 and will comfortably provide for all that will be needed to-morrow4 ,sept4 #bj4 ,morning4 ,the ,lord has again kindly sent in a little4 ,last evening was given to me one shilling and sixpence1 and this morning one pound three shillings4 ,evening4 ,this evening the ,lord sent still further supplies2 eight pounds eleven shillings and twopence halfpenny came in1 as a further proof that the ,lord is not unmindful of us4 ,there was in the box of the ,girls' ,orphan ,house one pound one shilling1 and in that of the ,boys' ,orphan ,house one pound seven shillings and twopence halfpenny4 ,one of the laborers1 in accordance with her promise this day week1 gave six pounds three shillings4 ,about eighteen months ago she saw it right no longer to have money for herself in the ,savings ,bank1 and she therefore1 in her heart1 gave the money which she had there to the ,orphan ,houses1 intending to draw it in a time of need4 ,some time since 7she told me this evening7 she drew a part of it to buy several useful articles for the ,orphan ,houses2 now the sum was reduced to six pounds4 ,when she found out the present need1 she went this day week to the ,savings ,bank1 and gave notice that she wished to draw her money to-day4 ,sept4 #bb4 ,both yesterday and to-day we have again assembled for prayer and praise4 ,we are in no immediate want1 but on the #bith1 nineteen pounds ten shillings will be due for the rent of the three ,orphan ,houses4 ,to-day there was only four shillings and sevenpence in hand for the other objects of the institution1 though it was the payday for some of the teachers4 ,my comfort was the living ,god4 ,during this week he had helped me so repeatedly and in such a remarkable way1 as it regards the ,orphan ,houses1 that it would have been doubly sinful not to have trusted in him for help under this fresh difficulty4 ,no money came in this morning4 ,about two1 the usual time when the teachers are paid1 a sovereign was given1 with which ,i went immediately to brother ,t41 who attends to this part of the work1 to pay1 at least in part1 the weekly salaries4 ,i found that he had received a sovereign in the morning4 ,by means of this sovereign1 together with the one which ,i had received just at the moment when it was needed1 we were helped through this day4 ,sept4 #be4 ,yesterday and the previous days we have continued to assemble for prayer4 ,in four days the rent for the ,orphan ,houses will be due1 and we have nothing towards it2 also the housekeeping money in the three houses is now again gone4 ,may the ,lord have compassion on us1 and continue to send us help6 ,this morning there was found nine shillings and sixpence in the box in my house4 ,we met yesterday again for prayer4 ,to-day ,i was not able to go1 on account of indisposition2 ,i sent1 therefore1 to brother ,t4 to request him to divide the eighteen shillings and sixpence 7ten shillings of which had come in last evening1 and eight shillings and sixpence of which we had in hand7 between the three matrons4 ,sept4 #bi4 ,saturday evening4 ,prayer has been made for several days past respecting the rent1 which is due this day4 ,i have been looking out for it1 though ,i knew not whence a shilling was to come4 ,this morning brother ,t4 called on me1 and1 as no money had come in1 we prayed together1 and continued in supplication from ten till a quarter to twelve4 ,twelve o'clock struck1 the time when the rent ought to have been paid1 but no money had been sent4 ,for some days past ,i have repeatedly had a misgiving1 whether the ,lord might not disappoint us1 in order that we might be led to provide by the week1 or the day1 for the rent4 ,this is the second1 and only the second1 complete failure as to answers of prayer in the work1 during the past four years and six months4 ,the first was about the half-yearly rent of ,castle-,green school-rooms1 due ,july #a1 #ahcg1 which had come in only in part by that time4 ,i am now fully convinced that the rent ought to be put by daily or weekly1 as ,god may prosper us1 in order that the work1 even as to this point1 may be a testimony4 ,may the ,lord1 then1 help us to act accordingly1 and may he now mercifully send in the means to pay the rent6 ,oct4 #b4 ,tuesday evening4 ,the ,lord's holy name be praised6 ,he hath dealt most bountifully with us during the last three days6 ,the day before yesterday five pounds came in for the orphans4 ,o1 how kind is the ,lord6 ,always before there has been actual want he has sent help4 ,yesterday came in one pound ten shillings more4 ,thus the expenses of yesterday for housekeeping were defrayed4 ,the ,lord helped me also to pay yesterday the nineteen pounds ten shillings for the rent4 ,the means for it were thus obtained3 ,one of the laborers had received through his family ten pounds1 and five pounds besides from a sister in the ,lord2 also some other money4 ,of this he gave sixteen pounds1 which1 with the three pounds ten shillings that was left of the above-mentioned five pounds1 made up nineteen pounds ten shillings1 the sum which was needed4 ,this day we were again greatly reduced4 ,there was no money in hand to take in bread1 as usual1 for the ,boys' and ,infant ,orphan ,houses4 ,but again the ,lord helped4 ,a sister who had arrived this afternoon from ,swansea brought one pound seven shillings1 and one of the laborers sold an article1 by means of which he was able to give one pound thirteen shillings4 ,thus we had three pounds1--one pound for each house1--and could buy bread before the day was over4 ,hitherto we have lacked nothing6 ,oct4 #i4 ,to-day we were brought lower than ever4 ,the provisions would have lasted out only to-day1 and the money for milk in one of the houses could only be made up by one of the laborers selling one of his books4 ,the matron in the ,boys' ,orphan ,house had this morning two shillings left4 ,when in doubt whether to buy bread with it1 or more meat1 to make up the dinner with the meat which she had in the house1 the baker called1 and left three quarterns of bread as a present4 ,in this great need1 some money having been given to one of the laborers1 he gave two pounds of it1 by which we were able to buy meat1 bread1 and other provisions4 ,oct4 #aj4 ,the coals in the ,infant ,orphan ,house are out1 and nearly so in the other two houses4 ,also the treacle casks in all the three houses are nearly empty4 ,on this account we have asked the ,lord for fresh supplies4 ,oct4 #aa4 ,the ,father of the fatherless has again shown his care over us4 ,an orphan from ,devonshire arrived last evening4 ,with her was sent two pounds five shillings and sixpence4 ,the sister who brought her gave also a silver tea-pot1 sugar-basin1 and cream-jug1 of the weight of forty-eight ounces1 having found true riches in ,christ4 ,there was also in the boxes nine shillings4 ,one of the laborers paid for a ton of coals4 ,we obtained sixteen pounds sixteen shillings for the silver articles4 ,thus we were helped through the heavy expenses of the following days4 ,oct4 #ab4 ,to-day seven brethren and sisters were added to us in fellowship1 and eight were proposed4 ,may the ,lord send helpers for the work6 ,oct4 #ae4 ,i knew that there would be money needed this morning for many things in the ,orphan ,houses1 and my heart was therefore lifted up to the ,lord4 ,just when ,i was going to meet my fellow-laborers for prayer1 ,i received from ,trowbridge four pounds4 ,there had come in also at the ,orphan ,houses seven shillings and threepence4 ,to this one of the laborers added one pound4 ,thus ,i was enabled abundantly to supply all that was wanted1 and to pay for a cask of treacle and a ton of coals4 ,we are now1 however1 cast again on the love of our ,lord for further supplies1 as there is neither anything in hand1 nor have the laborers any more of their own to give4 ,oct4 #af4 ,i was looking up to the ,lord for help early this morning1 when1 almost immediately afterwards1 brother ,t4 came1 and brought two silver tablespoons and six teaspoons1 which had been left anonymously1 yesterday afternoon1 at the ,girls' ,orphan ,house4 ,this afternoon ,i received twelve pounds from ,staffordshire4 ,oct4 #bb4 ,to-day our funds were again quite low4 ,in the ,infant ,orphan ,house only twopence was left1 and very little in the other two houses4 ,but the ,lord most manifestly again answered prayer1 by sending four pounds three shillings and one penny4 ,oct4 #bg4 ,thanks to our adorable ,lord6 this day also we have not been confounded2 for there was six shillings in the box at the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 and six shillings came in for things which had been given to be sold4 ,to this one of the laborers added eighteen shillings4 ,by means of this one pound ten shillings we have been able to meet all pressing demands1 and to procure provisions for to-day and to-morrow4 ,oct4 #bi4 ,monday4 ,the ,lord has again given us this day our daily bread1 though in the morning there was not the least natural prospect of obtaining supplies4 ,oct4 #cj4 ,this has been again a day of peculiar mercies in reference to the funds4 ,whilst ,i was in prayer respecting them a brother brought two and a quarter yards of cloth4 ,he had bought it for himself2 but afterwards1 considering that he had sufficient clothes1 he gave it to be sold for the orphans4 ,this evening a sister gave me twenty pounds1 ten of which were for the ,orphans1 and ten for the other objects4 ,nov4 #g4 ,the funds are now again completely exhausted4 ,nov4 #aj4 ,saturday4 ,all seemed to be dark1 so far as regards natural appearances1 at the commencement of this day4 ,but the ,lord has helped us1 and enabled us to meet all demands4 ,we were brought to the close of one more week1 having been able to supply the necessities of ninety-seven persons in the ,orphan ,houses1 without owing anything4 ,nov4 #ac4 ,this morning our want was again great4 ,i have twenty pounds in hand which has been put by for rent1 but1 for the ,lord's honor1 ,i would not take of it4 ,nothing had come in1 and the laborers had scarcely anything to give4 ,i went1 however1 to the ,orphan ,houses1 to pray with my fellow-laborers1 and1 if it might be1 to comfort them1 and see what could be done4 ,when ,i came there ,i found that nineteen shillings and sixpence had come in this morning4 ,on inquiry ,i heard that only two shillings and sixpence more was needed to carry us through the day4 ,this one of the laborers was able to add of his own4 ,thus the ,lord has again helped us out of our difficulty4 ,one of the laborers gave some things which he could do without1 and another gave a workbox to be sold for the orphans4 ,before this day has come to an end1 the ,lord has sent in one pound two shillings and fourpence more1 so that we have also a little for to-morrow4 ,nov4 #bj4 ,to-day our need was exceedingly great1 but the ,lord's help was great also4 ,i went to meet with the brethren and sisters as usual4 ,i found that one pound would be needed to supply the necessities of to-day1 but three shillings only had come in4 ,just when we were going to pray1 one of the laborers came in1 who1 after prayer1 gave ten shillings4 ,whilst we were praying1 another laborer came in1 who had received one pound4 ,thus we had one pound thirteen shillings1--even more1 therefore1 than was absolutely needed4 ,nov4 #ba4 ,never were we so reduced in funds as to-day4 ,there was not a single halfpenny in hand between the matrons of the three houses4 ,nevertheless1 there was a good dinner1 and by managing so as to help one another with bread1 etc41 there was a prospect of getting over this day also2 but for none of the houses had we the prospect of being able to take in bread4 ,when ,i left the brethren and sisters at one o'clock1 after prayer1 ,i told them that we must wait for help1 and see how the ,lord would deliver us at this time4 ,i was sure of help1 but we were indeed straitened4 ,when ,i came to ,kingsdown1 ,i felt that ,i needed more exercise1 being very cold1 wherefore ,i went not the nearest way home1 but round by ,clarence-place4 ,about twenty yards from my house ,i met a brother1 who walked back with me1 and after a little conversation gave me ten pounds to be handed over to the brethren1 the deacons1 towards providing the poor saints with coals1 blankets1 and warm clothing2 also five pounds for the orphans1 and five pounds for the other objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,the brother had called twice while ,i was gone to the ,orphan ,houses1 and had ,i now been one half minute later ,i should have missed him4 ,but the ,lord knew our need1 and therefore allowed me to meet him4 ,nov4 #bd4 ,this again has been a very remarkable day4 ,we had as little in hand this morning as at any time1 and yet several pounds were needed4 ,but ,god1 who is rich in mercy1 and whose word so positively declares that none who trust in him shall be confounded1 has helped us through this day also4 ,while ,i was in prayer1 about ten in the morning1 respecting the funds1 ,i was informed that a gentleman had called to see me4 ,he came to inform me that a lady had ordered three sacks of potatoes to be sent to the ,orphan ,houses4 ,never could they have come more seasonably4 ,this was an encouragement to me to continue to expect help4 ,when ,i came to the prayer meeting1 about twelve o'clock1 ,i heard that two shillings had come in1 also one pound for a guitar1 which had been given for sale4 ,the payment for this guitar had been expected for many weeks4 ,it had been mentioned among us repeatedly that it might come just at a time when we most needed it2 and ,o1 how true6 ,but with all this we could not have put by the rents for this week1 amounting to thirty shillings4 ,one of the laborers therefore gave his watch to the orphan fund1 under this condition1 that should the ,lord not enable us before ,december #ba to make up this deficiency1 it should be sold1 but not otherwise1 as he needs it in the ,lord's service4 ,a few days after the ,lord gave the means to put by the thirty shillings1 and thirty shillings besides for the next week's rent4 ,thus the ,lord helped us through this day1 and with it brought us to the close of one more week4 ,nov4 #bh4 ,this is perhaps of all days the most remarkable as yet1 so far as it regards the funds4 ,when ,i was in prayer this morning respecting them1 ,i was enabled firmly to believe that the ,lord would send help1 though all seemed dark as to natural appearances4 ,at twelve o'clock ,i met as usual with the brethren and sisters for prayer4 ,there had come in only one shilling1 which was left last evening anonymously at the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 and which1 except twopence1 had already been spent1 on account of the great need4 ,i heard also that an individual had gratuitously cleaned the timepiece in the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 and had offered to keep the timepieces in the three houses in repair4 ,thus the ,lord gave even in this a little encouragement1 and a proof that he is still mindful of us4 ,on inquiry1 ,i found that there was everything needful for the dinner in all the three houses2 but neither in the ,infant nor ,boys' ,orphan ,houses was there bread enough for tea1 nor money to buy milk4 ,lower we had never been1 and perhaps never so low4 ,we gave ourselves now unitedly to prayer1 laying the case in simplicity before the ,lord4 ,whilst in prayer there was a knock at the door1 and one of the sisters went out4 ,after the two brethren who labor in the ,orphan ,houses and ,i had prayed aloud1 we continued for a while silently in prayer4 ,as to myself1 ,i was lifting up my heart to the ,lord to make a way for our escape1 and in order to know if there were any other thing which ,i could do with a good conscience1 besides waiting on him1 so that we might have food for the children4 ,at last we rose from our knees4 ,i said1 ,god will surely send help4 ,the words had not quite passed over my lips1 when ,i perceived a letter lying on the table1 which had been brought whilst we were in prayer4 ,it was from my wife1 containing another letter from a brother with ten pounds for the orphans4 ,the evening before last ,i was asked by a brother whether the balance in hand for the orphans would be as great this time1 when the accounts would be made up1 as the last time4 ,my answer was that it would be as great as the ,lord pleased4 ,the next morning this brother was moved to remember the orphans1 and to send to-day ten pounds1 which arrived after ,i had left my house1 and which1 on account of our need1 was forwarded immediately to me4 ,the brother who sent the ten pounds for the orphans sent likewise ten pounds to be divided between brother ,craik and me1 with the object of purchasing new clothes for ourselves4 ,nov4 #bi4 ,the ,lord has greatly blessed our meetings for prayer4 ,they have been instrumental in leading us to much prayer for the children in the ,orphan ,houses1 in the day schools1 and in the ,sunday school4 ,they have led us to prayer for ourselves1 for the day-school teachers1 and for the ,sunday-school teachers1 that grace may be given to us so to walk before the children1 and so to deal with them1 as that the ,lord may be glorified by us4 ,we have also often been led to intercede for the believers with whom we are in fellowship1 and for the church at large4 ,we have especially prayed that our work may lead the church generally to a more simple confidence and trust in the ,lord4 ,that these meetings have not been in vain1 as regards the procuring of funds1 has been already sufficiently seen by the many instances which have been recorded in the foregoing pages4 ,to-day1 however1 we have had another particular proof of this4 ,when we met ,i found that ten shillings had come in yesterday afternoon4 ,when ,i returned home ,i found one pound had come in1 and shortly after ,i received another pound4 ,in the evening ,i received fifty pounds1 which was sent from ,suffolk by a sister who had often expressed how gladly she would contribute more largely to the work which is in our hands had she the means1 and who just now1 in this our time of need1 has obtained the means to carry out the desire of her heart4 ,i rejoice in the last donation particularly1 not because of the largeness of the sum1 but because it enables me to pay to my brethren and sisters in the ,orphan ,houses the salary which is due to them4 ,dec4 #f4 ,this afternoon ,i received one hundred pounds from a sister1--fifty for the orphans1 and fifty for the school1 ,bible1 and missionary fund4 ,this same sister1 who earns her bread with her own hands1 had given1 on ,october #e1 #ahcg1 fifty pounds towards the ,boys' ,orphan ,house1 and gave for the necessities of the poor saints1 in ,august1 #ahch1 one hundred pounds more2 for she had been made willing to act out those precious exhortations3 ,having food and raiment1 let us be therewith content4 ,sell that ye have1 and give alms2 provide yourselves bags which wax not old1 a treasure in the heavens that faileth not1 where no thief approacheth1 neither moth corrupteth4 ,lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth1 where moth and rust doth corrupt1 and where thieves break through and steal2 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven1 where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt1 and where thieves do not break through nor steal4 ,respecting the fifty pounds which has been given of this sum for the school1 ,bible1 and missionary fund1 it is worthy of remark1 that we would not order reference ,bibles till we had the means4 ,we had repeatedly prayed respecting this want of ,bibles1 and particularly again this morning4 ,it had been also much laid on our hearts to-day to request that the ,lord would enable us to have the ,report printed1 which we could not do unless he first sent the means4 ,lastly1 we had also repeatedly asked him to supply us so largely1 if it were his will1 as that at the time of the public meetings we might be able to speak again of abundance4 ,for though for some months past the time has been fixed for the public meetings1 without any reference to the state of the funds1 nevertheless1 it might have had the appearance that we had convened the brethren for the sake of telling them about our poverty1 and thus to induce them to give4 ,dec4 #aa1 #ab1 and #ac4 ,on the evenings of these three days there were public meetings1 at which ,i gave an account of the ,lord's dealing with us in reference to the ,orphan ,houses and the other objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,as the work1 and particularly that of the ,orphan ,houses1 was begun for the benefit of the church at large1 it appeared well to us that from time to time it should be publicly stated how the ,lord had dealt with us in reference to it2 and as1 on ,dec4 #i1 the third year had been completed since the commencement of the orphan work1 this seemed to be a suitable time for having these meetings4 ,i notice briefly the following particulars respecting the first three objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 #a4 ,there is at present--,december1 #ahch--;a ,sunday school supported by it1 which contains four hundred and sixty-three children4 ,this part of the work calls for particular thanksgiving2 for during these last eighteen months the number of the children has been nearly three times as great as it used to be4 ,five of the scholars have been converted within the last two years1 and are now in fellowship with the church1 and three of them are teachers in the school4 #b4 ,there is in connection with the ,institution an adult school1 in which1 since the commencement of the work1 above one hundred and twenty adults have been instructed1 and in which at present twelve are taught to read4 #c4 ,the ,institution has entirely supported1 since its commencement1 several day schools for poor children1 and within the last two years six of such1--three for boys and three for girls4 ,the number of all the children that have had schooling in the day schools through the medium of the ,institution1 since its formation1 amounts to #a1ecd2 the number of those at present in the six day schools is #cdb4 #d4 ,during the last two years there have been circulated #a1hhd copies of the ,scriptures in connection with the ,institution1 and since the beginning of the work1 ,march #e1 #ahcd1 #e1jgh copies4 #e4 ,for missionary purposes have been laid out ,l#gd1 #ahs4 #d;d4 #f4 ,the total of the income for the first three objects1 during the last two years1 was ,l#a1abi1 #acs4 #a;d42 the total of the expense1 ,l#a1aaa1 #acs4 #ga_/b;d4 ,there are1 at present1 #hf orphans in the three houses1 i4 e4 #ca in the ,girls' ,orphan ,house1 #ca in the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 and #bd in the ,boys' ,orphan ,house4 ,the whole number of orphans who have been under our care from ,april #aa1 #ahcf1 to ,dec4 #i1 #ahch1 amounts to #aaj4 ,the total of the income for the orphans1 from ,dec4 #i1 #ahcf1 to ,dec4 #i1 #ahch1 has amounted to ,l#a1cda1 #ds4 #g;d42 the total of the expenses to ,l#a1ffd1 #ds4 #jc_/d;d4 ,there was two years ago a balance of ,l#cgc1 #ds4 #ha_/d;d4 in hand1 and now the balance is ,l#ej1 #es4 #c;d4 ,dec4 #af4 ,there was a paper anonymously put into the box at ,bethesda ,chapel containing four pounds ten shillings4 ,in the paper was written1 ,for the rent of the ,orphan ,houses1 from ,dec4 #aj to ,dec4 #ca1 #ahch4 ',o1 taste and see that the ,lord is good3 blessed is the man that trusteth in him6' ,in order that the reader may be able to enter into the value of this donation1 ,i would request him to read over once more what ,i wrote under ,sept4 #bi of this year4 ,the individual who gave this four pounds ten shillings for the rent of the ,orphan ,houses for the first three weeks after the public meetings1 at which the matter about the rent1 for the instruction of the brethren1 was fully stated1 continued for three years1 up to ,dec4 #aj1 #ahda1 to give regularly1 but anonymously1 one pound ten shillings a week for the same purpose1 which was exactly the sum required every week for the rent of those three houses4 ,thus the ,lord rewarded our faithfulness in carrying out the light which he had given us4 ,but the chief blessing resulting from this circumstance ,i consider to be this1--that several brethren1 who earn their bread by the labor of their hands1 have learned through this circumstance that it is the will of the ,lord they should lay by their rent weekly4 ,i beseech those brethren who are not pursuing this course to do so1 and they will soon prove by experience the benefit of acting on scriptural principles even as it regards this life4 ,dec4 #ag4 ,to-day eleven brethren and sisters were proposed for fellowship4 ,dec4 #bj4 ,as the expenses for the orphans have been above forty-seven pounds within the last six days1 and as but little above thirteen pounds has come in1 and as the money for printing the ,report had to be kept back1 in order that we might not be in debt1 we were again to-day very low in funds1 though it is but six days since the public meetings4 ,as ,i knew that to-morrow several pounds would be needed to supply the matrons1 ,i gave myself this morning to prayer4 ,about a quarter of an hour afterwards ,i received three pounds1 the payment of a legacy left by a sister1 who fell asleep in ,jesus several months since1 in ,ireland4 ,besides this ,i received from the brother through whom the legacy was paid1 two pounds ten shillings for the orphan fund4 ,with this five pounds ten shillings ,i hope to be able to meet the expenses of to-morrow4 ,dec4 #bb4 ,a solemn day4 ,i received to-day the information that my brother died on ,october #g4 ,shall not the ,judge of all the earth do right8 must be the stay of the believer at such a time1 and1 by grace1 it is my stay now4 ,i know that the ,lord is glorified in my brother1 whatever his end has been4 ,may the ,lord make this event a lasting blessing to me1 especially in leading me to earnestness in prayer for my father6 ,,review ,,of ,,the ,,year #ahch4 #a4 ,as to the church4 ,there are #dje at present in fellowship with us2 #fa having been added last year1 of whom #cf have been brought among us to the knowledge of the truth4 #b4 ,as to my temporal supplies4 ,the ,lord has been pleased to give me during the past year ,l#cej1 #ds4 #h;d4 ,during no period of my life had ,i such need of means1 on account of my own long illness and that of my dear wife1 and on account of the many and particular calls for means1 as during the past year2 but also during no period of my life has the ,lord so richly supplied me4 ,truly1 it must be manifest to all that ,i have served a most kind ,master1 during this year also1 and that1 even for this life1 it is by far the best thing to seek to act according to the mind of the ,lord as to temporal things6 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,asking ,,and ,,receiving4 #ahci4 ,,help ,,for ,,the ,,poor ,,saints--,,the ,,unfailing ,,bank--,,means ,,exhausted--,,liberality ,,of ,a ,,laboring ,,sister--,,he ,,knoweth ,,our ,,frame--,,redeeming ,,the ,,time--,,godliness ,,profitable ,,unto ,,all ,,things4 ,january #a1 #b1 and #c1 #ahci4 ,we have had three especial church prayer meetings these three days4 ,the year commenced with mercies4 ,in the first hour of the year there came in for the orphans two pounds seven shillings1 which was given after our usual prayer meeting on ,december #ca1 which this time lasted from seven in the evening till after midnight4 ,jan4 #e4 ,to-day ,i received another new hat1 the eleventh which in succession has been given to me since ,i have been in ,england4 ,jan4 #bj4 ,for some time past it has appeared to me that the words1 ,ye have the poor with you always1 and whensoever ye will ye may do them good1 which the ,lord spoke to his disciples1 who were themselves very poor1 imply that the children of ,god1 as such1 have power with ,god to bring temporal blessings upon poor saints or poor unbelievers through the instrumentality of prayer4 ,accordingly1 ,i have been led to ask the ,lord for means to assist poor saints2 and at different times he has stirred up his children to intrust me with sums1 both large and small1 for that especial object2 or has1 by some means or other1 put money at my disposal1 which ,i might so use4 ,in like manner ,i had been asking again for means1 a few days since1 to be able more extensively to assist the poor saints in communion with us1 as just now many of them are not merely tried by the usual temporal difficulties arising from its being winter1 but especially from the high price of bread4 ,and now this evening the ,lord has given me the answer to my prayer4 ,when ,i came home from the meeting ,i found a brother at my house who offered to give me ten pounds a week1 for twelve weeks1 towards providing the poor saints with coals and needful articles of clothing1 but chiefly with bread4 ,accordingly1 this brother sent me1 two days afterwards1 one hundred and twenty pounds1 whereby very many1 especially poor widows1 were greatly assisted1 chiefly with flour and bread4 ,this money just lasted till the price of bread was reduced from ninepence halfpenny to sevenpence halfpenny4 ,feb4 #g4 ,this day has been one of the most remarkable days as it regards the funds4 ,there was no money in hand4 ,i was waiting upon ,god4 ,i had asked him repeatedly1 but no supplies came4 ,brother ,t4 called1 between eleven and twelve o'clock1 to tell me that about one pound two shillings would be needed1 to take in bread for the three houses and to meet the other expenses2 but we had only two shillings ninepence1 which yesterday had been taken out of the boxes in the ,orphan ,houses4 ,he went to ,clifton to make arrangements for the reception of the three orphans of our sister ,loader1 who fell asleep on the #dth2 for1 though we have no funds in hand1 the work goes on1 and our confidence is not diminished4 ,i therefore requested him to call1 on his way back from ,clifton1 to see whether the ,lord might have sent any money in the mean time4 ,when he came ,i had received nothing1 but one of the laborers1 having five shillings of his own1 gave it4 ,it was now four o'clock4 ,i knew not how the sisters had got through the day4 ,toward the close of the day ,i went to the ,girls' ,orphan ,house1 to meet with the brethren for prayer4 ,when ,i arrived there ,i found that a box had come for me from ,barnstable4 ,the carriage was paid1 else there would have been no money to pay for it4 7,see how the ,lord's hand is in the smallest matters67 ,the box was opened1 and it contained1 in a letter from a sister1 ten pounds1 of which eight pounds was for the orphans1 and two pounds for the ,bible ,fund2 from brethren at ,barnstable1 two pounds eleven shillings twopence2 and from another brother1 five shillings4 ,besides this1 there were in the box four yards of merino1 three pairs of new shoes1 two pairs of new socks2 also six books for sale2 likewise a gold pencil-case1 two gold rings1 two gold drops of earrings1 a necklace1 and a silver pencil-case4 ,on inquiry how the sisters had been carried through the day1 ,i found it thus3 ,everything was in the houses which was needed for dinner4 ,after dinner a lady from ,thornbury came and bought one of my ,narratives and one of the ,reports1 and gave three shillings besides4 ,about five minutes afterwards the baker came to the ,boys' ,orphan ,house4 ,the matron of the ,girls' ,orphan ,house seeing him1 went immediately with the six shillings sixpence which she had just received 7to prevent his being sent away1 as there was no money in hand at the ,boys' ,orphan ,house71 and bought bread to the amount of four shillings sixpence4 ,the two remaining shillings1 with the little which was in hand1 served to buy bread for the ,girls' ,orphan ,house4 ,by the donations sent in the box ,i was enabled to give a rich supply to the matrons before the close of the day4 ,february #ac4 ,this evening five pounds was given me1 which had come in under the following circumstances3 ,a gentleman and lady visited the ,orphan ,houses1 and met at the ,boys' ,orphan ,house two ladies who were likewise visiting4 ,one of the ladies said to the matron of the ,boys' ,orphan ,house1 ,of course you cannot carry on these ,institutions without a good stock of funds4 ,the gentleman1 turning to the matron1 said1 ,have you a good stock8 ,she replied1 ,our funds are deposited in a bank which cannot break4 ,the tears came into the eyes of the inquiring lady4 ,the gentleman1 on leaving1 gave to the master of the boys five pounds1 which came in when ,i had not a penny in hand4 ,march #e4 ,to-day1 however1 ,i knew that there would be again several pounds required1 as1 besides the daily provisions1 there were coals needed1 the treacle casks in two houses were empty1 and there was but five shillings in hand4 ,i gave myself therefore to prayer this morning4 ,,whilst ,i ,,was ,,in ,,prayer ,q4 ,q4 sent a check for seven pounds ten shillings4 ,march #bc4 ,to-day ,i received a letter from brother ,t41 who is1 on account of his health1 in ,devonshire1 to inform me that a heavy gold chain1 a ring set with ten brilliants1 a pair of gold bracelets1 and two pounds1 have been given to him4 ,he gave a ,report to a brother1 who1 having read it1 was thereby stirred up to prayer1 and knowing that his believing sister possessed these trinkets1 he asked the ,lord to incline her heart to give them up for the benefit of our orphans1 which she soon after did4 ,by means of these donations ,i am able both to meet the remaining expenses of this week1 and also to pay fifteen pounds1 which still remains due on account of the salaries4 ,my fellow-laborers not only never ask me for anything1 but are willing to part with money1 or anything else1 in the hour of need2 nevertheless1 ,i asked the ,lord about this point frequently1 and he has now given me my request1 whereof ,i am glad4 ,april #ac4 ,i conversed with another of the orphans1 who seems to have been truly converted1 and who has walked consistently for many months4 ,to-morrow she will be united with the saints in communion4 ,april #ad4 ,to-day five pounds eightpence came in for the orphans1 one pound of which is one of the most remarkable gifts that we have ever had4 ,a poor brother1 with a large family and small wages1--there are eight in the family1 and he had fifteen shillings wages till lately1 when they were raised to eighteen shillings--put by this money by little and little of what was given him by his master for beer4 ,this brother1 who was converted about five years ago1 was before that time a notorious drunkard4 ,july #b4 ,to-day was given to me1 when there was not one shilling in hand1 fifty pounds1 for the school1 ,bible1 and missionary fund4 ,july #ae4 ,monday4 ,to-day two pounds seven shillings threepence was needed for the orphans1 but we had nothing4 ,how to obtain the means for a dinner1 and for what else was needed1 ,i knew not4 ,my heart was perfectly at peace1 and unusually sure of help1 though ,i knew not in the least whence it was to come4 ,before brother ,t4 came1 ,i received a letter from ,india1 written in ,may1 with an order for fifty pounds for the orphans4 ,i had said last ,saturday to brother ,t4 that it would be desirable to have fifty pounds1 as the salaries of all my fellow-laborers are due1 the three treacle casks empty1 all the provision stores exhausted1 several articles of clothing needed1 and worsted for the boys to go on with their knitting4 ,august #ai4 ,monday4 ,this has been again a day in which our faith has been particularly tried2 but even this day we have not been confounded4 ,not one penny was in hand when the day began4 ,we had1 therefore1 now1 for more than one hundred persons1 again to look to the ,lord4 ,but this ,i must say1 to the praise of the ,lord1 my soul was perfectly at peace4 ,i meant to have gone very early to the ,orphan ,houses to meet with my fellow-laborers for prayer2 but as one person after the other called upon me1 ,i was kept from it the whole morning4 ,when brother ,t4 called upon me1 between twelve and one o'clock1 for money1 ,i had none to give4 ,in the afternoon at four ,i was able to meet with the brethren and sisters4 ,when ,i came to the ,girls' ,orphan ,house1 ,i found that one of those children1 for the reception of whom we had given notice1 had been brought from ,bath1 and with him was sent one pound five shillings4 ,after the meeting was over one of the laborers gave ten shillings4 ,by means of this one pound fifteen shillings we were able for this day also to provide everything needful4 ,august #bb4 ,in my morning walk1 when ,i was reminding the ,lord of our need1 ,i felt assured that he would send help this day4 ,my assurance sprang from our need2 for there seemed no way to get through the day without help being sent4 ,after breakfast ,i considered whether there was anything which might be turned into money for the dear children4 ,among other things there came under my hands a number of religious pamphlets which had been given for the benefit of the orphans2 but all seemed not nearly enough to meet the necessities of the day4 ,in this our deep poverty1 after ,i had gathered together the few things for sale1 a sister1 who earns her bread by the labor of her hands1 brought eighty-two pounds4 ,this sister had seen it to be binding upon believers in our ,lord ,jesus to act out his commandments3 ,sell that ye have 7sell your possessions7 and give alms1 ,luke xii4 #cc2 and ,lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth1 ,matt4 vi4 #ai4 ,accordingly1 she had drawn her money out of the bank and stocks1 being two hundred and fifty pounds1 and had brought it to me at three different times1 for the benefit of the orphans1 the ,bible1 missionary1 and school fund1 and the poor saints4 ,about two months ago she brought me one hundred pounds more1 being the produce of some other possession which she had sold1 the half of which was to be used for the school ,bible1 and missionary fund1 and the other half for the poor saints4 ,this eighty-two pounds which she has brought to-day is the produce of the sale of her last earthly possession4 ,at the time ,i am preparing this fifth edition for the press1 more than sixteen years have passed away1 and this sister has never expressed the least regret as to the step she took1 but goes on quietly laboring with her hands to earn her bread4 ,september #d4 ,i have been led to pray whether it is the ,lord's will that ,i should leave ,bristol for a season1 as ,i have for the last fortnight been suffering from indigestion1 by which my whole system is weakened1 and thus the nerves of my head are more than usually affected4 ,there are1 however1 two hindrances in the way--want of means for the orphans1 and want of means for my own personal expenses4 ,to-day ,i have received a check from ,q4 ,q4 for seven pounds ten shillings for the orphans1 which came1 therefore1 very seasonably4 ,also four pounds besides have come in since the day before yesterday4 ,september #e4 ,to-day a sister sent me five pounds for myself1 to be used for the benefit of my health4 ,she had heard that my health is again failing4 ,i do not lay by money for such purposes2 but whenever ,i really need means1 whether for myself or others1 the ,lord sends them1 in answer to prayer2 for he had in this case again given me prayer respecting means for myself1 and for the orphans1 that my way might be made plain as to leaving ,bristol for a season4 ,september #g4 ,trowbridge4 ,this has been a very good day4 ,i have had much communion with the ,lord4 ,how kind to take me from the work in ,bristol for a season1 to give me more communion with himself4 ,i remembered the ,lord's especial goodness to me in this place at the commencement of last year4 ,how kind has he also been since6 ,i prayed much for myself1 for the church at large1 for the saints here and in ,bristol1 for my unconverted relatives1 for my dear wife1 and that the ,lord would supply my own temporal necessities1 and those of the orphans2 and ,i know that he has heard me4 ,i am surrounded with kind friends in the dear saints1 under whose roof ,i am1 and feel quite at home4 ,my room is far better than ,i need3 yet an easy chair1 in this my weak state of body1 to kneel before in prayer1 would have added to my comfort4 ,in the afternoon1 without having a hint about it1 ,i found an easy chair put into my room4 ,i was struck with the kindness1 the especial kindness of my heavenly ,father1 in being mindful of the smallest wants and comforts of his child4 ,having had more prayer than usual1 ,i found that my intercourse with the saints at tea was with unction1 and more than usually profitable4 ,september #i4 ,i returned to ,bristol1 to go from hence to-morrow to ,exeter1 if the ,lord permit1 on account of my health4 ,i had been earnestly asking the ,lord while ,i was staying at ,trowbridge that he would be pleased to send in supplies for the orphans before ,i go into ,devonshire1 and ,i had the fullest assurance that means would come in before ,i left ,bristol4 ,i therefore asked my wife1 on my return1 how much had come in1 and found that it was only eight pounds nine shillings seven and three-fourths pence4 ,this was not nearly as much as ,i had expected1 and would not answer the end for which ,i had particularly asked means1 i4 e4 that ,i might be able to leave enough for several days4 ,my reply1 therefore1 was according to the faith given to me1 and judging from the earnestness and confidence of my prayer that the ,lord would send more before ,i left4 ,about an hour after1 brother ,craik brought me ten pounds1 and also a letter1 in which the arrival of a large box full of articles1 to be sold for the benefit of the orphans1 is announced4 ,upon his return from his journey1 ,mr4 ,m4 writes3-- ,during my stay at ,plymouth1 ,i was stirred up afresh to early rising1 a blessing1 the results of which ,i have not lost since4 ,that which led me to it was the example of the brother in whose house ,i was staying1 and a remark which he made in speaking on the sacrifices in ,leviticus1 that as not the refuse of the animals was to be offered up1 so the best part of our time should be especially given to communion with the ,lord4 ,i had been1 on the whole1 rather an early riser during former years4 ,but since the nerves of my head had been so weak1 ,i thought that1 as the day was long enough for my strength1 it would be best for me not to rise early1 in order that thus the nerves of my head might have the longer quiet4 ,on this account ,i rose only between six and seven1 and sometimes after seven4 ,for the same reason also ,i brought myself purposely into the habit of sleeping a quarter of an hour1 or half an hour1 after dinner3 as ,i thought ,i found benefit from it1 in quieting the nerves of my head4 ,in this way1 however1 my soul had suffered more or less every day1 and sometimes considerably1 as now and then unavoidable work came upon me before ,i had had sufficient time for prayer and reading the word4 ,after ,i had heard the remark to which ,i have alluded1 ,i determined that1 whatever my body might suffer1 ,i would no longer let the most precious part of the day pass away while ,i was in bed4 ,by the grace of ,god ,i was enabled to begin the very next day to rise earlier2 and have continued to rise early since that time4 ,i allow myself now about seven hours' sleep1 which1 though ,i am far from being strong1 and have much to tire me mentally1 ,i find is quite sufficient to refresh me4 ,in addition to this ,i gave up the sleeping after dinner4 ,the result has been that ,i have thus been able to procure long and precious seasons for prayer and meditation before breakfast2 and as to my body1 and the state of the nervous system in particular1 ,i have been much better since4 ,indeed1 ,i believe that the very worst thing ,i could have done for my weak nerves was to have lain an hour or more longer in bed than ,i used to do before my illness2 for it was the very way to keep them weak4 ,as this may fall into the hands of some children of ,god who are not in the habit of rising early1 ,i make a few more remarks on the subject4 ,i4 ,it might be asked1 ,how much time shall ,i allow myself for rest8 ,the answer is1 that no rule of universal application can be given1 as all persons do not require the same measure of sleep1 and also the same persons1 at different times1 according to the strength or weakness of their body1 may require more or less4 ,females also1 being generally weaker in body1 require more sleep than males4 ,yet1 from what ,i can learn1 it is the opinion of medical persons that men in health do not require more than between six and seven hours' sleep1 and females no more than between seven and eight hours2 so that it would be rather an exception for a man to require more than seven and a woman more than eight hours4 ,but my decided advice1 at the same time1 is1 that children of ,god would be careful not to allow themselves too little sleep1 as there are few men who can do with less than six hours' sleep1 and yet be well in body and mind1 and few females who can do with less than seven hours4 ,certain it is that for a long time1 as a young man1 before ,i went to the university1 ,i went to bed regularly at ten and rose at four1 studied hard1 and was in good health2 and certain also1 that since ,i have allowed myself only about seven hours1 from the time of my visit at ,plymouth in ,oct4 #ahci1 ,i have been much better in body1 and in my nerves in particular1 than when ,i was eight or eight hours and a half in bed4 ,,ii4 ,if it be asked1 ,but why should ,i rise early8 ,the reply is1 ,to remain too long in bed is1 #a4 ,waste of time1 which is unbecoming a saint1 who is bought by the precious blood of ,jesus1 with his time and all he has1 to be used for the ,lord4 ,if we sleep more than is needful for the refreshment of the body1 it is wasting the time with which the ,lord has intrusted us as a talent1 to be used for his glory1 for our own benefit1 and the benefit of the saints and the unbelievers around us4 #b4 ,to remain too long in bed injures the body4 ,just as when we take too much food1 we are injured thereby1 so as it regards sleep4 ,medical persons would readily allow that the lying longer in bed than is needful for the strengthening of the body does weaken it4 #c4 ,it injures the soul4 ,the lying too long in bed not merely keeps us from giving the most precious part of the day to prayer and meditation1 but this sloth leads also to many other evils4 ,any one need but make the experiment of spending one1 two1 or three hours in prayer and meditation before breakfast1 either in his room1 or with his ,bible in his hand in the fields1 and he will soon find out the beneficial effect which early rising has upon the outward and inward man4 ,i beseech all my brethren and sisters into whose hands this may fall1 and who are not in the habit of rising early1 to make the trial1 and they will praise the ,lord for having done so4 ,,iii4 ,it may lastly be said1 ,but how shall ,i set about rising early8 ,my advice is1 #a4 ,commence at once1 delay it not4 ,to-morrow begin to rise4 #b4 ,but do not depend upon your own strength4 ,this may be the reason why before this you may have begun to rise early1 but have given it up4 ,as surely as you depend upon your own strength in this matter1 it will come to nothing4 ,in every good work we depend upon the ,lord1 and in this thing we shall feel especially how weak we are4 ,if any one rises that he may give the time which he takes from sleep to prayer and meditation1 let him be sure that ,satan will try to put obstacles into the way4 #c4 ,do trust in the ,lord for help4 ,you will honor him if you expect help from him in this matter4 ,give yourself to prayer for help1 expect help1 and you will have it4 #d4 ,use1 however1 in addition to this1 the following means3 a4 ,go early to bed4 ,if you stay up late1 you cannot rise early4 ,let no society and no pressure of engagements keep you from going habitually early to bed4 ,if you fail in this1 you neither can nor ought to get up early1 as your body requires rest4 ,keep also particularly in mind1 that neither for the body nor soul is it the same thing whether you go to bed late and rise late1 or whether you go to bed early and rise early4 ,even medical persons will tell you how injurious it is to sit up late1 and to spend the morning hours in bed2 but how much more important still is it to retire early and to rise early1 in order to make sure of time for prayer and meditation before the business of the day commences1 and to devote to those exercises that part of our time when the mind and the body are most fresh1 in order thus to obtain spiritual strength for the conflict1 the trials1 and the work of the day4 b4 ,let some one call you1 if possible1 at the time which you have determined before ,god that you will rise2 or procure1 what is still better1 an alarum1 by which you may regulate almost to a minute the time when you wish to rise4 ,for about twelve shillings a little ,german clock with an alarum may be bought almost in every town4 ,though ,i have very many times been awakened by the ,lord1 in answer to prayer1 almost to the minute when ,i desired to rise2 yet ,i thought it well to procure an alarum to assist me in my purpose of rising early3 not indeed as if it could give the least help1 without the ,lord's blessing1 for ,i should remain in bed notwithstanding the noise of the alarum1 were he not to give me grace to rise2 but simply looking upon it as a means4 c4 ,rise at once when you are awake4 ,remain not a minute longer in bed1 else you are likely to fall asleep again4 d4 ,be not discouraged by feeling drowsy and tired in consequence of your rising early4 ,this will soon wear off4 ,you will after a few days feel yourself stronger and fresher than when you used to lie an hour or two longer than you needed4 e4 ,allow yourself always the same hours for sleep4 ,make no change except sickness oblige you4 ,on ,december #aj1 #aa1 and #ab we had public meetings1 at which the account of the ,lord's dealings with us in reference to the ,orphan ,houses and the other objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution was given4 ,it is now--,december #aj1 #ahci--;five years and nine months since the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution has been in operation4 ,during the last year also4 #a4 ,we have been enabled to continue to provide all the needful expenses connected with the six-day schools1 three for boys and three for girls4 ,the number of the children who are at present in them amounts to #bhf4 ,the number of all the children that have had schooling in the day schools1 through the medium of the ,institution1 since its formation1 amounts to #a1gie4 #b4 ,there are at present #bbf children in the ,sunday school4 #c4 ,there are #ad taught to read in the adult school1 and there have been about #acj adults instructed in that school since the formation of the ,institution4 #d4 ,there have been circulated1 during the last year1 #ead copies of the ,scriptures1 and #e1eib since ,march #e1 #ahcd4 #e4 ,there has been laid out1 during the last year1 ,l#ia1 #fs4 for missionary purposes4 #f4 ,there have been received into the three ,orphan ,houses1 from ,december #i1 #ahch1 to ,december #i1 #ahci1 #af orphans4 ,there are at present #if orphans in the three houses4 ,the number of all the orphans who have been under our care from ,april #aa1 #ahcf1 to ,december #i1 #ahci1 amounts to #abf4 ,for the ,orphan ,houses1 without any one having been asked for anything by us1 the sum of ,l#c1jfg1 #hs4 #ia_/d;d4 has been given1 entirely as the result of prayer to ,god1 from the commencement of the work up to ,december #i1 #ahci4 ,the total of the expenses connected with the objects of the ,institution1 exclusive of the ,orphan ,houses1 from ,november #ai1 #ahch1 to ,november #ai1 #ahci1 is ,l#edb1 #acs4 ,the balance in hand on ,november #ai1 #ahci1 was #ahs4 #e;d4 ,the total of the expenses connected with the three ,orphan ,houses1 from ,december #i1 #ahch1 to ,december #i1 #ahci1 is ,l#ifj1 #is4 #bc_/d;d4 ,the balance in hand on ,december #i1 #ahci1 was ,l#df1 #hs4 #a;d4 ,december #ca4 ,my health is much better than for years4 ,my mental powers also are as good as they have been at any time during the last three years4 ,i ascribe this to ,god's blessing1 through the instrumentality of early rising1 and plunging my head into cold water when ,i rise4 ,,review ,,of ,,the ,,year #ahci4 #a4 ,as to the church3 ,during the last year have been added #aae2 of whom #cd have been brought to the knowledge of the ,lord among us4 #b4 ,as to my temporal supplies1 the ,lord has been pleased to give me1 during the past year1 ,l#cac1 #bs4 #e;d4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,plenty ,,and ,,want4 #ahdj4 ,a ,,pure ,,offering ,,required--,a ,,journey ,,proposed--,,seasonable ,,provision--,,looking ,,only ,,to ,,the ,,lord--,,the ,,wrath ,,of ,,man ,,praising ,,god--,a ,,promise ,,fulfilled--,,benefit ,,of ,,trial--,,new ,,springs ,,opened--,,before ,,they ,,call ,i ,,will ,,answer--,,trust ,,in ,,god ,,commended--,,spiritual ,,blessings4 ,january #a1 #ahdj4 ,this morning1 about one hour after midnight1 ,i received a paper with some money sealed up in it for the orphans4 ,a few minutes afterwards1 ,i remembered that the individual who gave it was in debt1 and ,i was aware that she had been repeatedly asked by her creditors for payment4 ,i resolved1 therefore1 without opening the paper1 to return it1 as no one has a right to give whilst in debt4 ,this was done when ,i knew that there was not enough in hand to meet the expenses of the day4 ,about eight1 this morning1 a brother brought five pounds1 which he had received just then from his mother1 for the orphans4 ,observe1 the brother is led to bring it at once6 ,january #be4 ,i have been much in prayer this week about going to ,germany3 #a4 ,to see certain brethren who purpose to go as missionaries to the ,east ,indies2 and1 #b4 ,to see my father once more4 ,i am led to go just now1 instead of delaying it1 because my health is again so failing that it seems desirable ,i should leave ,bristol at all events2 and thus ,i could continue to serve in the work of the ,lord1 and yet attend to the benefit of my health at the same time4 ,lord1 keep me from making a mistake in this matter6 ,january #ca4 ,there is only one shilling fivepence in hand4 ,the ,lord will provide6 ,i feel quite comfortable1 though in three days ,i shall have to leave the work for several weeks4 ,after ,i had written the above1 ,i received sixteen pounds for the orphans1 and twenty-four pounds for the other objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,thus ,lord will kindly allow me to leave a little money behind on my departure1 and ,i have also a still further answer to my prayer for means to purchase ,bibles1 for which ,i have asked the ,lord repeatedly1 and which he began to answer by the donation which ,i received on the #bb;d4 ,i have received five pounds1 besides1 for the other objects4 ,feb4 #b4 ,to-day and yesterday has come in still further1 before my departure1 nearly nine pounds for the orphans4 ,how kind of the ,lord to send this money just now1 on the eve of my leaving home6 ,mr4 ,mueller's absence lasted from ,feb4 #c to ,march #i4 ,under the latter date he writes3-- ,during the whole time of my absence the ,lord not only supplied all the need of the orphans1 but on my return ,i found more in hand than there was when ,i left4 ,the donations1 which came in during my absence1 amount to between eighty and ninety pounds4 ,march #bf4 ,on the #agth of this month ,i received the following letter from a brother who several times had been used by the ,lord as an instrument in supplying our need1 and who also1 two months since1 sent thirty pounds4 ,i have received a little money from ----4 ,have you any present need for the ,institution under your care8 ,i know you do not ask1 except indeed of ,him whose work you are doing2 but to answer when asked seems another thing1 and a right thing4 ,i have a reason for desiring to know the present state of your means towards the objects you are laboring to serve1 viz4 should you not have need1 other departments of the ,lord's work1 or other people of the ,lord1 may have need4 ,kindly then inform me1 and to what amount1 i4 e4 what amount you at this present time need1 or can profitably lay out4 ,at the time when this letter came we were indeed in need4 ,nevertheless1 ,i considered that1 as ,i have hitherto acted 7i4 e4 telling the ,lord alone about our need71 ,i ought to continue to do1 as otherwise the principal object of the work1 to be a help to the saints generally1 by seeking to lead them to increased dependence upon ,god alone1 through this ,institution1 would be frustrated4 ,i answered therefore the letter in substance as follows3-- ,whilst ,i thank you for your love1 and whilst ,i agree with you1 that1 in general1 there is a difference between asking for money and answering when asked1 nevertheless in our case ,i feel not at liberty to speak about the state of our funds1 as the primary object of the work in my hands is to lead those who are weak in faith to see that there is reality in dealing with ,god alone4 ,after having sent off the answer1 ,i was again and again led to pray to the ,lord in this way3 ,lord1 thou knowest that for thy sake ,i did not tell this brother about our need4 ,now1 ,lord1 show afresh that there is reality in speaking to thee only about our need1 and speak therefore to this brother1 so that he may help us4 ,to-day1 in answer to this my request1 this brother sent one hundred pounds4 ,thus ,i have means for establishing the infant school1 and for ordering more ,bibles4 ,also the orphans are again supplied for a week2 for when the money came in1 there was not one penny in hand for them4 ,april #g4 ,this evening ,i received information from my little half brother that my dear father died on ,march #cj4 ,during no period did ,i pray more frequently or more earnestly for the conversion of my dear aged parent than during the last year of his life2 but1 at all events1 it did not please the ,lord to let me see the answer to my prayers4 ,april #i4 ,we are on the point of sending some money to the ,east ,indies for missionary objects4 ,whilst ,i was on my knees respecting this object1 five pounds was brought for it4 ,may #b4 ,nothing having come in for five days1 we were to-day again penniless4 ,in answer to prayer five shillings sixpence came in1 and some trinkets were sent1 the names of which the donor does not wish to be known4 ,thus we were helped through this day4 ,observe here how the ,lord allowed five days to pass away without influencing the hearts of any to send us supplies2 but the moment there is real need1 the stream runs again4 ,may #c4 ,last evening a brother was baptized1 who on the first ,lord's day of this year came with his intended wife to ,bethesda ,chapel4 ,both were in an unconverted state4 ,only since ,april #a1 forty-one persons have come to us to speak about their souls4 ,may #h4 ,there are four believers staying at my house1 and to-day we had only a few shillings of our own money left4 ,i gave myself1 therefore1 to prayer for means for our own personal expenses4 ,in answer to my request1 ,i received this morning five pounds4 ,may #aj4 ,to-day five of the orphans were baptized4 ,there are now fourteen of them in fellowship4 ,may #bf4 ,nothing had come in4 ,my engagements kept me from going to the ,orphan ,houses till seven in the evening1 when the laborers met together for prayer4 ,when we met ,i found that one of them had given seventeen shillings1 which had been divided between the three houses4 ,this1 with the little which had been left yesterday1 had procured all necessary articles4 ,we are now very poor4 ,may #bg4 ,we met for prayer at eleven this morning4 ,no money had come in1 but there was enough for dinner in all the houses4 ,this morning the last coals were used in the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 and in the ,boys' ,orphan ,house there were only enough for to-day1 and there was no money in hand to buy more4 ,in this our need ,t4 ,p4 ,c4 sent a load of coals4 ,we purpose to meet again at four this afternoon4 ,may the ,lord graciously be pleased to send help in the mean time6 ,evening4 ,the ,lord has had mercy6 ,a person bought some days since several articles1 which had been given to be sold for the benefit of the orphans1 and owed six pounds fifteen shillings4 ,this morning ,i asked the ,lord to incline his heart to bring the money1 or a part of it1 as we were in such need4 ,just as ,i was going to meet for prayer with my fellow-laborers this afternoon1 he came and brought four pounds4 ,but our kind ,father showed us still further to-day that only for the trial of our faith he had for a season withheld supplies2 for there was given this evening1 with ,eccles4 ix4 #aj1 five pounds4 ,there came in also nine shillings for articles which had been put into the hand of a sister1 who has taken on her the service of disposing of articles which are given for sale4 ,thus the day1 which had begun with prayer1 ended in praise4 ,but there is one thing more to be recorded respecting this day1 as precious or more so than what has been said3 ,i was to-day informed that the ,lord has begun to stir up several of the boys to care about their souls4 ,june #ag4 ,for several days past ,i had been very poor in reference to my own temporal necessities1 as well as in reference to the orphans4 ,to-day we were especially poor1 in both respects2 but our kind ,father remembered not merely the need of the dear orphans1 but gave me also some money for my own personal expenses4 ,the same sister just referred to1 who brought five pounds ten shillings sixpence for the orphans1 brought me also seven pounds for myself4 ,june #bb4 ,to-morrow1 the ,lord willing1 ,i purpose1 with my wife1 to accompany the three ,german brethren and the five ,german sisters to ,liverpool1 who purpose to sail from thence4 ,under these circumstances it is desirable to leave at least a little money behind4 ,this desire of my heart the ,lord has granted2 for this morning ,d4 ,c4 gave me five pounds1 and there came in by sale of articles ten shillings fivepence4 ,in the evening a sister1 who has left ,bristol to-day1 sent me by her mother five pounds4 ,during the absence of ,mr4 ,m4 the wants of the orphans were supplied in a wonderful manner4 ,to mention but one instance1 at a time when there was extreme need1 a poor ,german missionary1 just embarking for a heathen land1 gave six pounds ten shillings1 being his all4 ,the following event came to his notice during his journey3-- ,about ,october1 #ahcg1 ,i sent some ,bibles and forty-six copies of my ,narrative to a brother in ,upper ,canada1 who1 in dependence upon the ,lord for temporal supplies1 is laboring as a missionary in that country4 ,about eighteen months afterwards ,i heard that this box had not arrived4 ,i had reason to think that the broker had never sent off the box4 ,my comfort1 however1 was1 that though this poor sinner had acted thus1 yet the ,lord1 in his own place and way1 would use the ,bibles and my ,narratives4 ,now1 almost immediately after my arrival in ,liverpool1 a brother told me that several persons wished to hear me preach who had read my ,narrative2 and that he knew a considerable number had been bought by a brother1 a bookseller1 from pawnbrokers1 and sold again2 and that some also had been ordered from ,london when there were no more to be had otherwise4 ,it was thus evident that the ship-broker pawned these ,narratives before he absconded2 but the ,lord used them as ,i had hoped4 ,aug4 #a4 ,a few days since a brother was staying with me1 on his way to his father1 whom he had not seen for above two years1 and who was greatly opposed to him1 on account of the decided steps which his son had taken for the ,lord4 ,before this brother left1 that precious promise of our ,lord was brought to my mind3 ,if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask1 it shall be done for them of my ,father which is in heaven4 7,matt4 xviii4 #ai47 ,accordingly1 ,i went to the brother's room1 and having agreed to pray about a kind reception from his father1 and the conversion of both parents1 we prayed together4 ,to-day this brother returned4 ,the ,lord has answered already one part of the prayer4 ,the brother was most kindly received1 contrary to all natural expectation4 ,may the ,lord now help us both to look for an answer to the other part of our prayer6 ,there is nothing too hard for the ,lord6 ,since the publication of the last edition1 the father of this brother died4 ,he lived above ten years after ,aug4 #a1 #ahdj1 until he was about eighty-six years of age1 and as he continued a life of much sin and opposition to the truth1 the prospect with reference to his conversion became darker and darker4 ,but at last the ,lord answered prayer4 ,this aged sinner was entirely changed1 simply rested on the ,lord ,jesus for the salvation of his soul1 and became as much attached to his believing son as before he had been opposed to him1 and wished to have him about him as much as possible1 that he might read the ,holy ,scriptures to him and pray with him4 ,aug4 #h4 ,saturday4 ,this evening ,i was meditating on the fourth ,psalm4 ,the words in verse three1 ,but know that the ,lord has set apart him that is godly for himself2 the ,lord will hear when ,i call upon him1 ,i was enabled to apply to myself1 and they led me to prayer for spiritual blessings4 ,whilst in prayer1 the need of the orphans1 there being now again not one penny in hand1 was also brought to my mind1 and ,i asked the ,lord respecting this likewise4 ,about five minutes afterwards ,i was informed that a sister wished to see me4 ,she brought one pound ten shillings for the orphans4 ,thus the ,lord has already kindly sent a little to begin the week with4 ,there was also still further given to-day1 one shilling elevenpence2 and five shillings one penny was taken out of the boxes in the ,orphan ,houses4 ,aug4 #ae4 ,there was to-day the greatest poverty in all the three houses2 all the stores were very low1 as the income throughout the week had been so small4 ,in addition to this it was ,saturday1 when the wants are nearly double in comparison with other days4 ,at least three pounds was needed to help us comfortably through the day2 but there was nothing towards this in hand4 ,my only hope was in ,god4 ,the very necessity led me to expect help for this day2 for if none had come1 the ,lord's name would have been dishonored4 ,between twelve and one1 two sisters in the ,lord called on me2 and the one gave me two pounds1 and the other seven shillings sixpence for the orphans4 ,with this ,i went to the ,boys' ,orphan ,house about one o'clock1 where ,i found the children at dinner4 ,brother ,b4 put the following note into my hand1 which he was just going to send off3-- ,,dear ,,brother1--,with potatoes from the children's garden1 and with apples from the tree in the playground 7which apples were used for apple-dumplings71 and four shillings sixpence1 the price of some articles given by one of the laborers1 we have a dinner4 ,there is much needed4 ,but the ,lord has provided and will provide4 ,august #bc4 ,lord's day4 ,as we have often found it to be the case1 so it is again now4 ,after the ,lord has tried our faith1 he1 in the love of his heart1 gives us an abundance1 to show that not in anger1 but for the glory of his name1 and for the trial of our faith1 he has allowed us to be poor4 ,the ,lord has kindly given to-day twelve pounds seventeen shillings4 ,august #bi4 ,for many weeks past very little has come in for the other funds4 ,the chief supply has been by the sale of ,bibles4 ,last ,saturday ,i was not able to pay the whole of the weekly salaries of the teachers in the day schools1 which1 however1 does not make me a debtor to them1 as it is an understood thing that they have not to look to me for payment1 but to the ,lord4 ,to-day again only two shillings was in hand1 whilst several pounds were needed to pay the salaries4 ,it appeared now plainly to be the will of the ,lord that1 as all the laborers in the ,orphan ,houses know about the state of the funds1 so the brethren and sisters who labor in the day schools should share the trial of faith and the joy of faith with us4 ,accordingly we all met1 and after ,i had laid on their hearts the importance of keeping to themselves1 for the ,lord's sake1 the state of the funds1 we prayed together4 ,september #e4 ,saturday4 ,because there had come in so little during the last days1 at least three pounds was requisite to supply the need of to-day4 ,there was1 however1 not one penny in hand when the day commenced4 ,last evening1 the laborers in the ,orphan ,houses1 together with the teachers of the day schools1 met for prayer4 ,this morning1 one of the teachers1 who had a little money of his own1 brought one pound five shillings sixpence4 ,thus we were enabled to provide for the dinner4 ,in the afternoon all of us met again for prayer4 ,another teacher of the day schools gave two shillings sixpence1 and one shilling came in besides4 ,but all this was not enough4 ,there was no dinner provided for to-morrow1 nor was there any money to take in milk to-morrow1 and besides this a number of other little things were to be purchased1 that there might be no real want of anything4 ,now observe how our kind ,father helped us6 ,between seven and eight this evening1 a sister1 whose heart the ,lord has made willing to take on her the service of disposing of the articles which are sent for sale1 brought two pounds ten shillings sixpence1 for some of the things which came a fortnight ago from ,worcester1 and last ,wednesday from ,leeds4 ,the sister stated1 that though she did not feel at all well1 she had come because she had it so laid on her heart that she could not stay away4 ,september #h4 ,how kindly has the ,lord so ordered it that for some time past the income for the school fund should have been so little1 in order that thus we might be constrained to let the laborers in the day schools share our joys and our trials of faith1 which had been before kept from them6 ,but as above two years ago the ,lord ordered it so that it became needful to communicate to the laborers in the ,orphan ,houses the state of the funds1 and made it a blessing to them1 so that ,i am now able to leave ,bristol1 and yet the work goes on1 so1 ,i doubt not1 the brethren and sisters who are teachers in the day schools will be greatly blessed by being thus partakers of our precious secret respecting the state of the funds4 ,our prayer meetings have been already a blessing to us1 and united us more than ever in the work4 ,we have them now every morning at seven1 and we shall continue them1 the ,lord helping us1 till we see his hand stretched forth1 not merely in giving us means for the teachers1 but also for other purposes2 for we need a stove in one of the school-rooms1 a fresh supply of several kinds of ,bibles and ,new ,testaments1 and it is desirable to have means to help missionary brethren who labor in dependence upon the ,lord for the supply of their temporal necessities4 ,september #ba4 ,to-day a brother from the neighborhood of ,london gave me ten pounds1 to be laid out as it might be most needed4 ,as we have been praying many days for the school1 ,bible1 and missionary funds1 ,i took it all for them4 ,this brother knew nothing about our work1 when he came three days since to ,bristol4 ,thus the ,lord1 to show his continual care over us1 raises up new helpers4 ,they that trust in the ,lord shall never be confounded4 ,some who helped for a while may fall asleep in ,jesus2 others may grow cold in the service of the ,lord2 others may be as desirous as ever to help1 but have no longer the means2 others may have both a willing heart to help1 and have also the means1 but may see it the ,lord's will to lay them out in another way2--and thus1 from one cause or another1 were we to lean upon man1 we should surely be confounded2 but1 in leaning upon the living ,god alone1 we are ,,beyond disappointment1 and ,,beyond being forsaken because of death1 or want of means1 or want of love1 or because of the claims of other work4 ,october #g4 ,it is now five weeks since we have daily met for prayer4 ,not indeed merely to ask for means1 but for grace and wisdom for ourselves in reference to the work1 for the conversion of the children under our care1 for grace for those children who stand already on the ,lord's side1 for a blessing upon the circulation of the ,scriptures1 for a blessing upon the work with reference to the church at large1 etc4 ,but whilst we thus1 as the ,spirit led us1 prayed for various things1 nevertheless1 the lack of means was that which had brought us day after day together4 ,we asked the ,lord to give us the means which are needed for carrying on the day schools1 for buying ,bibles1 as several sorts are needed1 and to enable us to assist missionary work in foreign countries4 ,never at any previous time1 since first the work commenced on ,march #e1 #ahcd1 have we had to continue so long a time in prayer for these funds1 without obtaining the answer4 ,the ,lord1 however1 gave us grace to continue in prayer1 and kept our hearts in the assurance that he would help4 ,now1 though he delayed long1 before he sent us the answer1 in his own time he made it manifest that he had not only not shut his ear against our prayers in anger1 but that he had answered them even before we called2 for there was sent to-day1 from the ,east ,indies1 a bank order for one hundred pounds1 which had been sent off two months since1 therefore several days before we even began to pray4 ,it was left to me to apply this money as it might be needed4 ,as we had so long and so particularly prayed for these funds1 ,i took the whole of it for them1 and not for the orphan fund4 ,october #bf4 ,yesterday morning1 when ,i took my hat from the rail1 ,i found in one of my gloves a note containing a five-pound note1 and the following words3 ,two pounds for the orphans1 the rest for dear brother and sister ,mueller4 ,there came in still further yesterday two pounds twelve shillings sixpence4 ,thus we are again supplied for about three days4 ,in reference to the note which was put into my hat1 containing five pounds1 ,i just add1 that ,i had repeatedly asked the ,lord for means for our own personal expenses1 previous to the reception of it1 as we had but very little money for ourselves4 ,indeed1 the very moment before ,i took my hat from the rail1 ,i had risen from my knees1 having again asked the ,lord for means for ourselves and for the orphans4 ,november #h4 ,i purposed to have gone to ,trowbridge yesterday1 and had settled it so on ,friday evening with brother ----4 ,but no sooner had ,i decided to do so1 than ,i felt no peace in the prospect of going4 ,after having prayed about it on ,friday evening and yesterday morning1 ,i determined not to go1 and ,i felt sure the ,lord had some reason for not allowing me to feel happy in the prospect of going4 ,i began now to look out for blessings for this day1 considering that the ,lord had kept me here for good to some souls4 ,this evening ,i was especially led to press the truth on the consciences of the unconverted1 entreating and beseeching them1 and telling them also that ,i felt sure the ,lord had1 in mercy to some of them1 kept me from going to ,trowbridge4 ,i spoke on ,genesis vi4 #a-e4 ,immediately after1 ,i saw fruit of the word4 ,an individual fully opened his heart to me4 ,i walked about with him till about ten o'clock1 even as long as ,i had any strength left4 ,about ten days afterwards1 a brother told me of a poor drunkard who heard me that evening1 and who since then had stayed up till about twelve o'clock every night to read the ,scriptures1 and who had not been intoxicated since4 ,at the close of these details1 with reference to the year from ,december #i1 #ahci1 to ,december #i1 #ahdj1 ,i make a few remarks4 #a4 ,though our trials of faith during this year also have been many1 and recurring more frequently than during any previous year1 and though we have been often reduced to the greatest extremity1 yet the orphans have lacked nothing2 for they always have had good nourishing food1 and the necessary articles of clothing1 etc4 #b4 ,should it be supposed by any one1 in reading the plain details of our trials of faith during this year1 that on account of them we have been disappointed in our expectations1 or are discouraged in the work1 my answer is1 that the very reverse is the fact4 ,such days were expected from the commencement of the work2 nay1 more than this1 the chief end for which the ,institution was established is1 that the church of ,christ at large might be benefited by seeing manifestly the hand of ,god stretched out on our behalf in the hour of need1 in answer to prayer4 ,our desire1 therefore1 is1 not that we may be without trials of faith1 but that the ,lord graciously would be pleased to support us in the trial1 that we may not dishonor him by distrust4 #c4 ,this way of living brings the ,lord remarkably near4 ,he is1 as it were1 morning by morning inspecting our stores1 that accordingly he may send help4 ,greater and more manifest nearness of the ,lord's presence ,i have never had than when after breakfast there were no means for dinner1 and then the ,lord provided the dinner for more than one hundred persons2 or when1 after dinner1 there were no means for the tea1 and yet the ,lord provided the tea2 and all this without one single human being having been informed about our need4 ,this moreover ,i add1 that although we who have been eyewitnesses of these gracious interpositions of our ,father1 have not been so benefited by them as we might and ought to have been1 yet we have in some measure derived blessings from them4 ,one thing is certain1 that we are not tired of doing the ,lord's work in this way4 #d4 ,it has been more than once observed1 that such a way of living must lead the mind continually to think whence food1 clothes1 etc41 are to come1 and so unfit for spiritual exercises4 ,now1 in the first place1 ,i answer that our minds are very little tried about the necessaries of life1 just because the care respecting them is laid upon our ,father1 who1 because we are his children1 not only allows us to do so1 but will have us to do so4 ,secondly1 it must be remembered1 that1 even if our minds were much tried about the supplies for the children1 and the means for the other work1 yet1 because we look to the ,lord alone for these things1 we should only be brought1 by our sense of need1 into the presence of our ,father for the supply of it2 and that is a blessing1 and no injury to the soul4 ,thirdly1 our souls realize that for the glory of ,god1 and for the benefit of the church at large it is that we have these trials of faith1 and that leads again to ,god1 to ask him for fresh supplies of grace1 to be enabled to be faithful in this service4 #e4 ,my heart's desire and prayer to ,god is1 that all believers who read this may by these many answers to prayer be encouraged to pray1 particularly as it regards the conversion of their friends and relations1 their own state of heart1 the state of the church at large1 and the success of the preaching of the gospel4 ,do not think1 dear reader1 that these things are peculiar to us1 and cannot be enjoyed by all the saints4 ,although every child of ,god is not called by the ,lord to establish schools and orphan houses1 and to trust in the ,lord for means for them2 yet there is nothing on the part of the ,lord to hinder1 why you may not know1 by experience1 far more abundantly than we do now1 his willingness to answer the prayers of his children4 ,do but prove the faithfulness of ,god4 ,do but carry your every want to him4 ,only maintain an upright heart4 ,but if you live in sin2 if you wilfully and habitually do things respecting which you know that they are contrary to the will of ,god1 then you cannot expect to be heard by him4 ,if ,i regard iniquity in my heart1 the ,lord will not hear me2 but verily ,god hath heard me2 he hath attended to the voice of my prayer4 ,psalm lxvi4 #ah1 #ai4 #f4 ,as it regards the children of ,god1 who by the labor of their hands1 or in any business or profession1 earn their bread1 particularly the poorer classes of them1 ,i give my affectionate yet solemn advice to carry into practice the principles on which this ,institution is conducted as it regards not going into debt4 ,are you in debt8 then make confession of sin respecting it4 ,sincerely confess to the ,lord that you have sinned against ,rom4 xiii4 #h4 ,and if you are resolved no more to contract debt1 whatever may be the result1 and you are waiting on the ,lord and truly trust in him1 your present debts will soon be paid4 ,are you out of debt8 then1 whatever your future want may be1 be resolved1 in the strength of ,jesus1 rather to suffer the greatest privation1 whilst waiting upon ,god for help1 than to use unscriptural means1 such as borrowing1 taking goods on credit1 etc41 to deliver yourselves4 ,this way needs but to be tried1 in order that its excellency may be enjoyed4 ,there are a few points more which may be of interest to the believing reader1 which ,i shall now add4 #a4 ,there have been1 during this year1 six day schools for poor children entirely supported by the funds of our ,institution1 all of which have been established by us4 ,the number of all the children that have had schooling in the day schools through the medium of the ,institution1 since its formation1 amounts to #b1baf2 the number of those at present in the six day schools is #cjc4 ,these day schools have defrayed1 by the payments of the children1 about the sixth part of their own expenses4 #b4 ,there is one ,sunday school entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution4 #c4 ,there has been1 since the formation of the ,institution1 one adult school connected with it1 in which1 on the ,lord's day afternoons1 since that time1 about #aej adults have been instructed4 #d4 ,the number of ,bibles and ,testaments which have been circulated through the medium of our ,institution1 during the last year1 amounts to #deb copies4 ,there have been circulated since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 #f1jdd copies of the ,scriptures4 #e4 ,there have been laid out1 during the last year1 of the funds of the ,institution1 ,l#abj1 #ajs4 #b;d4 for missionary purposes4 #f4 ,there are at present ninety-one orphans in the three houses4 ,the total number of the orphans who have been under our care from ,april #aa1 #ahcf1 to ,december #i1 #ahdj1 amounts to #abi4 ,without any one having been asked for anything by us1 the sum of ,l#c1icg1 #as4 #a;d4 has been given to us for the ,orphan ,houses1 as the result of prayer to ,god1 since the commencement of the work4 ,,the ,,blessing ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,upon ,,the ,,work ,,in ,,reference ,,to ,,the ,,souls ,,of ,,the ,,children4 #a4 ,during the last fourteen months there have been meetings purposely for children1 at which the ,scriptures have been expounded to them4 ,at these meetings an almost universal attention is manifested by them1 which ,i thankfully ascribe to the ,lord1 and upon which ,i look as a forerunner of greater blessing4 #b4 ,during the last year three of the ,sunday-school children have been received into fellowship4 #c4 ,at the end of last year there had been eight orphans received into communion2 during the present year fourteen have been received2 in all1 twenty-two4 ,it was stated in the last year's ,report that we were looking for fruit upon our labors as it regards the conversion of the children1 as the ,lord had given to us a measure of earnestness in praying for them4 ,the ,lord has dealt with us according to our expectations4 ,but ,i expect far more than what we have seen4 ,while the chief object of our work has been and is still the manifestation of the heart of ,god towards his children1 and the reality of power with ,god in prayer1 yet1 as we hoped1 and as it has been our prayer1 the ,lord gives to us also the joy of seeing one child after another brought to stand openly on the ,lord's side4 ,as far as my experience goes1 it appears to me that believers generally have expected far too little of present fruit upon their labors among children4 ,there has been a hoping that the ,lord some day or other would own the instruction which they give to children1 and would answer at some time or other1 though after many years only1 the prayers which they offer up on their behalf4 ,now1 while such passages as ,proverbs xxii4 #f1 ,ecclesiastes xi4 #a1 ,galatians vi4 #i1 #a ,cor4 xv4 #eh1 give unto us assurance not merely respecting everything which we do for the ,lord1 in general1 but also respecting bringing up children in the fear of the ,lord1 in particular1 that our labor is not in vain in the ,lord2 yet we have to guard against abusing such passages1 by thinking it a matter of little moment whether we see present fruit or not2 but1 on the contrary1 we should give the ,lord no rest till we see present fruit1 and therefore in persevering yet submissive prayer we should make known our requests unto ,god4 ,i add1 as an encouragement to believers who labor among children1 that during the last two years seventeen other young persons or children1 from the age of eleven and a half to seventeen1 have been received into fellowship among us1 and that ,i am looking out now for many more to be converted1 and that not merely of the orphans1 but of the ,sunday and day school children4 ,as in so many respects we live in remarkable times1 so in this respect also1 that the ,lord is working greatly among the children in many places4 ,the total of the expenses connected with the objects of the ,institution1 exclusive of the ,orphan ,houses1 from ,november #ai1 #ahci1 to ,november #ai1 #ahdj1 is ,l#fbb1 #bs4 #fa_/b;d4 ,the balance in hand on ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 was ,l#ac1 #bs4 #ic_/d;d4 ,the total of the expenses connected with the three ,orphan ,houses1 from ,december #i1 #ahci1 to ,december #i1 #ahdj1 is ,l#ijj1 #aas4 #ba_/b;d4 ,the balance in hand on ,december #i1 #ahdj1 was ,l#ae1 #as4 #fa_/d;d4 ,,review ,,of ,,the ,,year #ahdj4 #a4 ,as to the church4 ,there are #ebe at present in communion2 #aad have been added during the past year1 of whom #dg have been brought to the knowledge of the ,lord among us4 #b4 ,as to the supply of my temporal necessities4 ,the ,lord has been pleased to send me1 by the freewill offerings of the saints1 ,l#bdb1 #hs4 #aaa_/b4ag ,footnote #ag3 ,it may not be improper to state here that the little patrimony to which ,mr4 ,mueller became entitled upon the decease of his father was devoted to the purposes of charity and religion1 in accordance with the principle of action indicated on page #fg4 ,this fact is not mentioned by ,mr4 ,m41 but has come to the knowledge of the editor through another channel4--,,ed4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,faith ,,strengthened ,,by ,,exercise4 #ahda4 ,a ,,want ,,supplied--,,resources ,,exceeding ,,the ,,demand--,,evil ,,of ,,suretyship--,,power ,,of ,,christian ,,love--,,god',s ,,word ,,the ,,food ,,of ,,the ,,soul--,,preparation ,,for ,,the ,,hour ,,of ,,trial--,,poverty--,,depending ,,only ,,on ,,the ,,living ,,god4 ,january #a1 #ahda4 ,during this week we have daily met for prayer1 for the especial purpose of asking the ,lord to give us the means of having the last year's ,report printed4 ,it is three weeks since it might have been sent to the press4 ,we felt this now to be a matter of especial importance1 as1 if the ,report were not soon printed1 it would be known that it arose from want of means4 ,by the donations which came in during these last days for the orphans1 and by ten pounds which was given to-day for the other funds1 we have the means of defraying the expense of about two thirds of the printing1 and therefore a part of the manuscript was sent off1 trusting that the ,lord would be pleased to send in more means before two sheets are printed off2 but if not1 we should then stop till we have more4 ,evening4 ,there came in still further five pounds2 also1 ten shillings and three shillings4 ,jan4 #aa4 ,monday4 ,during the last week the ,lord not only supplied us richly with all we needed for the orphans1 but enabled us to put by several pounds towards printing the ,report4 ,on ,saturday evening there was only three shillings sixpence left4 ,on this account ,i was looking out for answers to my prayers for means1 and the ,lord did not disappoint me4 ,there came in altogether yesterday nine pounds sixteen shillings fourpence4 ,we have now enough even for the last part of the ,report4 ,jan4 #ab4 ,to-day ,i have received a letter from a brother1 in which he empowers me to draw upon his bankers1 during this year1 to the amount of one thousand pounds1 for any brethren who have it in their hearts to give themselves to missionary service in the ,east ,indies1 and whom ,i shall consider called for this service1 as far as ,i am able to judge4 ,this power lasted only for that year2 but no brethren who seemed to be suitable offered themselves for this service4 ,this is another fresh proof how much more easily pecuniary means can be obtained than suitable individuals4 ,indeed1 in all my experience ,i have found it thus1 that if ,i could only settle that a certain thing to be done was according to the will of ,god1 the means were soon obtained to carry it into effect4 ,jan4 #ac4 ,this evening ,i was called to the house of a brother and sister who are in the deepest distress4 ,the brother had become surety for the debts of his son1 not in the least expecting that he ever should be called upon for the payment of them2 but1 as his son has not discharged his debts1 the father has been called upon to do so2 and except the money is paid within a few days1 he will be imprisoned4 ,how precious it is1 even for this life1 to act according to the word of ,god6 ,this perfect revelation of his mind gives us directions for everything1 even the most minute affairs of this life4 ,it commands us1 ,be not thou one of them that strike hands1 or of them that are sureties for debts4 ,prov4 xxii4 #bf4 ,the way in which ,satan ensnares persons1 to bring them into the net1 and to bring trouble upon them by becoming sureties1 is1 that he seeks to represent the matter as if there were no danger connected with that particular case1 and that one might be sure one should never be called upon to pay the money2 but the ,lord1 the faithful ,friend1 tells us in his own word that the only way to be sure in such a matter is to hate suretyship4 ,prov4 xi4 #ae4 ,the following points seem to me of solemn moment for consideration1 if ,i were called upon to become surety for another3 #a4 ,what obliges the person who wishes me to become surety for him to need a surety8 ,is it really a good cause in which ,i am called upon to become surety8 ,i do not remember ever to have met with a case in which in a plain1 and godly1 and in all respects scriptural matter such a thing occurred4 ,there was generally some sin or other connected with it4 #b4 ,if ,i become surety1 notwithstanding what the ,lord has said to me in his word1 am ,i in such a position that no one will be injured by my being called upon to fulfil the engagements of the person for whom ,i am going to be surety8 ,in most instances this alone ought to keep one from it4 #c4 ,if still ,i become surety1 the amount of money for which ,i become responsible must be so in my power that ,i am able to produce it whenever it is called for1 in order that the name of the ,lord may not be dishonored4 #d4 ,but if there be the possibility of having to fulfil the engagements of the person in whose stead ,i have to stand1 is it the will of the ,lord that ,i should spend my means in that way8 ,is it not rather his will that my means should be spent in another way8 #e4 ,how can ,i get over the plain word of the ,lord1 which is to the contrary1 even if the first four points could be satisfactorily settled8 ,march #d4 ,from ,february #bb up to this day our necessities in the day schools were supplied by thirteen small donations1 and by a donation of eight pounds from ,q4 ,q4 ,to-day ,i received fifteen pounds4 ,when this arrived there was not one penny in hand for the day schools1 whilst two days after about seven pounds was needed4 ,this money came from a considerable distance1 and from a brother who never had assisted in this work before1 whereby the ,lord afresh shows how easily he can raise up new helpers4 ,for the encouragement of believers1 who are tried by having unconverted relatives and friends1 ,i will relate the following circumstance1 the truth of which ,i know4 ,baron ,von ,k41 who resided in my own country1 the kingdom of ,prussia1 had been for many years a disciple of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,even about the commencement of this century1 when there was almost universal darkness or even open infidelity spread over the whole continent of ,europe1 he knew the ,lord ,jesus2 and when1 about the year #ahjf1 there was the greatest distress in ,silesia among many thousands of weavers1 this blessed man of ,god took the following gracious step for his ,lord and ,master4 ,as the weavers had no employment1 the whole continent almost being in an unsettled state on account of ,napoleon's career1 it seemed to him the will of the ,lord that he should use his very considerable property to furnish these poor weavers with work1 in order to save them from the greatest state of destitution1 though in doing this there was not only no prospect of gain1 but the certain prospect of immense loss4 ,he therefore found employment for about six thousand weavers4 ,but he was not content with this4 ,whilst he gave the bread which perishes1 he also sought to minister to the souls of these weavers4 ,to that end he sought to set believers as overseers over this immense weaving concern1 and not only saw to it that the weavers were instructed in spiritual things1 but he himself also set the truth before them4 ,thus it went on for a good while1 till at last1 on account of the loss of the chief part of his property1 he was obliged to think about giving it up4 ,but by this time this precious act of mercy had so commended itself to the government that it was taken up by them and carried on till the times altered4 ,baron von ,k4 was1 however1 appointed director of the whole concern as long as it existed4 ,this dear man of ,god was not content with this4 ,he travelled through many countries to visit the prisons1 for the sake of improving the temporal and spiritual condition of the prisoners1 and among all the other things which he sought to do for the ,lord was this also in particular3 ,he assisted poor students whilst at the university of ,berlin1 especially those who studied divinity1 as it is called1 in order to get access to them1 and to win them for the ,lord4 ,one day a most talented young man1 whose father lived at ,breslau1 where there is likewise a university1 heard of the aged baron's kindness to students1 and he therefore wrote to him1 requesting him to assist him1 as his own father could not well afford to support him any longer1 having other children to provide for4 ,a short time afterwards young ,t4 received a most kind reply from the baron1 inviting him to come to ,berlin2 but1 before this letter arrived1 the young student had heard that ,baron von ,k4 was a pietist or mystic1 as true believers are contemptuously called in ,germany2 and as young ,t4 was of a highly philosophical turn of mind1 reasoning about everything1 questioning the truth of revelation1 yea1 questioning1 most sceptically1 the existence of ,god1 he much disliked the prospect of going to the old baron4 ,still1 he thought he could but try1 and if he did not like it1 he was not bound to remain in connection with him4 ,he arrived in ,berlin on a day when there was a great review of the troops1 and1 being full of this1 he began to speak about it to the steward of the baron4 ,the steward1 however1 being a believer1 turned the conversation1 before the young student was aware of it1 to spiritual things2 and yet he could not say that it had been forced4 ,he began another subject1 and a third1 but still it always came presently again to spiritual things4 ,at last the baron came1 who received young ,t4 in the most affectionate and familiar manner1 as if he had been his equal1 and as if young ,t4 bestowed a favor on him1 rather than that he was favored by the baron4 ,the baron offered him a room in his own house1 and a place at his own table1 while he should be studying in ,berlin1 which young ,t4 accepted4 ,he now sought in every way to treat the young student in the most kind and affectionate way1 and as much as possible to serve him1 and to show him the power of the gospel in his own life1 without arguing with him1 yea1 without speaking to him directly about his soul4 ,for1 discovering in young ,t4 a most reasoning and sceptical mind1 he avoided in every possible way getting into any argument with him1 while the young student again and again said to himself1 ,i wish ,i could get into an argument with this old fool2 ,i would show him his folly4 ,but the baron avoided it4 ,when the young student used to come home in the evening1 and the baron heard him come1 he would himself go to meet him on entering the house1 would light his candle1 would assist and serve him1 in any way he could1 even to the fetching the bootjack for him1 and helping him to take off his boots4 ,thus this lowly aged disciple went on for some time1 whilst the young student still sought an opportunity for arguing with him1 but wondered nevertheless how the baron could thus serve him4 ,one evening1 on the return of young ,t4 to the baron's house1 when the baron was making himself his servant as usual1 he could refrain himself no longer1 but burst out thus3 ,baron1 how can you do all this8 ,you see ,i do not care about you1 and how are you able to continue to be so kind to me1 and thus to serve me8 ,the baron replied1 ,my dear young friend1 ,i have learned it from the ,lord ,jesus4 ,i wish you would read through the ,gospel of ,john4 ,good night4 ,the student now for the first time in his life sat down and read the word of ,god in a disposition of mind to be willing to learn1 whilst up to that time he had never read the ,holy ,scriptures but with the view of wishing to find out arguments against them4 ,it pleased ,god to bless him4 ,from that time he became himself a follower of the ,lord ,jesus1 and has been so ever since4 ,may #g4 ,it has recently pleased the ,lord to teach me a truth1 irrespective of human instrumentality1 as far as ,i know1 the benefit of which ,i have not lost1 though now1 while preparing the fifth edition for the press1 more than fourteen years have since passed away4 ,the point is this3 ,i saw more clearly than ever that the first great and primary business to which ,i ought to attend every day was1 to have my soul happy in the ,lord4 ,the first thing to be concerned about was not how much ,i might serve the ,lord1 how ,i might glorify the ,lord2 but how ,i might get my soul into a happy state1 and how my inner man might be nourished4 ,for ,i might seek to set the truth before the unconverted1 ,i might seek to benefit believers1 ,i might seek to relieve the distressed1 ,i might in other ways seek to behave myself as it becomes a child of ,god in this world2 and yet1 not being happy in the ,lord1 and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day1 all this might not be attended to in a right spirit4 ,before this time my practice had been1 at least for ten years previously1 as an habitual thing to give myself to prayer1 after having dressed myself in the morning4 ,now1 ,i saw that the most important thing ,i had to do was to give myself to the reading of the word of ,god1 and to meditation on it1 that thus my heart might be comforted1 encouraged1 warned1 reproved1 instructed2 and that thus1 by means of the word of ,god1 whilst meditating on it1 my heart might be brought into experimental communion with the ,lord4 ,i began therefore to meditate on the ,new ,testament from the beginning1 early in the morning4 ,the first thing ,i did1 after having asked in a few words the ,lord's blessing upon his precious word1 was1 to begin to meditate on the word of ,god1 searching as it were into every verse1 to get blessing out of it2 not for the sake of the public ministry of the word1 not for the sake of preaching on what ,i had meditated upon1 but for the sake of obtaining food for my own soul4 ,the result ,i have found to be almost invariably this1 that after a very few minutes my soul has been led to confession1 or to thanksgiving1 or to intercession1 or to supplication2 so that1 though ,i did not1 as it were1 give myself to prayer1 but to meditation1 yet it turned almost immediately more or less into prayer4 ,when thus ,i have been for a while making confession1 or intercession1 or supplication1 or have given thanks1 ,i go on to the next words or verse1 turning all1 as ,i go on1 into prayer for myself or others1 as the word may lead to it1 but still continually keeping before me that food for my own soul is the object of my meditation4 ,the result of this is1 that there is always a good deal of confession1 thanksgiving1 supplication1 or intercession mingled with my meditation1 and that my inner man almost invariably is even sensibly nourished and strengthened1 and that by breakfast time1 with rare exceptions1 ,i am in a peaceful if not happy state of heart4 ,thus also the ,lord is pleased to communicate unto me that which1 either very soon after or at a later time1 ,i have found to become food for other believers1 though it was not for the sake of the public ministry of the word that ,i gave myself to meditation1 but for the profit of my own inner man4 ,with this mode ,i have likewise combined the being out in the open air for an hour1 an hour and a half1 or two hours1 before breakfast1 walking about in the fields1 and in the summer sitting for a little on the stiles1 if ,i find it too much to walk all the time4 ,i find it very beneficial to my health to walk thus for meditation before breakfast1 and am now so in the habit of using the time for that purpose1 that when ,i get into the open air ,i generally take out a ,new ,testament of good-sized type1 which ,i carry with me for that purpose1 besides my ,bible2 and ,i find that ,i can profitably spend my time in the open air1 which formerly was not the case1 for want of habit4 ,i used to consider the time spent in walking a loss1 but now ,i find it very profitable1 not only to my body1 but also to my soul4 ,the walking out before breakfast is of course not necessarily connected with this matter1 and every one has to judge according to his strength and other circumstances4 ,the difference1 then1 between my former practice and my present one is this3 ,formerly1 when ,i rose1 ,i began to pray as soon as possible1 and generally spent all my time till breakfast in prayer1 or almost all the time4 ,at all events ,i almost invariably began with prayer1 except when ,i felt my soul to be more than usually barren1 in which case ,i read the word of ,god for food1 or for refreshment1 or for a revival and renewal of my inner man1 before ,i gave myself to prayer4 ,but what was the result8 ,i often spent a quarter of an hour1 or half an hour1 or even an hour1 on my knees1 before being conscious to myself of having derived comfort1 encouragement1 humbling of soul1 etc42 and often1 after having suffered much from wandering of mind for the first ten minutes1 or a quarter of an hour1 or even half an hour1 ,i only then began really to pray4 ,i scarcely ever suffer now in this way4 ,for my heart being nourished by the truth1 being brought into experimental fellowship with ,god1 ,i speak to my ,father and to my ,friend 7vile though ,i am1 and unworthy of it7 about the things that he has brought before me in his precious word4 ,it often now astonishes me that ,i did not sooner see this point4 ,in no book did ,i ever read about it4 ,no public ministry ever brought the matter before me4 ,no private intercourse with a brother stirred me up to this matter4 ,and yet now1 since ,god has taught me this point1 it is as plain to me as anything1 that the first thing the child of ,god has to do morning by morning is1 to obtain food for his inner man4 ,as the outward man is not fit for work for any length of time except we take food1 and as this is one of the first things we do in the morning1 so it should be with the inner man4 ,we should take food for that1 as every one must allow4 ,now what is the food for the inner man8 ,not prayer1 but the word of ,god2 and here again1 not the simple reading of the word of ,god1 so that it only passes through our minds1 just as water runs through a pipe1 but considering what we read1 pondering over it1 and applying it to our hearts4 ,when we pray1 we speak to ,god4 ,now1 prayer1 in order to be continued for any length of time in any other than a formal manner1 requires1 generally speaking1 a measure of strength or godly desire1 and the season1 therefore1 when this exercise of the soul can be most effectually performed is after the inner man has been nourished by meditation on the word of ,god1 where we find our ,father speaking to us1 to encourage us1 to comfort us1 to instruct us1 to humble us1 to reprove us4 ,we may therefore profitably meditate1 with ,god's blessing1 though we are ever so weak spiritually2 nay1 the weaker we are1 the more we need meditation for the strengthening of our inner man4 ,there is thus far less to be feared from wandering of mind than if we give ourselves to prayer without having had previously time for meditation4 ,i dwell so particularly on this point because of the immense spiritual profit and refreshment ,i am conscious of having derived from it myself1 and ,i affectionately and solemnly beseech all my fellow-believers to ponder this matter4 ,by the blessing of ,god ,i ascribe to this mode the help and strength which ,i have had from ,god to pass in peace through deeper trials1 in various ways1 than ,i had ever had before2 and after having now above fourteen years tried this way1 ,i can most fully1 in the fear of ,god1 commend it4 ,in addition to this ,i generally read1 after family prayer1 larger portions of the word of ,god1 when ,i still pursue my practice of reading regularly onward in the ,holy ,scriptures1 sometimes in the ,new ,testament and sometimes in the ,old1 and for more than twenty-six years ,i have proved the blessedness of it4 ,i take1 also1 either then or at other parts of the day1 time more especially for prayer4 ,how different1 when the soul is refreshed and made happy early in the morning1 from what it is when1 without spiritual preparation1 the service1 the trials1 and the temptations of the day come upon one6 ,oct4 #a4 ,when ,i had again not one penny in hand for the necessities of this day1 there was brought to me this morning ten shillings for the orphans1 which had been sent from ,kensington4 ,in the paper which contained the money1 was written3 ,your ,heavenly ,father knoweth that ye have need of these things4 ,trust in the ,lord4 ,this word of our ,lord is to me of more value than many bank notes4 ,about five minutes later ,i received from an ,irish sister ten pounds1 through her banker in ,london4 ,i mention here1 as a point particularly to be noticed1 that after the season of comparative abundance had come to an end in ,september1 the ,lord did not at once allow us to be so sharply tried as we were afterwards4 ,he dealt in the same gentle way with us three years before1 when the trials of faith in this part of the work first commenced4 ,nov4 #b4 ,at a time of the greatest poverty one pound was sent by a lady from ,birmingham4 ,about half an hour afterwards ,i received ten pounds from a brother who had saved up one hundred and fifty pounds1 and put it into a savings bank1 but who now sees that to devote this money to the promotion of the work of ,god tends more to the glory of the name of ,jesus than to retain it in the savings bank upon interest for a time of sickness or old age2 for he is assured that should such times come1 the same ,lord1 who has hitherto cared for him whilst in health and strength and able to work1 will also care for him then4 ,the same brother gave me three pounds a fortnight since4 ,this ten pounds came in very seasonably2 for1 though we had been able to provide for the absolute necessities of to-day1 yet there was want in many respects1 especially as a boy is just going out as an apprentice1 who needs tools and an outfit4 ,nov4 #ac4 ,saturday4 ,this morning ,i took one shilling out of the box in my house4 ,this shilling was all there was towards the need of to-day4 ,pause1 dear reader1 for a few moments6 ,consider that there are more than a hundred persons to be provided with everything they require2 consider that there is no money in hand2 and consider also that this is the case not once nor twice in the course of the year1 but very frequently4 ,is it not precious1 under such circumstances1 to have the living ,god as a father to go to1 who is ever able and ever willing to help1 as it may be really needed8 ,and to this privilege every one has a title who believes in the ,lord ,jesus1 being as such a child of ,god4 ,galatians iii4 #bf4 ,for though all believers in the ,lord ,jesus are not called upon to establish orphan houses1 schools for poor children1 etc41 and trust in ,god for means2 yet all believers1 according to the will of ,god concerning them in ,christ ,jesus1 may cast1 and ought to cast1 all their care upon him who careth for them1 and need not be anxiously concerned about anything1 as is plainly to be seen from #a ,peter v4 #g1 ,philippians iv4 #f1 ,matthew vi4 #be-cd4 ,under these circumstances of need1 a silver watch1 which only yesterday afternoon had become the property of the orphan fund1 was disposed of1 whereby we were helped through the expenses of to-day4 ,the coals are almost gone in each of the houses4 ,every article of provision1 etc41 is likewise much reduced4 ,truly1 we are exceedingly poor2 nevertheless there are the necessary provisions till ,monday morning1 and thus we are brought to the close of another week4 ,this afternoon all the laborers met for prayer4 ,nov4 #ad4 ,when we met again this afternoon for prayer1 we had reason to praise1 for the ,lord had sent in means4 ,this morning was given to me five pounds1 and six shillings had come in by sale of articles4 ,nov4 #ae4 ,last ,friday brother ,craik and ,i had a meeting for inquirers and candidates for fellowship4 ,we saw eight1 and had to send away ten whom we could not see1 our strength being quite gone after we had seen the eight1 one after another4 ,this evening we saw seven1 and had to send away three4 ,nov4 #af4 ,the last four days we have daily met for prayer1 there being no means to pay the teachers in the day schools4 ,besides this1 we need a stove in one of the school-rooms2 also some ,bibles and tracts4 ,to-day ,i received two pounds from a brother at ,exmouth4 ,dec4 #i4 ,we are now brought to the close of the sixth year of this part of the work1 having only in hand the money which has been put by for the rent2 but during the whole of this year we have been supplied with all that was needed4 ,during the last three years we had closed the accounts on this day1 and had1 a few days after1 some public meetings1 at which1 for the benefit of the hearers1 we stated how the ,lord had dealt with us during the year1 and the substance of what had been stated at those meetings was afterwards printed for the benefit of the church at large4 ,this time1 however1 it appeared to us better to delay for a while both the public meetings and the publishing of the ,report4 ,through grace we had learned to lean upon the ,lord only1 being assured that if we never were to speak or write one single word more about this work1 yet should we be supplied with means1 as long as he should enable us to depend on himself alone4 ,but whilst we neither had had those public meetings for the purpose of exposing our necessity1 nor had had the account of the ,lord's dealings with us published for the sake of working thereby upon the feelings of the readers1 and thus inducing them to give money1 but only that we might by our experience benefit other saints2 yet it might have appeared to some that in making known our circumstances we were actuated by some such motives4 ,what better proof1 therefore1 could we give of our depending upon the living ,god alone1 and not upon public meetings or printed reports1 than that1 in the midst of our deep poverty1 instead of being glad for the time to have come when we could make known our circumstances1 we still went on quietly for some time longer1 without saying anything4 ,we therefore determined1 as we sought and still seek in this work to act for the profit of the saints generally1 to delay both the public meetings and the ,reports for a few months4 ,naturally we should have been1 of course1 as glad as any one to have exposed our poverty at that time2 but spiritually we were enabled to delight even then in the prospect of the increased benefit that might be derived by the church at large from our acting as we did4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,walking ,,in ,,darkness4 #ahda-ahdb4 ,,god',s ,,way ,,leads ,,into ,,trial--,,grounds ,,of ,,thankfulness--,,protracted ,,darkness--,,cast ,,down1 ,,but ,,not ,,destroyed--,,trust ,,in ,,god ,,commended--,,the ,,means ,,of ,,its ,,attainment--,,review ,,of ,,the ,,work4 ,december #ae1 #ahda4 ,from ,nov4 #ab to this day my fellow-laborers in the church and ,i have seen thirty inquirers and candidates for fellowship1 and some of them we have seen repeatedly4 ,how can we sufficiently praise the ,lord for still continuing to use us in his service8 ,dec4 #ah4 ,saturday morning4 ,there is now the greatest need1 and only fourpence in hand1 which ,i found in the box at my house2 yet ,i fully believe the ,lord will supply us this day also with all that is required4--,pause a few moments1 dear reader4 ,observe two things4 ,we acted for ,god in delaying the public meetings and the publishing of the ,report2 but ,god's way leads always into trial1 so far as sight and sense are concerned4 ,nature always will be tried in ,god's ways4 ,the ,lord was saying by this poverty1 ,i will now see whether you truly lean upon me1 and whether you truly look to me4 ,of all the seasons that ,i had ever passed through since ,i had been living in this way1 up to that time1 ,i never knew any period in which my faith was tried so sharply as during the four months from ,december #ab1 #ahda1 to ,april #ab1 #ahdb4 ,but observe further3 ,we might even now have altered our minds with respect to the public meetings and publishing the ,report2 for no one knew our determination1 at this time1 concerning this point4 ,nay1 on the contrary1 we knew with what delight very many children of ,god were looking forward to receive further accounts4 ,but the ,lord kept us steadfast to the conclusion at which we arrived under his guidance4--,now to return to ,saturday1 ,dec4 #ah4 ,evening4 ,the ,lord has been very kind to us this day4 ,in the course of the morning six shillings came in4 ,we had thus1 with what provisions there were in hand1 all that was needed for the dinner1 but no means to provide for the next meal in the afternoon4 ,a few minutes after the laborers had met together for prayer this morning1 there was given to one of them a sovereign for himself4 ,by means of this all that was needed for tea could be procured4 ,when we again met in the evening for prayer1 we found that the supplies amounted to two pounds eight shillings twopence1 enough for all that was required to-day4 ,but one thing more is to be noticed respecting this day4 ,i was informed that three more of the orphans have been recently brought to the knowledge of the truth4 ,we have now been meeting daily for prayer during the last five weeks1 and thus the ,lord has not merely heard our prayers respecting the funds1 but has also blessed these children4 ,dec4 #bc4 ,this is now the sixth week that the laborers in the day schools and ,orphan ,houses have daily met for prayer4 ,several precious answers we have already received since we began to meet1 as it regards pecuniary supplies1 fresh instances of conversion among the children1 etc4 ,one of our petitions has been that the ,lord would be pleased to furnish us with means for a stove at ,callowhill ,street schoolroom4 ,but1 though we had often mentioned this matter before the ,lord1 he seemed not to regard our request4 ,yesterday afternoon1 while walking in my little garden1 and meditating and praying1 ,i had an unusual assurance that the time was now come when the ,lord would answer our request1 which arose partly from my being able to believe that he would send the means1 and partly from the fact that the answer could no longer be delayed without prayer having failed in this matter1 as we could not assemble the children again1 after the ,christmas vacation1 without there being a stove put up4 ,and now1 dear reader1 observe3 ,this morning ,i received from ,a4 ,b4 twenty pounds1 and we have thus much more than is required for a stove4 ,,review ,,of ,,the ,,year #ahda4 #a4 ,in reading over my journal1 ,i find that the ,lord has given me1 during this year1 many precious answers to prayer1 in addition to those which have been recorded in the previous part of the ,narrative4 ,i mention the following for the encouragement of the reader3 #a4 ,one of the orphan boys needed to be apprenticed4 ,i knew of no suitable believing master who would take an in-door apprentice4 ,i gave myself to prayer1 and brought the matter daily before the ,lord4 ,i marked it down among the subjects for which ,i would daily ask the ,lord2 and at last1 though from ,may #ba to ,september ,i had to pray about the matter1 the ,lord granted my request2 for in ,september ,i found a suitable place for him4 #b4 ,on ,may #bc ,i began to ask the ,lord that he would be pleased to deliver a certain sister in the ,lord from the great spiritual depression under which she was suffering1 and after three days the ,lord granted me my request4 #c4 ,on ,june #ae ,i began to ask the ,lord to deliver a brother at a distance from the great spiritual nervousness in which he found himself shut up1 which not only distressed him exceedingly1 and in a great measure hindered him in his service towards the world and the church1 but which in consequence was also a trial to the saints who knew and valued this dear brother4 ,this petition ,i brought many times before the ,lord4 ,the year passed away1 and it was not granted4 ,but yet at last this request also has been granted to me and to the many dear saints who ,i know prayed for this dear brother2 for though he was for some years in this state1 it is now in #ahde two years and more since he has been quite restored4 #d4 ,on ,june #ae ,i also began to ask the ,lord daily in his mercy to keep a sister in the ,lord from insanity1 who was then apparently on the very border of it2 and ,i have now in #ahde to record to his praise1 after nearly four years have passed away1 that the ,lord has kept her from it4 #e4 ,during this year ,i was informed about the conversion of one of the very greatest sinners that ,i had ever heard of in all my service for the ,lord4 ,repeatedly ,i fell on my knees with his wife1 and asked the ,lord for his conversion1 when she came to me in the deepest distress of soul1 on account of her most barbarous and cruel treatment that she received from him in his bitter enmity against her for the ,lord's sake1 and because he could not provoke her to be in a passion1 and she would not strike him again1 and the like4 ,at the time when it was at its worst ,i pleaded especially on his behalf the promise in ,matthew xviii4 #ai3 ,again ,i say unto you1 that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask1 it shall be done for them of my ,father which is in heaven4 ,and now this awful persecutor is converted4 #f4 ,on ,may #be ,i began to ask the ,lord for greater real spiritual prosperity among the saints among whom ,i labor in ,bristol than there ever yet had been among them2 and now ,i have to record to the praise of the ,lord that truly he has answered this request2 for1 considering all things1 at no period has there been more manifestation of grace1 and truth1 and spiritual power among us1 than there is now while ,i am writing this for the press #ahde4 #b4 ,the state of the church with reference to numbers4 ,there are #egb at present in communion1 #hh having been added during the past year1 of whom #cj have been brought to the knowledge of the ,lord among us4 #c4 ,the ,lord's goodness as to my temporal supplies during this year4 ,he has been pleased to give me by freewill offerings of the saints1 ,l#bch1 #aas4 #ac_/d;d4 ,january #c1 #ahdb4 ,this evening we had a precious public prayer meeting4 ,when the usual time for closing the meeting came1 it appeared to me that there was a desire to continue to wait upon the ,lord4 ,i therefore proposed to the brethren that those who had bodily strength1 time1 and a desire for waiting still longer upon the ,lord1 would do so4 ,at least thirty remained1 and we continued till after ten in prayer1 whilst several brethren prayed4 ,i never knew prayer more really in the ,spirit4 ,i experienced for myself unusual nearness to the ,lord1 and was enabled to ask in faith1 nothing doubting4 ,jan4 #d4 ,as we have often found it to be the case1 so it is now4 ,after a season of more than usual poverty1 comes a time of more than usual abundance4 ,to-day the same brother who has been spoken of under ,november #b1 and who has drawn his money out of the savings bank to spend it for the ,lord1 sent twenty pounds more of it4 ,there came in also from ,guernsey one pound1 and one pound seven shillings besides4 ,i am now able to order oatmeal from ,scotland1 buy materials for the boys' clothes1 order shoes1 etc4 ,thus the ,lord has been pleased to answer all our requests with respect to the pecuniary necessities of the orphans1 which we have brought before him in our prayer meetings during the last seven weeks4 ,we have thus had of late an abundance1 but the expenses have been great also2 for within the last twenty-five days ,i have paid out above one hundred pounds4 ,feb4 #e4 ,saturday4 ,as only ten pounds ten shillings sixpence had been received since ,january #bi1 i4 e4 only so much as day by day was needed to provide necessaries for the orphans1 there is again the greatest need4 ,it is now twelve o'clock1 and there are no means as yet to meet the expenses of to-day4 ,the words in the prayer of ,jehoshaphat1 ,neither know we what to do1 but our eyes are upon thee1 are at this moment the language of my heart4 ,i likewise know not what to do1 but my eyes are upon the ,lord1 and ,i am sure that he will help this day also4--,evening4 ,in the course of the morning came in1 by sale of articles1 twelve shillings4 ,we were able likewise to dispose of one of the articles which were sent last evening for five shillings4 ,this afternoon one of the laborers gave me ten shillings1 and three shillings came in for needlework4 ,by means of this one pound ten shillings we were able to supply all that was needed4 ,feb4 #h4 ,by what came in yesterday and the day before1 the need of yesterday was supplied1 and there is enough in all the houses for the meals of to-day2 but in none of the houses have we been able to take in any bread2 and as yesterday also but little could be taken in1 there will not remain any for to-morrow2 nor is there money enough to take in milk to-morrow morning4 ,there are likewise coals needed in two houses4 ,indeed1 so far as ,i know1 these three years and seven months1 since first the funds were exhausted1 we were never in greater poverty2 and if the ,lord were not to send means before nine o'clock to-morrow morning1 his name would be dishonored4 ,but ,i am fully assured that he will not leave us4--,evening4 ,the ,lord has not yet been pleased to send us what is needed for to-morrow1 but he has given us a fresh proof that he is mindful of us4 ,between four and five o'clock this afternoon were sent nine plum cakes1 which a sister had ordered to be baked as a treat for the orphans4 ,these cakes were an encouragement to me to continue to look out for further supplies4 ,there was also found in the boxes at the ,orphan ,houses two shillings and a penny halfpenny1 and one shilling fourpence came in for stockings4 ,these little donations are most precious1 but they are not enough to meet the need of to-morrow2 yea1 before nine o'clock to-morrow morning we need more money to be able to take in the milk4 ,truly1 we are poorer than ever2 but through grace my eyes look not at the empty stores and the empty purse1 but to the riches of the ,lord only4 ,feb4 #i4 ,this morning ,i went between seven and eight o'clock to the ,orphan ,houses1 to see whether the ,lord had sent in anything4 ,when ,i arrived there1 he had just two or three minutes before sent help4 ,a brother1 in going to his house of business this morning1 had gone already about half a mile1 when the ,lord was pleased to lay the orphans upon his heart4 ,he said1 however1 to himself1 ,i cannot well return now1 but will take something this evening2 and thus he walked on4 ,nevertheless1 he could not go on any further1 but felt himself constrained to go back1 and to take to brother ,r4 ,b41 at the ,boys' ,orphan ,house1 three sovereigns4 ,the donor himself stated this to me afterwards4 ,thus the ,lord in his faithfulness helped us4 ,help was never more truly needed1 for our poverty was never greater2 nor did the help of the ,lord ever come more manifestly from himself2 for the brother was gone on a good distance1 it was between seven and eight o'clock in the morning1 and it was so short a time before money would have been needed4 ,consider this1 beloved reader1 and with us praise the ,lord for his goodness4 ,praise him particularly that he enabled us to trust in him in this trying hour4 ,there came in besides1 to-day1 seven shillings sixpence4 ,feb4 #ab4 ,saturday4 ,never since the funds were for the first time exhausted had there come in less during any week than during this4 ,we were only able to supply the absolute necessities2 but this we were enabled to do4 ,when the meal-times came1 the ,lord always provided what was needful1 and1 considering the great distress there is now almost everywhere1 our dear orphans are very well provided for4 ,now this day began not only without there being anything in hand1 but our stores were greatly reduced1 and we had to procure provisions for two days4 ,one of the laborers gave five shillings in the morning1 to provide the means to take in the milk4 ,i collected together some pamphlets1 which had been given for sale1 to dispose of them1 and they were sold about eleven o'clock for four shillings4 ,there came in also by sale of stockings three shillings1 and twelve shillings was paid on behalf of one of the orphans4 ,thus we were provided with means to procure a dinner1 and had a little towards purchasing bread1 but by no means enough4 ,all the laborers were together in prayer from half-past eleven till one1 and we separated comfortably1 with the purpose of meeting again in the evening4 ,when ,i came home there was given to me an old broken silver pencil-case1 which1 though worth very little1 ,i took as a fresh proof that our ,father was mindful of our need4 ,when we met again this evening1 we found that three shillings sixpence had come in by sale of stockings1 and sixpence for two ,reports4 ,as all this was not enough1 a few old and needless articles were disposed of for four shillings1 also the broken pencil-case for sixpence4 ,i say needless articles1 for other articles it did not seem right to us to dispose of1 in order that the ,lord's own deliverance might be manifest4 ,a laborer was also still further able to give seven shillings of his own4 ,to one of the laborers two shillings had been owed by a certain individual for more than a twelvemonth1 which being paid just now1 and given by him for the orphans1 came in most seasonably4 ,thus we had one pound eighteen shillings sixpence1 as much as was needful to procure provisions till after breakfast on ,monday morning4 ,however1 the ,lord helped still further4 ,between eight and nine this evening1 after we had been together for prayer1 and had now separated1 some money was given to one of the laborers for himself1 by which means he was able to give nine shillings1 so that altogether two pounds seven shillings sixpence had come in this day4 ,this has been1 of all the weeks1 during the last three years and seven months1 one of the most trying1 so far as it regards the trial of faith4 ,thanks to the ,lord who has helped us this day also6 ,thanks to him for enabling us already this morning1 when we met for prayer1 to praise him for the deliverance which we were sure he would work4 ,feb4 #af4 ,this morning there was now again only sufficient money in hand to take in milk at two of the houses2 but as a laborer was able to give six shillings sixpence1 we had sufficient for the milk1 and had also enough1 with the provisions that were in the houses1 to provide for the dinner4 ,nothing more came in in the course of the morning1 nor was ,i able to make inquiries how matters stood4 ,in the afternoon1 between three and four o'clock1 having once more besought the ,lord to send us help1 ,i sat peacefully down to give myself to meditation over the word1 considering that that was now my service1 though ,i knew not whether there was a morsel of bread for tea in any one of the houses1 but being assured that the ,lord would provide4 ,for1 through grace1 my mind is so fully assured of the faithfulness of the ,lord1 that1 in the midst of the greatest need1 ,i am enabled in peace to go about my other work4 ,indeed1 did not the ,lord give me this1 which is the result of trusting in him1 ,i should scarcely be able to work at all2 for it is now comparatively a rare thing that a day comes when ,i am not in need for one or the other part of the work4 ,scarcely had ,i sat down to meditate1 when a note was sent to me from the ,orphan ,houses1 in which brother ,r4 ,b41 master of the orphan boys1 had written thus3 ,on visiting the sisters in the ,infant and ,girls' ,orphan ,houses1 ,i found them in the greatest need4 ,there was not bread in one of the houses for tea this evening1 and the six shillings sixpence was scarcely enough to supply what was needed for the dinner4 ,i therefore opened the box in the ,boys' ,orphan ,house1 and most unexpectedly found one pound it4 ,thus1 through the kindness of the ,lord1 we were again abundantly supplied as it regards present necessities4 ,in the evening the ,lord1 in his love and faithfulness1 stretched out his hand still further4 ,i had expounded at the meeting a part of ,john xi4 ,the last words on which ,i spoke were1 ,said ,i not unto thee that if thou wouldest believe thou shouldest see the glory of ,god8 ,when the meeting was over1 as a fresh proof of the truth of this word1 a note was given to me in which a sick sister sent me five pounds for the orphans4 ,feb4 #ai4 ,saturday4 ,our means were now again completely spent4 ,our provision stores were1 perhaps1 even more exhausted than on any previous ,saturday4 ,there was not the least human likelihood of obtaining means for sufficient provisions for this one day1 and much less for two days4 ,when ,i went before breakfast to the ,orphan ,houses1 ,i found a letter from ,nottingham1 containing one shilling1 which had arrived last evening4 ,this was not only a sweet proof that our ,father remembered our need1 but it was also like an earnest that he would supply us this day also with all we required4 ,in the course of the morning came in by sale of stockings four shillings elevenpence4 ,in the box at my house ,i found one shilling4 ,one of the laborers gave four shillings tenpence4 ,thus we were provided with those things which were absolutely needed for this day4 ,we met between eleven and twelve o'clock for prayer4 ,when we met again in the evening1 a second letter had arrived from ,nottingham1 with another shilling4 ,this was a further sweet proof of our ,father's loving remembrance of our need2 but with all this we were still without any means to provide bread for to-morrow1 the ,lord's day4 ,at eight o'clock ,i separated from my fellow-laborers1 as ,i expected brother ,r4 ,c4 to arrive a little after eight at my house4 ,i therefore requested one of the brethren to go with me1 in order to take back to the ,orphan ,houses what the ,lord might send in by post or in any other way4 ,it was now half past eight in the evening1 and there was no bread yet in any one of the three houses for to-morrow4 ,a few moments after1 brother ,c4 arrived1 and he had not been more than about five minutes in my house when he gave me half a sovereign which he brought for the orphans4 ,i soon found an opportunity to leave the room for a little1 gave the ten shillings to the brother whom ,i had brought with me from the ,orphan ,houses1 and who was waiting in another room2 and thus between nine and ten o'clock sufficient bread could be bought4 ,observe6 ,for the trial of our faith the ,lord had allowed us to be kept waiting so long4 ,when1 however1 brother ,c4 had arrived1 having money for the orphans1 he could not delay giving it at once1 a matter most worthy of notice4 ,this has been a week full of trials of faith1 but also full of deliverances4 ,feb4 #ba4 ,since ,saturday evening came in one pound eight shillings elevenpence4 ,there was also sent from ,plymouth a piece of blond1 a piece of quilling net1 and eleven pairs of children's stockings1 for sale4 ,thus we were supplied with means for that which was requisite for the beginning of this day2 but1 as our stores had been so reduced at the end of last week1 there was not enough for tea this afternoon4 ,four o'clock had now come1 one hour before the usual tea-time1 when a brother from ,somersetshire came to see the ,orphan ,houses1 and put a sovereign into each of the boxes4 ,our great need soon brought out the money1 and thus we were supplied4 ,observe6 ,the brother1 as he himself told me a few days after in the course of conversation1 had but little time1 and therefore rather hastily went over the houses4 ,had he stayed long and conversed much1 as might have been the case1 his donations would not have been in time for the tea4 ,there came in one shilling besides1 by needlework done by the children4 ,feb4 #be4 ,greater than now our need had never been4 ,our trials of faith have never been so sharp as during this week4 ,indeed1 so much so1 that most of the laborers felt to-day considerably tried4 ,yet neither this day has the ,lord suffered us to be confounded4 ,through a remarkable circumstance one of the laborers obtained some money this morning1 so that all the need of to-day could be amply met4 ,feb4 #bf4 ,my prayer this morning was in particular that the ,lord would be pleased now to look in pity upon us1 and take off his hand4 ,indeed1 for several days my prayer has been that he would enable us to continue to trust in him1 and not lay more upon us than he would enable us to bear4 ,this is now again ,saturday4 ,there having been given yesterday a rich supply to the matrons1 ,i knew that not so much as usual would be required this ,saturday2 still1 ,i thought that one pound ten shillings would be needed4 ,between ten and eleven o'clock this morning a parcel came from ,clapham1 containing two pounds two shillings1 with two frocks1 two petticoats1 two chemises1 two pinafores1 and six handkerchiefs1 all new4 ,thus we were richly supplied for to-day1 for only one pound ten shillings was needed4 ,march #b4 ,this evening were sent1 by order of an ,irish sister1 thirty-three and a half pounds of woollen yarn4 ,respecting this donation it is to be remarked that last ,saturday we had asked the ,lord1 in our prayer meeting1 that he would be pleased to send us means to purchase worsted1 in order that the boys might go on with their knitting4 ,march #i4 ,at a time of the greatest need1 both with regard to the day schools and the orphans1 so much so that we could not have gone on any longer without help1 ,i received this day ten pounds from a brother who lives near ,dublin4 ,the money was divided between the day schools and the ,orphan ,houses4 ,the following little circumstance is to be noticed respecting this donation4 ,as our need was so great1 and my soul was1 through grace1 truly waiting upon the ,lord1 ,i looked out for supplies in the course of this morning4 ,the post1 however1 was out1 and no supplies had come4 ,this did not in the least discourage me4 ,i said to myself1 the ,lord can send means without the post1 or even now1 though the post is out1 by this very delivery of letters he may have sent means1 though the money is not yet in my hands4 ,it was not long after ,i had thus spoken to myself when1 according to my hope in ,god1 we were helped2 for the brother who sent us the ten pounds1 had this time directed his letter to the ,boys' ,orphan ,house1 whence it was sent to me4 ,march #ag4 ,from the #abth to the #afth had come in four pounds five shillings elevenpence halfpenny for the orphans4 ,this morning our poverty1 which now has lasted more or less for several months1 had become exceedingly great4 ,i left my house a few minutes after seven to go to the ,orphan ,houses to see whether there was money enough to take in the milk1 which is brought about eight o'clock4 ,on my way it was especially my request that the ,lord would be pleased to pity us1 even as a father pitieth his children1 and that he would not lay more upon us than he would enable us to bear4 ,i especially entreated him that he would now be pleased to refresh our hearts by sending us help4 ,i likewise reminded him of the consequences that would result1 both in reference to believers and unbelievers1 if we should have to give up the work because of want of means1 and that he therefore would not permit its coming to nought4 ,i moreover again confessed before the ,lord that ,i deserved not that he should continue to use me in this work any longer4 ,while ,i was thus in prayer1 about two minutes' walk from the ,orphan ,houses1 ,i met a brother who was going at this early hour to his business4 ,after having exchanged a few words with him1 ,i went on2 but he presently ran after me1 and gave me one pound for the orphans4 ,thus the ,lord speedily answered my prayer4 ,truly1 it is worth being poor and greatly tried in faith for the sake of having day by day such precious proofs of the loving interest which our kind ,father takes in everything that concerns us4 ,and how should our ,father do otherwise8 ,he that has given us the greatest possible proof of his love which he could have done1 in giving us his own ,son1 surely he will with him also freely give us all things4 ,it is worth also being poor and greatly tried in faith1 if but thereby the hearts of the children of ,god may be comforted and their faith strengthened1 and if but those who do not know ,god1 and who may read or hear of his dealings with us1 should be led thereby to see that faith in ,god is more than a mere notion1 and that there is indeed reality in ,christianity4 ,in the course of this day there came in still further thirteen shillings4 ,march #ai4 ,saturday4 ,as it has often been the case on ,saturdays1 so it was this day in particular4 ,we began the day in very great poverty1 as only seven shillings had come in since the day before yesterday4 ,there was not one ray of light as to natural prospects4 ,the heart would be overwhelmed at such seasons1 were there not an abundance of repose to be found by trusting in ,god4 ,the trial having continued so long1 and our poverty having now come to such a degree that it was necessary we should have help in order that the name of the ,lord might not be dishonored1 ,i had proposed to my fellow-laborers that we should set apart this day especially for prayer4 ,we met accordingly at half past ten in the morning4 ,by that time had come in four shillings sixpence1 seven shillings sixpence1 and ten shillings4 ,in the afternoon we met again at three1 when ten shillings came in4 ,in the evening1 at seven1 we met once more1 there being yet about three shillings needed to provide all that was required4 ,this also we received1 and even three shillings more than was actually needed came in1 just when we were about to separate4 ,april #i4 ,saturday4 ,only one shilling sixpence had come in since yesterday afternoon4 ,we needed more money than there was in hand1 especially as it was ,saturday1 but the ,lord was pleased particularly to try our faith4 ,in the course of the morning came from some sisters in ,dublin1 eighteen yards of calico1 thirty-four yards of print1 forty-three balls of cotton1 and a pair of worn lady's boots4 ,this donation came most seasonably1 as we had been mentioning repeatedly the need of calico and print in our prayers1 and the sewing-cotton and the pair of boots came at once into use4 ,moreover1 this donation was a sweet encouragement to me to continue waiting upon the ,lord4 ,evening was now approaching1 and no money had yet come in for provisions1 etc41 which would be needed on the ,lord's day4 ,about six o'clock1 ,i gave myself once more to prayer with my wife1 and requested the ,lord in my prayer that if the sister who in love to him has taken upon her the service of disposing of the articles which are given for sale had any money in hand1 he would be pleased to incline her heart to bring or send the money this evening4 ,after this ,i sat down peacefully to read the ,scriptures1 being assured that this time also the ,lord would stretch out his hand on our behalf4 ,about half past seven o'clock1 the sister1 to whom reference has just now been made1 came and brought one pound ten shillings fourpence for articles which she had sold1 stating that1 though she was unwell1 yet she felt herself constrained not to delay bringing this money4 ,thus we had all that was needed1 and six shillings more4 ,when ,i arrived with the money at the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 about eight o'clock1 ,i found my fellow-laborers in prayer1 and while we still continued in prayer a sister sent a large basket of stale bread1 being five brown loaves1 seven bread cakes1 and five ,french loaves4 ,april #ab4 ,we were never in greater need than to-day1 perhaps never in so much1 when ,i received this morning one hundred pounds from the ,east ,indies4 ,it is impossible to describe the real joy in ,god it gave me4 ,my prayer had been again this morning particularly that our ,father would pity us1 and now at last send larger sums4 ,i was not in the least surprised or excited when this donation came1 for ,i took it as that which came in answer to prayer1 and had been long looked for4 ,may #f4 ,only three pounds ten shillings twopence halfpenny had been received since the #b;d1 on which account there would have been only enough means in hand to provide for the breakfast to-morrow morning1 when in this our fresh need we received eighty-six pounds1 two pair of gold earrings1 a brooch1 and two rupees4 ,may #aj4 ,to-day1 in closing the accounts1 we have left1 at the end of this period of seventeen months1 in which we have been so often penniless1 the sum of sixteen pounds eighteen shillings tenpence halfpenny for the orphans1 and forty-eight pounds twelve shillings five and one fourth pence for the other objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,the time now seemed to us to have come1 when1 for the profit of the church at large1 the ,lord's dealings with us1 with reference to the various objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 should be made known by publishing another ,report4 ,for1 whilst we1 on purpose1 had delayed it at this time five months longer than during the previous years1 and that during a period when we were in deeper poverty than during any previous time2 yet1 as from the commencement it had appeared to me important from time to time to make known the ,lord's dealings with us1 so ,i judged it profitable still to seek to comfort1 to encourage1 to exhort1 to instruct1 and to warn the dear children of ,god by the printed accounts of the ,lord's goodness to us4 ,though our trials of faith during these seventeen months lasted longer and were sharper than during any previous period1 yet during all this time the orphans had everything that was needful in the way of nourishing food1 the necessary articles of clothing1 etc4 ,indeed1 ,i should rather at once send the children back to their relations than keep them without sufficient maintenance4 ,i desire that all the children of ,god who may read these details may thereby be led to increased and more simple confidence in ,god for everything which they may need under any circumstances1 and that these many answers to prayer may encourage them to pray1 particularly as it regards the conversion of their friends and relations1 their own progress in grace and knowledge1 the state of the saints whom they may know personally1 the state of the church of ,christ at large1 and the success of the preaching of the gospel4 ,especially1 ,i affectionately warn them against being led away by the device of ,satan1 to think that these things are peculiar to me1 and cannot be enjoyed by all the children of ,god2 for though1 as has been stated before1 every believer is not called upon to establish orphan houses1 charity schools1 etc41 and trust in the ,lord for means1 yet all believers are called upon1 in the simple confidence of faith1 to cast all their burdens upon him1 to trust in him for everything1 and not only to make everything a subject of prayer1 but to expect answers to their petitions which they have asked according to his will and in the name of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,think not1 dear reader1 that ,i have the gift of faith1 that is1 that gift of which we read in #a ,cor4 xii4 #i1 and which is mentioned along with the gifts of healing1 the working of miracles1 prophecy1 and that on that account ,i am able to trust in the ,lord4 ,it is true that the faith which ,i am enabled to exercise is altogether ,god's own gift2 it is true that he alone supports it1 and that he alone can increase it2 it is true that moment by moment1 ,i depend on him for it1 and that if ,i were only one moment left to myself my faith would utterly fail2 but it is not true that my faith is that gift of faith which is spoken of in #a ,cor4 xii4 #i4 ,it is the self-same faith which is found in every believer1 and the growth of which ,i am most sensible of to myself2 for by little and little it has been increasing for the last six and twenty years4 ,this faith which is exercised respecting the ,orphan ,houses1 and my own temporal necessities shows itself in the same measure1 for instance1 concerning the following points3 ,i have never been permitted to doubt during the last twenty-seven years that my sins are forgiven1 that ,i am a child of ,god1 that ,i am beloved of ,god1 and that ,i shall be finally saved2 because ,i am enabled by the grace of ,god to exercise faith upon the word of ,god1 and believe what ,god says in those passages which settle these matters 7#a ,john v4 #a2 ,gal4 iii4 #bf2 ,acts x4 #dc2 ,romans x4 #i1 #aj2 ,john iii4 #af1 etc474 ,further1 at the time when ,i thought ,i should be insane1 though there was not the least ground for thinking so1 ,i was in peace2 because my soul believed the truth of that word1 ,we know that all things work together for good to them that love ,god4 ,rom4 viii4 #bh4 ,further3 ,when my brother in the flesh and my dear aged father died1 and when concerning both of them ,i had no evidence whatever that they were saved 7though ,i dare not say that they are lost1 for ,i know it not71 yet my soul was at peace1 perfectly at peace1 under this great trial1 this exceedingly great trial1 this trial which is one of the greatest perhaps which can befall a believer4 ,and what was it that gave me peace8 ,my soul laid hold on that word1 ,shall not the ,judge of all the earth do right8 ,this word1 together with the whole character of ,god1 as he has revealed himself in his holy word1 settled all questionings4 ,i believed what he has said concerning himself1 and ,i was at peace1 and have been at peace ever since1 concerning this matter4 ,further3 ,when the ,lord took from me a beloved infant1 my soul was at peace1 perfectly at peace2 ,i could only weep tears of joy when ,i did weep4 ,and why8 ,because my soul laid hold in faith on that word1 ,of such is the kingdom of heaven4 ,matthew xix4 #ad4 ,further3 ,when sometimes all has been dark1 exceedingly dark1 with reference to my service among the saints1 judging from natural appearances2 yea1 when ,i should have been overwhelmed indeed in grief and despair had ,i looked at things after the outward appearance3 at such times ,i have sought to encourage myself in ,god1 by laying hold in faith on his almighty power1 his unchangeable love1 and his infinite wisdom1 and ,i have said to myself1 ,god is able and willing to deliver me1 if it be good for me2 for it is written1 ,he that spared not his own ,son1 but delivered him up for us all1 how shall he not with him also freely give us all things8 ,rom4 viii4 #cb4 ,this it was which1 being believed by me through grace1 kept my soul in peace4 ,further3 ,when in connection with the ,orphan ,houses1 day schools1 etc41 trials have come upon me which were far heavier than the want of means1 when lying reports were spread that the orphans had not enough to eat1 or that they were cruelly treated in other respects1 and the like2 or when other trials1 still greater1 but which ,i cannot mention1 have befallen me in connection with this work1 and that at a time when ,i was nearly a thousand miles absent from ,bristol1 and had to remain absent week after week2 at such times my soul was stayed upon ,god2 ,i believed his word of promise which was applicable to such cases2 ,i poured out my soul before ,god1 and arose from my knees in peace1 because the trouble that was in the soul was in believing prayer cast upon ,god1 and thus ,i was kept in peace1 though ,i saw it to be the will of ,god to remain far away from the work4 ,further3 ,when ,i needed houses1 fellow-laborers1 masters and mistresses for the orphans or for the day schools1 ,i have been enabled to look for all to the ,lord1 and trust in him for help4 ,dear reader1 ,i may seem to boast2 but1 by the grace of ,god1 ,i do not boast in thus speaking4 ,from my inmost soul ,i do ascribe it to ,god alone that he has enabled me to trust in him1 and that hitherto he has not suffered my confidence in him to fail4 ,but ,i thought it needful to make these remarks1 lest any one should think that my depending upon ,god was a particular gift given to me which other saints have no right to look for2 or lest it should be thought that this my depending upon him had only to do with the obtaining of ,,money by prayer and faith4 ,by the grace of ,god ,i desire that my faith in ,god should extend towards ,,everything1 the smallest of my own temporal and spiritual concerns1 and the smallest of the temporal and spiritual concerns of my family1 towards the saints among whom ,i labor1 the church at large1 everything that has to do with the temporal and spiritual prosperity of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 etc4 ,dear reader1 do not think that ,i have attained in faith 7and how much less in other respects67 to that degree to which ,i might and ought to attain2 but thank ,god for the faith which he has given me1 and ask him to uphold and increase it4 ,and lastly1 once more1 let not ,satan deceive you in making you think that you could not have the same faith1 but that it is only for persons who are situated as ,i am4 ,when ,i lose such a thing as a key1 ,i ask the ,lord to direct me to it1 and ,i look for an answer to my prayer2 when a person with whom ,i have made an appointment does not come1 according to the fixed time1 and ,i begin to be inconvenienced by it1 ,i ask the ,lord to be pleased to hasten him to me1 and ,i look for an answer2 when ,i do not understand a passage of the word of ,god1 ,i lift up my heart to the ,lord1 that he would be pleased1 by his ,holy ,spirit1 to instruct me1 and ,i expect to be taught1 though ,i do not fix the time when1 and the manner how it should be2 when ,i am going to minister in the word1 ,i seek help from the ,lord1 and while ,i1 in the consciousness of natural inability as well as utter unworthiness1 begin this his service1 ,i am not cast down1 but of good cheer1 because ,i look for his assistance1 and believe that he1 for his dear ,son's sake1 will help me4 ,and thus in other of my temporal and spiritual concerns ,i pray to the ,lord1 and expect an answer to my requests2 and may not you do the same1 dear believing reader8 ,oh6 ,i beseech you1 do not think me an extraordinary believer1 having privileges above other of ,god's dear children1 which they cannot have2 nor look on my way of acting as something that would not do for other believers4 ,make but trial6 ,do but stand still in the hour of trial1 and you will see the help of ,god1 if you trust in him4 ,but there is so often a forsaking the ways of the ,lord in the hour of trial1 and thus the food for faith1 the means whereby our faith may be increased1 is lost4 ,this leads me to the following important point4 ,you ask1 ,how may ,i1 a true believer1 have my faith strengthened8 ,the answer is this3-- ,i4 ,every good gift and every perfect gift is from above1 and cometh down from the ,father of lights1 with whom is no variableness1 neither shadow of turning4 ,james i4 #ag4 ,as the increase of faith is a good gift1 it must come from ,god1 and therefore he ought to be asked for this blessing4 ,,ii4 ,the following means1 however1 ought to be used3 #a4 ,the careful reading of the word of ,god1 combined with meditation on it4 ,through reading of the word of ,god1 and especially through meditation on the word of ,god1 the believer becomes more and more acquainted with the nature and character of ,god1 and thus sees more and more1 besides his holiness and justice1 what a kind1 loving1 gracious1 merciful1 mighty1 wise1 and faithful being he is1 and1 therefore1 in poverty1 affliction of body1 bereavement in his family1 difficulty in his service1 want of a situation or employment1 he will repose upon the ability of ,god to help him1 because he has not only learned from his word that he is of almighty power and infinite wisdom1 but he has also seen instance upon instance in the ,holy ,scriptures in which his almighty power and infinite wisdom have been actually exercised in helping and delivering his people2 and he will repose upon the willingness of ,god to help him1 because he has not only learned from the ,scriptures what a kind1 good1 merciful1 gracious1 and faithful being ,god is1 but because he has also seen in the word of ,god1 how in a great variety of instances he has proved himself to be so4 ,and the consideration of this1 if ,god has become known to us through prayer and meditation on his own word1 will lead us1 in general at least1 with a measure of confidence to rely upon him3 and thus the reading of the word of ,god1 together with meditation on it1 will be one especial means to strengthen our faith4 #b4 ,as1 with reference to the growth of every grace of the ,spirit1 it is of the utmost importance that we seek to maintain an upright heart and a good conscience1 and1 therefore1 do not knowingly and habitually indulge in those things which are contrary to the mind of ,god1 so it is also particularly the case with reference to the growth in faith4 ,how can ,i possibly continue to act faith upon ,god1 concerning anything1 if ,i am habitually grieving him1 and seek to detract from the glory and honor of him in whom ,i profess to trust1 upon whom ,i profess to depend8 ,all my confidence towards ,god1 all my leaning upon him in the hour of trial1 will be gone1 if ,i have a guilty conscience1 and do not seek to put away this guilty conscience1 but still continue to do things which are contrary to the mind of ,god4 ,and if1 in any particular instance1 ,i cannot trust in ,god1 because of the guilty conscience1 then my faith is weakened by that instance of distrust2 for faith with every fresh trial of it either increases by trusting ,god1 and thus getting help1 or it decreases by not trusting him2 and then there is less and less power of looking simply and directly to him1 and a habit of self-dependence is begotten or encouraged4 ,one or other of these will always be the case in each particular instance4 ,either we trust in ,god1 and in that case we neither trust in ourselves1 nor in our fellow-men1 nor in circumstances1 nor in anything besides2 or we ,,do trust in one or more of these1 and in that case do ,,not trust in ,god4 #c4 ,if we1 indeed1 desire our faith to be strengthened1 we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried1 and1 therefore1 through the trial1 be strengthened4 ,in our natural state we dislike dealing with ,god alone4 ,through our natural alienation from ,god we shrink from him1 and from eternal realities4 ,this cleaves to us more or less1 even after our regeneration4 ,hence it is that1 more or less1 even as believers1 we have the same shrinking from standing with ,god alone1 from depending upon him alone1 from looking to him alone2 and yet this is the very position in which we ought to be1 if we wish our faith to be strengthened4 ,the more ,i am in a position to be tried in faith with reference to my body1 my family1 my service for the ,lord1 my business1 etc41 the more shall ,i have opportunity of seeing ,god's help and deliverance2 and every fresh instance in which he helps and delivers me will tend towards the increase of my faith4 ,on this account1 therefore1 the believer should not shrink from situations1 positions1 circumstances1 in which his faith may be tried1 but should cheerfully embrace them as opportunities where he may see the hand of ,god stretched out on his behalf1 to help and deliver him1 and whereby he may thus have his faith strengthened4 #d4 ,the last important point for the strengthening of our faith is1 that we let ,god work for us1 when the hour of the trial of our faith comes1 and do not work a deliverance of our own4 ,wherever ,god has given faith1 it is given1 among other reasons1 for the very purpose of being tried4 ,yea1 however weak our faith may be1 ,god will try it2 only with this restriction1 that as1 in every way1 he leads us on gently1 gradually1 patiently1 so also with reference to the trial of our faith4 ,at first1 our faith will be tried very little in comparison with what it may be afterwards2 for ,god never lays more upon us than he is willing to enable us to bear4 ,now1 when the trial of faith comes1 we are naturally inclined to distrust ,god1 and to trust rather in ourselves1 or in our friends1 or in circumstances4 ,we will rather work a deliverance of our own1 somehow or other1 than simply look to ,god and wait for his help4 ,but if we do not patiently wait for ,god's help1 if we work a deliverance of our own1 then at the next trial of our faith it will be thus again1 we shall be again inclined to deliver ourselves2 and thus1 with every fresh instance of that kind1 our faith will decrease2 whilst1 on the contrary1 were we to stand still in order to see the salvation of ,god1 to see his hand stretched out on our behalf1 trusting in him alone1 then our faith would be increased1 and with every fresh case in which the hand of ,god is stretched out on our behalf in the hour of the trial of our faith1 our faith would be increased yet more4 ,would the believer1 therefore1 have his faith strengthened1 he must1 especially1 give time to ,god1 who tries his faith in order to prove to his child1 in the end1 how willing he is to help and deliver him1 the moment it is good for him4 ,i now return1 dear reader1 to the ,narrative1 giving you some further information with reference to the seventeen months from ,dec4 #aj1 #ahdj1 to ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 as it respects the ,orphan ,houses1 and other objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad1 besides the facts of which mention has been already made4 ,during this period1 also1 #a4 ,two ,sunday schools were entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution4 #b4 ,there were two adult schools1 one for females1 and one for males1 entirely supported during these seventeen months1 in which on two evenings of the week the males1 and on two evenings the females1 were instructed1 quite gratuitously1 in reading and writing1 and were furnished with books and writing materials gratuitously4 ,there were1 during these seventeen months1 #cdd adults taught in these two schools1 and on ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 the number under instruction amounted to #aaj4 #c4 ,there were1 during these seventeen months1 also six day schools entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution1 three for boys and three for girls4 ,on ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 the number of the children who attended these day schools was #cfc2 and the total number who1 from the formation of the ,institution1 ,march #e1 #ahcd1 up to ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 had been instructed in the day schools1 which are supported by the funds of the ,institution1 amounts to #b1faf4 #d4 ,during these seventeen months1 #gih copies of the ,holy ,scriptures were circulated1 and from the commencement of the ,institution1 up to ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 #f1hdb copies4 #e4 ,during these seventeen months was spent for missionary purposes the sum of ,l#abf1 #aes4 #c;d4 of the funds of the ,institution1 whereby assistance was rendered to the work of ,god in ,jamaica1 in ,australia1 in ,canada1 and in the ,east ,indies4 #f4 ,at the commencement of these seventeen months1 i4 e4 on ,dec4 #aj1 #ahdj1 a new object was begun1 the circulation of such publications as may be beneficial1 with the blessing of ,god1 to both unbelievers and believers4 ,we laid out for this object during these seventeen months the sum of ,l#fb1 #ags4 #d;d41 for which #bb1aij such little publications were purchased1 and of which number #ai1fji were actually given away4 #g4 ,there were received into the three ,orphan ,houses #ae orphans1 who1 together with those who were in the houses on ,dec4 #aj1 #ahdj1 make up #ajf in all4 ,of these1 five girls were sent out to service1 two boys and one girl were apprenticed1 one girl was removed by a lady who had placed her for a time under our care1 and one was sent back to his relations1 as he was injurious to the other children4 ,there were on ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 #if orphans in the three houses1 i4 e4 #cj in the ,girls' ,orphan ,house1 #cg in the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 and #bi in the ,boys' ,orphan ,house4 ,besides this1 three apprentices were supported by the funds of the ,institution2 so that the total number was #ii4 ,the number of orphans who were under our care from ,april1 #ahcf1 to ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 amounts to #add4 ,i notice further1 in connection with the ,orphan ,houses1 that1 without any one having been asked for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#e1bgf1 #ads4 #h;d4 was given to me from the beginning of the work up to ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 as the result of prayer to ,god4 ,the total of the expenditure for the various objects of the ,institution1 exclusive of the ,orphan ,houses1 during these seventeen months1 amounted to ,l#gaj1 #aas4 #e;d42 the total of the income amounted to ,l#gdf1 #as4 #ja_/b;d4 ,the total of the expenditure for the three ,orphan ,houses1 from ,dec4 #aj1 #ahdj1 to ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 amounted to ,l#a1ccg1 #aes4 #bc_/d;d42 the total of the income amounted to ,l#a1cci1 #acs4 #g;d4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,prosperity4 #ahdb-ahdc4 ,,abundant ,,supplies--,,resting ,,on ,,the ,,written ,,word--,,seeking ,,and ,,finding--,,erroneous ,,impressions ,,removed--,,persevering ,,and ,,prevailing ,,prayer ,,answered--,,lengthening ,,the ,,cords ,,and ,,strengthening ,,the ,,stakes--,a ,,fourth ,,orphan ,,house4 ,june #c1 #ahdb4 ,for several days past ,i had not been particularly led to pray for means for the orphans4 ,last evening1 however1 ,i did so1 as we had now again no money in hand1 there having come in only ten pounds two shillings twopence during the last five days2 and in answer to my request two pounds nineteen shillings sixpence came in this morning4 ,for several months succeeding the last date1 means continued to flow in1 without interruption1 as they were needed4 ,there was no excess of means1 nor was there any lack4 ,on ,dec4 #a1 #ahdb1 ,mr4 ,mueller writes3-- ,nothing had come in1 except five shillings for needlework4 ,the laborers had nothing to give1 except one of them one shilling sixpence2 yet this little supplied the absolute need1 which was only milk4 ,we were unable to take in the usual quantity of bread4 ,should it be said that the not taking in the usual quantity of bread would at once prove to the bakers that we are poor1 my reply is1 that that does not follow1 because bread has often been sent as a present1 as may be seen in the list of articles1 given for the orphans1 at the end of the printed ,reports4 ,but perhaps it may be asked1 ,why do you not take the bread on credit8 ,what does it matter whether you pay immediately for it1 or at the end of the month1 or the quarter1 or the half year8 ,seeing that the ,orphan ,houses are the work of the ,lord1 may you not trust in him that he will supply you with means to pay the bills which you contract with the butcher1 baker1 grocer1 etc4 as the things which you purchase are needful8 ,my reply is this3 #a4 ,if the work in which we are engaged is indeed the work of ,god1 then he whose work it is is surely able and willing to provide the means for it4 #b4 ,but not only so1 he will also provide the means at the time when they are needed4 ,i do not mean that he will provide them when we think that they are needed2 but yet that when there is real need1 such as the necessaries of life being required1 he will give them2 and on the same ground on which we suppose we do trust in ,god to help us to pay the debt which we now contract1 we may and ought to trust in the ,lord to supply us with what we require at present1 so that there may be no need for going into debt4 #c4 ,it is true1 ,i might have goods on credit1 and to a very considerable amount2 but1 then1 the result would be1 that the next time we were again in straits1 the mind would involuntarily be turned to further credit which ,i might have1 instead of being turned to the ,lord1 and thus faith1 which is kept up and strengthened only by being ,,exercised1 would become weaker and weaker1 till at last1 according to all human probability1 ,i should find myself deeply in debt and have no prospect of getting out of it4 #d4 ,faith has to do with the word of ,god1--rests upon the written word of ,god2 but there is no promise that he will pay our debts4 ,the word says rather1 ,owe no man anything2 whilst there is the promise given to his children1 ,i will never leave thee nor forsake thee1 and1 ,whosoever believeth on him shall not be confounded4 ,on this account we could not say1 upon the ground of the ,holy ,scriptures1 ,why do you not trust in ,god that he will supply you with means to pay your debts which you contract in his service for the necessities of the orphans8 #e4 ,the last reason why we do not take goods on credit is this3 ,the chief and primary object of the work was not the temporal welfare of the children1 nor even their spiritual welfare1 blessed and glorious as it is1 and much as1 through grace1 we seek after it and pray for it2 but the first and primary object of the work was1 to show before the whole world and the whole church of ,christ1 that even in these last evil days the living ,god is ready to prove himself as the living ,god1 by being ever willing to help1 succor1 comfort1 and answer the prayers of those who trust in him3 so that we need not go away from him to our fellow-men1 or to the ways of the world1 seeing that he is both able and willing to supply us with all we can need in his service4 ,from the beginning1 when ,god put this service into my heart1 ,i had anticipated trials and straits2 but knowing1 as ,i did1 the heart of ,god1 through the experience of several years previously1 ,i also knew that he would listen to the prayers of his child who trusts in him1 and that he would not leave him in the hour of need1 but listen to his prayers1 and deliver him out of the difficulty1 and that then1 this being made known in print for the benefit of both believers and unbelievers1 others would be led to trust in the ,lord4 ,we discern1 therefore1 more and more clearly that it is for the church's benefit that we are put into these straits1 and if therefore in the hour of need we were to take goods on credit1 the first and primary object of the work would be completely frustrated1 and no heart would be further strengthened to trust in ,god2 nor would there be any longer that manifestation of the special and particular providence of ,god which has hitherto been so abundantly shown through this work1 even in the eyes of unbelievers1 whereby they have been led to see that there is after all reality in the things of ,god1 and many1 through these printed accounts1 have been truly converted4 ,for these reasons1 then1 we consider it our precious privilege1 as heretofore1 to continue to wait upon the ,lord only1 instead of taking goods on credit1 or borrowing money from some kind friends1 when we are in need4 ,nay1 we purpose1 as ,god shall give us grace1 to look to him only1 though morning after morning we should have nothing in hand for the work1 yea1 though from meal to meal we should have to look to him2 being fully assured that he who is now 7#ahde7 in the tenth year feeding these many orphans1 and who has never suffered them to want1 and that he who is now 7#ahde7 in the twelfth year carrying on the other parts of the work1 without any branch of it being stopped for want of means1 will do so for the future also4 ,and here ,i do desire1 in the deep consciousness of my natural helplessness and dependence upon the ,lord1 to confess that through the grace of ,god my soul has been in peace1 though day after day we have had to wait for our daily provisions upon the ,lord2 yea1 though even from meal to meal we have been required to do this4 ,dec4 #af4 ,nothing has come in4 ,three shillings fivepence1 which one of the laborers was able to give1 was all we had4 ,at six o'clock this evening1 our need being now very great1 not only with reference to the ,orphan ,houses1 but also the day schools1 etc41 ,i gave myself1 with two of the laborers1 to prayer4 ,there needed some money to come in before eight o'clock to-morrow morning1 as there was none to take in milk for breakfast 7the children have oatmeal porridge with milk for breakfast71 to say nothing about the many other demands of to-morrow1 being ,saturday4 ,our hearts were at peace1 while asking the ,lord1 and assured that our ,father would supply our need4 ,,we ,,had ,,scarcely ,,risen ,,from ,,our ,,knees when ,i received a letter1 containing a sovereign for the orphans1 half of which was from a young ,east ,india officer1 and the other half the produce of the sale of a piece of work which the sister who sent the money had made for the benefit of the orphans4 ,she wrote1 ,i love to send these little gifts4 ,they so often come in season4 ,truly1 thus it was at this time4 ,about five minutes later ,i received from a brother the promise of fifty pounds for the orphans1 to be given during the next week2 and a quarter of an hour after that1 about seven o'clock1 a brother gave me a sovereign1 which an ,irish sister in the ,lord had left this day1 on her departure for ,dublin1 for the benefit of the orphans4 ,how sweet and precious to see thus so manifestly the willingness of the ,lord to answer the prayers of his needy children6 ,dec4 #ai4 ,our need with reference to the school fund had been great during the last three weeks1 though we had received as much as the teachers absolutely required4 ,now1 however1 it was very great1 as one brother especially needed to have several pounds within a day or two1 and three other teachers also required supplies4 ,it had in addition to this been much in my heart to send some money to several brethren who labor in foreign lands1 in dependence upon the ,lord only for their pecuniary supplies2 but ,i had been kept from doing so for want of means4 ,on these accounts1 therefore1 ,i gave myself again especially to prayer this morning1 when1 within a quarter of an hour after ,i had risen from my knees1 ,i received the order for one hundred pounds1 which ,i was at liberty to use as need required4 ,,review ,,of ,,the ,,year1 #ahdb4 #a4 ,as to the church4 ,there are #fja at present in communion2 #gc have been added during the past year1 of whom #bg have been brought to the knowledge of the ,lord among us4 #b4 ,as to the supply of my temporal necessities1 the ,lord has been pleased to send me ,l#cbi1 #afs4 ,feb4 #aa1 #ahdc4 ,we had one pound fourteen shillings towards the expenses of this day4 ,but as this was not enough1 ,i asked the ,lord still further for help1 and1 behold1 this morning's post brought me a post-office order for two pounds from ,stafford1 of which one pound seven shillings sixpence is for the orphans4 ,thus we have three pounds one shilling sixpence1 which is quite enough for this day4 ,admire with me1 my dear reader1 if you know the ,lord1 his seasonable help4 ,why does this post-office order not come a few days sooner or later8 ,because the ,lord would help us by means of it1 and therefore influences the donor just then1 and not sooner nor later1 to send it4 ,surely1 all who know the ,lord1 and who have no interest in disowning it1 cannot but see his hand in a remarkable manner in this work4 ,nor will the godly and simple-minded reader say1 ,there is no difference between this way of proceeding1 on the one hand1 and going from individual to individual1 asking them for means1 on the other hand2 for the writing of the ,reports is just the same thing4 ,my dear reader1 there is a great difference4 ,suppose that we are in need4 ,suppose that our poverty lasts for some weeks1 or even some months1 together4 ,is there not1 in that case1 a difference between asking the ,lord only from day to day1 without speaking to any human being not connected directly with the work about our poverty1 on the one hand1 and writing letters or making personal application to benevolent individuals for assistance1 on the other hand8 ,truly1 there is a great difference between these two modes4 ,i do not mean to say that it would be acting against the precepts of the ,lord to seek for help in his work by personal and individual application to believers 7though it would be in direct opposition to his will to apply to unbelievers1 #b ,cor4 vi4 #ad-ah72 but ,i act in the way in which ,i do for the benefit of the church at large1 cheerfully bearing the trials1 and sometimes the deep trials1 connected with this life of faith 7which however brings along with it also its precious joys71 if by any means a part at least of my fellow-believers might be led to see the reality of dealing with ,god only1 and that there is such a thing as the child of ,god having power with ,god by prayer and faith4 ,that the ,lord should use for so glorious a service one so vile1 so unfaithful1 so altogether unworthy of the least notice as ,i am1 ,i can only ascribe to the riches of his condescending grace1 in which he takes up the most unlikely instruments1 that the honor may be manifestly his4 ,should ,satan seek to whisper into your ears1 ,perhaps the matter is made known1 after all1 when there is need 7as it has been once said about me at a public meeting in a large town1 that when we were in want ,i prayed publicly that the ,lord would send help for the orphans1 which is entirely false72 ,i say1 should it be said that ,i took care that our wants were made known1 ,i reply3 ,whom did ,i ask for anything these many years since the work has been going on8 ,to whom did ,i make known our wants1 except to those who are closely connected with the work8 ,nay1 so far from wishing to make known our need1 for the purpose of influencing benevolent persons to contribute to the necessities of the ,institution under my care1 ,i have even refused to let our circumstances be known1 after having been asked about them1 when1 on simply saying that we were in need1 ,i might have had considerable sums4 ,some instances of this have been given in the former part of this ,narrative4 ,in such cases ,i refused in order that the hand of ,god only might be manifest2 for that1 and not the money1 nor even the ability of continuing to carry on the work1 is my especial aim4 ,and such self-possession has the ,lord given me1 that in the times of the deepest poverty1 whilst there was nothing at all in hand1 and whilst we had even from meal to meal to wait upon the ,lord for the necessities of more than one hundred persons1 when a donation of five pounds or ten pounds1 or more1 has been given to me1 the donors could not have read in my countenance whether we had much or nothing at all in hand4 ,but enough of this4 ,i have made these few remarks1 beloved reader1 lest by any means you should lose the blessing which might come to your soul through reading the account of the ,lord's faithfulness and readiness to hear the prayers of his children4 ,march #h4 ,on ,oct4 #be1 #ahdb1 ,i had a long conversation with a sister in the ,lord1 who opened her heart to me4 ,on leaving me ,i told her that my house and my purse were hers1 and that ,i should be glad if she would have one purse with me4 ,this ,i said because ,i judged that at some future time it might prove a comfort to her in an hour of trial1 having at the same time1 to judge from a circumstance which had occurred two days before1 every reason to believe that she had not five pounds of her own4 ,this sister1 after ,i had said so1 readily took me at my word1 and said1 ,i shall be glad of it1 adding presently that she had five hundred pounds4 ,the moment ,i heard that1 ,i drew back1 and said that had ,i known that she had any money ,i should not have made her this offer1 and then gave her my reason why ,i had supposed she had no property at all4 ,she then assured me that she possessed five hundred pounds1 and that she had never seen it right to give up this money1 else she would have done so2 but that1 as ,god had put this sum into her hands without her seeking1 she thought it was a provision which the ,lord had made for her4 ,i replied scarcely anything to this2 but she asked me to pray for her with reference to this matter4 ,this whole conversation about the money occupied but very few minutes1 and it all took place after the sister had risen and was on the point of leaving me4 ,after she was gone1 ,i asked the ,lord if he would be pleased to make this dear sister so happy in himself2 and enable her so to realize her true riches and inheritance in the ,lord ,jesus1 and the reality of her heavenly calling1 that she might be constrained by the love of ,christ cheerfully to lay down this five hundred pounds at his feet4 ,from that time ,i repeated this my request before the ,lord daily1 and often two1 three1 or four times a day2 but not a single word or line passed between me and this sister on the subject1 nor did ,i even see her2 for ,i judged that it would be far better that she retained this money1 than that by persuasion she should give it up1 and afterwards perhaps regret the step she had taken1 and thereby more dishonor than honor be brought on the name of the ,lord4 ,after ,i had thus for twenty-four days daily besought the ,lord on behalf of this sister1 ,i found her one day1 on returning home1 at my house2 when she told me that she wished to see me alone4 ,she then said to me that from the time she had last conversed with me she had sought to ascertain the ,lord's will with reference to the five hundred pounds1 and had examined the ,scriptures and prayed about it1 and that she was now assured that it was the will of the ,lord she should give up this money4 ,after she had told me this1 ,i exhorted her to count well the cost1 and to do nothing rashly1 lest she should regret the step she had taken1 and to wait at least a fortnight longer before she carried out her intention4 ,thus we separated4 ,on the eighteenth day after this conversation ,i received the following letter3-- ,,dear ,,brother3 ,i believe the ,lord has not permitted you to grow weary of remembering me1 but that he has still enabled you to bear me upon your heart in his presence4 ,all is well with me1 dear brother4 ,your petitions have been heard and answered2 ,i am happy and at peace4 ,the ,lord has indeed manifested his tender care of and his great love towards me in ,jesus1 in inclining my heart cheerfully to lay all ,i have hitherto called my own at his feet4 ,it is a high privilege4 ,i write in haste to ask you1 as we have now one purse1 to receive the money at a bank in ,bristol4 ,i will direct it to be sent in my name1 to be delivered into your hands1 etc4 ,as this whole circumstance is related only for the profit of the reader1 and as ,i knew that the sister still had my letters on the subject in her possession1 ,i wrote to her1 requesting her to send them to me1 at the time when ,i published the last account about the ,orphan ,houses1 etc41 and extracts of them were given in the last ,report1 in so far as they might refer to the subject or tend to edification4 ,these extracts are here reprinted4 ,my reply to the above was this3-- ,,bristol1 ,,dec4 #f1 #ahdb4 ,,my ,,dear ,,sister3 ,your letter found me in peace1 and did not in the least surprise me4 ,dealing with ,god is a reality4 ,saints have power with him through ,jesus4 ,it is now forty-two days since you first mentioned this matter to me4 ,i cannot but admire the wisdom of ,god and his love to you in allowing me to speak to you as ,i did i4 e4 offering her to have one purse with me1 when ,i thought she had no earthly possessions at all1 that thus this great privilege might be bestowed on you to give up this little sum for him4 ,since that hour ,i have daily prayed for you1 and often thrice or more in the course of the day1 that the ,lord would make you so happy in himself1 and help you with such faith to lay hold on all which he has given you in ,jesus1 that you might be constrained by love cheerfully to lay down this little sum at his feet4 ,thus ,i prayed again at six o'clock this morning for you4 ,nor have ,i had the least doubt from the commencement that the ,lord did hear my prayer2 yea1 so fully have ,i been assured that ,i had the petition1 that again and again ,i have thanked him that he had answered my prayer1 before ,i saw you eighteen days since1 and before your letter came this morning4 ,moreover1 ,i have been fully assured1 since you were last here1 that he was carrying on his work in your soul with reference to this matter1 and that no subtle suggestions of ,satan1 nor educational prejudices1 nor misinterpretations of the ,scriptures1 were able to prevail2 for ,i had asked the ,lord by his ,spirit to overcome them in you1 and that1 if a brother's word should be needed1 he would be pleased to incline your heart to write to me2 and as no letter came1 ,i felt fully confident you were going forward in this matter in peace4 ,when ,i had seen you this day six weeks1 and learned about this little sum1 ,i determined never to say or write to you another word on the subject1 but to leave you in the hands of the ,lord4 ,thus ,i purposed again during the last eighteen days2 for it was not the money given up1 that ,i cared for in you1 but the money given up unto the ,lord1 and from right motives4 ,on this very account ,i advised you to wait one fortnight longer1 though you had come to the conclusion2 but now1 having done so1 and seeing that you are fully purposed in the ,lord to be poor in this world indeed1 that the more abundantly you may enjoy his riches1 his inexhaustible riches1 ,i change my advice4 ,my word now1 beloved sister1 is this3 ,whatsoever thy hand findeth to do1 do it with thy might1 and ,if ye know these things1 happy are ye if ye do them4 ,delay then no longer1 even as also you have no desire to delay2 and the ,lord will bless you abundantly in doing so1 inasmuch as you do it unto him4 ,as you desire to intrust me with this money1 ,i do not refuse it1 knowing many ways to lay it out for him1 etc4 ,then only follows the direction how the money is to be paid into my banker's hands4 ,on ,dec4 #ah1 #ahdb1 ,i received a reply to my letter1 which answer was begun to be written on ,dec4 #hth1 but finished on the #afth4 ,i give a few extracts of the letter3-- ,since ,i last saw you1 dear brother1 ,i have not had the slightest doubt as to what ,i ought to do4 ,the word of ,god has been so clear to me on this head1 that ,i have been kept resting on it1 and1 in answer to your prayers1 no temptation has been allowed to prevail1 indeed1 ,i think ,i may add to arise4 ,but ,i feel that temptations may come1 and that ,i may in seasons of trial not always have faith to be able to rejoice in this privilege4 ,my heart is so deceitful1 and my faith so weak1 that ,i shall greatly need your prayers still4 ,will you1 then1 if the ,lord enables you1 pray that ,i may never offend my ,father by regretting in the least measure this act of obedience1 which he has by his grace inclined me to carry out8 ,before ,i ever saw you ,i had asked the ,lord to make me willing to give this little sum into your hands1 if it were his will ,i should2 but his time to make me willing had not then come2 even then ,i had in a measure given it to you1 having written a paper1 desiring in case ,i should fall asleep in ,jesus1 that you might get possession of it4 ,i had it signed by two witnesses1 and ,i always carried it about with me when ,i travelled1 sealed1 and directed to you4 ,when ,i wrote this1 ,i little thought what grace the ,lord had in store for me4 ,you will forgive my being thus tedious1 but ,i am sure you will praise the ,lord with me for his gracious dealings with me1 etc4 ,at the end of this letter1 which was finished on ,dec4 #af1 the sister tells me that unexpectedly a hindrance had arisen to her having possession of the money1 so that it was not likely it could be paid over to me till about the end of ,january1 #ahdc4 ,when this letter came1 it would have been naturally a great disappointment to me1 as the sister had told me in a previous letter that the money should be paid into my hands1 and as just at that time in a variety of ways it was desirable that ,i should have considerable sums4 ,the ,lord1 however1 enabled me to immediately lay hold on that word1 ,we know that all things work together for good to them that love ,god1 ,rom4 viii4 #bh1 and my soul was in peace1 though we had only enough money in hand to provide for one or at the most for two days the necessary provisions in the ,orphan ,houses4 ,it was but the next day1 ,dec4 #ai1 #ahdb1 when ,i received one hundred pounds from ,a4 ,b41 and on ,dec4 #bb1 ,i received fifty pounds from a brother in ,bristol1 besides other donations2 so that within one week after ,i had had grace to delight myself in the will of ,god1 he gave me about two hundred pounds1 whereby ,i was able to meet all the heavy expenses of replenishing the stores1 etc41 on account of which ,i should naturally have been tried in the payment of the money being delayed4 ,in reply to the letter which ,i received from this sister on ,dec4 #ah1 ,i wrote another on ,dec4 #ca1 #ahdb1 of which ,i give an extract on this subject3-- ,i have continued to pray for you1 or rather the ,lord has enabled me every day once1 twice1 thrice1 or even more1 to remember you4 ,the burden of my prayer still has been1 that he would be pleased to make you very happy in himself1 and enable you to enter into the inheritance which awaits you2 further1 that you may not be permitted in the least to regret the step which you have taken1 but rather consider it a privilege to be permitted to give this little sum back to him who gave it to you1 and who gave himself for you4 ,with reference to the delay1 ,i cannot but rejoice4 ,this gives you abundant opportunity to ponder the matter1 and afterwards to state to any 7who1 judging as those who know not how rich the saints are1 might blame you7 that you did not do the thing in haste4 ,i consider this delay to be for the furtherance of the honor of the ,lord4 ,you know my advice to you1 to wait at least a fortnight4 ,that you have seen much of your unfaithfulness1 etc41 ,i consider to be an especial blessing which the ,lord has bestowed upon you1 lest this step you have taken should become a snare to you4 ,humblings last our whole life4 ,jesus came not to save painted but real sinners2 but he has saved us1 and will surely make it manifest4 ,i have a passage laid on my heart for you2 read the whole of it carefully3 #b ,cor4 viii4 #a-i1 especially verse #i4 99 99 99 99 99 ,day after day now passed away and the money did not come4 ,the month of ,january was come to an end1 and ,february also1 and the money had not come4 ,thus more than one hundred and twenty days were gone by1 whilst day by day ,i brought my petition before the ,lord that he would bless this sister1 keep her steadfast in her purpose1 and intrust me with this money for his work in my hands4 ,amidst it all my heart was assured1 judging from the earnestness which he had given me in prayer1 and that ,i had only desired this matter to the praise of his name1 that in his own time he would bring it about4 ,but ,i never wrote one single line to this sister on the subject all this time4 ,at last1 on the one hundred and thirty-fourth day since ,i had daily besought the ,lord about this matter1 on ,march #h1 #ahdc1 ,i received a letter from the sister1 informing me that the five hundred pounds had been paid into the hands of my bankers4 ,and now ,i only give a few lines of a letter which ,i received on ,july #c1 #ahdd1 from the sister who gave this donation1 together with my letters for which ,i had asked her1 in order that ,i may show her state of mind on the subject1 after she had had it more than twenty months before her1 and after she had for sixteen months actually given up the money4 ,she writes thus3 ,i am thankful to say that ,i have never for one moment had the slightest feeling of regret1 but it is wholly of the ,lord's abounding grace4 ,i speak it to his praise4 ,on ,march #ca1 #ahdc1 ,i called at the ,orphan ,houses to make certain arrangements1 and one of the sisters told me by the way that she had been asked by ,miss ,g41 who with her father occupied the house ,no4 #d ,wilson ,street1 to let me know that they wished to give up their house1 if ,i would like to take it2 but she had replied that it was of no use to tell me about it1 for she was sure that ,i had no thought of opening another ,orphan ,house4 ,when ,i came home1 this matter greatly occupied my mind4 ,i could not but ask the ,lord again and again whether he would have me to open another ,orphan ,house1 and whether the time was now come that ,i should serve him still more extensively in this way4 ,the more ,i pondered the matter1 the more it appeared to me that this was the hand of ,god moving me onwards in this service4 ,the following remarkable combination of circumstances struck me in particular3 #a4 ,there are more applications made for the admission of orphans1 especially of late1 than we are at all able to meet1 though we fill the houses as much as the health of the children and of the laborers will possibly admit4 #b4 ,if ,i did take another house for orphans1 it would be most desirable it should be in the same street where the other three are1 as thus the labor is less1 and in times of great need we are near together for prayer1 the distribution of the money1 etc4 ,but since the third ,orphan ,house was opened1 in ,nov4 #ahcg1 there never has been one of the larger houses in the street to be let4 #c4 ,there are about fifteen children in the ,infant ,orphan ,house1 whom it would have been well some time ago to have removed to the house for the older girls1 had there been room2 but when a vacancy happened to occur in that house1 there were generally several waiting to fill it up1 so that unintentionally the female children in the ,infant ,orphan ,house remained where they were2 but this is not well1 nor is it according to my original intention2 for the infants were intended only to be left till they are seven years old1 and then to be removed to the houses for older boys and girls4 ,this my original plan could be executed better for the future1 and at once for the present1 were ,i to open another ,orphan ,house4 #d4 ,i know two sisters who seem suitable laborers for this fourth ,orphan ,house1 and who have a desire thus to be engaged4 #e4 ,there are three hundred pounds remaining of the five hundred pounds which ,i so lately received4 ,this money may be used for the furnishing and fitting up of a new ,orphan ,house4 ,so much money ,i have never had in hand at any one time during the last five years4 ,this seemed to me a remarkable thing1 in connection with the four other reasons4 #f4 ,the establishing of a fourth ,orphan ,house1 which would increase our expenses several hundred pounds a year1 would be1 after we have gone for five years almost uninterruptedly through trials of faith1 a plain proof that ,i have not regretted this service1 and that ,i am not tired of this precious way of depending upon the ,lord from day to day2 and thus the faith of other children of ,god might be strengthened4 ,but most important1 yea1 decidedly conclusive as these points were1 yet they did not convince me that ,i ought to go forward in this service1 if the ,spirit's leadings were not in connection with them4 ,i therefore gave myself to prayer4 ,i prayed day after day1 without saying anything to any human being4 ,i prayed two and twenty days without even mentioning it to my dear wife4 ,on that very day1 when ,i did mention it to her1 and on which ,i had come to the conclusion1 after three weeks' prayer and consideration in the fear of ,god1 to establish another ,orphan ,house1 ,i received from ,a4 ,b4 fifty pounds4 ,what a striking confirmation that the ,lord will help1 though the necessities should increase more and more4 ,at last1 on the twenty-fourth day1 having been now for several days fully assured that ,god would have me go forward in this service1 ,i went to inquire whether ,mr4 and ,miss ,g4 still wished to give up the house4 ,but here ,i found an apparent hindrance4 ,having heard no wish expressed on my part to take the house1 and the sister in the ,orphan ,houses1 with whom ,miss ,g4 had communicated1 not having given her the least reason to think that ,i should do so1 ,mr4 and ,miss ,g4 had altered their plans1 and now purposed to remain in the house4 ,however1 ,i was to call again in a week1 when ,i should receive an answer4 ,i was not in the least discomforted by this obstacle4 ,lord1 if thou hast no need of another ,orphan ,house1 ,i have none1 was the burden of my prayer4 ,i was willing to do ,god's will1 yea1 to delight myself in his will4 ,and just on this very ground1 because ,i knew ,i sought not my own honor1 but the ,lord's2 because ,i knew ,i was not serving myself1 but the ,lord1 in this thing2 and because ,i knew that with so much calm1 quiet1 prayerful1 self-questioning consideration ,i had gone about this business1 and had only after many days1 during which ,i had been thus waiting upon the ,lord1 come to the conclusion that it was the will of ,god ,i should go forward in this service4 ,for these reasons ,i felt sure1 notwithstanding what ,mr4 and ,miss ,g4 had told me1 that ,i should have the house4 ,i also especially judged that thus it would be1 because ,i was quite in peace when ,i heard of the obstacle2 a plain proof that ,i was not in self-will going on in this matter1 but according to the leading of the ,holy ,ghost2 for if according to my natural mind ,i had sought to enlarge the work1 ,i should have been excited and uncomfortable when ,i met with this obstacle4 ,after a week ,i called again on ,mr4 ,g4 ,and now see how ,god had wrought6 ,on the same day on which ,i had seen ,mr4 ,g41 he went out and met with a suitable house1 so that when ,i came the second time1 he was willing to let me have the one which he then occupied in ,wilson ,street2 and as the owner accepted me as a tenant1 all the difficulties were removed1 so that after the #ast of ,june we began fitting up the house1 and in ,july the first orphans were received4 ,mr4 ,m4 having been invited by several ,christians in ,germany to visit that1 his native land1 and to labor there for the promulgation of scriptural truth and the advancement of religion1 as well as to publish a ,german translation of his ,narrative1 felt that it was his duty to accede to the request4 ,in answer to prayer1 he received ample means for his journey1 for the support of the orphans during his absence1 and for the publication of the ,narrative4 ,he left ,bristol on the #ith of ,august1 #ahdc1 and returned on ,march #f1 #ahdd4 ,during the journey he was greatly aided by ,providence in the purposes of his mission1 and saw much fruit of his labors4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,stewardship4 #ahdd4 ,,earthly ,,and ,,heavenly ,,treasures--,,seeking ,,the ,,kingdom ,,of ,,god--,,fellowship ,,with ,,the ,,father--,,the ,,christian ,,merchant--,,examples--,,mistakes4 ,in concluding this portion of my ,narrative1 ,i would add some hints on a few passages of the word of ,god1 both because ,i have so very frequently found them little regarded by ,christians1 and also because ,i have proved their preciousness1 in some measure1 in my own experience2 and therefore wish that all my fellow-saints may share the blessing with me4 ,i4 ,in ,matt4 vi4 #ai-ba1 it is written3 ,lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth1 where moth and rust doth corrupt1 and where thieves break through and steal2 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven1 where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt1 and where thieves do not break through nor steal3 for where your treasure is1 there will your heart be also4 ,observe1 dear reader1 the following points concerning this part of the divine testimony3 #a4 ,it is the ,lord ,jesus1 our ,lord and ,master1 who speaks this as the lawgiver of his people1--he who has infinite wisdom and unfathomable love to us1 who therefore both knows what is for our real welfare and happiness1 and who cannot exact from us any requirement inconsistent with that love which led him to lay down his life for us4 #b4 ,his counsel1 his affectionate entreaty1 and his commandment to us his disciples is1 ,lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth4 ,the meaning obviously is1 that the disciples of the ,lord ,jesus1 being strangers and pilgrims on earth1 i4 e4 neither belonging to the earth nor expecting to remain in it1 should not seek to increase their earthly possessions1 in whatever these possessions may consist4 ,this is a word for poor believers as well as for rich believers2 it has as much a reference to putting shillings into the savings bank as to putting thousands of pounds into the funds1 or purchasing one house or one farm after another4 ,it may be said1 ,but does not every prudent and provident person seek to increase his means1 that he may have a goodly portion to leave to his children1 or to have something for old age1 or for the time of sickness1 etc48 ,my reply is1 it is quite true that this is the custom of the world4 ,but whilst thus it is in the world1 and we have every reason to believe ever will be so among those that are of the world1 and who therefore have their portion on earth1 we disciples of the ,lord ,jesus1 being born again1 being the children of ,god1 not nominally1 but really1 being truly partakers of the divine nature1 being in fellowship with the ,father and the ,son1 and having in prospect an inheritance incorruptible1 and undefiled1 and that fadeth not away1 7#a ,peter i4 #d17 ought in every respect to act differently from the world1 and so in this particular also4 ,if we disciples of the ,lord ,jesus seek1 like the people of the world1 after an increase of our possessions1 may not those who are of the world justly question whether we believe what we say1 when we speak about our inheritance1 our heavenly calling1 our being the children of ,god1 etc48 ,often it must be a sad stumbling-block to the unbeliever to see a professed believer in the ,lord ,jesus acting in this particular just like himself4 ,consider this1 dear brethren in the ,lord1 should this remark apply to you4 #c4 ,our ,lord says about the earth that it is a place ,where moth and rust doth corrupt1 and where thieves break through and steal4 ,all that is of the earth1 and in any way connected with it1 is subject to corruption1 to change1 to dissolution4 ,there is no reality1 or substance1 in anything else but in heavenly things4 ,often the careful amassing of earthly possessions ends in losing them in a moment by fire1 by robbery1 by a change of mercantile concerns1 by loss of work1 etc42 but suppose all this were not the case1 still1 yet a little while1 and thy soul shall be required of thee2 or1 yet a little while1 and the ,lord ,jesus will return2 and what profit shalt thou then have1 dear reader1 if thou hast carefully sought to increase thy earthly possessions8 #d4 ,our ,lord1 however1 does not merely bid us not to lay up treasure upon earth2 for if he had said no more1 this his commandment might be abused1 and persons might find in it an encouragement for their extravagant habits1 for their love of pleasure1 for their habit of spending everything they have1 or can obtain1 upon themselves4 ,it does not mean1 then1 as is the common phrase1 that we should live up to our income2 for he adds1 ,but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven4 ,there is such a thing as laying up as truly in heaven as there is laying up on earth2 if it were not so1 our ,lord would not have said so4 ,just as persons put one sum after another into the bank1 and it is put down to their credit1 and they may use the money afterwards3 so truly the penny1 the shilling1 the pound1 the hundred pounds1 the ten thousand pounds1 given for the ,lord's sake1 and constrained by the love of ,jesus1 to poor brethren1 or in any way spent in the work of ,god1 he marks down in the book of remembrance1 he considers as laid up in heaven4 ,the money is not lost1 it is laid up in the bank of heaven2 yet so1 that whilst an earthly bank may break1 or through earthly circumstances we may lose our earthly possessions1 the money which is thus secured in heaven cannot be lost4 ,but this is by no means the only difference4 ,i notice a few more points3 ,treasures laid up on earth bring along with them many cares2 treasures laid up in heaven never give care4 ,treasures laid up on earth never can afford spiritual joy2 treasures laid up in heaven bring along with them peace and joy in the ,holy ,ghost even now4 ,treasures laid up on earth1 in a dying hour cannot afford peace and comfort1 and when life is over they are taken from us2 treasures laid up in heaven draw forth thanksgiving that we were permitted and counted worthy to serve the ,lord with the means with which he was pleased to intrust us as stewards1 and when this life is over we are not deprived of what was laid up there1 but when we go to heaven we go to the place where our treasures are1 and we shall find them there4 ,often we hear it said1 when a person has died1 he died worth so much4 ,but whatever be the phrases common in the world1 it is certain that a person may die worth fifty thousand pounds sterling1 as the world reckons1 and yet that individual may not possess1 in the sight of ,god1 one thousand pounds sterling1 because he was not rich towards ,god1 he did not lay up treasure in heaven4 ,and so1 on the other hand1 we can suppose a man of ,god falling asleep in ,jesus1 and his surviving widow finding scarcely enough left behind him to suffice for the funeral1 who was nevertheless rich towards ,god3 in the sight of ,god he may possess five thousand pounds sterling1 he may have laid up that sum in heaven4 ,dear reader1 does your soul long to be rich towards ,god1 to lay up treasures in heaven8 ,the world passes away1 and the lust thereof4 ,yet a little while and our stewardship will be taken from us4 ,at present we have the opportunity of serving the ,lord with our time1 our talents1 our bodily strength1 our gifts2 and also with our property2 but shortly this opportunity may cease4 ,oh1 how shortly may it cease6 ,before ever this is read by any one1 ,i may have fallen asleep2 and the very next day after you have read this1 dear reader1 you may fall asleep2 and1 therefore1 whilst we have the opportunity1 let us serve the ,lord4 #e4 ,the ,lord lastly adds3 ,for where your treasure is1 there will your heart be also4 ,where should the heart of the disciple of the ,lord ,jesus be1 but in heaven8 ,our calling is a heavenly calling1 our inheritance is a heavenly inheritance1 and reserved for us in heaven2 our citizenship is in heaven2 but if we believers in the ,lord ,jesus lay up treasures on earth1 the necessary result of it is1 that our hearts will be upon earth2 nay1 the very fact of our doing so proves that they are there6 ,nor will it be otherwise1 till there be a ceasing to lay up treasures upon earth4 ,the believer who lays up treasures upon earth may1 at first1 not live openly in sin1 he in a measure may yet bring some honor to the ,lord in certain things2 but the injurious tendencies of this habit will show themselves more and more1 whilst the habit of laying up treasures in heaven would draw the heart more and more heavenward2 would be continually strengthening his new1 his divine nature1 his spiritual faculties1 because it would call his spiritual faculties into use1 and thus they would be strengthened2 and he would more and more1 whilst yet in the body1 have his heart in heaven1 and set upon heavenly things2 and thus the laying up treasures in heaven would bring along with it1 even in this life1 precious spiritual blessings as a reward of obedience to the commandment of our ,lord4 ,,ii4 ,the next passage1 on which ,i desire to make a few remarks1 is ,matt4 vi4 #cc3 ,but seek ye first the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness2 and all these things shall be added unto you4 ,after our ,lord1 in the previous verses1 had been pointing his disciples to the fowls of the air1 and the lilies of the field1 in order that they should be without carefulness about the necessaries of life1 he adds3 ,therefore take no thought 7literally1 be not anxious71 saying1 ,what shall we eat8 or1 ,what shall we drink8 or1 ,wherewithal shall we be clothed8 7for after all these things do the ,gentiles seek27 for your heavenly ,father knoweth that ye have need of all these things4 ,observe here particularly that we1 the children of ,god1 should be different from the nations of the earth1 from those who have no ,father in heaven1 and who therefore make it their great business1 their first anxious concern1 what they shall eat1 and what they shall drink1 and wherewithal they shall be clothed4 ,we1 the children of ,god1 should1 as in every other respect1 so in this particular also1 be different from the world1 and prove to the world that we believe that we have a ,father in heaven who knoweth that we have need of all these things4 ,the fact that our ,almighty ,father1 who is full of infinite love to us his children1 and who has proved to us his love in the gift of his only-begotten ,son1 and his almighty power in raising him from the dead1 knows that we have need of these things1 should remove all anxiety from our minds4 ,there is1 however1 one thing that we have to attend to1 and which we ought to attend to1 with reference to our temporal necessities2 it is mentioned in our verse3 ,but seek ye first the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness4 ,the great business which the disciple of the ,lord ,jesus has to be concerned about 7for this word was spoken to disciples1 to professed believers7 is1 to seek the kingdom of ,god1 i4 e4 to seek1 as ,i view it1 after the external and internal prosperity of the church of ,christ4 ,if1 according to our ability1 and according to the opportunity which the ,lord gives us1 we seek to win souls for the ,lord ,jesus1 that appears to me to be seeking the external prosperity of the kingdom of ,god2 and if we1 as members of the body of ,christ1 seek to benefit our fellow-members in the body1 helping them on in grace and truth1 or caring for them in any way to their edification1 that would be seeking the internal prosperity of the kingdom of ,god4 ,but in connection with this we have also to seek his righteousness1 which means 7as it was spoken to disciples1 to those who have a ,father in heaven1 and not to those who were without71 to seek to be more and more like ,god1 to seek to be inwardly conformed to the mind of ,god4 ,if these two things are attended to 7and they imply also that we are not slothful in business71 then do we come under that precious promise3 ,and all these things 7that is1 food1 raiment1 or anything else that is needful for this present life7 shall be added unto you4 ,it is not for attending to these two things that we obtain the blessing1 but in attending to them4 ,i now ask you1 my dear reader1 a few questions in all love1 because ,i do seek your welfare1 and ,i do not wish to put these questions to you without putting them first to my own heart4 ,do you make it your primary business1 your first great concern1 to seek the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness8 ,are the things of ,god1 the honor of his name1 the welfare of his church1 the conversion of sinners1 and the profit of your own soul1 your chief aim8 ,or does your business1 or your family1 or your own temporal concerns1 in some shape or other primarily occupy your attention8 ,if the latter be the case1 then1 though you may have all the necessaries of life1 yet could you be surprised if you had them not8 ,remember that the world passeth away1 but that the things of ,god endure forever4 ,i never knew a child of ,god1 who acted according to the above passage1 in whose experience the ,lord did not fulfil his word of promise1 ,all these things shall be added unto you4 ,,iii4 ,the third portion of the divine testimony on which ,i desire to throw out a few hints1 is in #a ,john i4 #c3 ,and truly our fellowship is with the ,father1 and with his ,son ,jesus ,christ4 ,observe1 #a4 ,the words fellowship1 communion1 coparticipation1 and partnership1 mean the same4 #b4 ,the believer in the ,lord ,jesus does not only obtain forgiveness of all his sins1 as he does through the shedding of the blood of ,jesus1 by faith in his name2 does not only become a righteous one before ,god1 through the righteousness of the ,lord ,jesus1 by faith in his name2 is not only begotten again1 born of ,god1 and partaker of the divine nature1 and therefore a child of ,god and an heir of ,god2 but he is also in fellowship or partnership with ,god4 ,now1 so far as it regards ,god1 and our standing in the ,lord ,jesus1 we have this blessing once for all2 nor does it allow of either an increase or a decrease4 ,just as ,god's love to us believers1 his children1 is unalterably the same1 whatever may be the manifestations of that love2 and as his peace with us is the same1 however much our peace may be disturbed2 so it is also with regard to our being in fellowship or partnership with him3 it remains unalterably the same so far as ,god is concerned4 ,but then1 #c4 ,there is an experimental fellowship1 or partnership1 with the ,father and with his ,son1 which consists in this3 that all which we possess in ,god1 as being the partners or fellows of ,god1 is brought down into our daily life1 is enjoyed1 experienced1 and used4 ,this experimental fellowship1 or partnership1 allows of an increase or a decrease1 in the measure in which faith is in exercise1 and in which we are entering into what we have received in the ,lord ,jesus4 ,the measure in which we enjoy this experimental fellowship with the ,father and with the ,son is without limit2 for without limit we may make use of our partnership with the ,father and with the ,son1 and draw by prayer and faith out of the inexhaustible fulness which there is in ,god4 ,let us now take a few instances in order to see the practical working of this experimental fellowship1 or partnership1 with the ,father and with the ,son4 ,suppose there are two believing parents who were not brought to the knowledge of the truth until some years after the ,lord had given them several children4 ,their children were brought up in sinful1 evil ways1 whilst the parents did not know the ,lord4 ,now the parents reap as they sowed4 ,they suffer from having set an evil example before their children1 for their children are unruly and behave most improperly4 ,what is now to be done8 ,need such parents despair8 ,no4 ,the first thing they have to do is1 to make confession of their sins to ,god1 with regard to neglecting their children whilst they were themselves living in sin1 and then to remember that they are in partnership with ,god1 and therefore to be of good courage1 though they are in themselves still utterly insufficient for the task of managing their children4 ,they have in themselves neither the wisdom1 nor the patience1 nor the long-suffering1 nor the gentleness1 nor the meekness1 nor the love1 nor the decision and firmness1 nor anything else that may be needful in dealing with their children aright4 ,but their heavenly ,father has all this4 ,the ,lord ,jesus possesses all this4 ,and they are in partnership with the ,father1 and with the ,son1 and therefore they can obtain by prayer and faith all they need out of the fulness of ,god4 ,i say by prayer and faith1 for we have to make known our need to ,god in prayer1 ask his help1 and then we have to believe he will give us what we need4 ,prayer alone is not enough4 ,we may pray never so much1 yet1 if we do not believe that ,god will give us what we need1 we have no reason to expect that we shall receive what we have asked for4 ,so then these parents would need to ask ,god to give them the needful wisdom1 patience1 long-suffering1 gentleness1 meekness1 love1 decision2 and firmness1 and whatever else they may judge they need4 ,they may in humble boldness remind their heavenly ,father that his word assures them that they are in partnership with him1 and1 as they themselves are lacking in these particulars1 ask him to be pleased to supply their need2 and then they have to believe that ,god will do it1 and they shall receive according to their need4 ,another instance3 ,suppose ,i am so situated in my business that day by day such difficulties arise that ,i continually find that ,i take wrong steps by reason of these great difficulties4 ,how may the case be altered for the better8 ,in myself ,i see no remedy for the difficulties4 ,in looking at myself ,i can expect nothing but to make still further mistakes1 and1 therefore1 trial upon trial seems to be before me4 ,and yet ,i need not despair4 ,the living ,god is my partner4 ,i have not sufficient wisdom to meet these difficulties so as to be able to know what steps to take1 but he is able to direct me4 ,what ,i have1 therefore1 to do1 is this3 in simplicity to spread my case before my heavenly ,father and my ,lord ,jesus4 ,the ,father and the ,son are my partners4 ,i have to tell out my heart to ,god1 and to ask him1 that1 as he is my partner1 and ,i have no wisdom in myself to meet all the many difficulties which continually occur in my business1 he would be pleased to guide and direct me1 and to supply me with the needful wisdom2 and then ,i have to believe that ,god will do so1 and go with good courage to my business1 and expect help from him in the next difficulty that may come before me4 ,i have to look out for guidance2 ,i have to expect counsel from the ,lord2 and as assuredly as ,i do so1 ,i shall have it1 ,i shall find that ,i am not nominally1 but really1 in partnership with the ,father and with the ,son4 ,another instance3 ,there is a father and mother with seven small children4 ,both parents are believers4 ,the father works in a manufactory1 but cannot earn more than ten shillings per week4 ,the mother cannot earn anything4 ,these ten shillings are too little for the supply of nourishing and wholesome food for seven growing children and their parents1 and for providing them with the other necessaries of life4 ,what is to be done in such a case8 ,surely not to find fault with the manufacturer1 who may not be able to afford more wages1 and much less to murmur against ,god2 but the parents have in simplicity to tell ,god1 their partner1 that the wages of ten shillings a week are not sufficient in ,england to provide nine persons with all they need1 so as that their health be not injured4 ,they have to remind ,god that he is not a hard master1 not an unkind being1 but a most loving ,father1 who has abundantly proved the love of his heart in the gift of his only begotten ,son4 ,and they have in childlike simplicity to ask him that either he would order it so that the manufacturer may be able to allow more wages2 or that he 7the ,lord7 would find them another place1 where the father would be able to earn more2 or that he would be pleased1 somehow or other1 as it may seem good to him1 to supply them with more means4 ,they have to ask the ,lord1 in childlike simplicity1 again and again for it1 if he does not answer their request at once2 and they have to believe that ,god1 their ,father and partner1 will give them the desire of their hearts4 ,they have to expect an answer to their prayers2 day by day they have to look out for it1 and to repeat their request till ,god grants it4 ,as assuredly as they believe that ,god will grant them their request1 so assuredly it shall be granted4 ,thus1 suppose ,i desired more power over my besetting sins2 suppose ,i desired more power against certain temptations2 suppose ,i desired more wisdom1 or grace1 or anything else that ,i may need in my service among the saints1 or in my service towards the unconverted3 what have ,i to do but to make use of my being in fellowship with the ,father and with the ,son8 ,just as1 for instance1 an old faithful clerk1 who is this day taken into partnership by an immensely rich firm1 though himself altogether without property1 would not be discouraged by reason of a large payment having to be made by the firm within three days1 though he himself has no money at all of his own1 but would comfort himself with the immense riches possessed by those who so generously have just taken him into partnership3 so should we1 the children of ,god and servants of ,jesus ,christ1 comfort ourselves by being in fellowship1 or partnership1 with the ,father1 and with the ,son1 though we have no power of our own against our besetting sins2 though we cannot withstand temptations1 which are before us1 in our own strength2 and though we have neither sufficient grace nor wisdom for our service among the saints1 or towards the unconverted4 ,all we have to do is1 to draw upon our partner1 the living ,god4 ,by prayer and faith we may obtain all needful temporal and spiritual help and blessings4 ,in all simplicity have we to tell out our heart before ,god1 and then we have to believe that he will give to us according to our need4 ,but if we do not believe that ,god will help us1 could we be at peace8 ,the clerk1 taken into the firm as partner1 believes that the firm will meet the payment1 though so large1 and though in three days it is to be made1 and it is this that keeps his heart quiet1 though altogether poor himself4 ,we have to believe that our infinitely rich partner1 the living ,god1 will help us in our need1 and we shall not only be in peace1 but we shall actually find that the help which we need will be granted to us4 ,let not the consciousness of your entire unworthiness keep you1 dear reader1 from believing what ,god has said concerning you4 ,if you are indeed a believer in the ,lord ,jesus1 then this precious privilege1 of being in partnership with the ,father and the ,son1 is yours1 though you and ,i are entirely unworthy of it4 ,if the consciousness of our unworthiness were to keep us from believing what ,god has said concerning those who depend upon and trust in the ,lord ,jesus for salvation1 then we should find that there is not one single blessing1 with which we have been blessed in the ,lord ,jesus1 from which1 on account of our unworthiness1 we could derive any settled comfort or peace4 ,,iv4 ,there is one other point1 which1 in connection with several portions of the word of ,god which bear on the subject1 ,i desire to bring before the believing reader1 and it refers to the scriptural way of overcoming the difficulties with which the believer now meets who is engaged in a business1 trade1 profession1 or any earthly calling whatever1 which arise from competition in business1 too great a number of persons being occupied in the same calling1 stagnation of trade1 and the like4 ,the children of ,god1 who are strangers and pilgrims on earth1 have at all times had difficulty in the world1 for they are not at home1 but from home2 nor should they1 until the return of the ,lord ,jesus1 expect it to be otherwise with them4 ,but whilst this is true1 it is also true that the ,lord has provided us in all our difficulties with something in his own word to meet them4 ,all difficulties may be overcome by acting according to the word of ,god4 ,at this time ,i more especially desire to point out the means whereby the children of ,god who are engaged in any earthly calling may be able to overcome the difficulties which arise from competition in business1 too great a number of persons being occupied in the same calling1 stagnation of trade1 and the like4 #a4 ,the first thing which the believer who is in such difficulties has to ask himself is1 ,am ,i in a calling in which ,i can abide with ,god8 ,if our occupation be of that kind that we cannot ask ,god's blessing upon it1 or that we should be ashamed to be found in it at the appearing of the ,lord ,jesus1 or that it of necessity hinders our spiritual progress1 then we must give it up1 and be engaged in something else2 but in few cases only this is needful4 ,far the greater part of the occupations in which believers are engaged are not of such a nature as that they need to give them up in order to maintain a good conscience1 and in order to be able to walk with ,god1 though1 perhaps1 certain alterations may need to be made in the manner of conducting their trade1 business1 or profession4 ,about these parts of our calling which may need alteration1 we shall receive instruction from the ,lord if we indeed desire it1 and wait upon him for it1 and expect it from him4 #b4 ,now suppose the believer is in a calling in which he can abide with ,god1 the next point to be settled is1 ,why do ,i carry on this business1 or why am ,i engaged in this trade or profession8 ,in most instances1 so far as my experience goes1 which ,i have gathered in my service among the saints during the last fifteen years and a half i4 e4 in #ahde1 ,i believe the answer would be1 ,i am engaged in my earthly calling that ,i may earn the means of obtaining the necessaries of life for myself and family4 ,here is the chief error from which almost all the rest of the errors which are entertained by the children of ,god1 relative to their calling1 spring4 ,it is no right and scriptural motive to be engaged in a trade or business or profession merely in order to earn the means for the obtaining of the necessaries of life for ourselves and family1 but we should work because it is the ,lord's will concerning us4 ,this is plain from the following passages3 #a ,thess4 iv4 #aa1 #ab2 #b ,thess4 iii4 #aj-ab2 ,eph4 iv4 #bh4 ,it is quite true that1 in general1 the ,lord provides the necessaries of life by means of our ordinary calling3 but that that is not ,,the ,,reason why we should work1 is plain enough from the consideration that if our possessing the necessaries of life depended upon our ability of working1 we could never have freedom from anxiety1 for we should always have to say to ourselves1 ,and what shall ,i do when ,i am too old to work1 or when by reason of sickness ,i am unable to earn my bread8 ,but if1 on the other hand1 we are engaged in our earthly calling because it is the will of the ,lord concerning us that we should work1 and that thus laboring we may provide for our families1 and also be able to support the weak1 the sick1 the aged1 and the needy1 then we have good and scriptural reason to say to ourselves1 ,should it please the ,lord to lay me on a bed of sickness1 or keep me otherwise by reason of infirmity1 or old age1 or want of employment1 from earning my bread by means of the labor of my hands1 or my business1 or my profession1 he will yet provide for me4 ,because we who believe are servants of ,jesus ,christ1 who has bought us with his own precious blood1 and are not our own1 and because this our precious ,lord and ,master has commanded us to work1 therefore we work3 and in doing so our ,lord will provide for us1 but whether in this way or any other way he is sure to provide for us1 for we labor in obedience to him2 and if even a just earthly master give wages to his servants1 the ,lord will surely see to it that we have our wages1 if1 in obedience to him1 we are engaged in our calling1 and not for our own sake4 ,how great the difference between acting according to the word of ,god and according to our own natural desires1 or the customs of the world1 will be plain1 ,i trust1 by the following case3 ,suppose ,i were engaged in some useful trade4 ,suppose ,i had the certain human prospect that within the next three months my labor would bring me in nothing1 for certain reasons connected with the state of mercantile affairs4 ,as a man of the world ,i should say1 ,i shall not work at all1 because my labor will not be paid2 but as a ,christian1 who desires to act according to ,god's holy word1 ,i ought to say1 ,my trade is useful to society1 and ,i will work1 notwithstanding all human prospects1 because the ,lord ,jesus has commanded me to labor2 from him1 and not from my trade1 ,i expect my wages4 ,in addition to this1 the ,christian ought also to say1 ,idleness is a dreadful snare of the devil2 he has especial opportunity to get an advantage over the children of ,god when they are unoccupied2 and1 therefore1 ,i will work though ,i have no human prospect of obtaining payment for my labor1 but shall get only the cost price of the material1 and shall have to give my work for nothing4 ,moreover1 the ,christian ought to say1 ,though according to human probability ,i shall have to labor for nothing during the next three months1 yet ,i will work1 because the ,lord may speedily alter the state of things1 contrary to all human expectation2 but whether he be pleased to do so or not1 ,i labor because ,i am the ,lord's1 bought by his precious blood1 and he commands me to labor4 ,but there are motives still lower than to be engaged in our earthly calling merely that we may earn the means of obtaining the necessaries of life1 why even ,christians1 true children of ,god1 may be engaged in their calling1 such as1 to obtain a certain sum of money1 and then to retire from business and to live upon the interest2 or to provide something for old age2 or to obtain a certain amount of property1 without intending to give up business4 ,if it be unscriptural to be engaged in our calling merely even for the sake of earning the means for procuring the necessaries of life for ourselves and family1 how much more unbecoming that a child of ,god should be engaged in his calling for the sake of any of the last-mentioned reasons4 ,this second point1 then1 ,why do ,i carry on this business8 ,why am ,i engaged in this trade or profession8 ought first to be settled in the fear of ,god1 and according to the revealed will of ,god2 and if we cannot say1 in honesty of heart1 ,i do carry on my business1 ,i am engaged in my trade1 or art1 or profession1 as a servant of ,jesus ,christ1 whose ,i am1 because he has bought me with his precious blood1 and he has commanded me to work1 and therefore ,i work1--,i say1 if we cannot say this in honesty of heart1 but must confess that we work on account of lower motives1 such as that we may earn our bread1 or on account of still lower motives1 and such as are altogether unbecoming a child of ,god1 who is not of the world1 but of ,god1 such as to obtain a certain sum of money in order to be able to live on the interest without having to work1 or to provide something for old age1 or to obtain a certain amount of property without intending to give up business2--if these are our motives for being engaged in our calling1 ,i say1 can we be surprised that we meet with great difficulties in our business1 and that the ,lord in his abounding love to us1 his erring children1 does not allow us to succeed8 ,but suppose this second point is scripturally settled1 and we can honestly say that1 because we are servants of ,jesus ,christ1 we are occupied as we are2 we have further to consider1-- #c4 ,whether we carry on our business1 or are engaged in our trade1 art1 or profession1 as stewards of the ,lord4 ,to the child of ,god it ought not to be enough that he is in a calling in which he can abide with ,god1 nor that he is engaged in his calling because it is the will of his ,lord and ,master that he should work1 but he should consider himself in his trade1 business1 art1 or profession1 only as the steward of the ,lord with reference to his income4 ,the child of ,god has been bought with the precious blood of the ,lord ,jesus1 and is altogether his property1 with all that he possesses1 his bodily strength1 his mental strength1 his ability of every kind1 his trade1 business1 art1 or profession1 his property1 etc42 for it is written1 ,ye are not your own2 for ye are bought with a price4 #a ,cor4 vi4 #ai1 #bj4 ,the proceeds of our calling are therefore not our own in the sense of using them as our natural heart wishes us to do1 whether to spend them on the gratification of our pride1 or our love of pleasure1 or sensual indulgences1 or to lay by the money for ourselves or our children1 or use it in any way as we naturally like1 but we have to stand before our ,lord and ,master1 whose stewards we are1 to seek to ascertain his will1 how he will have us use the proceeds of our calling4 ,but is this indeed the spirit in which children of ,god generally are engaged in their calling8 ,it is but too well known that it is not the case6 ,can we then wonder at it1 that even ,god's own dear children should so often be found greatly in difficulty with regard to their calling1 and be found so often complaining about stagnation or competition in trade1 and the difficulties of the times1 though there have been given to them such precious promises as1 ,seek ye first the kingdom of ,god1 and his righteousness1 and all these things shall be added unto you2 or1 ,let your conversation 7disposition or turn of mind7 be without covetousness2 and be content with such things as ye have3 for he hath said1 ,i will never leave thee1 nor forsake thee4 ,heb4 xiii4 #e4 ,is it not obvious enough that when our heavenly ,father sees that we his children do or would use the proceeds of our calling1 as our natural mind would desire1 that he either cannot at all intrust us with means1 or will be obliged to decrease them8 ,no wise and really affectionate mother will permit her infant to play with a razor1 or with fire1 however much the child may desire to have them2 and so the love and wisdom of our heavenly ,father will not1 cannot1 intrust us with pecuniary means1 except it be in the way of chastisement1 or to show us finally their utter vanity1 if he sees that we do not desire to possess them as stewards for him1 in order that we may spend them as he may point out to us by his ,holy ,spirit1 through his word4 ,in connection with this subject1 ,i give a few hints to the believing reader on three passages of the word of ,god4 ,in #a ,cor4 xvi4 #b1 we find it written to the brethren at ,corinth1 ,upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store1 as ,god has prospered him4 ,a contribution for the poor saints in ,judea was to be made1 and the brethren at ,corinth were exhorted to put by for it1 every ,lord's day1 according to the measure of success which the ,lord had been pleased to grant them in their calling during the week4 ,now1 ought not the saints in our day also to act according to this word8 ,there is no passage in the word of ,god why we should not do so1 and it is altogether in accordance with our pilgrim character1 not only once or twice1 or four times a year1 to see how much we can afford to give to the poor saints1 or to the work of ,god in any way1 but to seek to settle it weekly4 ,if it be said1 ,i cannot ascertain how much ,i have gained in the course of the week by my business1 and therefore ,i cannot give accordingly2 my reply is this1 ,seek1 dear brethren1 as much as possible1 to bring your business upon such a footing as that you may be able1 as nearly as possible1 to settle how much you have earned in your calling in the course of the week4 ,but suppose you should be unable to settle it exactly to the shilling or pound1 yet you will know pretty well how it has been with you during the week1 and therefore1 according to your best knowledge1 contribute on the coming ,lord's day towards the necessities of the poor saints1 and towards the work of ,god1 as he1 after your having sought his guidance1 may lead you4 ,perhaps you say1 the weeks are so unlike2 in one week ,i may earn three or even ten times as much as in another week1 and if ,i give according to my earnings from my calling during a very good week1 then how are such weeks1 when ,i earn scarcely any thing1 or how are the bad debts to be met8 ,how shall ,i do when sickness befalls my family1 or when other trials productive of expense come upon me1 if ,i do not make provision for such seasons8 ,my reply is1 #a4 ,i do not find in the whole ,new ,testament one single passage in which either directly or indirectly exhortations are given to provide against deadness in business1 bad debts1 and sickness1 by laying up money4 #b4 ,often the ,lord is obliged to allow deadness in business1 or bad debts1 or sickness in our family1 or other trials which increase our expenses1 to befall us1 because we do not1 as his stewards1 act according to stewardship1 but as if we were owners of what we have1 forgetting that the time has not yet come when we shall enter upon our possessions2 and he does so in order that1 by these losses and expenses1 our property which we have collected may be decreased1 lest we should altogether set our hearts again upon earthly things1 and forget ,god entirely4 ,his love is so great1 that he will not let his children quietly go their own way when they have forsaken him2 but if his loving admonitions by his ,holy ,spirit are disregarded1 he is obliged in fatherly love to chastise them4 ,a striking illustration of what ,i have said we have in the case of ,israel nationally4 ,the commandment to them was1 to leave their land uncultivated in the seventh year1 in order that it might rest1 and the ,lord promised to make up for this deficiency by his abundant blessing resting upon the sixth year4 ,however1 ,israel acted not according to this commandment1 no doubt saying1 in the unbelief of their hearts1 as the ,lord had foretold1 ,what shall we eat in the seventh year8 ,behold1 we shall not sow1 nor gather in our increase4 ,levit4 xxv4 ,but what did the ,lord do8 ,he was determined the land should have rest1 and as the ,israelites did not willingly give it1 he sent them for seventy years into captivity1 in order that thus the land might have rest4 ,see ,levit4 xxvi4 #cc-ce4 ,beloved brethren in the ,lord1 let us take heed so to walk as that the ,lord may not be obliged by chastisement to take a part of our earthly possessions from us in the way of bad debts1 sickness1 decrease of business1 and the like1 because we would not own our position as stewards1 but act as owners1 and keep for ourselves the means with which the ,lord had intrusted us1 not for the gratification of our own carnal mind1 but for the sake of using them in his service and to his praise4 ,it might also be said by a brother whose earnings are small1 should ,i also give according to my earnings8 ,they are already so small that my wife can only with the greatest difficulty manage to make them sufficient for the family4 ,my reply is1 ,have you ever considered1 my brother1 that the very reason why the ,lord is obliged to let your earnings remain so small may be the fact of your spending everything upon yourselves1 and that if he were to give you more you would only use it to increase your own family comfort1 instead of looking about to see who among the brethren are sick1 or who have no work at all1 that you might help them1 or how you might assist the work of ,god at home or abroad8 ,there is a great temptation for a brother whose earnings are small to put off the responsibility of assisting the needy and sick saints1 or helping on the work of ,god1 and to lay it upon the few rich brethren and sisters with whom he is associated in fellowship1 and thus rob his own soul6 ,it might be asked1 ,how much shall ,i give of my income8 ,the tenth part1 or the fifth part1 or the third part1 or one half1 or more8 ,my reply is1 ,god lays down no rule concerning this point4 ,what we do we should do cheerfully and not of necessity4 ,but if even ,jacob1 with the first dawning of spiritual light 7,genesis xxviii4 #bb71 promised to ,god the tenth of all he should give to him1 how much ought we believers in the ,lord ,jesus to do for him3 we1 whose calling is a heavenly one1 and who know distinctly that we are children of ,god1 and joint heirs with the ,lord ,jesus6 ,yet do all the children of ,god give even the tenth part of what the ,lord gives them8 ,that would be two shillings per week for the brother who earns one pound1 and four shillings to him who earns two pounds1 and two pounds per week to him whose income is twenty pounds per week4 ,in connection with #a ,cor4 xvi4 #b1 ,i would mention two other portions3 #a4 ,he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly2 and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully4 #b ,cor4 ix4 #f4 ,it is certain that we children of ,god are so abundantly blessed in ,jesus1 by the grace of ,god1 that we ought to need no stimulus to good works4 ,the forgiveness of our sins1 the having been made forever the children of ,god1 the having before us the ,father's house as our home2--these blessings ought to be sufficient motives to constrain us in love and gratitude to serve ,god abundantly all the days of our life1 and cheerfully also to give up1 as he may call for it1 that with which he has intrusted us of the things of this world4 ,but whilst this is the case1 the ,lord nevertheless holds out to us in his holy word motives why we should serve him1 deny ourselves1 use our property for him1 etc41 and the last mentioned passage is one of that kind4 ,the verse is true1 both with reference to the life that is now1 and that which is to come4 ,if we have been sparingly using our property for him1 there will have been little treasure laid up in heaven1 and therefore a small amount of capital will be found in the world to come1 so far as it regards reaping4 ,again1 we shall reap bountifully if we seek to be rich towards ,god1 by abundantly using our means for him1 whether in ministering to the necessities of the poor saints1 or using otherwise our pecuniary means for his work4 ,dear brethren1 these things are realities6 ,shortly1 very shortly1 will come the reaping-time1 and then will be the question whether we shall reap sparingly or bountifully4 ,but while this passage refers to the life hereafter1 it also refers to the life that now is4 ,just as now the love of ,christ constrains us to communicate of that with which the ,lord intrusts us1 so will be the present reaping1 both with regard to spiritual and temporal things4 ,should there be found1 therefore1 in a brother1 the want of entering into his position as being merely a steward for the ,lord in his calling1 and should he give no heed to the admonitions of the ,holy ,ghost to communicate to those who are in need or to help the work of ,god1 then can such a brother be surprised that he meets with great difficulties in his calling1 and that he cannot get on8 ,this is according to the ,lord's word4 ,he is sowing sparingly1 and he therefore reaps sparingly4 ,but should the love of ,christ constrain a brother1 out of the earnings of his calling1 to sow bountifully1 he will even in this life reap bountifully1 both with regard to blessings in his soul1 and with regard to temporal things4 ,consider in connection with this the following passage1 which1 though taken from the ,book of ,proverbs1 is not of a ,jewish character1 but true concerning believers under the present dispensation also3 ,there is that scattereth1 and yet increaseth2 and there is that withholdeth more than is meet1 but it tendeth to poverty4 ,the liberal soul shall be made fat2 and he that watereth shall be watered also himself4 ,prov4 xi4 #bd1 #be4 ,in connection with #a ,cor4 xvi4 #b1 ,i would also direct my brethren in the ,lord to the promise made in ,luke vi4 #ch3 ,give1 and it shall be given unto you2 good measure1 pressed down1 and shaken together1 and running over1 shall men give into your bosom4 ,for with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again4 ,this refers evidently to the present dispensation1 and evidently in its primary meaning to temporal things4 ,now let any one1 constrained by the love of ,jesus1 act according to this passage2 let him on the first day of the week communicate as the ,lord has prospered him1 and he will see that the ,lord will act according to what is contained in this verse4 ,if pride constrain us to give1 if self-righteousness make us liberal1 if natural feeling induce us to communicate1 or if we give whilst we are in a state of insolvency1 not possessing more perhaps than ten shillings in the pound1 were our creditors to come upon us2 then we cannot expect to have this verse fulfilled in our experience2 nor should we give at any time for the sake of receiving again from others1 according to this verse2 but if indeed the love of ,christ constrain us to communicate according to the ability which the ,lord gives us1 then we shall have this verse fulfilled in our experience1 though this was not the motive which induced us to give4 ,somehow or other the ,lord will abundantly repay us1 through the instrumentality of our fellow-men1 what we are doing to his poor saints1 or in any way for his work1 and we shall find that in the end we are not losers1 even with reference to temporal things1 whilst we communicate liberally of the things of this life with which the ,lord has intrusted us4 ,here it might be remarked1 ,but if it be so that even in this life1 and with regard to temporal things1 it is true that to him that gives shall be given1 good measure1 pressed down1 and shaken together1 and running over1 and that he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully1 then in the end the most liberal persons would be exceedingly rich4 ,concerning this remark we have to keep in mind1 that the moment persons were to begin to give for the sake of receiving more back again from the ,lord1 through the instrumentality of their fellow-men1 than they have given2 or the moment persons wished to alter their way1 and no more go on sowing bountifully1 but sparingly1 in order to increase their possessions1 whilst ,god is allowing them to reap bountifully1 the river of ,god's bounty toward them would no longer continue to flow4 ,god had supplied them abundantly with means1 because he saw them act as stewards for him4 ,he had intrusted them with a little which they had used for him1 and he therefore intrusted them with more2 and if they had continued to use the much also for him1 he would have still more abundantly used them as instruments to scatter abroad his bounties4 ,the child of ,god must be willing to be a channel through which ,god's bounties flow1 both with regard to temporal and spiritual things4 ,this channel is narrow and shallow at first1 it may be2 yet there is room for some of the waters of ,god's bounty to pass through4 ,and if we cheerfully yield ourselves as channels for this purpose1 then the channel becomes wider and deeper1 and the waters of the bounty of ,god can pass through more abundantly4 ,without a figure1 it is thus3 ,at first1 we may be only instrumental in communicating five pounds1 or ten pounds1 or twenty pounds1 or fifty pounds1 or one hundred pounds1 or two hundred pounds per year1 but afterwards double as much2 and1 if we are still more faithful in our stewardship1 after a year or two four times as much1 afterwards perhaps eight times as much1 at last perhaps twenty times or fifty times as much4 ,we cannot limit the extent to which ,god may use us as instruments in communicating blessing1 both temporal and spiritual1 if we are willing to yield ourselves as instruments to the living ,god1 and are content to be only instruments1 and to give him all the glory4 ,but with regard to temporal things it will be thus1 that if indeed we walk according to the mind of ,god in these things1 whilst more and more we become instruments of blessing to others1 we shall not seek to enrich ourselves1 but be content1 when the last day of another year finds us still in the body1 to possess no more than on the last day of the previous year1 or even considerably less1 whilst we have been1 however1 in the course of the year1 the instruments of communicating largely to others1 through the means with which the ,lord had intrusted us4 ,as to my own soul1 by the grace of ,god1 it would be a burden to me that however much my income in the course of the year might have been1 ,i were increasing in earthly possession2 for it would be a plain proof to me that ,i had not been acting as a steward for ,god1 and had not been yielding myself as a channel for the waters of ,god's bounty to pass through4 ,i also cannot but bear my testimony here1 that in whatever feeble measure ,god has enabled me to act according to these truths for the last fifteen years this was written in #ahde2 ,i have found it to be profitable1 most profitable to my own soul2 and as to temporal things1 ,i never was a loser in doing so1 but ,i have most abundantly found the truth in #b ,cor4 ix4 #f1 and ,luke vi4 #ch1 and ,prov4 xi4 #bd1 #be1 verified in my own experience4 ,i only have to regret that ,i have acted so little according to what ,i have now been stating2 but my godly purpose is by the help of ,god1 to spend the remainder of my days in practising these truths more than ever2 and ,i am sure that when ,i am brought to the close of my earthly pilgrimage1 either in death1 or by the appearing of our ,lord ,jesus1 ,i shall not have the least regret in having done so2 and ,i know that1 should ,i leave my dear child behind1 the ,lord will abundantly provide for her1 and prove that there has been a better provision made for her than her father could have made1 if he had sought to insure his life or lay up money for her4 ,before leaving this part of the subject1 ,i mention to the believing reader1 that ,i know instance upon instance in which what ,i have been saying has been verified1 but ,i will only mention the following3 ,i knew many years ago a brother as the manager of a large manufactory4 ,whilst in this capacity he was liberal1 and giving away considerably out of his rather considerable salary4 ,the ,lord repaid this to him2 for the principals of the establishment1 well knowing his value to their house of business1 gave him now and then1 whilst he thus was liberally using his means for the ,lord1 very large presents in money4 ,in process of time1 however1 this brother thought it right to begin business on his own account1 in a very small way4 ,he still continued to be liberal1 according to his means1 and ,god prospered him1 and prospered him so that now1 whilst ,i am writing1 his manufactory is as large as the one which he formerly managed1 or even larger1 though that was a very considerable one4 ,and sure ,i am that if this brother shall be kept by ,god from setting his heart upon earthly things1 and from seeking more and more to increase his earthly riches1 but shall delight himself in being used as a steward by ,god1 cheerfully communicating to the need of ,god's poor children1 or to his work in other ways1 and doing so not sparingly1 but bountifully1 the ,lord will intrust him more and more with means2 if otherwise1 if he shut up his hands1 seek his own1 wish to obtain sufficient property that he may be able to live on his interest1 then what he has to expect is that ,god will shut up his hands1 he will meet with heavy losses1 or there will be an alteration in his affairs for the worse1 or the like4 ,i also mention two other cases1 to show that the ,lord increases our ability of communicating temporal blessings to others if we distribute according to the means with which he has intrusted us1 though we should not be in a trade or business or profession4 ,i know a brother who many years ago saw it right not only to spend his interest for the ,lord1 but also the principal1 as the ,lord might point out to him opportunities4 ,his desire was not1 as indeed it ought never to be1 to get rid of his money as fast as possible1 yet he considered himself a steward for the ,lord1 and was therefore willing1 as his ,lord and ,master might point it out to him1 to spend his means4 ,when this brother came to this determination1 he possessed about twenty thousand pounds sterling4 ,according to the light and grace which the ,lord had been pleased to give1 he afterwards acted1 spending the money for the ,lord1 in larger or smaller sums1 as opportunities were pointed out to him by the ,lord4 ,thus the sum more and more decreased1 whilst the brother steadily pursued his course1 serving the ,lord with his property1 and spending his time and ability also for the ,lord1 in service of one kind or another among his children4 ,at last1 the twenty thousand pounds were almost entirely spent1 when at that very time the father of this very brother died1 whereby he came into the possession of an income of several thousand pounds a year4 ,it gives joy to my heart to be able to add1 that this brother still pursues his godly course1 living in the most simple way1 and giving away perhaps ten times as much as he spends on himself or family4 ,here you see1 dear reader1 that this brother1 using faithfully for the ,lord what he had been intrusted with at first1 was made steward over more2 for he has now more than one third as much in a year coming in as he at first possessed altogether4 ,i mention another instance3 ,i know a brother to whom the ,lord has given a liberal heart1 and who bountifully gave of that over which the ,lord had set him as steward4 ,the ,lord1 seeing this1 intrusted him with still more1 for through family circumstances he came into the possession of many thousand pounds1 in addition to the considerable property he possessed before4 ,i have the joy of being able to add also concerning this brother1 that the ,lord continues to give him grace to use his property as a steward for ,god1 and that he has not been permitted to set his heart upon his riches1 through the very considerable increase of his property1 but that he continues to live as the steward of the ,lord1 and not as the owner of all this wealth4 ,and now1 dear reader1 when the brethren to whom ,i have been referring are brought to the close of their earthly pilgrimage1 will they have one moment's regret that they have used their property for the ,lord8 ,will it be the least particle of uneasiness to their minds1 or will their children be the worse for it8 ,o no6 ,the only regret they will have concerning this matter will be1 that they did not serve the ,lord still more abundantly with their property4 ,dear reader1 let us each in our measure act in the same spirit4 ,money is really worth no more than as it is used according to the mind of the ,lord2 and life is worth no more than as it is spent in the service of the ,lord4 ,whilst the three points mentioned--#a4 ,that our calling must be of that nature that we can abide in it with ,god2 #b4 ,that unto the ,lord we should labor in our calling1 as his servants1 because he has bought us with his blood1 and because he will have us to labor2 #c4 ,that as stewards we should labor in our calling1 because the earnings of our calling are the ,lord's and not our own1 as he has bought us with his blood2--,i say1 whilst these three points are particularly to be attended to in order that the ,lord's blessing may rest upon our calling1 and we be prospering in it1 there are1 nevertheless1 some other points to be attended to1 which ,i mention in love to my brethren in the ,lord1 by whom they may be needed4 #d4 ,the next point is1 that a believer in the ,lord ,jesus should do nothing in his calling which is purely for the sake of attracting the world2 such as1 for instance1 fitting up his shop or rooms of business in the most costly manner4 ,i do not in the least mean to say that his shop or rooms of business should not be clean1 orderly1 and of such a character as that there may be no positive hindrance in persons going there4 ,all the needful conveniences that are expected may be there1 and ought to be there4 ,but if any child of ,god seek to have the front of his shop1 or the interior of his shop1 or of his place of business1 fitted up in a most expensive way1 simply for the sake of attracting attention1 then let him be aware that1 just in so far as he is trusting in these things1 he is not likely to succeed in his calling1 because he puts the manner of fitting up the shop in the room of trust in the ,lord4 ,such things the ,lord may allow to succeed in the case of an unbeliever1 but they will not prosper in the case of a child of ,god1 except it be in the way of chastisement1 just as the ,lord gave to ,israel in the wilderness the desire of their hearts1 but sent leanness into their souls4 ,should any brother have fallen into this error1 the first thing he has to do1 when the ,lord has instructed him concerning this point1 is to make confession of sin1 and1 as far as it can be done1 to retrace his steps in this particular4 ,if this cannot be done1 then to cast himself upon the mercy of ,god in ,christ ,jesus4 #e4 ,of the same character is1 to seek to attract the attention of the world by boasting advertisements1 such as no one manufactures so good an article1 no one sells this article so cheap1 we sell the best article in the city1 etc4 ,suppose these statements were quite correct1 yet they are unbecoming for a child of ,god1 who has the living ,god to care for him and to provide for him1 and therefore needs not to make use of such boasting1 whereby he may seek to insure custom to himself and keep it from others4 ,the law of love is1 ,whatsoever ye would that men should do to you1 do ye even so to them4 ,matt4 vii4 #ab4 ,now what do ,i wish in this particular that others should do to me1 but that they should not seek to keep away persons from dealing with me2 but if ,i use such like expressions in my advertisements1 as have been mentioned1 what do they imply but that ,i wish all people should come to me1 and deal with me8 ,if1 however1 already under the old covenant it was said1 ,thou shalt not covet1 how much more sinful and altogether unbecoming is it for us children of ,god1 who are in fellowship with the ,father and the ,son1 to make use of such means in order to insure to ourselves pecuniary advantages4 ,but1 however much the ,lord may allow a man of the world to prosper in using such means1 they are only hindrances to the child of ,god to getting on in his calling1 because the ,lord sees that they are substituted instead of trust in himself2 and should the ,lord for a season allow his child apparently to be benefited by them1 it will only be for his chastisement and connected with leanness in his soul4 ,therefore1 my brethren in the ,lord1 ,i beseech you to put away all these things out of your calling1 lest you should be hindering instead of furthering your real welfare4 #f4 ,likewise of a similar character is the following point1 which ,god may suffer to be a real hindrance to his children in their calling2 it is1 ,to seek the very best1 and therefore the most expensive1 situations which can be had in a town or city4 ,now1 ,i do by no means intend to say1 that in our trade1 business1 art1 or profession1 we should seek the most obscure1 retired1 out of the way place possible1 and say1 ,god will provide1 and ,i need not mind in what part of the town ,i carry on my calling4 ,there are most assuredly certain things to be considered4 ,the persons who are likely to buy the articles ,i sell1 or employ me1 are to be considered1 and ,i have not to say1 it matters nothing to me whether ,i make them come a mile or two to my house1 or to the most dirty and disagreeable part of the town2 this would be the extreme in the other way4 ,but whilst there is a certain consideration to be used with reference to those who may employ us in our calling1 yet if the trust of the child of ,god respecting temporal prosperity is in the fact that he lives in the best situation1 the ,lord will surely disappoint him4 ,he will have to pay a very high rent for the best situation1 and yet not succeed1 because his trust is in the best situation4 ,he is substituting it for dependence upon the living ,god for customers4 ,he is robbing his soul1 not only in not taking the customers as from the hands of the ,lord1 but he is also obliging his heavenly ,father1 in the very love of his heart1 to cause him to be disappointed1 because he is not trusting in him4 ,if the child of ,god were saying and acting thus3 the best situation would cost me fifty pounds a year more rent than one which is not really inconvenient for my customers1 nor in an improper neighborhood1 and the like2 this fifty pounds ,i dedicate unto the ,lord1 to be paid in instalments for his work or his poor saints1 whenever the rent-day comes2 such a brother would find himself to be no loser1 if this indeed were done in dependence upon the ,lord1 and constrained by the love of ,jesus4 ,but if the fifty pounds more is paid for rent1 and yet the living ,god1 in the very love of his heart1 should be obliged to withhold prosperity from his child in his calling1 because he sees that he is laying undue stress upon the situation of the house1 then not only the fifty pounds extra rent per year is lost1 but also that which the ,lord is obliged to withhold from his child besides1 in order to teach him the lesson2 and thus year after year1 by our own fault1 we may have scarcely anything to give for the work of ,god4 #g4 ,the next obstacle to prosperity in our calling which ,i now would mention is1 ,that children of ,god often use such expressions as these with reference to their calling3 ,this is our busy time1 or ,this is our dead time2 which implies that they do not day after day deal with ,god about their calling1 but that they ascribe their having much or little to do to circumstances1 or to times and seasons4 ,that the people of the world should do so is not to be wondered at2 but that the children of ,god should act thus1 who in the most minute affairs of life should seek the help of ,god1 and deal with ,god about them1 is a matter of sorrow to the spiritual mind1 and is altogether unbecoming saints4 ,but what is the result8 ,the ,lord1 according to the expectations of his children1 allows them to be without employment1 because they say1 ,this is our dead season4 ,he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief1 contains a truth which comes in here4 ,but what is the right way of looking at the matter8 ,it is this3 the child of ,god should say1 though generally about this time of the year there is little employment to be expected1 looking at it naturally1 just as want of employment is neither good for the outward nor inward man1 and as ,i only desire employment to serve ,god in my business1 to have to give to those who are in need1 or help in other ways the work of ,god1 ,i will now give myself to prayer for employment1 for ,i can by prayer and faith as a child of ,god obtain blessings from my heavenly ,father1 though not in the ordinary course of things4 ,if thus the child of ,god were to say and to act1 he would soon have employment in his calling1 except the ,lord meant to use his time otherwise in his work1 which he would point out to him4 #h4 ,a further reason why ,god may be obliged to resist children of ,god in their business1 may be this1 that they with the greatest carefulness seek to obtain persons for their shop who are considered good salesmen1 i4 e4 persons who have such persuasive ways1 as that they gain an advantage over the customers and induce them not only to buy articles for which they ask1 whether suitable or not1 but that they also induce them to buy articles which they did not at all intend to buy when they came to the shop4 ,concerning this ,i notice1 in the first place1 that if the child of ,god puts his dependence upon the good salesmen1 let him not be surprised if his heavenly ,father should be obliged to disappoint him1 because he sees his child lean upon the arm of flesh1 instead of trusting in the living ,god2 and therefore the business does not succeed4 ,further1 it is altogether wrong for a child of ,god to induce the customers1 by means of such men or women who have a persuasive tongue1 to purchase articles whether they suit or not1 and whether they are needed or not4 ,this is no less than defrauding persons in a subtle way1 or leading them into the sin of purchasing beyond their means1 or at least spending their money needlessly4 ,however such sinful tricks may be allowed to prosper in the case of a man of the world1 in the case of a child of ,god they will not prosper1 except ,god allow them to do so in the way of chastisement1 whilst leanness and wretchedness are brought into the soul4 ,i knew a case of this kind where it was the whole bent of the mind of a professed believer to obtain such good salesmen1 and where even a ,jew was kept outside the shop1 walking up and down1 to induce persons to come in and buy2 and yet that same professed believer failed twice in his business4 #i4 ,another evil with reference to business1 and why children of ,god do not get on in their calling1 is1 that they enter upon business often without any capital at all1 or with too little4 ,if a believer has no capital at all1 or only a very small capital1 in comparison with what his business requires1 then ought he not to say this to himself3 ,if it were my heavenly ,father's will that ,i should enter upon business on my own account1 then would he not somehow or other have intrusted me with the needful means8 ,and since he has not1 is it not a plain indication that for the present ,i should remain a journeyman 7or shopman1 or clerk1 as the case may be78 ,in a variety of ways the means might come4 ,for instance1 a legacy might be left to him1 or money might be given to him by a brother in the ,lord for that very purpose1 or a brother or sister might propose to the individual to lend him money1 yet so that if he were unable to pay it again they would not consider him their debtor4 ,but if in some such way the ,lord did not remove the hindrance1 and the brother would still go into business1 he would1 through the bill system and other things connected with the want of capital1 not only bring great distress into his mind1 and subject himself to the possibility of at last being unable to pay his creditors1 whereby dishonor would be brought upon the name of the ,lord1 but he likewise could not be surprised 7as he went into business contrary to the will of ,god1 since he pointed out to him that he was not to do so for want of means7 if he should find that he cannot get on1 and that the blessing of ,god manifestly is wanting4 ,in such a case as this1 if it can be done1 the retracing our steps is the best thing we can do2 but often this cannot be done1 as others are involved in the matter1 and then we have to make acknowledgment of our sin1 and seek ,god's merciful help to bring us into a right position4 #aj4 ,but suppose all these nine previous points were attended to1 and we neglected to seek ,god's blessing upon our calling1 we need still not be surprised if we met with difficulty upon difficulty1 and could not get on at all4 ,it is not enough that we seek ,god's help for that which manifestly is of a spiritual character2 but we should seek his help and blessing by prayer and supplication for all our ordinary concerns in life1 and if we neglect doing so we shall surely suffer for the neglect4 ,trust in the ,lord with all thine heart2 and lean not unto thine own understanding4 ,in all thy ways acknowledge him1 and he shall direct thy paths4 ,prov4 iii4 #e1 #f4 ,though these few remarks are written by one who never was in business himself1 yet the truths therein set forth have been learned by him in the school of ,god1 and he has had them abundantly confirmed through his pastoral labors during the last fifteen years and a half4 ,this was written in #ahde4 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,,reaping ,,bountifully4 #ahde-ahdf4 ,,an ,,unexpected ,,request--,,deliberation--,a ,,great ,,undertaking--,,reliance ,,on ,,the ,,resources ,,of ,,the ,,living ,,god--,,an ,,answer ,,expected ,,and ,,received--,,prayer ,,for ,,faith ,,and ,,patience--,,further ,,proofs ,,of ,,divine ,,favor--,,the ,,blessedness ,,of ,,devising ,,liberal ,,things4 ,i began the service of caring for children who are bereaved of both parents1 by death1 born in wedlock1 and are in destitute circumstances1 on ,dec4 #i1 #ahce4 ,for nearly ten years ,i had never had any desire to build an ,orphan ,house4 ,on the contrary1 ,i decidedly preferred spending the means which might come in for present necessities1 and desired rather to enlarge the work according to the means which the ,lord might be pleased to give4 ,thus it was till the end of ,october1 #ahde1 when ,i was led to consider this matter in a way in which ,i had never done before4#ah ,the occasion of my doing so was this3 ,on ,oct4 #cj1 #ahde1 ,i received from a gentleman1 who lived in the street where the four ,orphan ,houses were1 a polite and friendly letter1 in which he courteously stated to me that the inhabitants in the adjoining houses were in various ways inconvenienced by the ,orphan ,houses being in ,wilson ,street4 ,he left to myself the judgment of the case4 ,footnote #ah3 ,the reader will not fail to remark the striking illustration afforded in the present chapter1 of the truth stated in ,chapter ,,xvi41 that ,god rewards the right use of means of benevolence by affording the means of enlarged usefulness4--,,ed4 ,this letter ,i received on ,thursday morning1 ,oct4 #cj1 #ahde4 ,being very much occupied that week1 ,i had scarcely any time to consider the matter4 ,on ,monday morning1 however1 ,nov4 #c1 ,i set apart some hours for the prayerful consideration of the subject1 and after ,i had besought the ,lord to guide me to a right decision1 ,i wrote down the reasons which appeared to me to make it desirable that the ,orphan ,houses should be removed from ,wilson ,street1 and also the reasons against removing4 ,as far as they are suitable for being stated in print they were these3-- ,i4 ,,reasons ,,for ,,removing ,,from ,,wilson ,,street4 #a4 ,the neighbors feel themselves inconvenienced by the noise of the children in the play-hours4 ,this complaint is neither without foundation1 nor unjust2 for many persons are very much inconvenienced by the noise of children1 and those living close by the ,orphan ,houses must be so during the play-hours1 even though the noise be only of that kind that one could not at all find fault with the dear children on account of it4 ,i should myself feel it trying to my head to live next door to the ,orphan ,houses on that account4 ,i therefore ought to do to others as ,i should wish to be done by4 ,this point had never before appeared to me in so serious a light4 #b4 ,the greatness of the number of the inmates in the houses had several times prevented the drains from acting properly1 and thus has a few times affected the water in one or two of the neighbors' houses4 ,with reference to these two reasons as it regards those living near the ,orphan ,houses1 these words1 ,let not your good be evil spoken of1 ,rom4 xiv4 #af1 and ,let your moderation 7i4 e4 yieldingness7 be known unto all men1 ,philip4 iv4 #e1 seemed to me two important portions of the word of ,god to be acted out in this matter4 ,but in addition to the reasons for removing the ,orphan ,houses from ,wilson ,street on account of the unavoidable occasional inconvenience that comes upon the neighbors1 there appeared now to me1 when once ,i was led to consider seriously the reasons for removing the ,institution from ,wilson ,street1 other reasons for doing so1 in connection with the work itself1 which had occurred to me before1 but never in so strong a light as now1 when the subject was brought more immediately before me by the letter in which ,i was politely requested to remove the ,orphan ,houses from ,wilson ,street4 ,these reasons are3-- #a4 ,we have no proper play-grounds in ,wilson ,street4 ,there is one play-ground1 which1 however1 is only large enough for the children of one house at a time2 but as there are children in four houses who ought to have the benefit of it1 we cannot arrange so that all the children have the full benefit of that play-ground1 as the meals1 the school-hours1 the weather1 and other hindrances interfere4 ,the dear orphans ought1 ,i know1 to be trained in habits of industry1 but children are children1 and need to be treated as such2 and they should1 on account of their health1 have the full benefit of a play-ground4 ,but this they cannot have in ,wilson ,street3 and to take them out into the fields for the benefit of bodily exercise1 as we have been in the habit of doing1 is often very inconvenient4 #b4 ,we have no ground for cultivation near the ,orphan ,houses1 and hence there must be more walking for the children1 on account of using proper means for keeping them1 with the blessing of ,god1 in health1 than is in other respects good for them2 because frequent walks easily beget in children habits of idleness1 which would be especially felt when boys are apprenticed4 ,but this difficulty cannot be obviated by remaining in ,wilson ,street1 and renting a piece of land somewhere else for cultivation2 for to get the children ready and conduct them to the piece of ground not only takes a good deal of time1 but is connected with other great inconveniences1 yea1 with insurmountable difficulties1 so that we found it needful to give up a small piece of ground which we once rented for about two years for the orphan boys1 at a distance of about half a mile from ,wilson ,street4 ,thus1 by removing from ,wilson ,street1 and obtaining premises surrounded by land for cultivation1 we should be able to procure a most important moral benefit for the children1 by having the opportunity more fully than we now have of training them in habits of industry1 besides giving to the boys occupation which is more suitable for them than knitting1 which is now the only employment they have1 besides making their beds1 cleaning the house1 and attending to the cooking of their meals4 ,moreover1 this would be occupation in the open air1 which not only would bring into exercise the use of their limbs1 but also make walking for the sake of health almost entirely needless4 #c4 ,if we were to remove from ,wilson ,street1 and obtain premises in the country1 we might have all the washing done at home1 which now1 for want of room1 can be only done in part4 ,thus the girls also would have more laborious work at home1 a point of great importance for them1 so that they would not feel so much the hardships connected with going out to service4 #d4 ,the situation of ,wilson ,street is perhaps scarcely bracing enough for strengthening the constitution of the orphans1 most of whom1 being the offspring of very diseased parents1 require a very invigorating place of abode4 #e4 ,the present situation is certainly not desirable for the teachers1 especially as1 when their hours of work are over1 they have no garden or fields close to the house immediately to go into for a little refreshment of their body2 and for some of them it is too far to go to fields1 where they might have a bracing air4 #f4 ,in times of sickness we are too confined in the houses in ,wilson ,street4 ,if there were less than thirty children in each house1 the average expenses for each child would be too great1 it being desirable1 as the arrangements are now1 that there should not be less than three laborers in each house2 and yet1 if there are thirty children in each house1 we are too full in time of sickness1 as we have not a single spare room in any of the houses4 ,now1 though the ,lord has during all these years most mercifully helped us through such seasons1 yet it has not been without inconvenience1 and without also1 perhaps1 having more of the children in one room1 at such times1 than on account of health it is desirable4 #g4 ,even ordinarily1 when there is no sickness1 it would be desirable to have more room4 ,there are no premises to be had in ,bristol1 or in the immediate neighborhood1 where we could have these advantages2 for ,i have been looking about in all directions for this purpose during the last ten years4 ,but suppose there were a large house to be had in one part of the city1 and a second a mile off1 and a third and a fourth in other directions1 such houses1 on account of our peculiar position in the work1 would not do4 ,for in seasons of need the distance of the several houses would render it very inconvenient for the laborers to meet together for prayer1 to divide the means that may be in hand1 etc4 ,besides1 when in seasons of other peculiar difficulties1 connected with the work1 ,i wished to meet all my fellow-laborers1 there would arise great difficulty by their being divided in different parts of the city4 ,it would also thus be very inconvenient to persons who wish to see the work1 to go from place to place1 in order to have a view of all the ,orphan ,houses4 ,but this is not all4 ,the more ,i have considered the matter1 the more am ,i now persuaded that no ordinary large houses1 built for private families1 and therefore only calculated to accommodate1 ten or fifteen persons at most for any length of time in them1 will do for charitable institutions of any considerable size1 as no ordinary house1 except built on purpose1 furnishes the proper advantages of ventilation1 a point so needful for the health of the inmates in a charitable institution4 ,there seemed to me1 therefore1 to remain nothing but to build premises for the purpose4 ,,ii4 ,,reasons ,,for ,,remaining ,,in ,,wilson ,,street4 #a4 ,god hitherto has pointed out the spot most plainly4 ,at the commencement of the work1 in #ahce1 no other house was to be had but ,no4 #f ,wilson ,street4 ,afterwards1 when in #ahcf the ,infant ,orphan ,house was on the point of being opened1 again ,i was looking about in all directions1 and saw many houses1 but found none that was suitable1 till all at once1 most unlooked for1 the occupiers of ,no4 #a ,wilson ,street were desirous of immediately leaving that house1 and ,i was able thus to rent it4 ,when in #ahcg ,i was on the point of opening the ,boys' ,orphan ,house1 ,i looked about again for a house in all directions2 for ,i knew not at that time1 what ,i have since learned by experience1 that it was so important that all the houses should be near together4 ,after seeking long in vain1 ,i at last found a very large house1 not far from ,wilson ,street1 which ,i rented2 but when the occupiers of the houses in the neighborhood heard that that house had been let for a charitable institution1 they threatened the owner with an action1 which led him to request me to give up the agreement1 which1 of course1 ,i did immediately4 ,at last1 most unexpectedly1 after having looked about in vain in all directions1 the occupiers of ,no4 #c ,wilson ,street offered it to me1 and ,i rented it for the orphan boys4 ,lastly1 in the year #ahdc1 when ,i was led to see it to be the will of ,god to go forward in this work1 and to establish the ,girls' ,orphan ,house1 ,no4 #b1 for older girls1 one particular feature in the matter was1 that the house ,no4 #d in ,wilson ,street had been offered to me1 without being sought after1 when there had not been for about six years one single large house to be let in that street4 ,but though hitherto ,god has pointed out ,wilson ,street as being the spot where this work should be carried on1 may not now the time have come for removing8 #b4 ,perhaps we might also rent ,nos4 #b1 #e1 and #g1 in ,wilson ,street1 and use two out of those three houses for ,orphan ,houses1 and one of them for an infirmary in the case of sickness4 ,but then1 ,i said to myself1 would not the objection1 which the neighbors on the opposite side of the street might make1 on account of the noise of the children in their play-hours1 etc41 remain8 ,also the drains would be still more unsuitable1 not being constructed for so many inmates2 and to alter them would be a heavy expense4 ,the play-ground would be still less sufficient1 if two new houses were added4 ,lastly1 there was no reason to think that we could rent ,nos4 #b1 #e1 and #g4 #c4 ,there are these three great objections against building3 ,the considerable sum which is required1 and which could be spent for present use upon the orphans4 ,the pilgrim character of the ,christian seems lost in building4 ,the time that it will necessarily take in making arrangements for it4 ,do not all these objections only hold good1 ,i said to myself1 if ,i were needlessly to set about building8 ,if ,i could rent premises1 which are really in every way suitable for the work1 and ,i preferred building1 then those objections would apply to the case2 but when one is forced to it1 it is no more than erecting a large building because there may be eight hundred children of ,god in fellowship who have been hitherto renting a meeting-place1 but for certain reasons are obliged to leave it1 and cannot rent another4 ,such could not be accused of needlessly spending money in building instead of renting2 nor could it be justly said that they have on that account given up the pilgrim character2 nor would it be time wasted if some individuals were to make arrangements about the building of that meeting-place4 ,therefore these three objections just mentioned1 which had been for ten years strongly in my own mind1 were removed when once ,i saw plainly that nothing remained but to build4 ,after ,i had spent a few hours in prayer and consideration over the subject1 ,i began already to see that the ,lord would lead me to build1 and that his intentions were not only the benefit of the orphans and the better ordering of the whole work1 but also the bearing still further testimony that he could and would provide large sums for those who need them and trust in him for them2 and besides1 that he would enlarge the work1 so that1 if ,i once did build a house1 it might be large enough to accommodate three hundred orphans1 with their teachers and other overseers and servants needful for the work4 ,concerning this latter point1 ,i think it important to remark1 that during no period had the number of the applications for the admission of orphans been greater than just before ,i was led to think about building1 so that it was quite painful to me not to be able to comply with the wishes of all the many persons who applied for the admission of orphans4 ,there were many waiting for admission1 particularly orphan boys4 ,in the afternoon of ,november #c1 #ahde1 ,i laid the matter before my fellow-laborers in the church 7eight in number71 to get their judgment1 whether ,i ought not to leave ,wilson ,street1 and to build4 ,all judged that ,i ought to leave ,wilson ,street1 and none saw reasons against building4 ,on ,nov4 #d1 my dear wife and ,i began to meet for prayer about this matter1 and purposed to do so morning by morning4 ,we asked ,god for clearer light concerning the particular points connected with the subject2 and being assured that it was his will that ,i should build1 ,i began asking the ,lord for means4 ,on ,nov4 #g1 ,i judged1 having considered the matter more fully1 that sufficiently large premises to furnish all needful accommodation for three hundred children 7from their earliest days up to fifteen or sixteen years old71 together with a sufficiently large piece of ground in the neighborhood of ,bristol1 for building the premises upon1 and the remainder for cultivation by the spade1 would cost at least ten thousand pounds4 ,i was not discouraged by this1 but trusted in the living ,god4 ,we continued meeting for prayer morning by morning for fifteen days1 but not a single donation came in2 yet my heart was not discouraged4 ,the more ,i prayed1 the more assured ,i was that the ,lord would give the means4 ,yea1 as fully assured was ,i that the ,lord would do so1 as if ,i had already seen the new premises actually before me4 ,this assurance arose not from some vague1 enthusiastical feeling1 the mere excitement of the moment1 but1 #a4 ,from the reasons already related1 and especially from the commandment contained in ,philip4 iv4 #e4 ,for ,i saw that ,i should not act according to the mind of our ,lord ,jesus if ,i did not1 as soon as ,i could1 remove the orphans from ,wilson ,street1 as it had been stated to me1 in the letter above referred to1 that their living there was an annoyance to some of the inhabitants in that street4 #b4 ,this assurance that ,i should build an ,orphan ,house arose further from the whole way in which the ,lord had been pleased to lead me in connection with the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad since its beginning on ,march #e1 #ahcd1 i4 e4 he has been leading me forward as by an unseen hand1 and enlarging the work more and more from its commencement1 and1 generally1 without my seeking after it1 and bringing things so clearly before me that ,i could not but see that ,i ought to go forward4 #c4 ,lastly and chiefly1 this1 my assurance that ,i should build unto the ,lord this house of mercy1 arose also particularly from this1 that having strictly examined my heart as to the motives for doing so1 ,i found that1 as before ,god1 ,i could say that my only motives were his honor and glory1 and the welfare of the church of ,christ at large1 the real temporal and spiritual welfare of destitute orphans1 and the welfare of all those who might take care of them1 in the building to be erected4 ,and finding that1 after praying again and again about the matter1 ,i still remained in perfect peace1 ,i judged it assuredly to be the will of ,god that ,i should go forward4 ,on ,nov4 #ae1 brother ,r4 ,c4 arrived1 to labor for a little while in ,bristol4 ,i communicated to him my position with reference to having to remove the orphans from ,wilson ,street1 and ,i had his judgment also as to its being of ,god that ,i should build4 ,this dear brother's judgment greatly encouraged me4 ,his visit was to me of great help in this particular1 especially in stirring me up yet more to bring everything in connection with this matter before ,god4 ,he also laid it on my heart to seek direction from ,god with reference to the plan of the building4 ,he said1 ,you must ask help from ,god to show you the plan1 so that all may be according to the mind of ,god4 ,up to ,dec4 #i1 thirty-five days had passed away1 whilst ,i was day by day waiting upon ,god for means for this work1 and not a single penny had been given to me4 ,nevertheless1 this did not in the least discourage me1 but my assurance that ,god1 in his own time and in his own way1 would give the means1 increased more and more4 ,the portion which came in course of my meditation on the ,new ,testament1 was the beginning of the epistle of ,james4 ,more than at any period in my life was ,i struck with these verses3 ,my brethren1 count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations 7i4 e4 trials72 knowing this1 that the trying of your faith worketh patience4 ,but let patience have her perfect work1 that ye may be perfect and entire1 wanting nothing4 ,james i4 #b-d4 ,it was especially the last verse1 ,but let patience have her perfect work1 etc41 which ,i found of exceeding great importance with reference to the building of the ,orphan ,house4 ,it led out my soul in prayer day after day1 to ask the ,lord to increase my faith1 and to sustain my patience4 ,i had these verses so impressed upon my heart that ,i could not but think that ,god meant particularly to bless me by them1 with regard to the work before me1 and that ,i should especially need patience as well as faith4 ,on the thirty-sixth day after having begun to pray1 ,dec4 #aj1 #ahde1 ,i received one thousand pounds towards the building of the ,orphan ,house4 ,this is the largest donation that ,i had received up to that time for the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution2 but when ,i received it ,i was as calm1 as quiet1 as if ,i had only received one shilling4 ,for my heart was looking out for answers4 ,day by day ,i was expecting to receive answers to my prayers4 ,therefore1 having faith concerning the matter1 this donation did not in the least surprise me4 ,yea1 if five thousand pounds or ten thousand pounds had been given to me1 instead of one thousand pounds1 it would not have surprised me4 ,dec4 #ac4 ,on the thirty-ninth day my sister-in-law1 who had been for some weeks absent in ,london1 and who had now returned to ,bristol1 told me that she had met a gentleman in ,london1 who1 having quite recently read with deep interest the ,narrative of the ,lord's dealings with me1 wished to know as many particulars about the work in my hands as he could4 ,being told by my sister-in-law that ,i purposed to build an ,orphan ,mouse1 he1 an architect1 offered to make the plan1 and superintend the building gratuitously4 ,unsolicited1 he pressed this matter upon her with deep and lively interest4 ,i hear also that he is a ,christian4 ,the fact that this offer comes unsolicited1 and from a ,christian architect1 shows especially the hand of ,god4 ,this is the second proof that ,god will help me in this matter4 ,dec4 #bc4 ,this is now the fiftieth day since ,i have come to the conclusion to build1 and the forty-ninth day since we have been daily waiting upon ,god for help4 ,nothing more has come in since ,dec4 #aj1 not even one penny4 ,this morning ,i have been particularly encouraged by the consideration that the ,lord has sent me the one thousand pounds1 and the promise from that pious architect1 whom ,i have never seen1 and of whose name ,i am as yet in ignorance1 not to mock me1 but as an earnest that he will give all that is needed4 ,it seems desirable that we should have a large piece of ground1 at least six or seven acres4 ,this piece of ground must be in the vicinity of ,bristol3 #a4 ,in order that the ,orphan ,house may be accessible to me1 as my place at present is fixed by my other work in ,bristol4 #b4 ,that the laborers in the ,institution1 and the orphans may be able to attend our meetings1 at least on the ,lord's day4 ,for if meetings were held on purpose in the ,orphan ,house1 either the laborers or the children would not be benefited by them in that measure in which it is desirable4 #c4 ,that the inhabitants of ,bristol may have the benefit of seeing with their own eyes this work of ,god1 which is so manifestly his and not mine4 #d4 ,that strangers who pass through ,bristol may have easy access to it1 for the same reason4 ,but then1 such a piece of ground near ,bristol1 where there is just now such an inordinate desire for building1 in the way of speculation1 would cost1 in all human probability1 between two and three thousand pounds4 ,then the building itself1 however plain1 would not cost less than from six to eight thousand pounds1 being for three hundred orphans1 besides all their overseers1 teachers1 and assistants4 ,in addition to this1 the fitting up and furnishing the house for all these between three and four hundred inmates would not cost less than fifteen hundred pounds more4 ,this is indeed a large sum of money which ,i need2 but my hope is in ,god4 ,i have not sought after this thing4 ,it has not begun with me4 ,god has altogether unexpectedly1 by means of the letter before mentioned1 led me to it4 ,only the day before ,i received the letter1 ,i had no more thought about building premises for the accommodation of the orphans than ,i had had during the ten previous years4 ,my especial prayer is that ,god would continue to me faith and patience4 ,if he shall be pleased to help me in faith and patience to continue to wait on him1 help will surely come4 ,dec4 #bd4 ,no further donation yet4 ,but my hope in ,god is unshaken4 ,he most assuredly will help4 ,i have on purpose not issued any circular in connection with this matter1 in order that the hand of ,god may be the more manifest4 ,to some persons residing in or out of ,bristol ,i have spoken about my intention of building1 when conversation led to it4 ,through this1 if the ,lord please1 he can make it known to others1 and thus send means for the building fund4 ,or he can send in such an abundance of means for the work which is already in existence1 that from that abundance there might be a rich surplus towards the building fund4 ,but howsoever ,god may help1 ,i do desire to see his hand made most manifest4 ,there will be1 no doubt1 many trials connected with this enlargement of the field of labor 7for if with the one hundred and thirty orphans there has been so much trial of faith1 what is to be expected when the number is three hundred72 and therefore ,i desire to see as clearly as daylight that ,god himself is leading me onward4 ,dec4 #bi4 ,this is the fifty-sixth day since ,i came to the conclusion to build1 and the fifty-fifth since ,i have been day by day waiting upon ,god concerning it4 ,only that one donation had come in till this evening1 when ,i received fifty pounds4 ,this donation is exceedingly precious to me1 not only because ,i am sure it is most cheerfully given1 nor even because of its largeness1 but because it is another precious proof that ,god will bring about the matter1 else he would not give me these earnests4 ,all my business therefore is1 to continue in faith and patience to wait upon ,god4 ,my assurance has been more and more increasing that ,god will build for himself a large ,orphan ,house in this city1 to show to the inhabitants1 and to all who may read and hear about it1 what a blessed thing it is to trust in him4 ,of late ,i have seen1 by ,god's grace1 more and more how entirely unworthy ,i am of being used by ,god for this glorious and honorable service1 and ,i can only say3 ,lord1 here is thy servant1 if thou art pleased to use such a one as ,i am4 ,dec4 #cj1 #ahde4 ,this morning ,i came1 in course of my reading1 to the commencement of the book of ,ezra4 ,i was particularly refreshed by the two following points contained in the first chapter1 in applying them to the building of the ,orphan ,house3 #a4 ,cyrus1 an idolatrous king1 was used by ,god to provide the means for building the temple at ,jerusalem3 how easy therefore for ,god to provide ten thousand pounds for the ,orphan ,house1 or even twenty or thirty thousand pounds1 if needed4 #b4 ,the people were stirred up by ,god to help those who went up to ,jerusalem4 ,thus it is a small matter for him to put it into the hearts of his children to help me1 in desiring to build this house of mercy unto his name4 ,this meditation ,i had before breakfast4 ,after family prayer in the morning1 ,i had again my usual season for prayer about the building1 and at this time it was particularly coupled with thanksgiving for the fifty pounds received last evening1 and with entreating blessings on the donor4 ,i was now looking out for more1 as ,i am doing day by day1 when this afternoon ,i received from a person at ,clevedon two shillings sixpence1 from her grandson sixpence1 and from the sister in the ,lord who brought the money the change which she did not wish back1 being another sixpence4 ,these donations1 though small1 are nevertheless very precious to me1 as ,i take them as further proofs out of the hands of ,god that he will most assuredly bring this thing to pass4 ,this evening ,i received one thousand pounds towards the building fund4 ,when ,i received this donation ,i was as calm1 yea as perfectly calm1 as if ,i had received a single penny1 because1 by ,god's grace1 ,i have faith in him1 and therefore ,i am looking for answers to my prayers1 and am sure that ,god will give every shilling that is needed4 ,january #b1 #ahdf4 ,this evening ,i received from ,bideford eleven shillings towards the building fund4 ,jan4 #c4 ,one of the orphans gave sixpence4 ,jam #f4 ,received a little bag made of foreign seed1 and a shell flower1 to be sold for the building fund4 ,the sister who sent these articles wrote to me1 that the moment she heard of my intention of building an ,orphan ,house1 this text was before her mind3 ,who art thou1 ,o great mountain8 ,before ,zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain4 ,zech4 iv4 #g4 ,also one of the orphans sent fourpence4 ,having asked the ,lord to go before me1 ,i went out to-day to look for a piece of ground4 ,the armory which is to be sold had been several times mentioned to me as a suitable place4 ,i did not think so1 yet ,i thought ,i ought at least to look at it4 ,having seen it and been confirmed in my judgment about its unsuitableness1 ,i asked the ,lord whether ,i should turn towards the city or towards ,stapleton4 ,i felt led to go towards the city1 and saw immediately after some fields near the armory4 ,after having made inquiry to whom they belonged1 ,i have been led to write this evening to the owner of them1 asking him whether he is disposed to sell them1 etc4 ,i am now quietly waiting the ,lord's pleasure4 ,if his time is come to answer our requests as to a suitable piece of land1 ,i shall be glad2 if it is not yet come1 ,i desire that patience may have her perfect work1 being perfect and entire1 wanting nothing4 ,jan4 #h4 ,this evening ,i received a reply to my letter4 ,the owner of those fields writes1 that1 if he did sell them1 it would be only for building land1 and therefore they will be too dear4 ,jan4 #i4 ,went this morning once more to see those fields1 which seem very suitable4 ,met there ,mr4 ,l41 a land agent1 who told me that they would be nearly a thousand pounds per acre1 and therefore too dear4 ,i asked ,mr4 ,l4 to inform me if he should hear of any suitable land for sale4 ,jan4 #ca4 ,it is now eighty-nine days since ,i have been daily waiting upon ,god about the building of an ,orphan ,house4 ,the time seems to me now near when the ,lord will give us a piece of ground1 and ,i told the brethren and sisters so this evening1 after our usual ,saturday evening prayer meeting at the ,orphan ,house4 ,feb4 #a4 ,a poor widow sent to-day ten shillings4 ,feb4 #b4 ,to-day ,i heard of suitable and cheap land on ,ashley ,down4 ,feb4 #c4 ,saw the land4 ,it is the most desirable of all ,i have seen4 ,there was anonymously put into an orphan box at my house a sovereign1 in a piece of paper1 on which was written1 ,the ,new ,orphan ,house4 ,feb4 #d4 ,this evening ,i called on the owner of the land on ,ashley ,down1 about which ,i had heard on the #b;d1 but he was not at home4 ,as ,i1 however1 had been informed that ,i should find him at his house of business1 ,i went there1 but did not find him there either1 as he had just before left4 ,i might have called again at his residence at a later hour1 having been informed by one of the servants that he would be sure to be at home about eight o'clock2 but ,i did not do so1 judging that there was the hand of ,god in my not finding him at either place3 and ,i judged it best therefore not to force the matter1 but to let patience have her perfect work4 ,feb4 #e4 ,saw this morning the owner of the land4 ,he told me that he awoke at three o'clock this morning and could not sleep again till five4 ,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 ,house1 at my request2 and he determined with himself that1 if ,i should apply for it1 he would not only let me have it1 but for one hundred and twenty pounds per acre1 instead of two hundred pounds1 the price which he had previously asked for it4 ,how good is the ,lord6 ,the agreement was made this morning1 and ,i purchased a field of nearly seven acres1 at one hundred and twenty pounds per acre4 ,observe the hand of ,god in my not finding the owner at home last evening6 ,the ,lord meant to speak to his servant first about this matter1 during a sleepless night1 and to lead him fully to decide before ,i had seen him4 ,feb4 #h4 ,i wrote the day before yesterday to the architect1 who has offered his help gratuitously4 ,feb4 #aa4 ,received from a sister in the ,lord five pounds4 ,received also from the architect the following reply to my letter3-- ,,my ,,dear ,,sir3 ,it will afford me a gratification1 beyond what ,i can communicate by letter1 to lend you the helping hand in the labor of love you are engaged in1 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 orphans4 ,i really do mean what ,i say1 and1 if all is well1 by the blessing of ,god1 ,i will gratuitously furnish you with plans1 elevations1 and sections1 with specification of the work1 so that the cost may be accurately estimated4 ,i will also make you an estimate and superintend the works for you gratuitously1 etc4 ,the total amount which has been given for the building fund1 up to ,june #d1 #ahdf1 is two thousand seven hundred and ten pounds three shillings five and a half pence4 ,this is only a small part of what will be needed2 but1 by the grace of ,god1 ,i am in perfect peace1 being fully assured that ,god in his own time will send the whole sum which is required4 ,many and great have already been the exercises of faith and patience since ,i first began to give myself to prayer about this work1 and still greater they may be1 before it is accomplished2 but ,god1 in the riches of his grace1 will help me through them all4 ,it is now 7,june #d1 #ahdf7 two hundred and twelve days since ,i first began to pray about this work1 and day after day1 since then1 have ,i been enabled to continue to wait upon ,god1 and ,i am more than ever assured that1 not withstanding all my exceeding great unworthiness1 ,god will condescend to use me1 to build this house4 ,had it been the excitement of the moment1 the difficulties which have already come upon me in connection with this work 7and which are not stated here1 on account of their occupying too much room7 would have overwhelmed me2 but as ,god himself1 ,i trust1 led me to this work1 so he has helped me1 and does help me1 and ,i doubt not will help me to the end4 ,the house is intended to be built so as to accommodate one hundred and forty orphan girls above seven years of age1 eighty orphan boys above seven1 and eighty male and female orphans from their earliest days1 till they are seven years old1 together with all the overseers and teachers1 etc41 that may be needed4 ,the infants1 after having passed the age of seven1 will be removed into the different departments for older boys and girls4 ,before leaving this period1 it may be proper to recur to the following miscellaneous points1 respecting the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad1 with reference to the period from ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf4 #a4 ,during the whole of this period four day schools1 with #bgh children in them1 were entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution4 ,three day schools besides were assisted4 ,the number of the children that were taught in the day schools1 entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution1 from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 amounts to #c1ihc4 ,during the period from ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 ,l#fbh1 #ais4 #dc_/d;d4 was spent on all the schools1 which were either entirely or in part supported by the funds of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,further3 during this period there were also entirely supported a ,sunday school with #hj children1 and an adult school with #fj persons attending it4 ,the total number of the adult scholars who received instruction1 from the formation of this ,institution to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 is #a1adf4 #b4 ,during this period were circulated #bfi ,bibles and #aga ,testaments2 and #e1jgi ,bibles and #c1ebh ,testaments were circulated from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahdf4 ,from ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 ,l#dj1 #gs4 #aj;d4 was expended of the funds of the ,institution on this object4 #c4 ,from ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 was laid out for foreign and home missions the sum of ,l#eie1 #gs4 #i;d4 ,during no period previously was so much of the funds of this ,institution spent on missionary work1 which arose from the fact that the more ,i corresponded with brethren who labored in the word and doctrine in foreign lands1 the more ,i saw how much they stood in need of assistance1 and thus1 my heart having been led out in prayer to ,god on their behalf1 that he would be pleased to send me means1 whereby ,i might be able to assist them1 he was pleased to do so4 ,this led me to the purpose1 as ,god should give me grace1 to be still more mindful of them in future1 and to seek to be able still more to assist them4 ,the same was the case with regard to those brethren who labor in ,england1 but who have no salary or stipend1 but trust in the living ,god for the supply of their daily necessities2 ,i did long to help such brethren1 and had no doubt that ,god would enable me to do so4 #d4 ,there was laid out for the circulation of tracts from ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 the sum of ,l#ef1 #fs4 #ia_/b;d41 for which #eb1jjc such little publications were bought1 which1 with #e1cae in hand on ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 makes #eg1cah1 of which number #dj1efe were circulated4 ,the total number circulated from ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 amounts to #ii1fdg4 #e4 ,there were received into the four ,orphan ,houses1 from ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 #cj orphans1 who1 together with those who were in the four houses on ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 make up #aea in all4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 there were #aba orphans in the four houses4 ,besides this1 six apprentices were still supported by the funds of the ,institution1 so that the total number was #abg4 ,the number of the orphans who were under our care from ,april1 #ahcf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 amounts to #bac4 ,i notice further the following points in connection with the ,orphan ,houses4 #a4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#ac1bge1 #fs4 #ic_/d;d4 was given to me as the result of prayer to ,god1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahdf4 ,this sum includes the ,l#b1gaj1 #cs4 #ea_/b;d4 which1 up to ,june #d1 #ahdf1 was given towards the building fund4 7,it may be interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which was given as free contributions1 for the other objects1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 amounts to ,l#d1hcc1 #ahs4 #ajc_/d;d42 and that which came in by the sale of ,bibles and tracts1 and by the payments of the children in the day schools1 amounts to ,l#b1jig1 #ahs4 #ba_/b;d47 #b4 ,besides this1 also a great variety and number of articles of clothing1 furniture1 provisions1 etc41 were given for the orphans1 as has been stated in the printed ,reports4 ,the total expenditure for the orphans from ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 was ,l#b1gcb1 #ads4 #aa_/b;d41 and for the other objects1 ,l#a1cbe1 #gs4 #ga_/d;d4 ,in conclusion1 ,i cannot but mention to the praise of the ,lord concerning this period1 that four of the ,sunday-school children were admitted to communion4 ,likewise three more of the orphans were received into church fellowship2 so that up to that time1 altogether1 thirty-two of the orphans had been admitted4 ,i also mention with peculiar joy1 and as a matter for thankfulness1 that of those who were apprenticed or sent out to service1 from ,july #ad1 #ahdd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 ten were believers1 most of whom had been for several years in fellowship before they were sent out to service4 ,but whilst we desire to receive these instances as precious encouragements from the ,lord to continue our service1 we cannot but believe1 judging from the many prayers the ,lord gives us for the children and adults under our care and instruction1 that that which we see is but an earnest of a far larger harvest in the day of ,christ's appearing4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahdd4 ,since brother ,craik and ,i came to ,bristol1 #ihb believers have been received into communion4 ,during this year #gc have been received4 ,the ,lord has been pleased to give me during this year ,l#bfg1 #fs4 #i;d4 ,to this is to be added that for the first two months and six days of this year1 my expenses1 and those of my dear wife1 during our stay in ,germany1 were met1 as also our travelling expenses back1 as stated in another part of my ,narrative4 ,also during the whole of this year a ,christian lady gave to our dear child board and schooling without any remuneration1 a present worth to us not less than fifty pounds4 ,on this point ,i cannot help making a few remarks3 ,i had clearly seen it to be the will of ,god that my daughter should be brought up at school1 and not at home4 ,my reasons for it were these3 #a4 ,my dear wife1 though well qualified to instruct our daughter1 so far as knowledge goes1 was unable1 on account of being engaged as my wife in a variety of things connected with the ,lord's service1 to give herself uninterruptedly to this work2 and to do it partially we judged to be injurious to our daughter4 #b4 ,i had seen instances in which a home education for an only child had turned out very badly4 #c4 ,i judged that the mixing with other children would be beneficial to our daughter1 provided that intercourse was under proper oversight2 as thus a child is in early life introduced into a little world1 and things do not all at once come upon a young person1 when at last obliged to leave the parental roof4 #d4 ,but that which most of all led me to this decision was1 that as in the church of ,christ the ,lord has qualified the members of the body for the performance of certain work1 and all have not the same gift and service1 so1 in the same way1 certain believers are called and qualified above others for instructing children1 and give themselves to this particular service1 and that1 therefore1 ,i ought to make use of the qualifications of such1 and of their having given their whole time to this particular service4 ,these reasons led us to place our daughter at school1 instead of educating her at home1 and we have never had cause to regret the step we took1 but1 on the contrary1 have had abundant reason to praise ,god for it4 ,i have purposely made these remarks1 as ,i am fully aware that some believers have different views on this subject1 and ,i desire to serve them with the measure of light and experience ,i have obtained4 ,after our daughter had been at school for half a year1 ,i asked for the account1 when it was stated to me by the ,christian lady in whose establishment she was that she had a pleasure in educating her gratuitously4 ,however1 as ,i pressed the matter1 ,i obtained the account4 ,it was paid1 but the exact sum was returned to me anonymously1 which1 of course1 ,i found out at once to be from the ,christian sister at whose school my daughter was4 ,from that time ,i could never more obtain the account1 though my dear child was about six years longer at school4 ,i refer to this point for this especial reason3 ,god had laid it on my heart to care about poor destitute orphans4 ,to this service ,i had been led to give myself2 he1 in return1 as a recompense1 even for this life1 took care that my own beloved child should have a very good education1 free of expense to me4 ,i was able and well able to pay for her education1 and most willing to do so2 but the ,lord gave it gratuitously2 thus also showing how ready he is abundantly to help me1 and to supply my wants4 ,having learned that the brethren in ,germany were led away by false teachers1 and having received1 in answer to prayer1 five hundred pounds1 for the expenses of his journey thither1 ,mr4 ,m4 left ,bristol ,july #ai1 #ahde1 and1 after laboring in word and doctrine in ,germany1 he returned to ,bristol ,oct4 #aa1 #ahde4 ,perhaps the reader may ask1 ,what has been the result of this labor in ,germany8 ,my reply is1 ,god only knows4 ,the day of ,christ will declare it4 ,judging from the constant labor in prayer during eight months before ,i went the second time1 and day by day while ,i was on the ,continent1 and day by day for a long time after my return1 ,i am warranted to expect fruit1 and ,i do expect it4 ,i expect abundant fruit in the day of ,christ's appearing4 ,in the mean time my comfort is that two hundred and twenty thousand tracts have been circulated1 many of which1 through the providence of ,god1 found their way not only into the darkest places of the continent of ,europe1 but went also to ,america and ,australia4 ,further3 four thousand copies of my ,narrative1 in ,german1 are almost all circulated4 ,and1 again1 the publishing of my ,narrative in ,german led me to do the same in ,french1 which was accomplished about three years later4 ,further3 these tracts were reprinted at ,hamburg and at ,cologne1 and are circulated by other ,christians2 in addition to which1 my having published them in ,germany led me to get them stereotyped in ,england1 and they continue to be circulated in many countries4 ,december #ca1 #ahde4 ,there have been received into communion #ec during this year1 and #a1jee since the commencement of our coming to ,bristol4 ,during this year the ,lord has been pleased to give to me ,l#dcc1 #ais4 #ac_/d;d4 ,to this is to be added that my dear child had again during the whole of this year her education free at a boarding-school1 as stated at the close of the last year1 whereby ,i saved about fifty pounds4 ,also my travelling expenses to and from ,germany1 and other expenses connected with my service in ,germany1 were paid out of the ,l#ejj pounds to which reference has been made4 ,adding these two items to ,l#dcc1 ,i had at least ,l#ejj4 ,april #bi1 #ahdf4 ,to-day my beloved wife and myself had the inexpressibly great joy of receiving a letter from our beloved daughter1 while we are staying in the ,lord's service at ,chippenham1 in which she writes that she has now found peace in the ,lord ,jesus4 ,thus our prayers are turned into praises4 ,about eighteen months before this ,i began especially to pray for the conversion of my dear child1 and the ,lord soon after seems to have begun to work in her heart4 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,,faith ,,confirmed ,,by ,,prosperity4 #ahdf-ahdh4 ,,the ,,spirit ,,of ,,supplication ,,bestowed ,,and ,,prayer ,,answered--,,the ,,time ,,of ,,man',s ,,need ,,and ,,of ,,god',s ,,bounty--,,faith ,,not ,,shaken--,,dealing ,,only ,,with ,,god--,,the ,,needed ,,amount ,,furnished--,,perpetual ,,need--,,not ,,weary ,,in ,,god',s ,,work--,,joy ,,in ,,answered ,,prayer--,,four ,,requests ,,granted--,,continuing ,,instant ,,in ,,prayer--,,the ,,building ,,commenced--,,personal ,,history--,a ,,marked ,,deliverance4 ,in the following chapter1 ,mr4 ,mueller has grouped together1 under the appropriate heads1 the leading events connected with each of the departments of the work of the ,lord in his hands4 ,i4 ,,assistance ,,to ,,the ,,missionary ,,laborers4 ,during no former period since undertaking to send aid to laborers at home and abroad was ,i intrusted by the ,lord with such large sums as during the one to which this chapter refers4 ,i had never had more need of pecuniary supplies than during those two years1 on account of the many pressing calls2 but1 at the same time1 ,i had the exceeding great joy and privilege of being able to respond to them in such a way as ,i had never before been allowed to do4 ,these remarks apply to all the various objects of the ,institution1 but especially to the supplies for brethren who labor at home and abroad in word and doctrine1 without being connected with any society1 or without having any regular salary for preaching the word4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 after the accounts had been closed1 a check for one hundred pounds was given to me1 the application of which was left to my disposal4 ,i put half of the amount to the fund for these objects1 and half to the orphan fund4 ,when the accounts were closed1 there was ninety-one pounds four shillings elevenpence three farthings in hand for these objects1 to which this fifty pounds was added2 therefore ,i began this period with more means than ,i had had in hand at any time previously at the beginning of a fresh period2 and as was its beginning1 so was the continuance4 ,it has often struck me that one especial reason why1 on the whole1 ,i was allowed to have so little trial with regard to means for the work during those two years1 in comparison with former times1 may have been1 that thereby the ,lord would say that he was willing to give what would be needed1 when once the new ,orphan ,house should be built1 though the expenses would be about two thousand five hundred pounds a year more than they were before4 ,june #d1 #ahdf4 ,to-day was given to me1 just when ,i rose from my knees1 after having asked the ,lord for more means1 especially for missionary purposes1 the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds1 with the request to use of it fifty pounds for the orphans1 fifty pounds for laborers in ,england1 and fifty pounds for laborers abroad4 ,from the commencement of this ,institution1 on ,march #e1 #ahcd1 it had been my desire to employ part of the funds1 with which ,i might be intrusted1 in aiding missionary brethren in foreign lands1 who are not supported by any regular salary2 and for several years ,i had likewise had the desire to assist brethren1 laboring in similar circumstances1 in ,great ,britain and ,ireland4 ,the ,lord also had given me the great privilege to assist such brethren more or less during the time that this ,institution had been in operation2 but especially he began during the two years to which this chapter refers to allow me to do so in a far greater degree than before4 ,i knew it to be a fact that many brethren who preach the word1 without having any salary for doing so1 or property to live upon1 were in need4 ,now it might be said that such brethren ought to trust in ,god2 that1 if they preach ,jesus as the only hope for the salvation of sinners1 they ought to set them a good example by trusting themselves in ,god for the supply of their temporal necessities1 in order that unconverted persons thereby might be led to trust in the ,lord ,jesus alone for the salvation of their souls4 ,this is true1 quite true4 ,preachers of the precious good news of salvation to every sinner who puts his trust in the merits of the ,lord ,jesus1 ought indeed themselves to depend upon ,god1 their ,lord and ,father1 for the supply of their temporal necessities2 but ,i also felt that ,i1 as their brother1 ought to seek to help them as far as lay in me4 ,to this ,i set myself more than ever after the beginning of the year #ahdf1 as ,i knew1 that1 from particular causes1 there was an especial call to help such brethren2 and as my own means would go but a little way1 ,i gave myself to more earnest prayer than ever for such brethren4 ,the result was1 that1 during the two years of this period1 the ,lord so answered my daily supplications with regard to this particular1 that ,i was honored to send nearly three times as much to home and foreign laborers as during any previous period of the same length4 ,one thousand five hundred and fifty-nine pounds eleven shillings sixpence was spent in this way1 by which twenty-one brethren were assisted who labored in foreign lands1 and nineteen who labored in ,great ,britain and ,ireland4 ,large as this sum is1 in comparison with what ,i had been able to do in this particular in former years1 yet it is small1 very small1 in comparison with what my heart desired to be able to do for these forty brethren4 ,it has frequently1 yea almost always1 so happened1 that the assistance which ,god has allowed me to send to such brethren has come to them at a time of great need4 ,sometimes they had no money at all left4 ,sometimes even their last provisions were almost consumed1 when ,i sent them supplies4 ,some of them are fathers of large families1 or have sickly wives and children2 some were once well off in this world1 but for ,christ's sake have become poor2 and some have had for ,christ's sake their all taken from them4 ,is it not an honor to help such brethren8 ,i could fill hundreds of pages by giving extracts from the letters of the dear brethren to whom ,i have sent help1 and they would be greatly to the edification of the reader2 but ,i do not feel free to do so4 ,as ,i have not only been laboring for these brethren in prayer that ,god would intrust me with means and allow me the privilege of helping them1 but as ,i also have asked ,god to direct me especially to send to those who might be in particular need1 in case ,i could not help them all2 and as ,i have sought by an encouraging word to strengthen their hands in ,god2 ,i have great reason to believe that these dear brethren have not only been helped by these pecuniary supplies in a temporal point of view1 but also that the fact of ,god sending them help in their extremity has tended to refresh and strengthen their hearts1 and to lead them more and more to trust in him4 ,march #g1 #ahdg4 ,often of late had ,i entreated the ,lord that he would be pleased to condescend to use me still further as a steward1 in allowing me to send help to the many dear brethren whom ,i know laboring at home and abroad without any salary1 the need of many of whom ,i knew4 ,under these circumstances ,i received this morning one hundred and fifty pounds1 with the following lines3-- ,,dear ,,brother3 ,i have great pleasure in sending you one hundred pounds on account of laborers in the ,lord's vineyard at home and abroad1 and fifty pounds for other work in your hands4 ,yours very affectionately1 99 99 99 ,april #e4 ,i have been praying day by day1 ever since ,i was able during the last month to send about one hundred and thirty pounds to home and foreign laborers1 that the ,lord would be pleased soon again to give me means for them1 on account of their great need2 indeed1 all our means were so exhausted1 that ,i had only just enough for to-morrow evening to meet the weekly expenses connected with the six day schools1 when this morning ,i received one hundred and twenty-five pounds for these objects4 ,almost immediately after this donation had been given to me1 ,i received a letter from ,demerara about the great need among the brethren who labor there1 by which intelligence the seasonable help just received has become still more precious to me4 ,may #bf1 #ahdh4 ,by the ,lord's faithful love ,i have been enabled to meet all the heavy expenses connected with these objects during the last two years1 amounting to nearly two thousand and six hundred pounds1 and at the same time owe no one anything1 and have a balance of five pounds nineteen shillings seven pence halfpenny left in hand4 ,,ii4 ,,the ,,support ,,of ,,the ,,orphans4 ,jan4 #bj1 #ahdg4 ,for the whole of this period since ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 therefore nearly eight months1 when the accounts were closed1 we have had always an abundance of means1 and for the greater part of the time about two hundred pounds in hand4 ,the sum of one thousand sixty-five pounds has come in for the orphans in less than eight months1 to which is to be added the balance of eighty-five pounds four shillings ninepence three farthings in hand when the accounts were closed4 ,invariably ,i have thus been able to give to the matrons of the four ,orphan ,houses the money in advance1 which was required for the necessities of one week4 ,but now1 after having paid away last evening forty-five pounds five shillings for the housekeeping of a week in advance and for other expenses1 the money which remains in hand is needed for rent1 and oatmeal1 which has been ordered from ,scotland4 ,this morning therefore ,i gave myself particularly to prayer with regard to means for present use for the orphans4 ,how blessed to have the living ,god to go to6 ,particularly precious to know him in these days of wide-spread distress6 ,potatoes are too dear for food for the orphans at this time4 ,the rice1 which we have substituted instead of them1 is twice as dear as usual2 the oatmeal more than twice as dear1 and the bread one half dearer than usual4 ,but the riches of ,god are as great as ever4 ,he knows that our expenses are great4 ,he knows that a little will not do in these days1 when provisions are so dear1 as there are about one hundred and fifty persons to be provided for1 including teachers and apprentices4 ,my soul is at peace4--,evening4 ,about noon ,i received from a pious physician the following note1 with a check for five pounds3-- ,,my ,,dear ,,sir3 ,i send you something towards buying bread for the orphans4 ,the dearness of food must be felt by many2 but the ,lord in judgment is nevertheless gracious4 ,he will sustain4 ,i am your sincere friend and well-wisher1 99 99 99 99 ,march #i4 ,this evening1 ,tuesday1 ,i find that since last ,tuesday evening again forty-four pounds one shilling sixpence three farthings has come in4 ,how good is the ,lord in helping me week after week through the heavy expenses1 especially in this season of deep distress and dearness of provisions6 ,to his praise ,i can say we have lacked nothing all this winter4 ,whilst preparing these extracts from my journal for the press1 ,i remember to have heard the following remarks made with reference to the time about which ,i am just now writing1 ,i mean the season of dearth during the winter of #ahdf-g3 ,i wonder how it is now with the orphans8 ,if ,mr4 ,mueller is now able1 to provide for them as he has1 we will say nothing4 ,when ,i heard such like remarks ,i said nothing except this3 ,we lack nothing2 or1 ,god helps us4 ,should this fall into the hands of any who have had such thoughts1 let them remember that it is the very time for faith to work1 when sight ceases4 ,the greater the difficulties1 the easier for faith4 ,as long as there remain certain natural prospects1 faith does not get on even as easily 7if ,i may say so7 as when all natural prospects fail4 ,it is true that during the time of the dearth our expenses were considerably greater than usual2 it is also true that many persons1 who otherwise might have given1 were unable to do so1 or had their surplus directed into other channels1 such as ,ireland1 etc42 but the gold and silver are the ,lord's4 ,to him we made our prayer4 ,in him we put our trust4 ,and he did not forsake us4 ,for we went as easily through that winter as through any winter since the work had been in existence4 ,nor could it be otherwise2 for ,god had at this very time an especial opportunity of showing the blessedness of trusting in him4 ,seek1 dear reader1 more and more to put your trust in him for everything1 and you will even concerning this life find it most precious so to do4 ,march #aj4 ,i was able1 last evening1 to meet most comfortably all the expenses for the coming week1 yet we had then nothing left1 as ,i put by the rest of the money1 that we might not get into debt with regard to the rent1 the expenses of the apprentices1 etc4 ,when now there was again nothing left for future housekeeping expenses1 a ,christian lady at a considerable distance informed me by this morning's post that she has paid into the hands of ,messrs4 ,stuckey ,co4 of ,bristol1 my bankers1 the sum of one hundred pounds for my use for the benefit of the orphans4 ,by the same post ,i have received also ten shillings from ,droitwich4 ,the ,lord's holy name be praised for this seasonable help6 ,may #aa4 ,this evening ,i have been able to meet all the expenses connected with housekeeping during the coming week1 through what has come in since ,may #d1 but at the same time ,i have nothing left4 ,hitherto the children have lacked nothing4 ,never were provisions nearly so dear since the commencement of the work as they are now4 ,the bread is almost twice as much as eighteen months ago1 the oatmeal nearly three times as much as formerly1 the rice more than double the usual price1 and no potatoes can be used on account of the exceeding high price4 ,may #cj4 ,lord's-day morning4 ,i have just now received1 in our great need1 when there was not sufficient in hand to meet the necessities of to-morrow1 six pounds six shillings1 from a ,christian gentleman of title at ,zurich in ,switzerland1 a distance of about one thousand miles4 ,what a most seasonable help6 ,thus ,i am able to send all the remainder of the supplies which are needed till ,tuesday evening4 ,in these days of straitness the question would naturally arise1 ,if1 when you have only to care for one hundred and thirty orphans1 you are so poor1 what will you do when there are three hundred1 for whom you are just on the point of building a house8 ,and1 further1 ,is it not an indication not to increase the work1 seeing you are now so poor with only about one third of the number of orphans which you purpose to receive into the new ,orphan ,house8 ,i am not tried1 however1 with such thoughts2 for ,i know that1 #a4 ,only for the trial of my faith1 as heretofore1 the ,lord allows me now again to be poor4 ,never at any time have the expenses been so great for the work as from ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdg2 but also never has so much come in in the same space of time during any other period of this work4 #b4 ,it is for the profit of the church at large that ,i have now again to pass through these days of poverty4 #c4 ,it is as easy for the ,lord to supply me with all the means that the work will require when once the new ,orphan ,house is opened1 as it is for him to give me what ,i need now1 though the expenses in all likelihood will then be two thousand five hundred pounds a year more than they are at present4 ,july #ac4 ,the proceeds of an orphan box from ,stafford1 four pounds seven shillings sixpence4 ,the friend who sent the money wished to know whether it arrived in a time of need4 ,i have had many similar requests1 to which ,i can reply nothing1 or say at the most that the answer may be learnt from the next ,report4 ,it will be easily perceived1 on reflection1 that if ,i said it came seasonably1 that would imply we had little or nothing at all in hand1 and what would that again mean but this1 ,as our expenses are so great1 that which you have now sent will be soon gone again1 and therefore send us some more1 or get some friend to help us4 ,but by this very thing the chief object of this work1 ,to show how blessed it is to deal with ,god alone1 and how blessed to trust in him in the darkest moments1 would be hindered4 ,it is also for this very reason that ,i do not publish the accounts very frequently1 for instance quarterly1 as ,i have been requested to do2 but ,i am delighted to wait a year1 or eighteen months1 or two years1 or more2 and even then ,i do not publish them for the sake of obtaining money 7though unquestionably ,god has used the ,reports as instruments to procure us means71 but for the benefit of the church of ,god1 to refresh1 encourage1 exhort1 and instruct my brethren in ,christ2 and also because it is needful that from time to time ,i should give a public account of the way in which the considerable sums with which ,i have been intrusted have been spent4 ,oct4 #ai4 ,i left ,bristol with my dear wife1 partly because both of us much needed change of air1 and partly because ,i had a great desire to labor in the word for a few weeks in ,westmoreland and ,cumberland4 ,i was not able to leave more means than enough for about three days for housekeeping expenses4 ,but ,i could not have stayed in ,bristol1 though there had been nothing at all in hand2 my hope was that ,god would help during my absence4 ,during all the time of my stay at ,bowness in ,westmoreland1 from ,oct4 #bj to ,nov4 #bj1 there was day by day1 with the exception of the first three days after my departure1 need to wait upon ,god for daily supplies for the orphans4 ,in consequence of this1 every donation1 without exception1 which was received during my absence1 came in most seasonably4 ,partly on account of my health1 and partly on account of opportunities for service in ,westmoreland and elsewhere1 ,i did not feel it right to return to ,bristol sooner than ,i did1 though there was such great poverty2 nor could ,i have done anything in ,bristol which ,i could not do in ,westmoreland1 as it regards procuring means1 since prayer and faith are all the means ,i make use of to obtain supplies when we are in need4 ,dec4 #bc4 ,the need of to-day was eleven pounds4 ,this sum the ,lord gave me thus3 ,last evening ,i received one pound1 together with a pair of trousers and gaiters1 and a remnant of fustian for the orphans4 ,but as ,i knew how much there would be needed to-day1 ,i waited further upon the ,lord this morning for help1 and1 in ,,one ,,minute after ,i had risen from my knees1 ,i received a letter from ,liverpool with ten pounds for the orphans4 ,the donor writes3 ,i have had the inclosed ten-pound note in my drawer for some time1 intending to send it to you for the orphans2 but my time is so occupied that at a suitable time when at my desk ,i have overlooked it4 ,i now1 however1 inclose it1 etc4 ,how seasonable this help6 ,how exactly to the very shilling what is needed to-day6 ,how remarkable that just now this donor in ,liverpool is led to send the ten pounds which had been1 according to his own words1 for some time in his drawer for the purpose of sending it6 ,all this abundantly proves the most minute and particular providence of ,god1 and his readiness to answer the supplications of his children4 ,dec4 #cj4 ,when this day began1 ,i was without anything for the necessities of the day1 though ,i had reason to believe that several pounds would again be required4 ,i was therefore again looking out for fresh supplies4 ,accordingly1 about ten o'clock this morning1 a brother in the ,lord1 who had come last evening to stay for a night in my house1 gave me ten pounds1 to be used as it might be most needed4 ,to be noticed in connection with this donation is3 #a4 ,i had1 not long since1 received a donation from him4 #b4 ,this brother had generally stated how he wished his donations to be appropriated1 and they had been chiefly for missionary purposes2 but this time he left it to me to use this money1 as most needed1 and therefore ,i could take of it what was needed for the orphans4 #c3 ,i was now extremely poor also with regard to the funds for all the other objects1 so that ,i was obliged to tell the teachers of the day schools last ,tuesday evening1 #bhth1 that if no fresh supplies came in1 ,i should not be able to give them their weekly salaries1 as usual1 next ,tuesday evening1 being now poorer in this particular than ,i had been for years4 ,how kind therefore of the ,lord1 not only to give me this money through this brother at this time1 but also to dispose his heart to leave the application of it to me as most needed4 ,i took half of it for this day's housekeeping expenses for the orphans1 and half for the school fund1 for the weekly salaries of the teachers next ,tuesday4 ,i also received further this morning a half sovereign from ,droitwich4 ,the little that was left1 after the housekeeping expenses were met1 was put by for rent and the expenses for the apprentices1 and ,i was again without a penny1 looking out for fresh supplies for to-morrow4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahdg4 ,the last day of another year had now come4 ,great and many had been the mercies of ,god to me this year in every way1 particularly also in connection with the orphans2 but now ,i had again nothing for to-day1 except two shillings which are in one of the boxes in my house4 ,i was1 however1 by ,god's grace1 able to look out for supplies for this last day of another year also1 being fully assured that the ,lord would not confound me4 ,and thus it has been1 according to my expectation2 for1 before ,i was called on for money1 ,i received one hundred pounds1 which was left to me to apply to any part of the ,lord's service where there seemed the most need4 ,feb4 #b1 #ahdh4 ,this morning1 on my walk before breakfast1 ,i felt myself led out of my usual track into a direction in which ,i had not gone for some months4 ,in stepping over a stile ,i said to myself3 ,perhaps ,god has a reason even in this4 ,about five minutes afterwards ,i met a ,christian gentleman who gave me two sovereigns for the orphans1 and then ,i knew the reason why ,i had been led this way4 ,feb4 #c4 ,the reader might say1 ,you are continually in need4 ,no sooner is the one demand met1 than another comes4 ,do you not find it a trying life1 and are you not tired of it8 ,my reply is1 ,it is true ,i am more or less continually in need in connection with this work4 ,and if ,i were to tell out all my heart to the reader concerning it1 he would have still more reason to say that ,i am continually in need4 ,for what ,i have here written is almost exclusively about the way in which ,god has been pleased to supply me with money for carrying on the work2 but ,i do deliberately state that this1 much as it might appear to one or the other1 is by no means the chief thing that ,i stand in need of from day to day4 ,i will just hint at a few other things4 ,sickness among the children1 very difficult and tedious cases1 in which1 notwithstanding all the means which are used month after month1 yea1 year after year1 the children remain ill4 ,nothing remains but either to keep them1 or to send them to the ,parish ,union1 to which they belong1 as they have no relatives able to provide for them4 ,the very fact of having cared for them and watched over them for years only endears them the more to us1 and would make it the more trying to send them back to their parish4 ,this is a need which brings me to ,god4 ,here is prayer required1 not only for means which such sick children call for1 but for guidance and wisdom from on high4 ,sometimes children are to be placed out as servants or apprentices4 ,a suitable place is needed1 or else they had better remain under our care4 ,the obtaining of this suitable place is a need indeed4 ,it is more difficult to be obtained than money4 ,sometimes for many weeks have ,i had to wait upon ,god to have this need supplied2 but he has always at last helped4 ,sometimes great has been my need of wisdom and guidance in order to know how certain children ought to be treated under particular circumstances2 and especially how to behave towards certain apprentices or servants who were formerly in the ,orphan ,houses4 ,a need in this respect is no small thing2 though ,i have found that in this and in all other matters1 concerning which ,i was in need1 ,i have been helped1 provided ,i was indeed able to wait patiently upon ,god4 ,that word1 godliness is profitable unto all things1 having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come1 7#a ,tim4 iv4 #h17 ,i have in times almost without number found to be true in my own experience4 ,further1 when one or the other of the laborers needed to leave the work on account of health1 or for other reasons1 ,i have been at such times in far greater need than when ,i required money for the various objects of the ,institution4 ,i could only have such need supplied by waiting upon ,god4 ,i could do nothing but speak to my heavenly ,father about this matter1 and he has always helped4 ,one of the greatest difficulties connected with this work is to obtain suitable godly persons for it2 so many things are to be taken into the account4 ,suitable age1 health1 gift1 experience1 love for children1 true godliness1 a ready mind to serve ,god in the work and not themselves1 a ready mind to bear with the many trials and difficulties connected with it1 a manifest purpose to labor1 not for the sake of the remuneration1 but to serve ,god in their work2 surely1 to obtain godly persons1 in whom these qualifications even in some measure are found combined1 is not an easy matter4 ,not that any one will suppose me to mean that ,i am looking out for perfect fellow-laborers4 ,not that any one will suppose that my fellow-laborers are referred to by me as if they were without weaknesses1 deficiencies1 and failings4 ,i am myself far1 very far from being without weaknesses1 deficiencies1 and failings4 ,moreover1 ,i never expect to find fellow-laborers for this work who have not their weaknesses2 but this ,i do mean to say1 that the work of ,god in my hands is of that character1 and1 by ,god's grace1 is really carried on with such a true purpose to serve ,god thereby 7however much ,i and my fellow-laborers may fail71 that it is with me a matter of deep moment to find truly suitable individuals for it1 in whom1 as much as possible1 the above qualifications should be found united4 ,and1 however much there may be wanting1 this is more and more my aim1 that ,i may obtain such helpers2 and hence it can be easily perceived how great my need must be again and again on this very account4 ,i do here especially advise1 that if any should apply in future for situations in connection with this work1 they would keep these remarks before them2 for1 by ,god's grace1 it is my purpose never to give to any persons a situation in connection with the ,institution1 if they are not suitable for it according to the light which ,god gives me4 ,further1 that the laborers work happily together among themselves1 and that ,i go on happily in service with them2 that ,i be their servant1 on the one hand1 and yet1 on the other1 maintain the place which ,god has given me in this work2 surely1 if any one carefully looks at this1 he will at once see that there is a difficulty and a need far greater than any that is connected with money4 ,o1 how these matters lead one to call upon ,god6 ,how they continually make one sensible of one's need6 ,truly1 ,i am in need1 in continual need4 ,i might refer to many more points1 in connection with this work1 in which ,i am more or less continually in need2 but ,i will only mention one4 ,it is now many years since ,i have made my boast in the living ,god in so public a manner by my publications4 ,on this account ,satan unquestionably is waiting for my halting1 and if ,i were left to myself ,i should fall a prey to him4 ,pride1 unbelief1 or other sins would be my ruin1 and lead me to bring a most awful disgrace upon the name of ,jesus4 ,here is then a need1 a great need4 ,i do feel myself in need1 in great need1 even to be upheld by ,god2 for ,i cannot stand for a moment if left to myself4 ,o that none of my dear readers might admire me1 and be astonished at my faith1 and think of me as if ,i were beyond unbelief6 ,o1 that none of my dear readers might think that ,i could not be puffed up by pride1 or in other respects most awfully dishonor ,god1 and thus at last1 though ,god has used me in blessing hitherto to so many1 become a beacon to the church of ,christ6 ,no1 ,i am as weak as ever4 ,i need as much as ever to be upheld as to faith1 and every other grace4 ,i am therefore in need1 in great need2 and therefore help me1 dear ,christian reader1 with your prayers4 ,i allow1 then1 most fully that ,i am in continual need4 ,this is the case with regard to money matters1 because the work is now so large4 ,a few hundred pounds go but a little way4 ,there have often been weeks when my demands have been several hundred pounds a week1 and it can therefore easily be supposed that1 even if large donations come in1 they do not last long4 ,but whilst ,i allow this1 ,i desire that the ,christian reader may keep in mind that there are other necessities1 and even greater ones than those connected with money4 ,should1 however1 the reader say that he thinks ,i must find this a very trying life1 and that ,i must be tired of it1 ,i beg to state that he is entirely mistaken4 ,i do not find the life in connection with this work a trying life1 but a very happy one4 ,it is impossible to describe the abundance of peace and heavenly joy that often has flowed into my soul by means of the fresh answers which ,i have obtained from ,god1 after waiting upon him for help and blessing2 and the longer ,i have had to wait upon him1 or the greater my need was1 the greater the enjoyment when at last the answer came1 which has often been in a very remarkable way1 in order to make the hand of ,god the more manifest4 ,i do therefore solemnly declare that ,i do not find this life a trying life1 but a very happy one1 and ,i am consequently not in the least tired of it4 ,straits and difficulties ,i expected from the very beginning4 ,before ,i began this service ,i expected them2 nay1 the chief object of it was1 that the church at large might be strengthened in faith1 and be led more simply1 habitually1 and unreservedly to trust in the living ,god1 by seeing his hand stretched out in my behalf in the hour of need4 ,i did1 therefore1 expect trials1 great trials and straits2 but cheerfully1 for the glory of ,god1 and the profit of ,god's dear children1 did ,i desire to pass through them1 if only the saints might be benefited by the dealings of ,god with me4 ,the longer ,i go on in this service1 the greater the trials of one kind or another become2 but at the same time the happier ,i am in this my service1 and the more ,i am assured that ,i am engaged as the ,lord would have me to be4 ,how then could ,i be tired of carrying on the work of ,god on such principles as ,i do8 ,,iii4 ,,the ,,new ,,orphan ,,house ,,on ,,ashley ,,down4 ,up to ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 ,l#b1gaj1 #cs4 #ea_/b;d4 had been received toward building the new ,orphan ,house4 ,july #d1 #ahdf4 ,for about three months my faith and patience have been exceedingly tried about the field which ,i have purchased for the building of the orphan house1 as the greatest difficulties arose about my possessing the land after all2 but1 by ,god's grace1 my heart was kept in peace1 being fully assured that if the ,lord were to take this piece of land from me it would be only for the purpose of giving me a still better one2 for our heavenly ,father never takes any earthly thing from his children except he means to give them something better instead4 ,but in the midst of all this great trial of faith ,i could not but think1 judging from the way in which ,god so manifestly had given me this piece of land1 that the difficulties were only allowed for the trial of my faith and patience4 ,and thus it was4 ,last evening ,i received a letter by which all the difficulties were removed1 and now1 with the blessing of ,god1 in a few days the conveyance will be made out4 ,july #f4 ,the reason why1 for several months1 there had come in so little for the building fund1 appeared to me this1 that we did not need the money at present2 and that when it was needed1 and when my faith and patience had been sufficiently tried1 the ,lord would send more means4 ,and thus it has proved2 for to-day was given to me the sum of two thousand and fifty pounds1 of which two thousand pounds is for the building fund1 and fifty pounds for present necessities4 ,it is impossible to describe my joy in ,god when ,i received this donation4 ,i was neither excited nor surprised2 for ,i look out for answers to my prayers4 ,i believe that ,god hears me4 ,yet my heart was so full of joy that ,i could only sit before ,god1 and admire him1 like ,david in #b ,sam4 vii4 ,at last ,i cast myself flat down upon my face1 and burst forth in thanksgiving to ,god1 and in surrendering my heart afresh to him for his blessed service4 ,july #ba4 ,this morning a gentleman from ,devonshire1 on his way to ,london1 called on me4 ,when he came ,i was just in prayer1 having1 among other matters1 brought also before the ,lord the following points3 #a4 ,i had been asking him for some supplies for my own temporal necessities1 being in need4 #b4 ,i had asked him for more means for the building fund1 and besought him to hasten the matter1 on account of the inhabitants in ,wilson ,street1 on account of the welfare of the children and those who have the oversight of them in the ,orphan ,houses1 and lastly that ,i might be able to admit more orphans1 the number of applications being so great4 #c4 ,i had also asked the ,lord for means for present use for the orphans1 as the outgoings are so great4 #d4 ,i had asked for means for the other objects4 ,when ,i saw this gentleman from ,devonshire1 he gave me twenty pounds1 of which ten pounds is to be used for the building fund1 five pounds for present use of the orphans1 two pounds for brother ,craik and myself1 and the remaining three pounds were left to my disposal1 which ,i applied to the other objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,thus ,i received1 at the very moment that ,i had been asking ,god1 ,,four answers to my prayers4 ,nov4 #ai4 ,i am now led more and more to importune the ,lord to send me the means which are requisite in order that ,i may be able to commence the building4 ,because1 #a4 ,it has been for some time past publicly stated in print that ,i consider it is not without ground that some of the inhabitants of ,wilson ,street consider themselves inconvenienced by the ,orphan ,houses being in that street1 and ,i long therefore to be able to remove the orphans from thence1 as soon as possible4 #b4 ,i become more and more convinced that it would be greatly for the benefit of the children1 both physically and morally1 with ,god's blessing1 to be in such a position as they are intended to occupy1 when the new ,orphan ,house is built4 ,and1 #c4 ,because the number of very poor and destitute orphans1 that are waiting for admission1 is so great1 and there are constantly fresh applications made4 ,now whilst1 by ,god's grace1 ,i would not wish the building to be begun one single day sooner than it is his will2 and whilst ,i firmly believe that he will give me1 in his own time1 every shilling which ,i need2 yet ,i also know that he delights in being earnestly entreated1 and that he takes pleasure in the continuance in prayer1 and in the importuning him1 which so clearly is to be seen from the parable of the widow and the unjust judge4 ,luke xviii4 #a-h4 ,for these reasons ,i gave myself again particularly to prayer last evening1 that the ,lord would send further means1 being also especially led to do so1 in addition to the above reasons1 because there had come in but little comparatively since the #bith of last month4 ,this morning between five and six o'clock ,i prayed again1 among other points1 about the building fund1 and then had a long season for the reading of the word of ,god4 ,in the course of my reading ,i came to ,mark xi4 #bd3 ,what things soever ye desire1 when ye pray1 believe that ye receive them1 and ye shall have them4 ,the importance of the truth contained in this portion ,i have often felt and spoken about2 but this morning ,i felt it again most particularly1 and1 applying it to the new ,orphan ,house1 said to the ,lord3 ,lord1 ,i believe that thou wilt give me all ,i need for this work4 ,i am sure that ,i shall have all1 because ,i believe that ,i receive in answer to my prayer4 ,thus1 with the heart full of peace concerning this work1 ,i went on to the other part of the chapter1 and to the next chapter4 ,after family prayer ,i had again my usual season for prayer with regard to all the many parts of the work1 and the various necessities thereof1 asking also blessings upon my fellow-laborers1 upon the circulation of ,bibles and tracts1 and upon the precious souls in the adult school1 the ,sunday schools1 the six day schools1 and the four ,orphan ,houses4 ,amidst all the many things ,i again made my requests about means for the building3 ,and now observe3 ,about five minutes after ,i had risen from my knees1 there was given to me a registered letter1 containing a check for three hundred pounds1 of which two hundred and eighty pounds are for the building fund1 ten pounds for my own personal expenses1 and ten pounds for brother ,craik4 ,the ,lord's holy name be praised for this precious encouragement1 by which the building fund is now increased to more than six thousand pounds4 ,dec4 #i4 ,it is now four hundred days since day after day ,i have been waiting upon ,god for help with regard to the building of the ,orphan ,house2 but as yet he keeps me still in the trial of faith and patience4 ,he is still saying1 as it were1 ,mine hour is not yet come4 ,yet he does sustain me in continuing to wait upon him4 ,by his grace my faith is not in the least shaken2 but ,i am quite sure that he1 in his own time1 will give me everything which ,i need concerning this work4 ,how ,i shall be supplied with the means which are yet requisite1 and when1 ,i know not2 but ,i am sure that ,god will help me in his own time and way4 ,in the mean time ,i have abundant reason to praise ,god that ,i am not waiting on him in vain2 for since this day twelvemonth he has given me1 in answer to prayer1 a most suitable piece of ground1 and six thousand three hundred and four pounds for the building fund1 and about two thousand seven hundred pounds for present use for the work1 so that altogether ,i have received1 since this day twelvemonth1 solely in answer to prayer1 the sum of nine thousand pounds4 ,surely1 ,i am not waiting upon the ,lord in vain6 ,by his help1 then1 ,i am resolved to continue this course unto the end4 ,dec4 #bb4 ,to-day ,i have again a precious proof that continuing to wait upon the ,lord is not in vain4 ,during this month comparatively little had come in for the building fund2 yet1 by ,god's grace1 ,i had been enabled1 as before1 yea1 even with more earnestness perhaps than before1 to make known my requests unto ,god1 being more and more convinced that ,i ought to seek by earnest prayer soon to be able to begin the building4 ,in addition to this ,i had also especially besought the ,lord to give me means for missionary brethren1 and also for brethren who labor in the word in various parts of ,england and ,ireland1 as all my means for them were now gone4 ,i had also been waiting upon ,god for means to order a fresh stock of tracts4 ,i had lastly again and again besought the ,lord to give me means for the poor saints in ,bristol1 of whom there are many1 and whose need is now particularly great4 ,now to-day the ,lord has granted me precious answers to my requests concerning these various objects1 for ,i received this morning one thousand pounds1 with these words3 ,i send you some money1 part of which you can apply to the orphans and the other objects of your ,institution1 according to their need1 and the rest you can put to the building fund4 ,at the present price of provisions your expenses must be large for the orphans4 ,please also take twenty-five pounds for your own need4 ,january #be1 #ahdg4 ,the season is now approaching when building may be begun4 ,therefore with increased earnestness ,i have given myself unto prayer1 importuning the ,lord that he would be pleased to appear on our behalf1 and speedily send the remainder of the amount which is required1 and ,i have increasingly1 of late1 felt that the time is drawing near when the ,lord will give me all that which is requisite for commencing the building4 ,all the various arguments which ,i have often brought before ,god ,i brought also again this morning before him4 ,it is now fourteen months and three weeks since day by day ,i have uttered my petitions to ,god on behalf of this work4 ,i rose from my knees this morning in full confidence not only that ,god could1 but also would1 send the means1 and that soon4 ,never1 during all these fourteen months and three weeks1 have ,i had the least doubt that ,i should have all that which is requisite4 ,and now1 dear believing reader1 rejoice and praise with me4 ,about an hour after ,i had prayed thus1 there was given to me the sum of two thousand pounds for the building fund4 ,thus ,i have received altogether ,l#i1bhe1 #cs4 #ia_/b;d4 towards this work4 ,i cannot describe the joy ,i had in ,god when ,i received this donation4 ,it must be known from experience in order to be felt4 ,four hundred and forty-seven days ,i have had to wait upon ,god before the sum reached the above amount4 ,how great is the blessing which the soul obtains by trusting in ,god and by waiting patiently4 ,is it not manifest how precious it is to carry on ,god's work in this way1 even with regard to the obtaining of means8 ,from ,dec4 #aj1 #ahde1 to ,jan4 #be1 #ahdg1 being thirteen months and a half1 ,i have received1 solely in answer to prayer1 nine thousand two hundred and eighty-five pounds4 ,add to this what came in during that time for present use for the various objects of the ,institution1 and the total is about twelve thousand and five hundred pounds1 entirely the fruit of prayer to ,god4 ,can it be said1 therefore1 with good ground1 that this way of carrying on the work of ,god may do very well in a limited and small way1 but it would not do on a large scale8 ,the fact brought out here contradicts such statements4 ,june #bc4 ,this day the ,lord in his great goodness1 by a donation of one thousand pounds for the building fund1 has again encouraged my heart abundantly to trust in him for all that which ,i shall yet need to meet the remainder of the expenses connected with the fitting up and furnishing the new ,orphan ,house1 etc4 ,april #bi1 #ahdh4 ,the total amount which ,i have received for the building fund is ,l#aa1jfb1 #ds4 #aaa_/b;d4 ,this sum enables me to meet all the expenses connected with the purchase of the piece of land and with the erection of the house4 ,i stated before that ,i did not mean to commence the building until ,i had all the means requisite for it1 and this intention was carried out4 ,it was not until ,i had a sufficient amount of means to meet all the sums required for the various contractors that a single thing was done2 but when ,i once had as much as was required for them1 ,i did not consider it right to delay any longer1 though ,i saw then clearly1 and have since seen still more clearly1 that ,i should need yet a considerable sum to complete the work4 ,for whilst in every respect the building will be most plain and inexpensive1 yet1 it being intended to be the abode of three hundred orphans1 with all their teachers and overseers1 it necessarily must be a very large building1 and was therefore found to be even somewhat more expensive than ,i had thought1 as the whole 7including fittings and furniture7 cannot be accomplished for less than fourteen thousand five hundred pounds1 towards which the ,lord has already given me1 as stated1 eleven thousand and sixty-two pounds four shillings elevenpence halfpenny4 ,the sum still needed is required for all the ordinary fittings1 the heating apparatus1 the gas fittings1 the furnishing the whole house1 making three large play-grounds and a small road1 and for some additional work which could not be brought into the contracts4 ,i did not think it needful to delay commencing the building1 though several thousand pounds more would be required1 as all these expenses needed not to be met till many months after the beginning of the building4 ,the work of the building commenced on ,july #e1 #ahdg4 ,six hundred and seven days ,i sought the help of ,god day by day1 before we came so far as to be able to commence the building2 yet at last he gave me the desire of my heart4 ,,iv4 ,,miscellaneous ,,points ,,respecting ,,the ,,scriptural ,,knowledge ,,institution ,,for ,,home ,,and ,,abroad4 #a4 ,during the whole of this period six day schools1 with #ccj children1 were supported by the funds of the ,institution2 two ,sunday schools were entirely supported by it1 and a third one was occasionally assisted4 ,again1 four from among the ,sunday-school children were1 during these two years1 received into church fellowship4 ,the total number of the children who received instruction in the day schools of the ,institution1 from its commencement up to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 amounted to #d1eai4 ,the number of the adult scholars who were instructed during this period in the adult school1 which was supported by the funds of the ,institution1 amounted to #bib2 and the total number of adults who had instruction from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 was #a1dch4 ,the total of the expenses connected with all these schools1 during these two years1 amounted to ,l#hhf1 #as4 #aaa_/b;d4 #b4 ,during this period were circulated #fdi ,bibles and #bcb ,new ,testaments4 ,there were circulated from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 up to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 #e1gdf ,bibles and #c1gfj ,new ,testaments4 ,during this period1 ,l#gd1 #is4 #aj;d4 was expended of the funds of the ,institution on this object4 #c4 ,from ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 was expended of the funds of the ,institution on missionary objects1 ,l#a1eei1 #aas4 #f;d41 whereby #dc laborers in the gospel1 at home and abroad1 were assisted4 #d4 ,during this period #fd1jba tracts were circulated1 and the sum of ,l#fc1 #as4 #e;d4 was expended on this object of the funds of the ,institution4 ,the total number of tracts circulated from ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 amounted to #afc1ffh4 #e4 ,there were received into the four ,orphan ,houses1 from ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 #ea orphans1 who1 together with those who were in the four houses on ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 made up #agb in all4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 there were #abb orphans in the four houses4 ,the number of the orphans under our care from ,april1 #ahcf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 was #bfd4 ,the total amount of expenditure in connection with the support of the orphans from ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 was ,l#c1bbh1 #es4 #aa;d4 ,i notice1 in connection with the ,orphan ,houses1 that without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#bd1gga1 #ais4 #hc_/d;d4 was given to me as the result of prayer to ,god from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahdh4 ,this sum includes the ,l#aa1jfb1 #ds4 #aaa_/b;d41 which up to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 had been given towards the building fund4 ,it may be interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which was given as free contributions for the other objects1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 was ,l#g1jfj1 #ads4 #ac_/d;d42 and that which came in by the sale of ,bibles and tracts1 and by the payment of the children in the day schools1 amounted to ,l#b1cgc1 #cs4 #ga_/b;d4 ,v4 ,,personal ,,history4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahdf4 ,during this year there have been received into fellowship #ff4 ,the ,lord has been pleased to give me during this year ,l#cii1 #bs4 #aa;d4 ,to this is again to be added1 what ,i have enlarged on in a former chapter1 that during the whole of this year also my daughter was1 free of all expenses1 at a boarding-school1 worth about fifty pounds4 ,in ,november1 #ahdg1 ,i had a most remarkable deliverance1 which1 to the praise of the ,lord1 is here recorded1 as it is a further illustration of how the ,lord watches over his children4 ,i was laboring for a little while at ,bowness and ,keswick in the ministry of the word1 in ,october and ,november4 ,when at ,keswick1 ,i stayed with my dear wife in a large boarding-house1 in which1 however1 we were then alone1 except a single gentleman4 ,just before we left ,keswick1 on the morning of ,nov4 #bd1 ,i heard that the gentleman1 lodging in the same house1 had shot himself during the night1 but was not quite dead4 ,we had not heard the report of the pistol1 it being a very stormy night and the house large4 ,two days after1 ,i received from a ,christian brother at ,keswick the following information respecting the transaction4 ,,keswick1 ,nov4 #be1 #ahdg4 ,,dear ,,mr4 ,m,ue,l,l,e,r3 ,the tender and ,almighty care of our loving ,father was never more over you1 and indeed over all of us1 than in your stay at ,mrs4 ----'s4 ,mr4 ---- was quite deranged for two or three days before you left4 ,without any control1 he had been walking about his room for the last two days and nights1 with loaded pistols in his hands4 ,furthermore1 he had taken into his head that you were going to kill him4 ,how gracious of ,god that he spread his wings over you1 and over dear ,mrs4 ,mueller1 so that ,satan could not break through the fence1 to hurt even a hair of your heads4 ,speaking after the manner of men1 there was nothing to have hindered him coming into the room1 where we were all at tea1#ai and of firing amongst us2 but the ,lord was our refuge and fortress1 and preserved us from danger1 which we knew not of4 ,he shot himself in the neck and breast1 but is not dead4 ,he has a strait-waistcoat on4 ,i assisted in cutting his clothes off1 and in other little offices needed at such a time1 and told him of ,christ's love in dying for poor sinners4 ,i know it1 he said4 ,he shot himself the first time about three o'clock in the morning1 and again about seven4 ,what a scene his room presented2 pistols lying in gore2 bloody knives1 lancets1 and razors strewed about the floor1 etc4 ,footnote #ai3 ,the evening before my departure ,i had invited a number of believers to tea1 to spend some time together in prayer1 reading the ,holy ,scriptures1 and in intercourse on spiritual subjects4 ,i add an extract from a second letter1 written by the same ,christian brother1 because it shows still further how very merciful the ,lord was to us at that time1 in protecting us4 ,mr4 ---- is still alive1 and has been removed by his friends into ,yorkshire4 ,it appears1 insanity is in his family1 his father being at this time in an asylum4 ,it is evident that he had the pistols in his pockets1 but of this no one knew until after the occurrence took place4 ,i do not know what time of night you went to bed1 but ,i judge it was about ten4 ,if so1 it was at ten o'clock ,mr4 ---- came down from his bedroom1 after having been there six hours4 ,it was a mercy you did not meet him1 as it is plain that he had loaded pistols on his person4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahdg4 ,there have been received into fellowship1 during this year1 #ci2 and altogether1 since ,mr4 ,craik and ,i began laboring in ,bristol1 #a1aeg1 besides the #fh whom we found in fellowship4 ,during this year the ,lord has been pleased to give me ,l#dab1 #ahs4 #ha_/b;d4 ,to this is again to be added the free education of my dear daughter1 at a boarding school1 worth to us at least fifty pounds4 ,in ,april1 #ahdh1 ,i was enabled1 by the help of the ,lord1 to complete all the arrangements for the publication of the ,narrative of the ,lord's dealings with me1 in the ,french language2 and about ,september of the same year the book appeared1 under the following title3 ,expose de quelques-unes des dispensations de ,dieu envers ,georges ,mueller4 ,paris1 librairie ,protestante1 ,rue ,tronchet1 #b4 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,,continued ,,mercies4 #ahdh-ahej4 ,,humble ,,beginnings--,,devising ,,liberal ,,things--,,the ,,orphans ,,provided ,,for--,a ,,memorable ,,day--,,money ,,at ,,interest--,,means ,,from ,,an ,,unexpected ,,source--,,the ,,progress ,,of ,,the ,,new ,,orphan ,,house--,,means ,,provided ,,for ,,its ,,completion--,,inexpressible ,,delight ,,in ,,god--,,review ,,of ,,the ,,two ,,years ,,past4 ,on the #bfth of ,may1 #ahdh1 ,i had on hand for the ,bible1 tract1 missionary1 and school funds of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 five pounds nineteen shillings sevenpence one farthing2 a sum so small1 that1 without the help of ,god1 ,i could not have gone on even for a few days2 for during this period our average expenditure for one single day1 merely for this part of the work1 was as much as the whole balance left in hand4 ,now see how ,god carried me through1 in meeting the expenditure of the thousands of pounds which were laid out for these objects1 irrespective of the orphan work1 from ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 to ,may #bf1 #ahej4 ,on the very next day1 after the accounts were closed1 ,may #bg1 #ahdh1 ,i received from ,westmoreland five pounds1 being the first donation during this period towards this part of the work1 of which sum one half was intended by the donor for the current expenses of the orphans1 and the other half for these objects4 ,on the following day1 ,may #bh1 was anonymously put into the chapel boxes for missions one shilling sixpence1 and twopence4 ,now it happened so that all the expenses1 connected with these objects1 during the first two days amounted only to about three pounds1 which ,i was able to meet by what had come in and the balance left in hand2 and on ,may #bi ,i received one hundred pounds4 ,as the application of this sum was left to me1 ,i took one half of it for the orphans1 and the other half for these objects4 ,thus ,i was supplied with means to meet the expenses which came on me the following day1 ,may #cj1 when ,i had to pay the weekly salaries of the teachers in the day schools4 ,june #i4 ,great has been my desire1 and many have been my prayers to ,god1 that he would be pleased to condescend to use me still further1 in allowing me the privilege of helping brethren who labor in the word and doctrine1 at home and abroad1 without any salary1 as ,i have been able to do but very little for them comparatively during the last four months4 ,now at last1 in answer to my prayers1 ,i have received this morning one hundred and sixty pounds for home and foreign laborers4 ,the ,lord may see it needful1 for the trial of our faith1 to seem for a season not to regard our supplications2 yet1 if we patiently and believingly continue to wait upon him1 it will be manifest1 in his own time and way1 that we did not call upon him in vain4 ,july #ab4 ,my soul has been longing for further supplies for home and foreign laborers1 to whom ,i have sent of late all ,i could4 ,almost all the letters which ,i have received from the brethren1 to whom ,i have sent money1 have shown to me their great need4 ,some were in the greatest necessity when my remittances were received by them4 ,under these circumstances a donation of one hundred and seventeen pounds two shillings sevenpence came in this morning1 of which ,i took fifty pounds for these objects1 and sixty-seven pounds two shillings sevenpence for the orphans4 ,nov4 #i4 ,only a few shillings were left in my hands on ,tuesday evening1 the #gth instant1 towards the weekly salaries of the teachers1 for the coming week4 ,also1 almost all the tracts are again gone1 and it is nearly four weeks since ,i paid out the last money ,i had in hand for missionary objects4 ,as to this latter point1 my heart had been especially longing to be able to send again help to home and foreign laborers1 knowing how very great the need of many is4 ,thus ,i was situated with regard to means1 when ,i received to-day one thousand pounds4 ,since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 ,i have received above forty-four thousand pounds altogether up to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 only2 and so has the ,lord enlarged the work and helped me that during the last three years ,i have had the privilege of paying away in his service1 in connection with this work1 about twenty-five thousand pounds2 nor have ,i had during this period1 in any one instance1 to meet a payment without being previously provided by the ,lord with means for it4 ,if it pleased the ,lord to condescend to use me further in this way1 he could so order it that even a still larger field of labor were intrusted to me1 which would require still greater sums4 ,truly1 it must be manifest to all simple-hearted children of ,god1 who will carefully read the accounts respecting this ,institution1 that he is most willing to attend to the supplications of his children who in their need cry to him2 and to make this manifest is the great object ,i aim at1 through the means of this ,institution4 ,jan4 #b1 #ahej4 ,the new year commences1 even as to this part of the work1 with new mercies4 ,there was given to me one hundred and sixty pounds1 to be used as might be most needed4 ,jan4 #cj4 ,during this month ,i had been especially led to send much assistance to home and foreign laborers4 ,also in other respects the expenses for these objects had been considerable4 ,on this account the funds for them had been reduced to about eighty pounds when ,i received this evening four hundred and fifty pounds1 of which the donor kindly wished me to take fifty pounds for my own personal expenses1 to give to brother ,craik fifty pounds1 and to use the other as might be most needed4 ,may #c4 ,the work is now large1 the outgoings great4 ,during the month were again expended about five hundred pounds for the various objects of the ,institution1 nor have ,i any prospect that the expenses will decrease2 yea1 ,i have no desire that they should4 ,i have as great satisfaction1 as much joy1 in writing checks for large amounts upon my bankers1 as ,i have joy in paying over to them checks1 or bank orders1 or large notes1 which ,i receive from the living ,god1 by means of donors1 for this work4 ,for the money is of no more value to me than as ,i can use it for ,god2 and the more ,i can pay out for the work of ,god1 the more prospect ,i have of being again supplied by him2 and the larger the sum is which ,i can obtain from him1 in answer to prayer only1 the greater the proof of the blessedness and the reality of this mode of dealing directly with the living ,god for what ,i need2 therefore1 ,i say1 ,i have as much joy in giving out as in receiving4 ,i have been devoting myself1 for instance1 with all my might1 and expending much exertion both of body and mind1 but especially by laboring in spirit to have the ,orphan ,house filled with children1 not only that thus three hundred destitute orphans1 none of whom have either father or mother1 might be lodged1 boarded1 clothed1 instructed1 and in every way cared for1 bodily1 mentally1 and spiritually2 but also in order that thus large sums might be needed and expended1 and ,i might have a greater call than ever to draw largely upon the inexhaustible treasures of ,god4 ,that ,i do not mean1 in thus speaking1 to say that money so obtained by prayer may be wasted1 will scarcely need to be noticed2 for if any one would obtain means from ,god by prayer only1 and then waste them1 he would soon find that he was not able to pray in faith for further supplies4 99 99 99 99 99 ,when the accounts were closed1 on ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 ,i had on hand for the orphans a balance of one pound ten shillings three and three-fourths pence4 ,with this amount then we began1 whilst day by day above one hundred and thirty persons were to be provided for in the four ,orphan ,houses in ,wilson ,street4 ,on the very next day1 after the accounts were closed1 ,may #bg1 #ahdh1 ,i received from ,westmoreland five pounds1 half of which sum was intended by the donor for the orphans1 and half for the other objects4 ,this donation ,i took as an earnest out of the hands of the living ,god1 that during the whole of this period also he would provide for these many orphans1 as he had done in former years4 ,nov4 #i4 ,up to date the wants of the orphans have been supplied as heretofore4 ,yesterday1 only five shillings sixpence came in4 ,to-morrow more money will be needed for housekeeping4 ,in this our poverty ,i received this morning one thousand pounds4 ,the money being left to my disposal as it might be most needed1 ,i took of it six hundred pounds for the building fund1 three hundred pounds for missionary purposes and the circulation of ,bibles and tracts1 and one hundred pounds for present use for the orphans4 ,i have thus the means which are yet needed for this week's housekeeping expenses1 besides being able to meet other heavy expenses which are before me next week4 ,feb4 #bj1 #ahdi4 ,for three months and ten days1 since ,nov4 #i1 #ahdh1 the donations had always come in so that we abounded during the whole period1 there having been always fresh donations received before all the money in hand was disbursed4 ,the total amount that came in during this period was four hundred and sixty-nine pounds fourteen shillings tenpence4 ,now to-day there was no money in hand for advancing the amount needed for the next week's housekeeping4 ,all the money in hand was due for rent1 and therefore unavailable1 as ,i never go into debt for anything4 ,in this our need there was given to me this afternoon the sum of two hundred pounds1 which was left to my disposal for fitting up the new ,orphan ,house1 or for any of the objects in connection with the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution that might be in need4 ,as1 however1 ,i have all the means for fitting up and furnishing the new ,orphan ,house1 as far as ,i know1 and as there is no money in hand for the present use of the orphans1 ,i took one hundred pounds for that object4 ,march #i4 ,the new ,orphan ,house is now nearly ready4 ,on this account we have to get in large supplies for the children's clothes4 ,within the last few days ,i have ordered thousands of yards of material for this purpose1 and thousands more will need to be ordered1 besides providing a stock of many other things4 ,for this large sums are needed4 ,under these circumstances ,i received to-day a donation of three hundred pounds1 to be used for the building fund1 or the current expenses of the various objects1 just as it might be most required4 ,as ,i judge that we have all that is needed for the fitting up and furnishing of the house1 and as there is more in hand than usual for the missionary objects1 the circulation of ,bibles and tracts1 and for the various schools1 and as we have only about sixty pounds for present use for the orphans1 towards meeting all the heavy expenses before us1 ,i took the whole of this donation for the orphans1 as the donor has kindly left the disposal of the money entirely to me4 ,this donation coming in just now has been an exceedingly great refreshment to my spirit2 for it is at the commencement of the great increase of our expenses1 in connection with the three hundred orphans1 instead of one hundred and twenty1 like an earnest from ,god that he will supply us also with means when the demands for the three hundred will be more than twice as great as they are now4 ,through this donation ,i have means to meet all the expense which will be incurred in getting in for the new establishment the stores of provisions1 soap1 material for clothes1 haberdashery1 and of the many other articles of which it would be desirable to buy our supplies on wholesale terms4 ,the ,lord be praised for his kindness6 ,june #ah4 ,to-day1 as the fruit of the prayers of three years and seven months1 the children began to be moved from the four ,orphan ,houses in ,wilson ,street1 ,bristol1 into the new ,orphan ,house4 ,june #bc4 ,saturday ,evening4 ,this has been indeed a week of great and many and peculiar mercies4 ,all the orphans with their teachers and overseers have been moved into the new ,orphan ,house during ,monday1 ,tuesday1 ,wednesday1 and ,thursday2 so that there are now about one hundred and forty persons under one roof4 ,the ,lord has most signally helped4 ,as ,i had for more than three years sought the help of ,god concerning all matters connected with the new ,orphan ,house1 ,i did expect his help in this particular also2 but he has done beyond my expectations4 ,though only the day before yesterday the last children were moved in1 there is already such a measure of order established in the house1 by the help of ,god1 as that things can be done by the minute hands of the timepieces4 ,his name is to be praised for this1 and my soul does magnify him for his goodness6 ,also with regard to temporal supplies for the dear orphans1 the ,lord has been exceedingly kind4 ,on the second day of receiving the children1 there was sent twenty pounds4 ,on the third day1 an individual who walked with me through part of the house said1 ,these children must consume a great deal of provisions1 and1 whilst saying it1 took out of his pocket a roll of ,bank of ,england notes to the amount of one hundred pounds1 and gave them to me for the orphans4 ,on the same evening ,i had also sent for the orphans a very large cask of treacle1 and for their teachers and overseers six loaves of sugar4 ,also a cooper made gratuitously two large new casks for treacle4 ,on the next day ,i received information that about one thousand pounds of rice had been purchased for the orphans1 which should be sent4 ,besides this1 several small donations have come in4 ,so bountifully has the ,lord been pleased to help of late1 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 ,house1 filling the stores of the new ,orphan ,house1 etc42 but ,i have more than five hundred pounds in hand to begin housekeeping in the new ,orphan ,house4 ,how true that word that those that trust in the ,lord shall not be confounded6 ,after all the many and long-continued seasons of great trial of faith within these thirteen years and two months1 during which the orphans were in ,wilson ,street1 the ,lord dismisses us from thence in comparative abundance4 ,his holy name be praised for it6 ,aug4 #cj4 ,received a fifty-pound note with these words3 ,i send you herewith a fifty-pound note1 half for the missions1 half for the orphans1 unless you are in any personal need2 if so1 take five pounds for yourself4 ,this will be the last large sum ,i shall be able to transmit to you4 ,almost all the rest is already out at interest4 ,i took half of this fifty pounds for the orphans1 and half for missionaries4 ,the writer sold some time since his only earthly possession1 and sent me at different times sums of one hundred and twenty pounds1 of one hundred pounds1 of fifty-five pounds1 of fifty pounds1 and of twenty pounds for the work of the ,lord in my hands4 ,when he says1 therefore1 the rest is already out at interest1 he means that he has given it away for the ,lord1 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 us1 in so far as1 considering in the fear of ,god all our various claims and duties and relationships1 we may do so4 ,as this is written for the spiritual profit of the reader1 ,i cannot but add to this extract from my journal under ,aug4 #cj1 #ahdi1 that since that time ,i have received other donations from the same donor1 and much larger still4 ,he used for ,god the means with which he was pleased to intrust him1 and1 contrary to this brother's expectation1 the above fifty pounds was not the last large donation2 for it pleased ,god soon after to intrust him with another considerable sum1 which he again used for the ,lord4 ,this did not at all surprise me2 for it is the ,lord's order that1 in whatever way he is pleased to make us his stewards1 whether as to temporal or spiritual things1 if we are indeed acting as stewards1 and not as owners1 he will make us stewards over more4 ,jan4 #i1 #ahej4 ,to-day was sent to me from the ,committee of the ,cholera ,fund in ,bristol1 twenty pounds1 which the gentlemen constituting it had voted for the benefit of the twenty children who had lost their parents in the cholera1 and whom ,i had received into the new ,orphan ,house4 ,i had not applied either directly or indirectly for this money2 indeed1 ,i was reluctant even to give information as to the number of cholera orphans whom ,i had received1 lest there should be even the appearance as if after all ,i asked for money1 instead of solely trusting in the living ,god4 ,but some of the gentlemen on the committee1 ,i understand1 knowing the fact that ,i had received many orphans1 made such by means of the cholera1 proposed that there should be paid to the ,institution a sovereign on account of each such child whom ,i had received4 ,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 means4 ,i also cannot help noticing the remarkable coincidence that1 at the time that ,god visited this land with the cholera1 in #ahdi1 ,i had so much room for the reception of orphans4 ,the ,lord was pleased to allow me the joy and sweet privilege of receiving altogether twenty-six children1 from ten months old and upward1 who lost their parents in the cholera at that time1 and many besides1 since then1 who were bereaved of their parents through this fearful malady4 ,at the time when ,i last referred to the progress of the new ,orphan ,house1 it was being built4 ,a part of it was already roofed in1 and the remainder was to be roofed not many weeks afterwards4 ,but how much did there yet remain to be done in other respects6 ,a building so considerable as to contain about three hundred large windows would require1 even after it was finished1 an immense amount of labor to be fitted up and furnished for three hundred and thirty persons4 ,then1 after this was done1 the settling in of the orphans and their teachers1 and other overseers1 needed still more abundant help4 ,further1 the obtaining of suitable helpers for this part of the work was indeed no small matter4 ,lastly1 though the ,lord had been pleased to give me already above eleven thousand pounds for the new ,orphan ,house1 yet ,i needed several thousand pounds more1 in order to bring the whole into such a state as might render the building fit for the reception of the orphans4 ,and now1 in looking back1 and finding that ,i not only was helped in all these matters1 but also in every one of them far beyond my largest expectations1 does it not become me to say to those who love the ,lord ,jesus1 and into whose hands this account may fall3 ,o magnify the ,lord with me1 and let us exalt his name together6 ,each one of the foregoing difficulties which still existed on the #bfth of ,may1 #ahdh1 was so great1 that if only one of them had remained1 and ,i had not been helped1 what would have been the result8 ,but while the prospect before me would have been overwhelming had ,i looked at it naturally1 ,i was never1 even for once1 permitted to question what would be the end4 ,for as1 from the beginning1 ,i was sure that it was the will of ,god that ,i should go to the work of building for him this large ,orphan ,house1 so also1 from the beginning1 ,i was as certain that the whole would be finished as if the building had been already before my natural eyes1 and as if the house had been already filled with three hundred destitute orphans4 ,i was therefore of good courage in the midst of an overwhelming pressure of work yet to be done1 and very many difficulties yet to be overcome1 and thousands of pounds yet needed2 and ,i gave myself still further to prayer1 and sought still further to exercise faith on the promises of ,god4 ,and now the work is done1 the difficulties are overcome1 all the money that was needed has been obtained1 and even more than ,i needed2 and1 as to helpers in the work1 ,i have obtained even beyond my expectations and prayers4 ,nearly seven years have passed away 7#ahef7 since the new ,orphan ,house was opened1 and about three hundred and thirty persons sit down in it day by day to their meals4 99 99 99 99 99 ,up to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 ,i had received altogether towards meeting the expenses connected with the building of the new ,orphan ,house the sum of eleven thousand and sixty-two pounds four shillings elevenpence halfpenny4 ,aug4 #ai4 ,it is this day a twelvemonth since the foundation stone of the new ,orphan ,house was laid1 and now the building is up1 and almost entirely roofed in4 ,also part of the inside plastering is already done4 ,how can my soul sufficiently magnify the ,lord for all the help which he has been pleased to give since this day twelvemonth6 ,as we are now so far advanced1 ,i have been increasingly entreating ,god that he would be pleased to give me the means which are yet requisite for fitting up and furnishing the house2 for even now ,i am completely depending upon him for considerable sums to accomplish this4 ,but while much is still needed1 ,i have never had1 by ,god's grace1 the least misgiving as to his willingness to give me all ,i need2 on the contrary1 ,i have been assured that1 when ,i actually required the money for the fittings and the furniture1 it would come4 ,and now this day the ,lord has again proved to me how willing he is to act according to my faith2 for there was given to me this morning eight hundred and eighty-seven pounds1 under the kind condition that ,i should take of it twenty pounds for my own personal expenses1 and the rest might be used for the building fund1 or the present need of the various objects of the ,institution1 as it appeared best to me4 ,nov4 #i4 ,to-day the ,lord has helped still more abundantly4 ,i have received a donation of one thousand pounds1 to be used for the building fund and the present necessities of the work generally1 as the various objects of the ,institution might require it4 ,jan4 #ag1 #ahdi4 ,the time is now near when further steps are to be taken to fit up and furnish the house1 as more than two thirds of the rooms are all but ready4 ,under these circumstances ,i have prayed the more earnestly1 day by day1 that the ,lord would be pleased to give me the means which are yet needed2 and as my heart has been assured from the beginning1 and all through these three years and two months1 since ,i first began to pray about this subject1 that ,god would in every way help me in this work1 so ,i have also been particularly satisfied that he would be pleased to provide the means which may be required to meet all the heavy expenses which yet remain to be met4 ,now1 to-day ,i have had again a precious answer to my daily supplications with reference to this work2 for ,i received this evening six hundred pounds1 concerning which it was desired that brother ,craik and myself should each take of it fifty pounds for ourselves2 the remaining five hundred pounds was left entirely to my disposal2 yet an especial reference was made to the heavy expenses connected with fitting up and furnishing the new ,orphan ,house1 towards which ,i might1 either in part or entirely1 take this sum4 ,feb4 #ab4 ,the new ,orphan ,house is now almost entirely finished4 ,in six weeks1 with the help of ,god1 all will be completed4 ,on this account ,i have been during the last fortnight much occupied in making the necessary arrangements for fitting it up and furnishing it2 but the more ,i have been occupied about this1 the more ,i have seen how large a sum the whole of the fittings and the furniture will require2 and this consideration has led me still more earnestly of late to entreat the ,lord that he would be pleased to give me the means which may yet be needed for the completion of the whole4 ,under these circumstances a brother in the ,lord came to me this morning1 and after a few minutes' conversation gave me two thousand pounds1 concerning which sum he kindly gave me permission to use it for the fitting up and furnishing of the new ,orphan ,house1 or for anything else needed in connection with the orphans4 ,i have placed the whole of this sum1 at least for the present1 to the building fund4 ,now1 dear reader1 place yourself in my position4 ,eleven hundred and ninety-five days it is since ,i began asking the ,lord for means for the building and fitting up of an ,orphan ,house4 ,day by day have ,i1 by his grace1 since that time1 continued to bring this matter before him4 ,without one moment's doubt1 or misgiving1 or wavering1 have ,i been enabled to trust in ,god for the means4 ,from the beginning1 after ,i had once ascertained the will of ,god concerning this work1 have ,i been assured that he would bring it about2 yea1 as sure have ,i been from the beginning that he would do so1 as if ,i had already had all the means in hand for it1 or as if the house had been actually before me1 occupied by the children4 ,but though to faith even three years ago the whole work was accomplished1 to sight there remained many and great difficulties to be overcome4 ,and even at the commencement of this day there remained many difficulties in the way of means1 as well as in other respects2 and therefore ,i was on the point of giving myself again especially to prayer1 at the very moment when ,i was informed that the donor of the above-mentioned two thousand pounds had called to see me4 ,now ,i have the means1 as far as ,i can see1 which will enable me to meet all the expenses2 and in all probability ,i shall have even several hundred pounds more than are needed4 ,thus the ,lord shows that he can and will not only give as much as is absolutely needed for his work1 but also that he can and will give abundantly4 ,it is impossible to describe the real joy ,i had in ,god when ,i received this sum4 ,i was calm1 not in the least excited1 able to go on immediately with other work that came upon me at once after ,i had received the donation2 but inexpressible was the delight which ,i had in ,god1 who had thus given me the full answer to my thousands of prayers1 during these eleven hundred and ninety-five days4 ,i have thus given a few out of the hundreds of donations1 varying from one farthing to two thousand pounds1 as specimens1 to show how the ,lord was pleased to furnish me with the means4 ,the total amount which came in for the building fund was fifteen thousand seven hundred and eighty-four pounds eighteen shillings tenpence4 ,after all the expenses had been met for the purchase of the land1 the conveyance of the same1 the enrolment of the trust-deeds in chancery1 the building1 fitting up1 and furnishing of the new ,orphan ,house1 there remained a balance of seven hundred and seventy-six pounds fourteen shillings threepence three farthings1 affording a manifest proof that the ,lord cannot only supply us with all we need in his service1 simply in answer to prayer1 but that he can also give us even more than we need4 99 99 99 99 99 ,during the whole of the two years ending ,may #bf1 #ahej1 five day schools1 with #cbi children in them1 were entirely supported by the funds of this ,institution2 and some pecuniary assistance was rendered to four other day schools4 ,also a ,sunday school1 with #afh children1 was entirely supported1 and another was occasionally assisted4 ,lastly1 an adult school1 with #ajf adult scholars1 was supported during this period4 ,there was expended on these various schools ,l#hea1 #as4 #ea_/b;d41 during these two years4 ,the number of all the children that were taught in the day schools1 through the medium of this ,institution1 from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 amounted to #e1aad2 the number of those in the ,sunday schools amounted to #b1bjj2 and the number of the persons in the adult school to #a1gcg4 ,in all1 #i1jea4 ,from ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 were circulated #gai ,bibles1 and #bci ,new ,testaments4 ,there was expended on this object1 during this period1 of the funds of the ,institution1 ,l#ajd1 #aes4 #aa;d4 ,there were circulated altogether from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 #f1dfe ,bibles1 and #c1iii ,new ,testaments4 ,from ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 were spent ,l#b1egd1 #afs4 #f;d4 of the funds of the ,institution for missionary objects1 whereby forty preachers of the gospel in ,british ,guiana1 the ,east ,indies1 ,switzerland1 ,france1 ,germany1 ,canada1 ,scotland1 ,ireland1 and ,england1 were assisted4 ,the reader will notice how greatly this object of the ,institution was increased during the last four years previous to ,may #bf1 #ahej4 ,this arose from the fact that1 in the early part of #ahdf1 the need of certain brethren who labored in the word and doctrine came before me1 and ,god laid them on my heart to labor for them in prayer1 in order that ,i might obtain means from him for such brethren to a greater extent than ,i had done before4 ,ever since then the ,lord has been pleased increasingly to use me in this way4 ,for from ,may #bf1 #ahdf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 there was spent for that object nearly three times as much as during any former period of the same length2 and during the period from ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 ,i was not only allowed to do as much as before1 but to expend even ,l#a1jaf1 #es4 more than during the former period1 notwithstanding all the many heavy additional expenses for the various other objects of the ,institution4 ,it is my sweet privilege to state that the labors of many of these forty servants of the ,lord1 whom ,i assisted1 were especially owned of ,god during these two years4 ,there took place very many conversions through their instrumentality4 ,from ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 the sum of ,l#ahd1 #is4 #da_/b;d4 was expended on the circulation of tracts4 ,there were circulated during this period #acj1dfd tracts4 ,the total number which was circulated from ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 up to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 amounted to #bid1abh4 ,from ,july #bd1 #ahdi1 up to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 altogether #agj orphans were received1 from ten months old and upwards4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahej1 there were1 therefore1 #bge orphans in the new ,orphan ,house2 and with the teachers1 overseers1 nurses1 and in-door and out-door servants1 etc41 the whole number of persons connected with the establishment was #cjh4 ,the total number of orphans who were under our care from ,april1 #ahcf1 up to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 was #ddc4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#cc1hfh1 #aas4 #aa_/d;d4 was given to me for the orphans1 as the result of prayer to ,god1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahej4 ,it may be also interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which was given as free contributions1 for the other objects1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 amounted to ,l#aj1eca1 #cs4 #cc_/d;d42 and that which came in by the sale of ,bibles and tracts1 and by the payments of the children in the schools1 up to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 amounted to ,l#b1gjg1 #is4 #ca_/b;d4 ,the total of the current expenses for the orphans from ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 to ,may #bf1 #ahdi1 was ,l#a1eei1 #fs4 #i;d41 and the total of the current expenses for them from ,may #bf1 #ahdi1 to ,may #bf1 #ahej1 was only ,l#b1ffe1 #acs4 #bc_/d;d41 i4 e4 only about ,l#a1ajj more than the previous year4 ,as to matters connected with my own personal affairs1 from ,may #bf1 #ahdh1 to ,may #bf1 #ahej3-- ,dec4 #ca1 #ahdh4 ,during this year the ,lord was pleased to give me ,l#dgd1 #ags4 #g;d4 ,to this is again to be added1 for this year also1 as before stated1 the free education of my daughter at a boarding-school1 worth at least ,l#ej4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahdi4 ,the ,lord sent me1 during the past year1 ,l#dac1 #bs4 #d;d4 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,a ,,new ,,victory ,,of ,,faith4 #ahej-ahea4 ,,past ,,mercies ,,an ,,encouragement ,,to ,,new ,,undertakings--,a ,,house ,,for ,,seven ,,hundred ,,orphans ,,proposed--,,walking ,,by ,,faith--,,counsel ,,sought ,,from ,,god--,,the ,,purpose ,,formed--,,delight ,,in ,,the ,,magnitude ,,and ,,difficulty ,,of ,,the ,,design4 ,december #e1 #ahej4 ,it is now sixteen years and nine months this evening since ,i began the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad4 ,this ,institution was in its beginning exceedingly small4 ,now it is so large that ,i have not only disbursed1 since its commencement1 about fifty thousand pounds sterling1 but that also the current expenses1 after the rate of the last months1 amount to above six thousand pounds a year4 ,i did open my mouth wide1 this very evening fifteen years ago1 and the ,lord has filled it4 ,the new ,orphan ,house is now inhabited by three hundred orphans2 and there are altogether three hundred and thirty-five persons connected with it4 ,my labor is abundant4 ,the separation from my dear wife and child is great1 on account of my being the greater part of the day at the new ,orphan ,house2 sometimes also by night4 ,but notwithstanding all this1 ,i have again and again thought about laboring more than ever in serving poor orphans4 ,within the last ten days this matter has much occupied my mind1 and for the last five days ,i have had much prayer about it4 ,it has passed through my mind to build another ,orphan ,house1 large enough for seven hundred orphans1 so that ,i might be able to care for one thousand altogether4 ,the points which have led me to this thought are3 #a4 ,the many distressing cases of children1 bereaved of both parents1 who have no helper4 ,i have received two hundred and seven orphans within the last sixteen months1 and have now seventy-eight waiting for admission1 without having vacancies for any4 ,i had about sixty children waiting for admission about sixteen months since1 so about two hundred and thirty children have been applied for within these sixteen months4 ,but1 humanly speaking1 for the next sixteen months the number of applications will be far greater1 as the work is now so much more widely known2 except it be that persons may hear that the new ,orphan ,house is quite full1 and on that account may consider it useless to apply4 #b4 ,the constitution of most other charitable institutions for orphans makes the admission of a really destitute orphan1 i4 e4 a child bereaved of both parents1 and without an influential friend1 very difficult1 if not hopeless2 for the admission by means of the votes of the donors precludes really poor persons from having1 in most instances1 the benefit of these institutions1 as they cannot give the time nor expend the money necessary for obtaining such votes4 ,i have myself seen that certain candidates had several thousand votes4 ,the necessity of this arrangement being continued may be much regretted by many who are connected with such institutions1 but they have no power to alter it4 ,in our case1 nothing is needed but application to me2 and the very poorest person1 without influence1 without friends1 without any expense1 no matter where he lives1 or of whatever religious denomination1 who applies for children born in lawful wedlock1 bereaved of both parents1 and in destitute circumstances1 may procure their admission4 ,now1 as the new poor-law is against giving relief to relatives for orphan children out of the poor-houses2 and as there is such a difficulty for really poor people to get their orphan relatives admitted into ordinary orphan establishments2 ,i feel myself particularly called upon to be the friend of the orphan1 by making an easy way for admission1 provided it is really a destitute case4 #c4 ,the confidence which ,god has caused thousands of his children to repose in me calls upon me to make use of it to the utmost of my power1 and to seek yet more largely to be their almoner4 #d4 ,the experience which ,i have had in this service now for fifteen years1 during which time ,i have gone from the smallest commencement of the work to the having at present three hundred orphans under my care1 calls upon me to make use of this my experience to the utmost of my power4 ,no member of a committee1 no president of a society1 could possibly have the same experience1 except he himself had practically been engaged in such a work for a number of years1 as ,i have been4 #e4 ,this very experience makes things light to me1 under ,god's help1 which were difficult to me formerly1 and which would be very difficult now to many3 might ,i not therefore proceed still further8 #f4 ,if seven hundred more young souls could be brought under regular godly training 7and their number would be renewed from time to time71 what blessed service for the kingdom of ,christ1 and what profitable expenditure of labor1 too1 with the blessing of ,god1 even for this realm1 in a civil and moral point of view6 #g4 ,but that which outweighs every one of these six reasons is1 lastly1 this3 ,i began this orphan work fifteen years ago for the very purpose of illustrating to the world and to the church that there is verily a ,god in heaven who hears prayer2 that ,god is the living ,god4 ,now1 this last object is more and more fully accomplished the larger the work is1 provided ,i am helped in obtaining the means simply through prayer and faith4 ,but whilst such like thoughts have passed through my mind1 there are others of another character4 ,for instance3 #a4 ,i have already an abundance of work4 #b4 ,my dear wife has already an abundance of work4 ,her whole time1 with little intermission 7except for prayer and reading of the ,word of ,god71 is occupied1 directly or indirectly1 about the orphans4 #c4 ,am ,i not undertaking too much for my bodily strength and my mental powers1 by thinking about another ,orphan ,house8 #d4 ,am ,i not going beyond the measure of my faith in thinking about enlarging the work so as to double or treble it8 #e4 ,is not this a delusion of ,satan1 an attempt to cast me down altogether from my sphere of usefulness1 by making me to go beyond my measure8 #f4 ,is it not also1 perhaps1 a snare to puff me up1 in attempting to build a very large ,orphan ,house8 ,under these circumstances ,i can only pray that the ,lord in his tender mercy would not allow ,satan to gain an advantage over me4 ,by the grace of ,god my heart says1--,lord1 if ,i could be sure that it is thy will that ,i should go forward in this matter1 ,i would do so cheerfully2 and1 on the other hand1 if ,i could be sure that these are vain1 foolish1 proud thoughts1 that they are not from thee1 ,i would1 by thy grace1 hate them1 and entirely put them aside4 ,my hope is in ,god2 he will help me and teach me4 ,judging1 however1 from his former dealings with me1 it would not be a strange thing to me1 nor surprising1 if he called me to labor yet still more largely in this way4 ,the thoughts about enlarging the orphan work have not arisen on account of an abundance of money having lately come in2 for ,i have had of late to wait for about seven weeks upon ,god1 whilst little1 very little comparatively1 came in1 i4 e4 about four times as much was going out as came in2 and1 had not the ,lord previously sent me large sums1 we should have been distressed indeed4 ,lord1 how can thy servant know thy will in this matter8 ,wilt thou be pleased to teach him8 ,dec4 #aa4 ,during the last six days1 since writing the above1 ,i have been1 day after day1 waiting upon ,god concerning this matter4 ,it has generally been more or less all the day on my heart4 ,when ,i have been awaking at night1 it has not been far from my thoughts4 ,yet all this without the least excitement4 ,i am perfectly calm and quiet respecting it4 ,my soul would be rejoiced to go forward in this service1 could ,i be sure that the ,lord would have me to do so2 for then1 notwithstanding the numberless difficulties1 all would be well1 and his name would be magnified4 ,on the other hand1 were ,i assured that the ,lord would have me to be satisfied with my present sphere of service1 and that ,i should not pray about enlarging the work1 by his grace ,i could1 without an effort1 cheerfully yield to it2 for he has brought me into such a state of heart that ,i only desire to please him in this matter4 ,moreover1 hitherto ,i have not spoken about this thing even to my beloved wife1 the sharer of my joys and sorrows and labors for more than twenty years2 nor is it likely that ,i shall do so for some time to come2 for ,i prefer quietly waiting on the ,lord1 without conversing on this subject1 in order that thus ,i may be kept the more easily1 by his blessing1 from being influenced by things from without4 ,the burden of my prayer concerning this matter is1 that the ,lord would not allow me to make a mistake1 and that he would teach me his will4 ,as to outward things1 ,i have had nothing to encourage me during these six days1 but the very reverse2 for the income for the various objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad has been unusually small1 only six pounds fourteen shillings altogether1 while the outgoings have been one hundred and thirty-three pounds eleven shillings sevenpence4 ,but all this would not weigh the least with me1 could ,i be quite sure that the ,lord would have me to go forward4 ,the especial burden of my prayer1 therefore1 is1 that ,god would be pleased to teach me his will4 ,my mind has also been especially pondering how ,i could know his will satisfactorily concerning this particular4 ,sure ,i am that ,i shall be taught4 ,i therefore desire to patiently wait for the ,lord's time1 when he shall be pleased to shine on my path concerning this point4 ,dec4 #bf4 ,fifteen days have elapsed since ,i wrote the preceding paragraph4 ,every day since then ,i have continued to pray about this matter1 and that with a goodly measure of earnestness1 by the help of ,god4 ,there has passed away scarcely an hour during these days in which1 whilst awake1 this matter has not been more or less before me2 but all without even a shadow of excitement4 ,i converse with no one about it4 ,hitherto have ,i not even done so with my dear wife4 ,from this ,i refrain still1 and deal with ,god alone about the matter1 in order that no outward influence and no outward excitement may keep me from attaining unto a clear discovery of his will4 ,i have the fullest and most peaceful assurance that he will clearly show me his will4 ,this evening ,i have had again an especial solemn season for prayer1 to seek to know the will of ,god4 ,but whilst ,i continue to entreat and beseech the ,lord that he would not allow me to be deluded in this business1 ,i may say that ,i have scarcely any doubt remaining on my mind as to what will be the issue1 even that ,i should go forward in this matter4 ,as this1 however1 is one of the most momentous steps that ,i have ever taken1 ,i judge that ,i cannot go about this matter with too much caution1 prayerfulness1 and deliberation4 ,i am in no hurry about it4 ,i could wait for years1 by ,god's grace1 were this his will1 before even taking one single step towards this thing1 or even speaking to any one about it2 and1 on the other hand1 ,i would set to work to-morrow1 were the ,lord to bid me do so4 ,this calmness of mind1 this having no will of my own in the matter1 this only wishing to please my heavenly ,father in it1 this only seeking his and not my honor in it2 this state of heart1 ,i say1 is the fullest assurance to me that my heart is not under a fleshly excitement1 and that if ,i am helped thus to go on ,i shall know the will of ,god to the full4 ,but1 while ,i write thus1 ,i cannot but add1 at the same time1 that ,i do crave the honor and the glorious privilege to be more and more used by the ,lord4 ,i have served ,satan much in my younger years1 and ,i desire now with all my might to serve ,god during the remaining days of my earthly pilgrimage4 ,i am forty-five years and three months old4 ,every day decreases the number of days that ,i have to stay on earth4 ,i therefore desire with all my might to work4 ,there are vast multitudes of orphans to be provided for4 ,about five years ago a brother in the ,lord told me that he had seen1 in an official report1 that there were at that time six thousand young orphans in the prisons of ,england4 ,my heart longs to be instrumental in preventing such young orphans from having to go to prison4 ,i desire to be used by the ,lord as an instrument in providing all the necessary temporal supplies1 not only for the three hundred now under my care1 but for seven hundred more4 ,i desire to alleviate yet further the sufferings of poor dying widows1 when looking on their helpless orphans about to be left behind4 ,i desire yet further to assist poor persons to whom destitute orphans are left1 and who are unable to provide for them4 ,i desire to be allowed to provide scriptural instruction for a thousand orphans1 instead of doing so for three hundred4 ,i desire to expound the ,holy ,scriptures regularly to a thousand orphans1 instead of doing so to three hundred4 ,i desire that thus it may be yet more abundantly manifest that ,god is still the hearer and answerer of prayer1 and that he is the living ,god now1 as he ever was and ever will be1 when he shall1 simply in answer to prayer1 have condescended to provide me with a house for seven hundred orphans1 and with means to support them4 ,this last consideration is the most important point in my mind4 ,the ,lord's honor is the principal point with me in this whole matter2 and just because that is the case1 if he would be more glorified by my not going forward in this business1 ,i should1 by his grace1 be perfectly content to give up all thoughts about another ,orphan ,house4 ,surely1 in such a state of mind1 obtained by thy ,holy ,spirit1 thou1 ,o my heavenly ,father1 wilt not suffer thy child to be mistaken1 much less to be deluded6 ,by the help of ,god ,i shall continue further1 day by day1 to wait upon him in prayer concerning this thing till he shall bid me act4 ,january #b1 #ahea4 ,a week ago ,i wrote the preceding paragraph4 ,during this week ,i have still been helped1 day by day1 and more than once every day1 to seek the guidance of the ,lord about another ,orphan ,house4 ,the burden of my prayer has still been1 that he in his great mercy would keep me from making a mistake4 ,during the last week the ,book of ,proverbs has come in the course of my ,scripture reading1 and my heart has been refreshed1 in reference to this subject1 by the following passages3 ,trust in the ,lord with all thine heart2 and lean not unto thine own understanding4 ,in all thy ways acknowledge him1 and he shall direct thy paths4 ,prov4 iii4 #e1 #f4 ,by the grace of ,god ,i do acknowledge the ,lord in my ways1 and in this thing in particular2 ,i have therefore the comfortable assurance that he will direct my paths concerning this part of my service1 as to whether ,i shall be occupied in it or not4 ,further3 ,the integrity of the upright shall preserve them2 but the perverseness of fools shall destroy them4 ,prov4 xi4 #c4 ,by the grace of ,god ,i am upright in this business4 ,my honest purpose is to get glory to ,god4 ,therefore ,i expect to be guided aright4 ,further3 ,commit thy works unto the ,lord1 and thy thoughts shall be established4 ,prov4 xvi4 #c4 ,i do commit my works unto the ,lord2 ,i therefore expect that my thoughts will be established4 ,my heart is more and more coming to a calm1 quiet1 and settled assurance that the end will be that the ,lord will condescend to use me yet further in the orphan work4 ,here1 ,lord1 is thy servant6 ,jan4 #ad4 ,twelve days have passed away since ,i wrote the last paragraph4 ,i have still day by day been enabled to wait upon the ,lord with reference to my enlarging the orphan work4 ,i have been during the whole of this period also in perfect peace1 which is the result of seeking in this thing only the ,lord's honor and the temporal and spiritual benefit of my fellow-men4 ,without an effort could ,i1 by his grace1 put aside all thoughts about this whole affair1 could ,i be only assured that it is the will of ,god that ,i should do so2 and1 on the other hand1 at once would ,i go forward1 if he would have it to be so4 ,i have still kept this matter entirely to myself4 ,though it is now about seven weeks since day by day1 more or less1 my mind has been exercised about it1 and since ,i have daily prayed concerning it1 yet not one human being knows of it4 ,as yet ,i have not mentioned it even to my dear wife1 in order that thus1 by quietly waiting upon the ,lord1 ,i might not be influenced by what might be said to me on the subject4 ,this evening ,i have particularly set apart for prayer1 beseeching the ,lord once more not to allow me to be mistaken in this thing1 and much less to be deluded by the devil4 ,i have also sought to let all the reasons against building another ,orphan ,house1 and all the reasons for doing so1 pass before my mind2 and ,i now1 for the sake of clearness and definiteness1 write them down4 ,reasons ,,against establishing another ,orphan ,house for ,seven ,hundred ,orphans4--#a4 ,would not this be going beyond my measure spiritually8 according to that word3 ,for ,i say1 through the grace given unto me1 to every man that is among you1 not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think2 but to think soberly1 according as ,god has dealt to every man the measure of faith4 ,rom4 xii4 #c4 ,answer3 ,if the ,lord were to leave me to myself1 the tenth part of the difficulties and trials which befall me now in connection with the various objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad would be enough to overwhelm me2 but1 whilst he is pleased to sustain me1 ,i am able day by day to pass on peacefully1 and am carried through one difficulty after the other3 and thus1 by ,god's help1 even with my present measure of faith1 if continued to me1 ,i should be enabled to bear up under other difficulties and trials2 but ,i look for an increase of faith with every fresh difficulty through which the ,lord is pleased to help me4 #b4 ,would it not be going beyond my measure naturally1 with reference to mental and bodily strength8 ,answer3 ,of all the objections against establishing another ,orphan ,house1 there is none that weighs more with me than this one2 ,i might say1 it is the only real difficulty4 ,this1 however1 too1 ,i am enabled to put aside and to overcome thus3 ,by husbanding my strength1 by great order1 by regular habits1 by lightening the work as much as possible1 by using every help that ,i can1 ,i have been enabled to get through a vast quantity of work4 ,my immense correspondence of about three thousand letters a year ,i have been enabled to accomplish without a secretary4 ,the whole management and direction and the whole vast correspondence of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution has devolved upon myself alone these sixteen years and ten months1 and ,i have been thinking that1 by seeking for an efficient secretary1 and an efficient clerk1 and an inspector of the schools1 ,i might1 with ,god's help1 accomplish yet more1 though much of what ,i have been doing hitherto would need to be done by others4 ,there have been several other arrangements brought before my mind1 since ,i have been exercised about this matter1 whereby1 with the blessing of ,god1 the work might be lightened4 ,i should certainly need efficient helpers to carry out the plans before me2 but with such1 ,i1 as director1 might be enabled1 by ,god's help1 to accomplish yet more4 #c4 ,there must be a limit to my work and service4 ,answer3 ,that is true1 and if ,i were quite sure that the present state of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution were to be the limit1 ,i would at once lay aside this thing2 but ,i am not sure that ,i am come as yet to ,god's limit4 ,all these sixteen years and ten months the work has been constantly progressing1 and the ,lord has helped me continually2 and now my mind is just in the same way exercised as when1 fifteen years ago1 ,i began the orphan work1 and as when1 thirteen years ago1 ,i enlarged the orphan work1 and as when1 seven years and nine months since1 ,i still further enlarged the orphan work1 and as when1 five years and two months since1 ,i was led to decide on building the new ,orphan ,house4 ,under these circumstances1 having been helped through all these difficulties1 and seeing such a vast field of usefulness before me1 and as ,i have so many applications for the admission of very destitute orphans1 ,i long to be used still further1 and cannot say that as yet the ,lord has brought me to his limit4 #d4 ,is it not like tempting ,god1 to think of building another ,orphan ,house for seven hundred more orphans8 ,answer3 ,tempting ,god means1 according to the ,holy ,scriptures1 to limit him in any of his attributes2 ,i1 by his grace1 do not wish to limit his power or his willingness to give to me1 his poor servant1 simply in answer to prayer1 all the means and every other help and blessing which ,i shall need to build another large ,orphan ,house4 #e4 ,you will not get the means for building and fitting up so large an ,orphan ,house2 and1 even if you did1 how will you1 at the same time1 get the means for carrying on the work which already exists8 ,answer3 ,looking at the matter naturally1 this is indeed a weighty objection4 ,the new ,orphan ,house1 with its three hundred orphans only1 cost about fifteen thousand pounds to build and to fit up and furnish1 and still the expenses are not all met even now4 ,it will1 in all probability1 cost several hundred pounds yet4 ,and this large sum was needed1 though the style of the building is most simple1 and though the field in which it was built was comparatively cheap4 ,after this rate1 a building to accommodate seven hundred orphans1 with the necessary ground attached to it for the cultivation of the vegetables used in the ,institution1 could not be less than thirty-five thousand pounds4 ,now1 looking at it naturally1 where is this great sum to come from8 ,though ,i looked at all my friends who have given hitherto1 and several have done so very liberally1 yet ,i should have no natural prospect whatever that ,i should receive this amount2 especially if it be kept in mind that ,i should need six or seven thousand pounds besides1 every year1 for carrying on that which is already in existence4 ,i might1 therefore1 well tremble1 looking at the matter naturally1 and say1 ,i shall never have the money for this intended ,orphan ,house for seven hundred children2 for where is this large sum of thirty-five thousand pounds to come from8 ,and even if ,i were to get the money1 will not persons1 in giving means for such a building fund1 take it away from what they might have given me for carrying on the work which exists already8 ,but whilst thus1 naturally1 ,i have no hope of succeeding1 ,i am not in the least discouraged spiritually2 for by faith in the living ,god ,i say this3 ,he has the power to give me this thirty-five thousand pounds1 and much more were it needed2 and he has the power1 in the mean time1 to give me also all the large sums required1 week after week1 for meeting the current expenses for the present state of the work4 ,moreover1 ,i delight in the greatness of the difficulty as it respects the large sum needed for building and fitting up such an establishment2 for ,i desire to be most fully assured1 from the very outset1 that ,i go forward in this matter according to the ,lord's bidding4 ,if so1 he will give me the means2 if not1 ,i shall not have them4 ,nor do ,i mean to apply to any one personally for pecuniary help1 but purpose to give myself to prayer for means1 as heretofore4 #f4 ,suppose1 now1 you were even to succeed in getting this large ,orphan ,house built1 how will you be able to provide for seven hundred other orphans8 ,answer3 ,there is much weight in this objection1 looking at it naturally4 ,i am too much a man of business1 and too much a person of calm1 quiet1 cool calculation1 not to feel its force4 ,and indeed1 were ,i only to look at the thing naturally1 ,i should at once be ready to own that ,i am going too far2 for the increase of expenditure for the support of these seven hundred other orphans could not be less than eight thousand pounds a year more1 so that the current expenses of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 reckoning its present state1 and including those eight thousand pounds1 would be about fifteen thousand pounds a year4 ,now ,i am free to own that ,i have no human prospect of obtaining such a sum year by year4 ,but while matters stand thus1 looking at them naturally1 ,i see no difficulty at all in them spiritually4 ,if according to the will of ,god ,i am enabled to go about this intended second ,orphan ,house2 and if1 under his help1 ,i shall be enabled to finish it2 he will surely provide for those who are gathered together in it as long as he shall be pleased to enable me to trust in him for supplies4 ,and here ,i look back upon the way in which the ,lord has led me and dealt with me4 ,when1 about seventeen years ago1 ,i took up1 in dependence upon the living ,god for means1 two charity schools1 with which the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution commenced 7and this involved an expense of less than one hundred pounds a year71 ,i had no certain prospect of being able to meet even that small sum2 but ,god so helped me that ,i had shortly six charity schools4 ,he helped me then1 also1 and enabled me to meet all their expenses4 ,when1 fifteen years ago1 ,i began the orphan work1 which was connected with far heavier expenses1 ,i had still less prospect1 according to natural reason1 of being able to meet them2 but ,i trusted in ,god1 and he helped me1 and he not only enabled me to meet the current expenses of thirty orphans in the first house rented for them1 but enabled me also soon to open another for thirty-six more1 and ,i was also enabled to meet all those expenses2 for as ,i had begun in faith in the living ,god1 and not in putting my trust in my brethren in ,christ1 so ,i was not confounded4 ,after ,i had gone on some time with these orphans in the two rented houses1 about thirteen years ago the ,lord was pleased greatly to encourage me and to increase my faith by a donation of five hundred pounds for the orphans2 for up to that period ,i had never received more than one hundred pounds at once4 ,but this kind donor1 a stranger to me up to that time1 suggested to me the propriety of investing this sum and using only the interest of it1 as ,i could not expect to have the orphans supported for a continuance in the way they had been till then2 for that such institutions must depend upon regular subscriptions or funded property1 otherwise they could not go on4 ,as1 however1 this was only a friendly hint1 and no condition under which the money was given1 ,i took this five hundred pounds towards fitting up a third house1 for the reception of thirty more orphans4 ,from that time the work has been increasing more and more1 till it has come to what it is at present4 ,now1 suppose ,i had said1 seventeen years ago1 looking at matters according to natural reason1 ,the two charity schools are enough1 ,i must not go any further2 then the work would have stopped there4 ,or1 if ,i had had a little more trust in my exertions or my friends1 ,i might have taken at the utmost one or two steps further4 ,instead of this1 however1 ,i looked in no degree whatever at things according to my natural fallen reason1 and ,i trusted not in the circle of my ,christian friends1 but in the living ,god2 and the result has been that there have been since #ahcd ten thousand souls under our instruction in the various day schools1 ,sunday schools1 and adult schools2 several hundred orphans have been brought up1 and many of them from their very tenderest infancy2 several hundred thousand tracts and many thousand copies of the ,word of ,god have been circulated2 about forty preachers of the gospel at home and abroad have been1 for several years1 assisted in connection with the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution2 and a house has been built and fitted up for the accommodation of three hundred destitute orphans1 each of whom has neither father nor mother4 ,how blessed therefore is it to trust in ,god1 and in him alone1 and not in circumstances nor friends6 ,there is1 however1 one thing which ,i must record here1 because it has taken place since ,i last wrote in my journal on this subject1 on ,january #b4 ,it is this4 ,during these twelve days ,i have received for the various objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 in smaller donations1 sixty-four pounds fifteen shillings sixpence two farthings1 also a donation of one hundred and fifty pounds1 and one of three thousand pounds4 ,is not this a plain proof that ,god is both able and willing to help simply in answer to prayer8 ,is not human reason confounded by such instances8 ,when ,i first began to write these exercises of my mind about another ,orphan ,house1 ,i knew not that on ,january #d1 ,i should receive a donation of three thousand pounds2 yet ,i was fully assured that ,god was able to support one thousand orphans as easily as he did the thirty whom ,i first received in a rented house4 ,does he not1 however1 tell me by all this1 ,go forward1 my servant1 and ,i will help thee8 #g4 ,but1 it might be said1 suppose you were able by prayer to obtain this large sum for building a house for seven hundred other orphans2 and suppose you were able to provide for them during your lifetime1--what would become of this ,institution after your death8 ,answer3 ,i am quite familiar with this objection4 ,i have heard it many times as a reason against the way of obtaining the means for the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 simply by trusting in ,god1 without any funded property1 and without looking to regular subscribers2 but my reply is this4 ,my business is1 with all my might to serve my own generation2 in doing so ,i shall best serve the next generation1 should the ,lord ,jesus tarry4 ,soon he may come again2 but1 if he tarry1 and ,i have to fall asleep before his return1 ,i shall not have been altogether without profit to the generation to come1 were the ,lord only to enable me to serve my own generation4 ,suppose this objection were a sound one1 ,i ought never to have commenced the orphan work at all1 for fear of what might become of it after my death1 and thus all the hundreds of destitute children without father and mother1 whom the ,lord has allowed me to care for during the last fifteen years1 would not have been taken up by me4 ,the same argument was again and again used to ,franke1 my esteemed countryman1 who at ,halle1 in ,prussia1 commenced1 about ,a4 ,d4 #afif1 the largest charitable establishment for poor children that1 as far as ,i know1 exists in the world4 ,he trusted in ,god alone4 ,he went on trusting in ,god alone4 ,and ,god helped him throughout abundantly4 ,simply by trust in the living ,god1 the ,institutions1 resembling a large street rather than a house1 were erected1 and about two thousand children instructed in them4 ,for about thirty years all was going on under his own eye1 until #agbg1 when it pleased ,god to take his servant to himself4 ,at his death these ,institutions were directed by his truly pious son-in-law4 ,it is true that1 at the latter part of the last century1 and during the first part of the present1 there was little real vital godliness in these ,institutions2 still1 they were a temporal blessing to many tens of thousands of young persons even then4 ,so then for several tens of years they were carried on in a truly godly way1 after ,franke's death1 and when afterwards there was but little real1 vital godliness found in these schools1 yet tens of thousands of children were benefited at least for this life4 ,now these ,institutions have existed already one hundred and fifty years1 and are in existence still2 and1 if the ,lord ,jesus tarry1 are likely1 humanly speaking1 to exist hereafter1 as they have existed hitherto4 ,suppose1 then1 that dear man of ,god1 ,a4 ,h4 ,franke1 had listened to the suggestions of unbelief1 and said1 ,i must not undertake this work1 for what will become of it after my death8--then all the blessing which spiritually resulted from it to thousands1 and all the temporal benefits which have resulted from it to hundreds of thousands1 would have been lost4 ,i add1 however1 this4 ,the new ,orphan ,house has been placed in the hands of eleven trustees1 and has been properly enrolled in chancery1 and so also1 should ,god condescend to honor me further in building for him this intended house for seven hundred orphans1 it would likewise be placed in the hands of trustees and enrolled in chancery4 ,i say one word in conclusion on this subject3 let every one take heed lest1 in caring about what will become of the next generation1 he forget to serve his own generation4 ,the latter1 each one should seek to do with his might1 and thus it should be with each succeeding generation2 then1 though we be dead1 yet should we be speaking4 ,a4 ,h4 ,franke is long since gone to his rest1 but he spoke to my soul in #ahbf1 and he is speaking to my soul now2 and to his example ,i am greatly indebted in having been stirred up to care about poor children in general1 and about poor orphans in particular4 #h4 ,the last objection which has occurred to my own mind is1 that1 by building another ,orphan ,house1 ,i should be in danger of being lifted up4 ,answer3 ,i should be in danger of it indeed2 and so ,i am in great danger1 even were ,i not in the least degree to go forward4 ,yea1 the tenth part of the honor which the ,lord has condescended to bestow upon me1 and the tenth part of service with which he has been pleased to intrust me1 would be enough1 if ,i were left to myself1 exceedingly to puff me up4 ,i cannot say that hitherto the ,lord has kept me humble2 but ,i can say that hitherto he has given me a hearty desire to give to him all the glory1 and to consider it a great condescension on his part that he has been pleased to use me as an instrument in his service4 ,i do not see1 therefore1 that fear of being lifted up ought to keep me from going forward in this work2 but that ,i have rather to beseech the ,lord that he would be pleased to give me a lowly mind1 and never suffer me to rob him of the glory which is due to him alone4 ,reasons ,,for establishing another ,orphan ,house for ,seven ,hundred ,orphans4--#a4 ,the many applications for the admission of destitute orphans which continue to be made1 ,i consider as a call from ,god upon me to do all that is in my power to provide a home and scriptural education for a still greater number of orphans4 ,nothing but positive inability to go forward ought to keep me standing still1 whilst ,i have almost daily fresh entreaties to receive orphans4 ,since ,i began writing on this subject in my journal1 thirty more orphans have been applied for1 from two years old and upward4 ,i cannot refuse to help1 as long as ,i see a door open1 and opened by ,god1 as ,i consider1 to help them4 #b4 ,the moral state of the poor-houses greatly influences me to go forward4 ,i have heard it again and again1 from good authority1 that children1 placed at the ,unions1 are corrupted1 on account of the children of vagrants1 and other very bad young people1 who are in such places2 so that many poor relatives of orphans1 though unable to provide for them1 cannot bear the idea of their going there1 lest they should be corrupted4 ,i therefore judge that1 even for the sake of keeping orphans of poor yet respectable people from being obliged to mix with the children of vagabonds1 ,i ought to do1 to my utmost power1 all ,i can to help them4 ,for this reason1 then1 ,i purpose1 in dependence upon the living ,god1 to go forward and to establish another ,orphan ,house for seven hundred destitute children1 who are bereaved of both parents4 ,when ,i write thus about the poor-houses1 ,i do not wish to be understood in the way of reproof3 for ,i know not how these matters could be altered2 but ,i simply state the fact that thus it is4 #c4 ,in this my purpose ,i am the more confirmed1 since ,i know it to be a fact that the ,orphan ,houses already in existence in the kingdom are by no means sufficient to admit even the most deserving and distressing cases1 and far less all that it would be well to provide for4 ,moreover1 there is great difficulty connected with the admission of an orphan into most of the ordinary orphan establishments1 on account of the votes which must be obtained1 so that really needy persons have neither time nor money to obtain them4 ,does not the fact that there were six thousand young orphans in the prisons of ,england about five years ago call aloud for an extension of orphan institutions8 ,by ,god's help ,i will try to do what ,i can to keep poor orphans from prison4 #d4 ,in this purpose ,i am still further encouraged by the great help which the ,lord has hitherto given me in this blessed service4 ,when ,i look at the small beginning1 and consider how the ,lord has helped me now for more than fifteen years in the orphan work2 and when ,i consider how he has been pleased to help me through one great difficulty after another2 and when ,i consider1 especially1 how1 as with an unseen hand1 ,i might say almost against my will and former desires and thoughts1 he has led me on from one step to another1 and has enlarged the work more and more1--,i say1 when ,i review all this1 and compare with it my present exercise of mind1 ,i find the great help1 the uninterrupted help which the ,lord has given me for more than fifteen years1 a great reason for going forward in this work4 ,and this1 trusting in him1 ,i am resolved to do4 #e4 ,a further reason for going forward in this service ,i see in the experience which ,i have had in it4 ,from the smallest commencement up to the present state of the establishment1 with its three hundred orphans1 all has gone through my own hands4 ,in the work itself ,i obtained the experience4 ,it has grown with the work4 ,i have been the sole director of the work1 under ,god1 from its smallest commencement4 ,now this is not an every-day case4 ,no committee member of a society1 no president or vice-president of an institution1 except they had been situated as myself1 could have this experience4 ,coupled with this is the measure of gift which the ,lord has been pleased to give me for such work1 and for the exercise of which ,i am responsible to him4 ,these things1 in connection with the former reasons1 it appears to me1 are a call from ,god to go forward in a greater degree than ever in this work4 #f4 ,the spiritual benefit of still more orphans is another especial reason with me why ,i feel called to go forward4 ,the orphans who have been under my care hitherto were almost all the children of parents who were naturally weak in body1 if not consumptive4 ,the very fact of a child being deprived of both parents when four1 five1 six1 or seven years old1 shows that1 except the parents lost their lives by casualty1 they were constitutionally weak4 ,on this account young orphans1 generally speaking1 require particular care as to their health4 ,in this respect ,i desire to care for them2 but there is more than that to be attended to4 ,i further heartily desire to keep them from the corrupting and demoralizing effect of the lowest sort of children in the streets and courts and ,unions4 ,but ,i desire more for them than mere decency and morality2 ,i desire that they should be useful members of society1 and that the prisons of the ,united ,kingdom should not be filled with poor1 destitute1 and homeless orphans2 and we bring them up therefore in habits of industry1 and seek to instruct them in those things which are useful for the life that now is4 ,but ,i desire more than this for the orphans4 ,i cannot be satisfied with anything concerning them short of this1 that their souls be won for the ,lord4 ,for this reason ,i long to have them from their early days1 yea1 the younger the better1 under my care1 that thus1 under the care of godly nurses and teachers1 they may be brought up from their earliest days in the fear of the ,lord4 ,now1 as this is the chief and primary aim concerning the dear orphans1 even the salvation of their souls through faith in the ,lord ,jesus1 ,i long to be more extensively used than hitherto1 even that ,i may have a thousand of them instead of three hundred under my care4 #g4 ,but there is one point which weighs more strongly with me than even the last mentioned one4 ,it is this3 ,when ,i began the orphan work more than fifteen years ago1 it was for the definite and especial purpose that1 by means of it1 the unconverted might see1 through the answers of prayer that ,i received in connection with it1 that there is verily reality in the things of ,god2 and that the children of ,god might have their faith strengthened by means of it1 and might be encouraged1 in all simplicity1 to deal with ,god under every circumstance1 and trust in him at all times4 ,but if this would be answered in a measure by the state in which the orphan work has been in former times1 and more so by what it has been since the erection of the new ,orphan ,house1 it would be still more so1 by the blessing of ,god1 by my going forward in it to a far greater degree than before4 ,this point1 even the glory of ,god in the manifestation of his readiness to hear prayer1 has weighed especially and supremely with me in purposing to enlarge the orphan work4 #h4 ,lastly1 ,i am peaceful and happy1 spiritually1 in the prospect of enlarging the work1 as on former occasions when ,i had to do so4 ,this weighs particularly with me as a reason for going forward4 ,after all the calm1 quiet1 prayerful consideration of the subject for about eight weeks1 ,i am peaceful and happy1 spiritually1 in the purpose of enlarging the field4 ,this1 after all the heart-searching which ,i have had1 and the daily prayer to be kept from delusion and mistake in this thing1 and the betaking myself to the word of ,god1 would not be the case1 ,i judge1 had not the ,lord purposed to condescend to use me more than ever in this service4 ,i therefore1 on the ground of the objections answered1 and these eight reasons ,,for enlarging the work1 come to the conclusion that it is the will of the blessed ,god that his poor and most unworthy servant should yet more extensively serve him in this work1 which he is quite willing to do4 ,up to this day1 ,jan4 #be1 #ahea1 ,i have not spoken to one human being about it4 ,as yet even my dear wife knows not about it4 ,i purpose to keep the matter still for some time entirely to myself1 dealing with ,god alone about it1 in order that no outward excitement may be in the least degree a stimulus to me4 ,i still pray to be kept from mistake and delusion in this thing2 not that ,i think ,i am mistaken or deluded1 quite the reverse1 but yet ,i would distrust myself and cling to ,god1 to be kept from mistakes and delusions4 ,jan4 #ca4 ,for several weeks past ,i have now had no doubt that the ,lord would have me to serve him in the erection and fitting up of another ,orphan ,house for seven hundred orphans1 and ,i am quite decided on doing so1 under his help2 and ,i am now quiet about it1 not because ,i have the least misgiving in my own mind1 but because ,i know that it is most suitable that ,i should still for some time continue to deal quietly with ,god alone about it4 ,march #e4 ,nearly five weeks have passed away since ,i wrote the last paragraph1 and my mind has not been once during this time1 even for a moment1 in uncertainty as to what ,i ought to do4 ,it is now about fifteen weeks since ,i have been especially praying about this subject1 and three months since ,i began first to write on the subject in my journal1 and about ten weeks since ,i have had any doubt as to what is the will of the ,lord concerning this service4 ,i believe that1 altogether unworthy though ,i am of this great honor1 he will condescend to use me further and more extensively than before in caring for destitute children who are bereaved of both parents4 ,and this ,i purpose to do4 ,may #bd4 ,from the time that ,i began to write down the exercises of my mind on ,dec4 #e1 #ahej1 till this day1 ninety-two more orphans have been applied for1 and seventy-eight were already waiting for admission before4 ,but this number increases rapidly as the work becomes more and more known4 ,on the ground of what has been recorded above1 ,i purpose to go forward in this service1 and to seek to build1 to the praise and honor of the living ,god1 another ,orphan ,house1 large enough to accommodate seven hundred orphans4 ,when ,i published these exercises of my mind1 and made known my purpose respecting the intended ,orphan ,house for seven hundred orphans1 in the ,twelfth ,report of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 the following particulars were added to what has been stated3-- #a4 ,all this time1 though now six months have elapsed since ,i first began to be exercised about this matter1 ,i have never once been led to ask the ,lord for means for this work1 but have only continued day by day to seek guidance from him as to whether ,i should undertake it or not4 #b4 ,the means requisite to accomplish the building and fitting up of a house which shall be really suitable for my intended purposes1 though the building be quite simple1 cannot be less than thirty-five thousand pounds1 including fifteen or twenty acres of land round the building for cultivation by the spade1 in order to obtain out of our own grounds all the vegetables which are so important to the health of the children4 #c4 ,i do not mean to begin the building until ,i have the means requisite in hand1 just as was the case with regard to the new ,orphan ,house4 ,if ,god will condescend to use me in building for him another ,orphan ,house 7as ,i judge he will71 he will give me the means for it4 ,now1 though ,i have not on my own mind any doubt left that it is his will that ,i should do so1 which has been stated again and again in the preceding pages2 yet there is one point still wanting for confirmation1 and that is1 that he will also furnish me1 without personal application to any one1 with all the means requisite for this new part of my service4 ,i am the more needing also to my own soul this last of all the proofs that ,i have not been mistaken 7as ,i firmly believe ,i have not been71 in order to have unquestionable assurance that1 whatever trials hereafter might be allowed to befall me in connection with this work1 ,i did not at my own bidding and according to my own natural desire undertake it1 but that it was under the guidance of ,god4 ,the greatness of the sum required affords me a kind of secret joy2 for the greater the difficulty to be overcome1 the more will it be seen1 to the glory of ,god1 how much can be done by prayer and faith2 and also because1 when ,god himself overcomes our difficulties for us1 we have1 in this very fact1 the assurance that we are engaged in his work1 and not in our own4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,,unvarying ,,prosperity4 #ahej-aheb4 ,,desires ,,for ,,more ,,enlarged ,,usefulness ,,gratified--,a ,,large ,,donation ,,anticipated ,,and ,,received--,,review ,,of #ahea--,,personal ,,experience--,,building ,,fund ,,for ,,the ,,second ,,new ,,orphan ,,house--,,doubt ,,resisted--,,waiting ,,on ,,god ,,not ,,in ,,vain--,,review ,,of #aheb4 ,at the commencement of the year beginning with ,may1 #ahej1 it was my purpose to seek help from the ,lord that ,i might be able1 in a still greater degree than before1 to assist brethren who labor in the gospel at home and abroad1 in dependence upon ,god for their temporal supplies1 and to labor more than ever in the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 and of simple gospel tracts4 ,june #aa4 ,by the sums which came in within the first fifteen days of this period ,i was able to begin to carry out the purpose ,i had formed2 and as the ,lord enabled me1 without anxious reckoning1 to go on giving out as he was pleased to intrust me with means1 so again he sent further supplies before all was gone4 ,it is a point of great importance in the divine life not to be anxiously reckoning about the morrow1 nor dealing out sparingly on account of possible future wants which never may come2 but to consider that the present moment to serve the ,lord only is ours1 and that the morrow may never come to us4 ,april #bj1 #ahea4 ,during the whole of the current year1 up to this date1 the ,lord has so abundantly supplied me with means that there came not one single case before me in which it would have been desirable to help1 according to the measure of light given to me1 or to extend the work1 without my having at the same time ample means for doing so4 ,in the midst of the great depression of the times1 which was so generally felt1 and on account of which1 humanly speaking1 ,i also might have been exceedingly tried for want of means1 ,i1 on the contrary1 at no period of the work for the seventeen years previous had a greater abundance of means4 ,i do on purpose lay stress upon this because ,i desire that it may become increasingly known that there is no easier1 no better1 and no happier way in the end than ,god's way1 and this in particular also with regard to the obtaining of means simply in answer to prayer1 without personal application to any one4 ,at the beginning of the year ,i had more in hand for the orphans than for many years before1 under similar circumstances1 the balance for current expenses on ,may #bf1 #ahej1 being one hundred and fifty pounds seven shillings tenpence4 ,yet1 much as this was in comparison with what the balance had generally been before1 how small was the amount in reality6 ,about three hundred persons were connected with the new ,orphan ,house1 who day by day were to be provided with all they needed1 besides several apprentices who also were still to be supported4 ,on this account the one hundred and fifty pounds in hand would only furnish that which was needed for about fifteen days1 as the average expenses of the orphan work alone were about ten pounds daily4 ,place yourself1 therefore1 dear reader1 in my position4 ,three hundred persons daily at table1 and one hundred and fifty pounds in hand6 ,looking at it naturally1 it is enough to make one tremble2 but trusting in the living ,god1 as by his grace ,i was enabled to do1 ,i had not the least trial of mind1 and was assured that ,god would as certainly help me as he had done fourteen years before1 when the number of the orphans was only the tenth part as large4 ,nov4 #bg4 ,for seven weeks the income has been very small1 in comparison with what has been expended1 both for the orphans and for the various other objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,there has come in for the orphans ,l#ahg1 #afs4 #bc_/d;d41 and for the other objects ,l#fb1 #aas4 #a;d42 and the expenditure has been for the orphans during these seven weeks ,l#dgg1 #bs4 #aa;d41 and for the various other objects ,l#cid1 #is4 #h;d4 ,therefore altogether ,l#hga1 #abs4 #g;d4 has been expended1 whilst the income altogether has been only ,l#bej1 #gs4 #cc_/d;d4 ,we have1 of course1 not gone into debt1 as we never order anything except we have the means in hand for it4 ,nor has there been even the least difficulty experienced with regard to means1 as the ,lord in his kindness had sent in considerable sums just before this season commenced4 ,about three hundred and thirty persons now sit down to their meals in the new ,orphan ,house1 day by day1 and the expenses for the orphans alone are about ten pounds daily1 and those for the other parts of the work are also about ten pounds daily1 so that ,i need to receive after the rate of twenty pounds a day1 in order to go on with the work2 but during these forty-nine days there has been only one single day that ,i have received about twenty pounds1 and for the greater part of the time only a few pounds daily1 and sometimes even only a few shillings4 ,but what was to be done under these circumstances8 ,i gave myself to prayer4 ,god1 whom ,i have now been enabled to make my refuge1 and my only refuge1 for more than twenty years1 ,i have besought day by day4 ,and when now day by day ,i still have received only small sums1 and sometimes nothing or scarcely anything at all1 the only effect that it has had upon me has been to pray the more earnestly4 ,my confidence in ,god is not at all shaken4 ,i have never had a thought that he would not help me3 nor have ,i even once been allowed to look upon these seven weeks in any other way than that the ,lord1 for the trial of my faith1 has ordered it thus that only so little should come in4 ,i am sure that1 when he has tried me sufficiently1 there will come in again larger sums4 ,in the mean time1 how good has the ,lord been1 not only to have given all ,i have needed1 but ,i have even now money in hand6 ,and as to our stores in the new ,orphan ,house1 they are as full as usual4 ,we have at least one hundred and fifty sacks of potatoes in the house1 twenty sacks of flour1 thirty-three barrels of oatmeal1 each containing about two hundred pounds1 about three hundred pairs of new shoes 7besides about nine hundred pairs in use71 about ten tons of coals1 a large quantity of soap and rice2 and so all other parts of the stores in proportion4 ,indeed1 while there has been little coming in1 ,i have just ordered articles in the wholesale way as formerly1 when our income was perhaps four or five times as much during the same period4 ,my judgment is1 that it will now soon please the ,lord again to send in larger sums1 as he has been pleased to exercise my faith for some time in this way4 ,let me see the result6 ,jan4 #d1 #ahea4 ,this very day the ,lord has given me a most precious proof that he delights in our having large expectations from him4 ,i have received this evening the sum of three thousand pounds1 being the largest donation which ,i have had as yet4 ,i now write again that ,i expect far larger sums still1 in order that it may be yet more and more manifest that there is no happier1 no easier1 and no better way of obtaining pecuniary means for the work of the ,lord than the one in which ,i have been led4 ,how great my joy in ,god is1 on account of this donation1 cannot be described2 but it is not in the least coupled with excitement4 ,i take this donation out of the hands of the living ,god2 ,i continually look for his help1 and am perfectly assured that ,i shall have it1 and therefore is my soul calm and peaceful1 without any excitement1 though the donation is so large4 ,this donation is1 however1 like a voice from heaven speaking to me concerning a most deeply important matter respecting which ,i am seeking guidance from the ,lord1 the building of another ,orphan ,house4 ,may #bf4 ,i am brought to the close of this period4 ,the work is more and more enlarging4 ,during the last month ,i have paid out for the orphans more than four hundred and fifty pounds1 and for the other objects more than five hundred pounds1 being nearly one thousand pounds during one month2 and yet ,i have a greater balance left in hand1 through the ,lord's kindness1 than at the close of any of the previous periods4 ,from ,may #bf1 #ahej1 to ,may #bf1 #ahea1 there were four day schools in ,bristol1 with #bhf children in them1 entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution2 and three others in ,devonshire1 ,gloucestershire1 and ,norfolk1 with #ahj children in them1 were assisted4 ,further1 one ,sunday school in ,bristol1 with #ahd children1 was entirely supported1 and two others in ,devonshire and ,gloucestershire1 with #bac children1 were assisted4 ,lastly1 an adult school in ,bristol1 with #ij persons in it1 was entirely supported4 ,the expenses connected with all these various schools were1 during this period1 ,l#cgi1 #ags4 ,from the formation of the ,institution1 on ,march #e1 #ahcd1 up to ,may #bf1 #ahea1 there were #e1cdc children in the various day schools in ,bristol alone1 #b1cgi in the ,sunday school1 and #a1hif persons in the adult school1 besides the thousands in the schools out of ,bristol which were assisted4 ,there was expended during this period1 out of the funds of the ,institution1 on the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 ,l#aej1 #afs4 #e;d4 ,there were #cde ,bibles sold1 and #hii given away2 and #cj ,new ,testaments sold1 and #dac given away1 during this period4 ,from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahea1 there were circulated #g1gji ,bibles and #d1ddb ,new ,testaments4 ,during this year was spent of the funds of the ,institution1 for missionary objects1 the sum of ,l#b1jjj1 #aas4 #a;d4 ,by this sum forty-five laborers in the word and doctrine in various parts of the world were to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,the total amount of ,l#b1jjj was sent to these forty-five servants of the ,lord ,jesus in #bfd different sums4 ,during this period ,l#ceh1 #gs4 #c;d4 was expended on the circulation of tracts1 and #cjc1jih tracts and little books were circulated4 ,i was permitted to send out more tracts than during the whole of the previous ten years taken together4 ,nor must it be withheld from the reader1 as matter for thankfulness1 that the ,lord was pleased to allow me to hear again and again of instances of conversion1 by means of the distribution of these tracts during this period4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahej1 there were #bge orphans in the new ,orphan ,house on ,ashley ,down1 ,bristol4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahea1 there were #cjj orphans in the new ,orphan ,house4 ,the total number of orphans who were under our care from ,april1 #ahcf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahea1 is #dhh4 ,there came in altogether during this year ,l#d1ajb1 #ads4 #ia_/d;d4 for the support of the orphans1 and ,l#c1fdj1 #is4 #ac_/d;d4 for the other objects2 and1 after having met to the full every demand with reference to the orphans1 the balance of ,l#igj1 #acs4 #aac_/d;d4 remained in hand4 ,also1 after having entered into every door which the ,lord was please to set before me respecting the other objects1 and to do far more than during any one year previously1 the balance of ,l#hji1 #ajs4 #f;d4 remained in hand on ,may #bf1 #ahea4 ,verily we do not trust in the ,lord in vain6 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#ch1jah1 #ds4 #fa_/b;d4 was given to me for the orphans as the result of prayer to ,god from the commencement of the work to ,may #bf1 #ahea4 ,it may be also interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which was given as free contributions for the other objects from the commencement of the work to ,may #bf1 #ahea1 amounted to ,l#ac1ihh1 #aas4 #ia_/d;d42 and that which came in by the sale of ,bibles and tracts1 and by the payments of the children in the day schools1 amounted to ,l#b1hij1 #is4 #aac_/d;d4 ,it pleased the ,lord greatly to gladden our hearts by the working of his ,holy ,spirit among the orphans during this period4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahej4 ,during this year there have been received into fellowship #eg1 and altogether1 from the time that brother ,craik and ,i began to labor in ,bristol1 #a1cac4 ,the ,lord has been pleased to give me1 for my personal expenses1 ,l#djb1 #ds4 #e;d4 ,may #bf1 #ahea4 ,the reader will remember that ,i stated in a previous chapter that ,i purposed1 not in dependence upon my ,christian friends1 nor in dependence upon former donors1 but alone in dependence upon the living ,god1 to enlarge the orphan work4 ,before ,i brought before the public what ,i purposed to do1 ,i gave the record of the exercises of my mind on this subject to a valued ,christian friend to read1 the only one who1 besides my family1 knew anything of this my intention before it came before the public4 ,i did this particularly in order that1 after ,i had been waiting for several months in secret upon ,god for guidance and direction concerning it1 ,i might also have the counsel of a prayerful1 judicious1 and cautious man of ,god4 ,when this brother returned the manuscript1 he spoke to me words of encouragement concerning this purpose1 and gave me a half sovereign towards the building fund for this house for seven hundred destitute orphans4 ,this was the first donation1 which ,i received on ,may #ac1 #ahea1 and which1 ,i confess1 was a great refreshment and encouragement to me1 the more so as it came from so cautious a brother1 and after ,i had been for several months1 through secret prayer1 assured that ,i should go forward4 ,on ,may #bh1 #ahea1 my intention became publicly known1 and in the evening of ,may #bi ,i received from a ,christian lady a sovereign towards the building fund4 ,june #a4 ,a brother in the ,lord1 who gives his donations with the letter ,p41 gave me ten shillings4 ,i also received a sovereign4 ,this evening ,i received still further four half crowns1 with very encouraging words and expressions of joy that ,i have been led to this purpose of building another ,orphan ,house for seven hundred more orphans4 ,there came to hand1 also anonymously1 three shillings4 ,ditto an old shilling1 a small ,american coin1 and two shillings4 ,also from a ,christian servant in ,clifton two shillings sixpence4 ,june #ba4 ,twenty-four days have now passed away since ,i have been enabled1 day by day1 to wait with a goodly measure of earnestness and in faith upon the ,lord for means2 but as yet only a little above twenty-eight pounds has come in4 ,but ,i am not discouraged4 ,the less there comes in1 the more earnestly ,i pray1 the more ,i look out for answers1 and the more assured ,i am that the ,lord1 in his own time1 after he has tried my faith1 will send me larger sums1 and1 at last1 all ,i need4 ,aug4 #ab4 ,day by day ,i am waiting upon the ,lord for means for this object1 and generally more than once a day am ,i bowing my knees before ,god with reference to it4 ,moreover1 of late ,i have been enabled1 with increasing earnestness1 to beseech the ,lord that he would be pleased to send in means for the building fund4 ,my soul has been all along at peace1 though only so little1 as yet1 comparatively1 has come in 7in all1 one hundred and twenty-seven pounds nineteen shillings ninepence72 and though ,satan has in the most subtle way sought to shake my confidence1 and to lead me to question whether1 after all1 ,i had not been mistaken concerning this whole matter4 ,yet1 though he has aimed after this1 to the praise of ,god ,i have to confess that he has not been allowed to triumph4 ,i have especially besought the ,lord of late that he would be pleased to refresh my spirit by sending in some large donation for this part of the work4 ,under these circumstances ,i received this morning five hundred pounds for the new building4 ,i was not in the least excited4 ,i look out for means4 ,even that very moment1 when ,i received this donation1 ,i was looking out for means1 for large donations2 and ,i should not have been surprised if five thousand pounds had come in1 or more4 ,the ,lord be praised for this precious encouragement1 which has still further quickened me for prayer6 ,sept4 #ac4 ,patience and faith are still called for1 and1 by ,god's grace1 my desire is to let patience have her perfect work4 ,not one penny has come in to-day for the building fund1 but five more orphans have been applied for1 so that now forty in less than one single month have been brought before me1 all bereaved of both parents1 and all very destitute4 ,under these circumstances1 how can ,i but fervently labor in prayer that the ,lord would be pleased to intrust me with means for the building another ,orphan ,house for seven hundred orphans4 ,the more ,i look at things according to natural appearances and prospects1 the less likely is it that ,i should have the sum which is needed2 but ,i have faith in ,god1 and my expectation is from him alone4 ,from the beginning ,i depended upon him only concerning this proposed enlargement of the work1 and therefore have ,i not been disappointed1 though as yet only the fortieth part of what is needed has come in 7eight hundred and eighty-two pounds eighteen shillings sevenpence halfpenny74 ,but how soon1 how very soon can the ,lord alter the aspect of things4 ,even this very evening1 while ,i am writing1 he could give me many thousand pounds4 ,i continue1 therefore1 to wait upon ,god1 and seek to encourage my heart by his holy word1 and1 while he delays giving me answers1 to be occupied in his blessed service4 ,of this1 however1 my soul has not the least doubt1 that1 when the ,lord shall have been pleased to exercise my soul by the trial of faith and patience1 he will make bare his arm1 and send help4 ,the fact that the applications for the admission of destitute orphans are so many1 does both quicken me to prayer1 and is also a great encouragement to me that the ,lord will give me the desire of my heart1 to provide another home for these destitute1 fatherless and motherless children4 ,march #ag1 #aheb4 ,day by day ,i am waiting upon ,god for means4 ,with full confidence1 both as to the power of the ,lord to give me the means1 and likewise his willingness1 ,i am enabled to continue to wait4 ,but he is pleased to exercise my faith and patience1 and especially has this been the case of late4 ,not more than twenty-seven pounds eleven shillings has come in during the last four weeks for the building fund4 ,yet1 amidst it all1 by the help of ,god1 my heart has been kept looking to the ,lord1 and expecting help from him4 ,now to-day my heart has been greatly refreshed by a donation of nine hundred and ninety-nine pounds thirteen shillings fivepence4 ,i cannot describe to any one how refreshing this donation is to my spirit4 ,after having been for weeks1 day by day1 waiting upon the ,lord1 and receiving so little comparatively1 either for current expenses or for the building fund1 this answer to many prayers is exceedingly sweet to my spirit4 ,may #bj4 ,there remained in hand from the former building fund the balance of ,l#ggf1 #ads4 #dc_/d;d41 which ,i added to the present building fund1 so that on the evening of ,may #bf1 #aheb1 ,i had altogether ,l#c1ecj1 #is4 #ja_/d;d4 ,supplies for the ,school1 ,bible1 ,missionary1 and ,tract ,fund1 sent in answer to prayer from ,may #bf1 #ahea1 to ,may #bf1 #aheb4--;,at no time during the past eighteen years did ,i begin a new period with so much money in hand as was the case at the commencement of this4 ,there was a balance of ,l#hji1 #ajs4 #f;d4 left for these objects4 ,long before this balance was expended1 however1 the ,lord was pleased to send in further supplies2 so that during all the year there did not come before me one single instance in which1 according to my judgment1 it would have been desirable to help forward schools or missionary objects1 or the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures and tracts1 but ,i had always the means in hand for doing so4 ,supplies for the ,support of the ,orphans sent in answer to prayer from ,may #bf1 #ahea1 to ,may #bf1 #aheb4--,when this period commenced1 ,i had in hand for the current expenses for the orphans ,l#igj1 #acs4 #aac_/d;d4 ,we had never had so large a balance for the other objects at the commencement of any new period as was the case at the commencement of this1 and so it was also with regard to the orphan work4 ,but though there was this large balance to begin with1 dependence upon ,god was still required day by day1 as the pecuniary help is only a very small part of that which is needed2 and even as to means1 this sum would not have lasted long1 had the ,lord not sent in further supplies4 ,this1 however1 he did2 and thus it was that while there were other trials1 varied and many1 yet1 as to means1 we experienced scarcely any difficulty at all4 ,during the period from ,may #bf1 #ahea1 to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 there were entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution four day schools in ,bristol1 with #bdh poor children in them1 and three others in ,devonshire1 ,monmouthshire1 and ,norfolk1 were assisted4 ,further1 one ,sunday school in ,bristol1 with #bdc children1 was entirely supported1 and two others in ,devonshire and ,gloucestershire1 with #bcj children1 were assisted4 ,lastly1 one adult school in ,bristol1 with #abj adult scholars1 was entirely supported during this period4 ,from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 up to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 there were #e1ebe children in the day schools in ,bristol1 #b1fjj in the ,sunday school1 and #b1jcc grown-up persons in the adult school4 ,there was expended of the funds of the ,institution1 for these various schools1 during this period1 ,l#cfj1 #as4 #i;d4 ,during this period there was expended of the funds of the ,institution ,l#bjg1 #cs4 #a;d4 for the purpose of circulating the ,holy ,scriptures1 especially among the very poorest of the poor4 ,there were issued during this period #a1aja ,bibles and #dji ,new ,testaments4 ,there were altogether circulated from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 up to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 #h1haj ,bibles1 and #d1hea ,new ,testaments4 ,during this year there was spent of the funds of the ,institution1 for missionary objects1 the sum of ,l#b1jje1 #gs4 #e;d4 ,by this sum fifty-one laborers in the word and doctrine1 in various parts of the world1 were to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,there was laid out for the circulation of tracts1 from ,may #bf1 #ahea1 to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 the sum of ,l#cef1 #aas4 #ca_/b;d4 ,there were circulated during the year #dhi1acf tracts4 ,the total number of tracts which were circulated from the beginning up to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 was #a1jhf1cff4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahea1 there were #cjj orphans in the new ,orphan ,house on ,ashley ,down1 ,bristol4 ,from that day up to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 there were admitted into it #bg orphans4 ,the total of the expenses connected with the support of the orphans1 from ,may #bf1 #ahea1 to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 was ,l#c1jce1 #cs4 #d;d4 ,the total number of orphans who were under our care from ,april1 #ahcf1 to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 was #eae4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#db1igj1 #ags4 #f;d4 was given to me for the orphans as the result of prayer to ,god from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #aheb4 ,it may be also interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which was given as free contributions1 for the other objects1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 amounted to ,l#ae1igf1 #ajs4 #fa_/d;d42 and that which came in by the sale of ,bibles and tracts1 and by the payments of the children in the day schools1 amounted to ,l#c1jgc1 #as4 #ic_/d;d4 ,besides this1 also1 a great variety and number of articles of clothing1 furniture1 provisions1 etc41 were given for the use of the orphans4 ,several of the orphans who left the establishment during this year went away as believers1 having been converted some time before they left2 one also who died gave very decided evidence of a true change of heart by faith in our ,lord ,jesus2 several who in former years were under our care1 as we heard during this year1 took their stand openly on the ,lord's side1 and dated their first impressions to the instructions received whilst under our care2 and1 lastly1 of those under our care1 there were not a few whose spiritual state gave us joy and comfort4 ,thus1 amidst many difficulties and trials and some discouragements1 we had abundant cause to praise ,god for his goodness1 and to go forward in the strength of the ,lord4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahea4 ,during this year the ,lord was pleased to give me1 for my personal expenses1 ,l#dfe1 #acs4 #ac_/d;d4 ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,,reaping ,,in ,,joy4 #aheb-ahed4 ,,expecting ,,great ,,things ,,from ,,god--,,munificent ,,donation--,,increasing ,,usefulness ,,of ,,the ,,scriptural ,,knowledge ,,institution--,,access ,,to ,,god ,,through ,,faith ,,in ,,christ--,a ,,voice ,,from ,,mount ,,lebanon--,,benefit ,,of ,,waiting ,,god',s ,,time--,,careful ,,stewardship--,,faith1 ,,the ,,only ,,reliance--,,this ,,poor ,,widow ,,hath ,,cast ,,in ,,more ,,than ,,they ,,all--,,greater ,,achievements ,,of ,,faith ,,anticipated--,,counsel ,,to ,,tract ,,distributors--,a ,,new ,,and ,,severe ,,trial ,,of ,,faith4 ,on ,may #bf1 #aheb1 there was in hand toward the erection of the second new ,orphan ,house three thousand five hundred and thirty pounds nine shillings sixpence and one farthing4 ,donations varying in amount from three hundred pounds to fourpence continued to be received in answer to prayer4 ,on the #dth of ,jan4 #ahec1 ,mr4 ,m4 writes3-- ,from ,london two shillings sixpence4 ,day by day ,i have now been waiting upon ,god for means for the building fund for more than nineteen months1 and almost daily ,i have received something in answer to prayer4 ,these donations have been1 for the most part1 small1 in comparison with the amount which will be required for the completion of this object2 nevertheless1 they have shown that the ,lord1 for the sake of his dear ,son1 listens to my supplications1 and to those of my fellow-laborers and helpers in the work2 and they have been precious encouragements to me to continue to wait upon ,god4 ,i have been for many months assured that the ,lord1 in his own time1 would give larger sums for this work2 and for this ,i have been more and more earnestly entreating him during the last months4 ,now at last he has abundantly refreshed my spirit1 and answered my request4 ,i received to-day the promise that1 as the joint donation of several ,christians1 there should be paid me a donation of eight thousand and one hundred pounds1 for the work of the ,lord in my hands4 ,it is impossible to describe the spiritual refreshment which my heart received through this donation4 ,day by day1 for nineteen months1 ,i had been looking out for more abundant help than ,i had had4 ,i was fully assured that ,god would help me with larger sums2 yet the delay was long4 ,see how precious it is to wait upon ,god6 ,see how those who do so are not confounded6 ,their faith and patience may long and sharply be tried2 but in the end it will most assuredly be seen that those who honor ,god he will honor1 and will not suffer them to be put to shame4 ,the largeness of the donation1 whilst it exceedingly refreshed my spirit1 did not in the least surprise me2 for ,i expect ,,great things from ,god4 ,have ,i been boasting in ,god in vain8 ,is it not manifest that it is most precious in every way to depend upon ,god8 ,do ,i serve ,god for naught8 ,is it not obvious that the principles on which ,i labor are not only applicable to the work of ,god on a small scale1 but also1 as ,i have so many times affirmed during the past nineteen years1 for the most extensive operations for ,god8 ,during the year ending ,may #bf1 #ahec1 nine thousand and one pounds three shillings was received toward the building fund1 making the present amount of that fund twelve thousand five hundred and thirty-one pounds twelve shillings one farthing4 ,for the various objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 viz4 for school1 missionary1 ,bible1 and tract purposes1 ,i had to expend during the year from ,may1 #aheb1 to ,may1 #ahec1 about six hundred pounds per month1 or above seven thousand pounds in all2 but ,i had sufficient to meet every demand2 and over and above ,i was helped by the ,lord to increase the building fund nine thousand pounds4 ,the current expenses of the ,institution were never so great during the previous nineteen years2 but the extent of its operations1 and the means which the ,lord was pleased to send in1 were also never so great4 ,you see1 dear reader1 that we are richly recompensed for our waiting upon ,god4 ,you perceive the readiness of his heart to listen to the supplications of his children who put their trust in him4 ,if you have never made trial of it1 do so now4 ,but in order to have your prayers answered1 you need to make your requests unto ,god on the ground of the merits and worthiness of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,you must not depend upon your own worthiness and merits1 but solely on the ,lord ,jesus1 as the ground of acceptance before ,god1 for your person1 for your prayers1 for your labors1 and for everything else4 ,do you really believe in ,jesus8 ,do you verily depend upon him alone for the salvation of your soul8 ,see to it well1 that not the least degree of your own righteousness is presented unto ,god as a ground of acceptance4 ,but then1 if you believe in the ,lord ,jesus1 it is further necessary1 in order that your prayers may be answered1 that the things which you ask ,god should be of such a kind that ,god can give them to you1 because they are for his honor and your real good4 ,if the obtaining of your requests were not for your real good1 or were not tending to the honor of ,god1 you might pray for a long time without obtaining what you desire4 ,the glory of ,god should be always before the children of ,god1 in what they desire at his hands2 and their own spiritual profit1 being so intimately connected with the honor of ,god1 should never be lost sight of in their petitions4 ,but now1 suppose we are believers in the ,lord ,jesus1 and suppose we make our requests unto ,god1 depending alone on the ,lord ,jesus as the ground of having them granted2 suppose also1 that1 so far as we are able honestly and uprightly to judge1 the obtaining of our requests would be for our real spiritual good1 and for the honor of ,god2 we yet need1 lastly1 to continue in prayer until the blessing is granted unto us4 ,it is not enough to begin to pray1 nor to pray aright2 nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray2 but we must patiently1 believingly continue in prayer until we obtain an answer2 and1 further1 we have not only to continue in prayer unto the end1 but we have also to believe that ,god does hear us1 and will answer our prayers4 ,most frequently we fail in not continuing in prayer until the blessing is obtained1 and in not expecting the blessing4 ,as assuredly as in any individual these various points are found united together1 so assuredly will answers be granted to his requests4 ,during the year #aheb-ec1 the expense of the support of the orphans was fully met by unsolicited donations4 ,two or three particulars only will be given4 ,june #bi1 #aheb4 ,to-day ,i received one of the most remarkable donations which ,i ever had4 ,i give the whole account1 without the name of the donor4 ,,lyons1 ,,june #bd1 #aheb1 ,,dear ,,brother ,,in ,,christ3 ,it is now several years that ,i read with great interest1 and ,i hope with some benefit to my soul1 the account of your labors and experiences4 ,ever since then your work was the object of many thoughts and prayers1 and ,i gave many copies of your book to ,christian friends4 ,one of them has read it in ,syria1 on ,mount ,lebanon1 where he is for commercial business2 and1 whilst praying for you and your dear orphans1 the ,lord put it in his heart to send you two pounds1 to which my husband added two others2 and we beg you to accept that small offering in the name of the ,lord4 ,if you have published anything of the ,lord's dealings with you since the year #ahdd1 we shall be very happy to receive it4 ,you could forward it to ,messrs4 99 99 99 991 ,london1 for 99 99 99 99 of ,lyons4 ,and now1 dear brother1 may the grace and peace of the ,lord rest on you and your dear home's inhabitants4 ,affectionately yours in the ,lord1 99 99 99 99 ,i have had donations from ,australia1 the ,east ,indies1 the ,west ,indies1 the ,united ,states1 ,canada1 from the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 from ,france1 ,switzerland1 ,germany1 ,italy1 etc42 and now comes also this donation from ,mount ,lebanon1 with the prayer of a ,christian brother whose name ,i never heard nor know even now4 ,see1 dear reader1 this is the way in which the ,lord has helped me in this precious service for twenty-two years4 ,with my fellow-laborers1 or without them1 and they without me1 our prayers are offered up unto the ,lord for help1 and he is pleased1 for ,jesus' sake1 to listen to our supplications1 and to influence the hearts of some of his children1 known to us or not1 to send us help4 ,the donors may be rich or poor2 they may live near1 or at a distance of more than ten thousand miles2 they may give much or little2 they may have often given before1 or never2 they may be well known to us1 or not at all3 in these and many other things there may be constant variations2 but ,god continually helps us2 we are never confounded4 ,and why not8 ,simply because we are enabled by the grace of ,god to put our trust in him for what we need4 ,oct4 #i4 ,this morning ,luke vii4 came in the course of my reading before breakfast4 ,while reading the account about the centurion and the raising from death of the widow's son at ,nain1 ,i lifted up my heart to the ,lord ,jesus thus3 ,lord ,jesus1 thou hast the same power now4 ,thou canst provide me with means for thy work in my hands4 ,be pleased to do so4 ,about half an hour afterwards ,i received two hundred and thirty pounds fifteen shillings2 also one shilling4 ,this two hundred and thirty pounds fifteen shillings was left at my disposal1 as most needed4 ,i took one half of it for the current expenses for the orphans1 and the other half for the other objects4 ,i am now amply provided for meeting the demands of this day4 ,the joy which such answers to prayer afford cannot be described4 ,i was determined to wait upon ,god only1 and not to work an unscriptural deliverance for myself4 ,i have thousands of pounds for the building fund2 but ,i would not take of it1 because it was once set apart for that object4 ,there is also a legacy of one hundred pounds for the orphans two months overdue1 in the prospect of the payment of which the heart might be naturally inclined to use some money from the building fund1 to be replaced by the legacy money1 when it comes in2 but ,i would not thus step out of ,god's way of obtaining help4 ,at the very time when this donation arrived1 ,i had packed up one hundred pounds which ,i happened to have in hand1 received for the building fund1 in order to take it to the bank1 as ,i was determined not to touch it1 but to wait upon ,god4 ,my soul does magnify the ,lord for his goodness6 ,this last paragraph is copied out of my journal1 written down at the time4 ,i add a few words more to the last sentences4 ,the natural mind is ever prone to reason1 when we ought to believe2 to be at work1 when we ought to be quiet2 to go our own way1 when we ought steadily to walk on in ,god's ways1 however trying to nature4 ,when ,i was first converted1 ,i should have said1 ,what harm can there be to take some of the money which has been put by for the building fund8 ,god will help me again after some time with means for the orphans1 and then ,i can replace it4 ,or1 there is this money due for the legacy of one hundred pounds4 ,this money is quite sure2 may ,i not1 therefore1 on the strength of it1 take some of the money from the building fund1 and1 when the legacy is paid1 replace the money which ,i have taken8 ,from what ,i have seen of believers1 ,i know that many would act thus4 ,but how does it work1 when we thus anticipate ,god1 by going our own way8 ,we bring1 in many instances1 guilt on our conscience2 but if not1 we certainly weaken faith instead of increasing it2 and each time we work thus a deliverance of our own we find it more and more difficult to trust in ,god1 till at last we give way entirely to our natural fallen reason1 and unbelief prevails4 ,how different1 if one is enabled to wait ,god's own time1 and to look alone to him for help and deliverance6 ,when at last help comes1 after many seasons of prayer it may be1 and after much exercise of faith and patience it may be1 how sweet it is1 and what a present recompense does the soul at once receive for trusting in ,god1 and waiting patiently for his deliverance6 ,dear ,christian reader1 if you have never walked in this path of obedience before1 do so now1 and you will then know experimentally the sweetness of the joy which results from it4 ,oct4 #ab4 ,by sale of rags and bones twelve shillings sixpence4 ,i copy literally from the receipt book4 ,we seek to make the best of everything4 ,as a steward of public money1 ,i feel it right that even these articles should be turned into money2 nor could we expect answers to our prayers if knowingly there were any waste allowed in connection with this work4 ,for just because the money is received from ,god1 simply in answer to prayer only1 therefore it becomes us the more to be careful in the use of it4 ,from ,dec4 #bj1 #aheb1 to ,jan4 #d1 #ahec1 we had nothing in advance of our wants4 ,means came in only as they were required for pressing needs4 ,but on the #dth ,january1 we received1 as stated under another head1 the largest donation ,i ever had1 of which ,i took six hundred pounds for the support of the orphans4 ,these facts ,i state1 in order to give a practical illustration that those are entirely mistaken who suppose that the work is now no longer a work of faith1 as it used to be in former years4 ,it is true1 we have now a larger income than we used to have in the years #ahch1 #ahci1 and #ahdj2 but it is also true that our expenses are three times as great4 ,we have no regular income now1 even as we had not then4 ,we ask no human being now for help2 even as we did not then4 ,we depend alone upon ,god1 by his grace2 even as we did then4 ,who is there in the whole world who will state that ,i ever asked him for help in this orphan work1 from its commencement1 on ,dec4 #i1 #ahce1 up till now8 ,now1 as we have no funds to live upon2 as we have no regular subscribers or donors upon whom we could depend2 as we never ask help from man1 but ,god alone2 and as1 finally1 we never did go into debt for this work1 nor do we now3 why is it not now a work of faith1 as formerly8 ,will those who say it is not1 place themselves in the position in which ,i was1 when1 at the close of the year #aheb1 ,i had not two pounds left1 and about three hundred and thirty persons were day by day to be provided for1 with all they need1 and prove whether it is now anything else than a work of faith8 ,but perhaps ,i have said too much about this4 ,for every one1 except those who are determined not to see1 will have no difficulty in perceiving that now1 as formerly1 one could only be kept from being overwhelmed in such a position by looking day by day to the ,lord1 and that not merely for pecuniary supplies1 but for help under the numberless difficulties which continually are met with in such a work4 ,how can ,i sufficiently praise1 and adore1 and magnify the ,lord for his love and faithfulness in carrying me thus from year to year through this his service1 supplying me with all ,i need in the way of means1 fellow-laborers1 mental strength1 and1 above all1 spiritual support6 ,but for his help and support ,i should be completely overpowered in a very short time2 yet1 by his help ,i go on1 and am very happy1 spiritually1 in my service2 nor am ,i now generally worse in health than ,i was twenty years ago1 but rather better4 ,during the year #aheb-ec1 there were four day schools1 with #bce children in them1 entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution4 ,further1 one ,sunday school in ,bristol1 with #aej children1 was entirely supported1 and three others in ,devonshire1 ,somersetshire1 and ,gloucestershire1 with #bhj children1 were assisted4 ,lastly1 one adult school1 with #ajc adult scholars1 was entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution4 ,there were under our care1 from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahec1 in the various day schools #e1fhf children1 in the ,sunday schools #b1fgc children1 and in the adult school #b1acb persons4 ,there was expended of the funds of the ,institution during this year1 for the various schools1 ,l#cdi1 #abs4 #aa;d4 ,during this year there was laid out of the funds of the ,institution1 on the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 ,l#dca1 #es1 #aa_/b;d41 and there were circulated #a1fff ,bibles and #a1baj ,new ,testaments4 ,there were circulated from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 up to ,may #bf1 #ahec1 #aj1dgf ,bibles1 and #f1jfa ,new ,testaments4 ,for several years past this part of the work has appeared more and more important to me on account of the fearful attempts which have been made by the powers of darkness to rob the church of ,christ of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,i have on this account sought to embrace every opportunity to circulate the ,holy ,scriptures in ,england1 ,ireland1 ,canada1 ,british ,guiana1 the ,east ,indies1 ,china1 ,australia1 etc4 ,every open door which the ,lord was pleased to set before me in these or other parts of the world1 ,i have joyfully entered2 yea1 ,i have counted it a privilege1 indeed1 to be permitted of ,god to send forth his ,holy ,word4 ,many servants of ,christ1 in various parts of the world1 have assisted me in this service1 through whose instrumentality copies of the ,holy ,scriptures have been circulated4 ,during this year there was spent of the funds of the ,institution for missionary objects ,l#b1bcd1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,by this sum fifty-four laborers in the word and doctrine1 in various parts of the world1 were to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,there was laid out for the circulation of tracts1 from ,may #bf1 #aheb1 to ,may #bf1 #ahec1 the sum of ,l#eee1 #afs4 #ga_/b;d42 and there were circulated within this year #gcc1fgd tracts4 ,the total number of tracts which were circulated up to ,may #bf1 #ahec1 was #a1hbj1jdj4 ,from ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 to ,may #aj1 #ahdb1 the first period that the circulation of tracts was in operation in connection with the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad1 there were circulated #ai1fji2 from ,may #bf1 #ahea1 to ,may #bf1 #aheb1 #dhi1acf2 and during this period #gcc1fgd4 ,at the beginning of this period there were #cjj orphans in the new ,orphan ,house on ,ashley ,down1 ,bristol4 ,during the year there were admitted into it #ac orphans1 making #cac in all4 ,the total number of orphans who were under our care from ,april1 #ahcf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahec1 was #ebh4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#ee1djh1 #ags4 #ec_/d;d4 was given to me for the orphans1 as the result of prayer to ,god1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahec4 ,it may be also interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which was given for the other objects1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahec1 amounted to ,l#ai1afc1 #ads4 #aa_/b;d42 and that which came in by the sale of ,bibles and tracts1 and by the payments of the children in the day schools1 amounted to ,l#c1dij1 #gs4 #aa_/d;d4 ,besides this1 also1 a great variety and number of articles of clothing1 furniture1 provisions1 etc41 were given for the use of the orphans4 ,the expenses in connection with the support of the #cjj orphans and the apprentices during this year were ,l#c1dec1 #aes4 #aa_/b;d4 ,dec4 #ca1 #aheb4 ,during this year there have been received into fellowship #ce believers4 ,the ,lord has been pleased to give unto me ,l#dde1 #hs4 #ha_/b;d4 ,my brother-in-law1 ,mr4 ,a4 ,n4 ,groves1 of whom mention has been made in the first part of this ,narrative1 as having been helpful to me by his example when ,i began my labors in ,england in #ahbi1 in that he1 without any visible support1 and without being connected with any missionary society1 went with his wife and children to ,bagdad1 as a missionary1 after having given up a lucrative practice of about one thousand five hundred pounds per year1 returned in autumn #aheb1 from the ,east ,indies1 a third time1 being exceedingly ill4 ,he lived1 however1 till ,may #bj1 #ahec1 when1 after a most blessed testimony for the ,lord1 he fell asleep in ,jesus in my house4 ,i have already stated that on ,may #bf1 #ahec1 ,i had on hand toward building premises large enough for the accommodation of #gjj children1 the sum of ,l#ab1eca1 #abs4 #ja_/d;d4 ,a single circumstance will illustrate the widely diverse sources from which donations are received1 as well as the great disparity in amount4 ,jan4 #ag1 #ahed4 ,from ,s4 ,r4 and ,e4 ,r41 two poor factory girls1 near ,stroud1 #as4 #g;d4 ,this day ,i also received the promise that there should be paid to me1 for the work of the ,lord in my hands1 ,l#e1bjg1 to be disposed of as ,i might consider best4 ,the whole amount received for the new ,orphan ,house1 during the year closing ,may #bf1 #ahed1 was ,l#e1bhe1 #ags4 #e;d41 which made the total of ,l#ag1haf1 #ais4 #ea_/d;d4 in hand on ,may #bf1 #ahed4 ,during this year the current expenses for the various objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad amounted to ,l#g1ejg1 #js4 #aaa_/b;d41 being ,l#dga1 #hs4 #aa;d4 more than during any previous year2 yet the ,lord not only enabled me to meet them all1 but to add the sum of ,l#e1bhe1 #gs4 #e;d4 to the building fund4 ,there is yet a large sum required before ,i shall be enabled to build another house for #gjj orphans2 nor have ,i now1 any more than at the first1 any natural prospect of obtaining what is yet needed2 but my hope is in the living ,god4 ,when ,i came to the conclusion that it was the will of ,god that ,i should build another ,orphan ,house1 ,i had not only no natural prospect of obtaining the ,l#ce1jjj which would be needed for this object1 but also ,i had no natural prospect of being able to provide for the necessities of the three hundred orphans already under my care4 ,three years have elapsed since then1 and ,i have had all ,i needed for them1 amounting to about ,l#aj1ejj2 and ,l#ag1haf1 #ais4 #ea_/d;d4 ,i have received for the building fund4 ,may ,i not well trust in the ,lord for what is yet needed for the building fund8 ,by his grace ,i will do so1 and delight in doing so2 for ,i know that at last all my prayers will be turned into praises concerning this part of the service4 ,there is one point which is particularly an encouragement to me to go on waiting upon the ,lord for the remainder of the means which are required1 viz3 applications for the admission of orphans continue to be made4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahec1 there were #dhj orphans waiting for admission4 ,since then #aha more have been applied for1 making in all #ffa4 ,these children are from three months old and upwards1 and all bereaved of both parents by death4 ,during the year now under review ,i received the following donation for the missionary laborers1 under circumstances of peculiar interest4 ,on ,aug4 #i1 #ahec1 ,i received a letter from a ,christian brother1 accompanied with an order for eighty-eight pounds two shillings sixpence on his bankers1 of which three pounds two shillings sixpence were the proceeds of an orphan box in a meeting-place of believers1 and eighty-five pounds from a poor widow who had sold her little house1 being all her property1 and who had put ninety pounds1 the total amount of what she had received1 into that orphan box two months before1 on ,june #i1 #ahec4 ,in this box the money had been for some time1 without its being known1 till the orphan box was opened1 and the ninety pounds with a few lines without name were found in it4 ,as1 however1 the fact of her intending to sell the little house1 and her intention of sending me the money for the ,lord's work1 had been known to the brother who sent me the money1 he did not feel free to send it to me without remonstrating with her through two brethren1 whom he sent with the money1 offering it again to her2 for he knew her to be very poor1 and feared that this might be an act of excitement1 and therefore be regretted afterwards4 ,these brethren could not prevail on her to receive back the money1 but they did persuade her to receive back five pounds of the amount1 and then the brother referred to felt no longer free to keep the money from me1 and hence sent me the eighty-five pounds4 ,on the receipt of this1 ,i wrote at once to the poor godly widow1 offering her the travelling expenses for coming to ,bristol1 that ,i might have personal intercourse with her2 for ,i feared lest this should be an act of excitement1 and the more so1 as she had received back five pounds of the sum4 ,this sister in the ,lord1 a widow of about sixty years of age1 came to ,bristol1 and told me in all simplicity how that ten years before1 in the year #ahdc1 she had purposed that if ever she should come into the possession of the little house in which she lived with her husband1 she would sell it1 and give the proceeds of it to the ,lord4 ,about five years afterwards her husband died1 and she1 having no children1 nor any one having particular claim upon her1 then sought to dispose of her little property1 as had been her mind all those years before4 ,however1 one difficulty after another prevented her being able to effect a sale4 ,at last she felt in particular difficulty on account of her inability to pay the yearly ground-rent of the little house and garden1 and she asked the ,lord to enable her to sell the property1 in order that she might be able to carry out her desire which she had had for ten years1 to give to him the proceeds of this her possession4 ,he now helped her4 ,the house was sold1 the money paid1 and she put the whole ninety pounds into the orphan box for me1 being assured that the ,lord would direct me how best the money might be used for him4 ,i still questioned her again and again1 to find out whether it was not excitement which had led her to act as she had done2 but ,i not only saw that her mind had been fully decided about this act for ten years before1 but that she also was able to answer from the word of ,god all the objections which ,i purposely made1 in order to probe her1 whether she had intelligently and from right motives acted in what she had done4 ,at last ,i was fully satisfied that it was not from impulse1 nor under excitement1 that she had given the money4 ,i next stated to her something like this3 ,you are poor1 and you are about sixty years old1 therefore decreasing in strength1 and may you not therefore keep this money for yourself8 ,her reply was1 as nearly as ,i remember1 something like this3 ,god has always provided for me1 and ,i have no doubt he will do so in future also4 ,i am able to work and to earn my bread as well as others1 and am willing to work as a nurse1 or in any other way4 ,what could ,i say against this8 ,this is just what a child of ,god would say1 and should say4 ,but the greatest of all the difficulties to the accepting of the eighty-five pounds remained in my mind1 and ,i state it1 as ,i relate the whole for the profit of the reader4 ,it was this4 ,the house had been sold for ninety pounds4 ,the whole amount had been put into the box1 but1 on the persuasion of those two brethren who were requested to remonstrate with this widow1 she had been induced to take back five pounds out of the ninety pounds4 ,i therefore said to myself1 might she not be willing1 after a time1 to take back the whole ninety pounds2 how1 therefore1 can ,i feel happy in accepting this money8 ,on this account ,i particularly laid stress upon this point1 and told her that ,i feared she might regret her act altogether after some time1 as she had taken back this five pounds4 ,i now learned the circumstances under which she had been induced to take back this five pounds4 ,the two brethren who had called on her for the purpose of pointing out to her the propriety of receiving back again the ninety pounds1 or part of it1 told her that ,barnabas sold his land1 but afterwards lived with others on that which he and others had thrown into the common stock1 and that1 therefore1 she might receive at least part of the ninety pounds back again1 if she would not take the whole4 ,she then said to herself that1 as a child of ,god1 she might take the children's portion1 and1 as she had given to ,god this ninety pounds1 she might receive five pounds back again4 ,she told me that she considered the brethren had shown her from the ,holy ,scriptures what she might do1 and therefore she had taken this five pounds4 ,i did not myself agree with the judgment of those brethren who had said this 7as there is no evidence that ,barnabas ever was supported out of the common stock1 the proceeds of the sale of houses and lands1 out of which the poor were supported72 but ,i purposely said nothing to the widow1 lest she should at once be induced to give me this five pounds also4 ,she had1 however1 this five pounds untouched1 and showed it to me2 and before she left she would make me take one pound of it for the benefit of the orphans1 which ,i did not refuse1 as ,i had no intention of keeping the eighty-five pounds4 ,she also gave me a sixpence for the orphans1 which some one had given her for herself1 a few days before4 ,i now asked her1 as this matter concerning the retaining of the five pounds was satisfactorily explained1 as far as it respected her own state of heart1 what she wished me to do with the money1 in case ,i saw it right to keep it4 ,her reply was that she would leave that with me1 that ,god would direct me concerning it2 but that1 if she said anything at all about it1 she should most like it to be used for the support of brethren who labor in the word without any salary1 and who hazard their lives for the name of ,christ4 ,she wished me to have a part of the money2 but this ,i flatly refused1 lest ,i should be evil spoken of in this matter4 ,i then offered to pay her travelling expenses1 as she had come to me1 which she would not accept1 as she did not stand in need of it4 ,in conclusion1 ,i told her that ,i would now further pray respecting this matter1 and consider what to do concerning it4 ,i then prayed with this dear1 godly woman1 commended her to ,god1 separated from her1 and have not seen her since4 ,i waited from ,aug4 #i1 #ahec1 to ,march #g1 #ahed1 when ,i wrote to her1 offering her back again the whole eighty-five pounds1 or a part of it4 ,on ,march #i1 #ahed1 just seven months after ,i had received the money1 and just nine months after she had actually given it1 and ten years and nine months after she had made the resolution to give her house and garden to ,god1 ,i heard from her1 stating that she was of the same mind as she had been for years4 ,i therefore disposed of the money1 to aid such foreign missionary brethren as1 according to the best of my knowledge1 resembled most the class of men whom she wished to assist4 ,the reasons why ,i have so minutely dwelt upon this circumstance are3 #a4 ,if1 as a steward of the bounties of the children of ,god1 ,i should be blamed for receiving from a poor widow almost literally her all1 it may be seen in what manner ,i did so4 ,to have refused on ,march #i1 #ahed1 also1 would be going beyond what ,i should be warranted to do4 #b4 ,i desired1 also1 to give a practical illustration that ,i only desire donations in ,god's way4 ,it is not the money only ,i desire2 but the money received in answer to prayer1 in ,god's order4 #c4 ,this circumstance illustrates how ,god helps me often in the most unexpected manner4 #d4 ,i have also related this instance that there may be a fresh proof that even in these last days the love of ,christ is of constraining power1 and may work mightily1 as in the days of the apostles4 ,i have witnessed many such instances as this1 in the twenty years during which ,i have been occupied in this my service4 ,let us give thanks to ,god for such cases1 and let us seek for grace rather to imitate such godly men and women1 than think that they are going too far4 ,i cannot1 however1 dismiss this subject1 without commending this poor widow to the prayers of all who love our ,lord ,jesus1 that she may be kept humble1 lest1 thinking highly of herself1 on account of what she has been enabled to do1 by the grace of ,god1 she should not only lose blessing in her own soul1 but this circumstance should become a snare to her4 ,pray also1 believing reader1 that she may never be allowed to regret what she has done for the ,lord4 ,after giving in detail the sources and manner of supply for the maintenance of the orphans during twenty-four days1 ,mr4 ,m4 adds3-- ,the particular end why ,i have been so minute1 is1 to show that the work is now1 as much as ever1 a work carried on entirely in dependence upon the living ,god1 who alone is our hope1 and to whom alone we look for help1 and who never has forsaken us in the hour of need4 ,there is1 however1 one thing different with reference to this year1 when compared with former years1 and that is1 that1 while our trials of faith during this year were just as great as in previous years1 the amount needed in former times was never so great as during this year1 especially as the bread during the greater part of this year was about twice as dear as for several years before4 ,but then1 it may be said1 ,if you have had this trial of faith1 with these three hundred orphans1 why do you seek to build another ,orphan ,house for seven hundred more1 and thus have a thousand to care for8 ,will you not have still greater trials of faith8 ,my reply is3 #a4 ,god has never failed me all the twenty years of this my service4 #b4 ,i am going on as easily now1 with three hundred orphans1 as with thirty1 the number with which ,i commenced4 ,their number is ten times as large as it was at the first2 but ,god has always helped me4 #c4 ,trials of faith were anticipated1 yea1 were one chief end of the work1 for the profit of the church of ,christ at large4 #d4 ,i had courage given me to go forward1 solely in dependence upon ,god1 being assured that he would help me2 yet ,i waited in secret upon him for six months before ,i made this my intention known1 in order that ,i might not take a hasty step2 and ,i have never regretted my having gone forward4 #e4 ,but it needs to be added that the very abundance which the ,lord gave me at the time1 when my mind was exercised about this matter1 was a great confirmation to me that ,i had not mistaken his mind4 ,and even during this year1 how great has been his help2 for the income for the work altogether has been twelve thousand seven hundred and eighty-five pounds fifteen shillings sevenpence halfpenny4 ,i am1 therefore1 assured that the ,lord will1 in his own time1 not only allow me to build another ,orphan ,house1 but that he will also1 when he shall have been pleased to fill it1 find the means to provide for these children4 ,during this year four day schools1 with #bjb children1 were entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution4 ,further1 one ,sunday school in ,bristol1 with #acg children1 was entirely supported1 and three others in ,devonshire1 ,somersetshire1 and ,gloucestershire1 with #cjj children1 were assisted4 ,lastly1 one adult school1 with #aed adult scholars1 was entirely supported4 ,the total amount which was spent during this year in connection with these schools was ,l#cei1 #aes4 #aja_/b;d4 ,the number of all the children who were under our care merely in the schools which were entirely supported by this ,institution1 from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahed1 was #e1hag in the day schools1 #b1gdh in the ,sunday schools1 and #b1cae persons in the adult school4 ,during this year was expended on the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 of the funds of the ,institution1 ,l#dcc1 #bs4 #i;d4 ,there were circulated during this year #a1hij ,bibles and #a1bhh ,new ,testaments2 and from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahed1 #ab1cff ,bibles and #g1cdi ,testaments4 ,during this year there was spent of the funds of the ,institution1 for missionary objects1 the sum of ,l#b1bdi1 #ajs4 #ha_/b;d4 ,by this sum fifty-six laborers in the word and doctrine1 in various parts of the world1 were to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,during this year1 the ,lord was pleased to bless again abundantly the labors of many of those servants of ,christ who were assisted through the funds of this ,institution1 and this has been the case in foreign countries as well as at home4 ,there was laid out for the circulation of tracts1 from ,may #bf1 #ahec1 to ,may #bf1 #ahed1 the sum of ,l#efc1 #es4 #ja_/b;d42 and there were circulated #hfi1fcf tracts4 ,the total number of all the tracts which were circulated from the beginning up to ,may #bf1 #ahed1 was #b1fhi1fgf4 ,we desire to be grateful to the ,lord that during no period previously we were enabled to circulate more tracts1 and more copies of the ,holy ,scriptures1 and to aid to a greater degree missionary labors1 than during this period2 yet we would not rest in that4 ,it is the blessing of the ,lord upon our labors which we need1 which we desire1 and which by his grace we also seek4 ,if any of the ,christian readers are in the habit of circulating tracts1 and yet have never seen fruit1 may ,i suggest to them the following hints for their prayerful consideration4 #a4 ,seek for such a state of heart1 through prayer and meditation on the ,holy ,scriptures1 as that you are willing to let ,god have all the honor1 if any good is accomplished by your service4 ,if you desire for yourself the honor1 yea1 though it were in part only1 you oblige the ,lord1 so to speak1 to put you as yet aside as a vessel not meet for the ,master's use4 ,one of the greatest qualifications for usefulness in the service of the ,lord is a heart truly desirous of getting honor for him4 #b4 ,precede all your labors with earnest1 diligent prayer2 go to them in a prayerful spirit2 and follow them by prayer4 ,do not rest on the number of tracts you have given4 ,a million of tracts may not be the means of converting one single soul2 and yet how great1 beyond calculation1 may be the blessing which results from one single tract4 ,thus it is also with regard to the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 and the ministry of the word itself4 ,expect1 then1 everything from the blessing of the ,lord1 and nothing at all from your own exertions4 #c4 ,and yet1 at the same time1 labor1 press into every open door1 be instant in season and out of season1 as if everything depended upon your labors4 ,this1 as has been stated before1 is one of the great secrets in connection with successful service for the ,lord3 to work1 as if everything depended upon our diligence1 and yet not to rest in the least upon our exertions1 but upon the blessing of the ,lord4 #d4 ,this blessing of the ,lord1 however1 should not merely be sought in prayer1 but it should also be expected1 looked for1 continually looked for2 and the result will be that we shall surely have it4 #e4 ,but suppose that1 for the trial of our faith1 this blessing were for a long time withheld from our sight2 or suppose1 even1 that we should have to fall asleep before we see much good resulting from our labors2 yet will our labors1 if carried on in such a way and spirit as has been stated1 be at last abundantly owned1 and we shall have a rich harvest in the day of ,christ4 ,at the beginning of this period there were #cjj orphans in the new ,orphan ,house on ,ashley ,down1 ,bristol4 ,during the year there were admitted into it #cj orphans1 making #ccj in all4 ,the total number of orphans who were under our care from ,april1 #ahcf1 to ,may #bf1 #ahed1 was #eeh4 ,the expenses during this year for the support of the orphans were ,l#c1hig1 #bs4 #ja_/b;d4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#fd1eia1 #fs4 #aaa_/d;d4 was given to me for the orphans1 as the result of prayer to ,god1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahed4 ,it may be also interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which was given for the other objects1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahed1 amounted to ,l#bb1bfh1 #bs4 #aaa_/d;d42 and that which came in by the sale of ,bibles and tracts1 and by the payments of the children in the day schools1 from the commencement up to ,may #bf1 #ahed1 amounted to ,l#c1ihi1 #ds4 #ec_/d;d4 ,our labors continued to be blessed among the orphans4 ,we saw also again fruit of our labors1 during this year1 with regard to orphans who formerly were under our care4 ,in ,july1 #ahec1 it pleased the ,lord to try my faith in a way in which before it had not been tried4 ,my beloved daughter1 an only child1 and a believer since the commencement of the year #ahdf1 was taken ill on ,june #bj4 ,this illness1 at first a low fever1 turned to typhus4 ,on ,july #c there seemed no hope of her recovery4 ,now was the trial of faith4 ,but faith triumphed4 ,my beloved wife and ,i were enabled to give her up into the hands of the ,lord4 ,he sustained us both exceedingly4 ,but ,i will only speak about myself4 ,though my only and beloved child was brought near the grave1 yet was my soul in perfect peace1 satisfied with the will of my heavenly ,father1 being assured that he would only do that for her and her parents which in the end would be the best4 ,she continued very ill till about ,july #bj1 when restoration began4 ,on ,aug4 #ah she was so far restored that she could be removed to ,clevedon1 for change of air1 though exceedingly weak4 ,it was then fifty-nine days since she was first taken ill4 ,while ,i was in this affliction1 this great affliction1 besides being at peace1 as far as the ,lord's dispensation was concerned1 ,i also felt perfectly at peace with regard to the cause of the affliction4 ,when in ,august1 #ahca1 the hand of the ,lord was heavily laid on me in my family1 as related in the first part of this ,narrative1 ,i had not the least hesitation in knowing that it was the ,father's rod1 applied in infinite wisdom and love for the restoration of my soul from a state of lukewarmness4 ,at this time1 however1 ,i had no such feeling4 ,conscious as ,i was of my manifold weaknesses1 failings1 and shortcomings1 so that ,i too would be ready to say with the ,apostle ,paul1 ,o wretched man than ,i am6 yet ,i was assured that this affliction was not upon me in the way of the fatherly rod1 but for the trial of my faith4 ,persons often have1 no doubt1 the idea respecting me1 that all my trials of faith regard matters connected with money1 though the reverse has been stated by me very frequently2 now1 however1 the ,lord would try my faith concerning one of my dearest earthly treasures1 yea1 next to my beloved wife1 the dearest of all my earthly possessions4 ,parents know what an only child1 a beloved child1 is1 and what to believing parents an only child1 a believing child1 must be4 ,well1 the ,father in heaven said1 as it were1 by this his dispensation1 ,art thou willing to give up this child to me8 ,my heart responded1 ,as it seems good to thee1 my heavenly ,father4 ,thy will be done4 ,but as our hearts were made willing to give back our beloved child to him who had given her to us2 so he was ready to leave her to us1 and she lived4 ,delight thyself also in the ,lord2 and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart4 ,psalm xxxvii4 #d4 ,the desires of my heart were1 to retain the beloved daughter1 if it were the will of ,god2 the means to return her were1 to be satisfied with the will of the ,lord4 ,of all the trials of faith that as yet ,i have had to pass through1 this was the greatest2 and1 by ,god's abundant mercy1 ,i own it to his praise1 ,i was enabled to delight myself in the will of ,god2 for ,i felt perfectly sure that if the ,lord took this beloved daughter1 it would be best for her parents1 best for herself1 and more for the glory of ,god than if she lived3 this better part ,i was satisfied with2 and thus my heart had peace1 perfect peace1 and ,i had not a moment's anxiety4 ,thus would it be under all circumstances1 however painful1 were the believer exercising faith4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahec4 ,during this year the ,lord was pleased to give me ,l#fch1 #aas4 #ha_/b;d4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,,three ,,years ,,of ,,prosperity4 #ahed-aheg4 ,,the ,,site ,,selected--,,six ,,thousand ,,orphans ,,in ,,prison--,,how ,,to ,,ask ,,for ,,daily ,,bread--,,review ,,of ,,twenty-,,four ,,years--,,take ,,no ,,thought ,,for ,,the ,,morrow--,,insurance ,,against ,,bad ,,debts4 ,during the year ending ,may #bf1 #ahee1 ,mr4 ,m4 received toward the erection of the second new ,orphan ,house five thousand two hundred and forty-two pounds eighteen shillings threepence1 and the whole sum on hand for this object amounted to twenty-three thousand and fifty-nine pounds seventeen shillings eightpence one farthing4 ,after recording the amount thus obtained1 he adds3-- ,i judged that1 though ,i had not such an amount of means in hand as ,i considered necessary before being warranted to begin to build1 yet that ,i might make inquiries respecting land4 ,accordingly1 ,i applied in the beginning of ,february for the purchase of two fields which join the land on which the new ,orphan ,house is built4 ,on these two fields ,i had had my eye for years1 and had purposed to endeavor to purchase them whenever ,i might be in such a position1 as to means for the building fund1 that it would be suitable to do so4 ,i found1 however1 that1 according to the will of the late owner of these fields1 they could not be sold now4 ,thus my prospects were blighted4 ,when ,i obtained this information1 though naturally tried by it and disappointed1 ,i said2 by ,god's grace1 to myself1 ,the ,lord has something better to give me1 instead of these two fields2 and thus my heart was kept in peace4 ,but when now the matter was fully decided that ,i could not obtain those fields1 which had appeared to me so desirable for the object1 the question arose1 what ,i was to do for the obtaining of land4 ,under these circumstances some of my ,christian friends again asked1 as they had done before1 why ,i did not build on the ground which we have around the new ,orphan ,house4 ,my reply was1 as before1 that it could not be done3 #a4 ,because it would throw the new ,orphan ,house for nearly two years into disorder1 on account of the building going on round about it4 #b4 ,there would not be sufficient room without shutting in the present house to a great extent4 #c4 ,that1 as the new ,orphan ,house stands in the centre of our ground1 there would not be sufficient room on any of the sides for the erection of a building so large as would be required4 ,i was1 however1 led to consider whether there was any way whereby we could accomplish the building on the ground belonging to the new ,orphan ,house4 ,in doing so1 ,i found that1--#a4 ,by having a high temporary boundary made of old boards1 the building ground could be entirely distinct from the present establishment4 #b4 ,by building on an entirely different plan from that of the present house1 we should not only have room enough2 but that1 also1 #c4 ,the present house would not be so inclosed that the health of the inmates of the establishment would thereby be injured4 ,but there was in connection with this another point which now came under consideration in addition to the particulars already mentioned3 it was this4 ,though for four years past ,i had never had a doubt as to its being the will of ,god that ,i should build accommodation for seven hundred more orphans2 yet1 at the same time1 ,i had for a long time seen the desirableness of having two houses instead of one1 for the seven hundred orphans4 ,this previously formed judgment of having two houses for three hundred and fifty orphans in each1 or four hundred in the one1 and three hundred in the other1 led me now to see whether there could be another house built on each side of the present new ,orphan ,house2 and ,i judged1 from measuring the ground1 that there was no objection to this plan4 ,i then called in the aid of architects1 to survey the ground1 and to make a rough plan of two houses1 one on each side1 and it was found that it could be accomplished4 ,having arrived thus far1 ,i soon saw that we should not only save expense by this plan in various ways1 but especially that thus the direction and inspection of the whole establishment would be much more easy and simple1 as the buildings would be so near together4 ,this1 indeed1 on being further considered1 soon appeared to be a matter of such importance1 that if even land could be had but a quarter of a mile off1 the difficulties would be greatly increased thereby4 ,at the same time ,i found that we still should retain so much land for cultivation by the spade as would furnish some out-door employment for many boys1 and would produce such kind of vegetables as are the most important for young children to be had fresh out of the ground2 or that we could easily rent a piece of ground near for that purpose1 though it could not be bought4 ,the result1 then1 to which ,i have arrived at present is this3 that having seen what could be accomplished on the ground which we have already1 ,i decided to build1 without any further delay than was necessary for preparing the plans1 at the south side of the new ,orphan ,house1 another house for four hundred children4 ,the plans are now ready1 and in a very short time1 ,god willing1 i4 e4 as soon as all the necessary preliminary arrangements can be made1 the building will commence1 which ,i think will be in the early part of ,july of the present year 7i4 e4 #ahee74 ,this house is intended for four hundred female orphans1 bereaved of both parents1 from their earliest days until they can be placed out in service4 ,with regard to the other house for three hundred orphans1 to be built at the north side of the new ,orphan ,house1 nothing definitely can be stated at present4 ,there is enough money in hand to build1 fit up1 and furnish the house for four hundred orphans1 and it is expected that something will be left2 but there is not sufficient money in hand1 at present1 to warrant the commencement of the building of both4 ,as soon1 however1 as there is1 ,i shall be delighted to take active measures with regard to that for three hundred orphans also4 ,i do not ask persons to help me with their means4 ,i speak to the ,lord about my need in prayer1 and ,i do not wait upon him in vain4 ,at the same time ,i feel it right to state that there is a loud and an abundant call for caring for destitute orphans4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahed1 ,i had six hundred and two waiting for admission1 each bereaved of both parents by death4 ,since then one hundred and ninety-seven more have been applied for1 making in all seven hundred and ninety-nine4 ,of these ,i have been able to receive only thirty-nine during the past year1 and forty-five who were waiting for admission have been otherwise provided for1 or have died since application was made for them2 so that still seven hundred and fifteen orphans are waiting for admission1 from three months old and upward4 ,but this number1 ,i state unhesitatingly1 would be much larger1 had not very many persons refrained from making application because they judged it would be of no use1 as there are already so many waiting for admission4 ,indeed1 there is every reason to believe that there are many tens of thousands of destitute orphans in this country4 ,and what provision is there in the way of orphan establishments it may be asked4 ,at the last census1 in #ahea1 there were in ,england and ,wales thirty-nine orphan establishments1 and the total number of orphans1 provided for through them1 amounted only to three thousand seven hundred and sixty-four2 but at the time the new ,orphan ,house was being built there were about six thousand young orphans in the prisons of ,england4 ,to prevent their going to prison1 to prevent their being brought up in sin and vice1 yea1 to be the honored instrument to win their souls for ,god1 ,i desire1 by his help1 to enlarge the present establishment so as to be able to receive one thousand orphans2 and individuals who have purposed not to live for time but for eternity1 and to look on their means as in the light of eternity1 will thus have an opportunity of helping me to care for these children4 ,it is a great honor to be allowed to do anything for the ,lord2 therefore ,i do not press this matter4 ,we can only give to him of his own2 for all we have is his4 ,when the day of recompense comes1 the regret will only be that we have done so little for him1 not that we have done too much4 ,during the year from ,may1 #ahed1 to ,may1 #ahee1 ample means were provided1 in answer to prayer only1 for the maintenance of the orphans1 and for the various purposes of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution4 ,the following statement exhibits the results of ,mr4 ,mueller's labors during the year under review3-- ,during this year four day schools in ,bristol1 with #ahd children in them1 were entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution2 and several other day schools in ,devonshire1 ,cornwall1 ,suffolk1 ,ireland1 and ,scotland1 were assisted with copies of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,further1 one ,sunday school in ,bristol1 with #aeh children1 was entirely supported1 and seven others in ,cornwall1 ,devonshire1 ,somersetshire1 and ,gloucestershire1 with about #djj children in them1 were assisted4 ,lastly1 one adult school1 with #acc adults was entirely supported during this year4 ,the amount expended during this year1 on these various schools1 was ,l#cch1 #bs4 #e;d4 ,in connection with all these various schools1 ,i would suggest the following important matter for prayer4 ,from ,march1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 there were #e1ief children in the day schools4 ,in the adult schools there were #b1dei persons4 ,the number of the ,sunday-school children amounted to #b1hag4 ,thus1 without reckoning the orphans1 #aa1bcb souls were brought under habitual instruction in the things of ,god in these various schools2 besides the many thousands in the schools in various parts of ,england1 ,ireland1 ,scotland1 ,british ,guiana1 the ,west ,indies1 the ,east ,indies1 etc41 which were to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,the total sum which was expended during the twenty-one years1 from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 in connection with the schools1 which were either entirely or in part supported by the funds of this ,institution1 amounted to ,l#g1bjd1 #abs4 #ha_/d;d4 ,the number of ,bibles1 ,new ,testaments1 and portions of the ,holy ,scriptures1 which were circulated from ,may #bf1 #ahed1 to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 is as follows3-- ,bibles sold1 #fic4 ,bibles given away1 #hij4 ,testaments sold1 #iej4 ,testaments given away1 #gdh4 ,copies of the ,psalms sold1 #hb4 ,other small portions of the ,holy ,scriptures sold1 #acf4 ,there were circulated from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 through the medium of this ,institution1 #ac1idi ,bibles1 #i1jdg ,new ,testaments1 #ahh copies of the ,psalms1 and #ghi other small portions of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,the total amount of the funds of this ,institution spent on the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 is ,l#c1chi1 #ajs4 #a;d4 ,the amount spent during this year1 ,l#dgf1 #abs4 #c;d4 ,during this year there was spent of the funds of the ,institution1 for missionary objects1 the sum of ,l#b1jha1 #cs4 #b;d4 ,by this sum fifty-seven laborers in the word and doctrine1 in various parts of the world1 were to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,the total amount of the funds of the ,institution spent on missionary operations1 from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 was ,l#af1aae1 #js4 #ea_/b;d4 ,there was laid out for tracts1 from ,may #bf1 #ahed1 to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 the sum of ,l#fbd1 #hs4 #d;d42 and there were circulated within this year #hie1jcd tracts and books4 ,the total number of all the tracts and books which were circulated from the beginning up to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 was #c1ehd1gaj4 ,the total amount of means expended on this object1 from ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 was ,l#b1hfh1 #aes4 #fc_/d;d4 ,at the commencement of this period there were #bih orphans in the new ,orphan ,house on ,ashley ,down1 ,bristol4 ,during the year there were admitted into it #ci orphans4 ,the expenses for the orphans during this year were ,l#d1cjd1 #ds4 #ga_/b;d4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#gd1acb1 #fs4 #ajc_/d;d4 was given to me for the orphans1 as the result of prayer to ,god1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 which sum includes the ,l#ae1jee1 #cs4 #ba_/d;d41 which was the cost of the building1 fitting up and furnishing of the present new ,orphan ,house1 and the ,l#bc1jei1 #ags4 #ha_/d;d41 which was in hand on the #bfth ,may1 #ahee1 for the building fund1 and the ,l#aaf1 #ags4 #ha_/b;d41 the balance for the current expenses4 ,it may also be interesting to the reader to know that the total sum which was given for the other objects1 from the commencement of the work up to ,may #bf1 #ahee1 amounted to ,l#be1bci1 #hs4 #ajc_/d;d42 and that which came in by the sale of ,bibles and tracts1 and by the payments of the children in the day schools1 from the commencement1 amounted to ,l#d1eca1 #abs4 #ajc_/d;d4 ,besides this also a great variety and number of articles of clothing1 furniture1 provisions1 etc41 were given for the use of the orphans4 ,i have the joy of being able to state that we have great cause for thankfulness in that in the midst of many difficulties our labors among the orphans continue to be blessed1 and that especially again and again instances now come before us in which those who were formerly under our care declare themselves on the ,lord's side4 ,besides being able to meet the expenses for the orphans and the other objects1 amounting altogether to ,l#g1hcb1 #gs4 #ja_/b;d41 during this year ,i was able to add to the building fund ,l#e1bdb1 #ahs4 #c;d4 ,the total income during the year was ,l#ac1jed1 #ads4 #d;d4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahed4 ,during this year there have been received into fellowship #fa4 ,the ,lord has been pleased to give me during this year ,l#fig1 #aas4 #e;d4 ,one or the other of my readers may be ready to exclaim1 six hundred and ninety-seven pounds eleven shillings fivepence6 ,what a large sum6 ,not one out of a hundred ministers has such a large salary1 nor one out of twenty clergymen such a good living6 ,should you1 esteemed reader1 say so1 my reply is3 ,indeed1 mine is a happy way for the obtaining of my temporal supplies2 but if any one desires to go this way1 he must1-- #a4 ,not merely say that he trusts in ,god1 but must really do so4 ,often individuals profess to trust in ,god1 but they embrace every opportunity where they may directly or indirectly be able to expose their need1 and thus seek to induce persons to help them4 ,i do not say it is wrong to make known our wants2 but ,i do say it ill agrees with trust in ,god to expose our wants for the sake of inducing persons to help us4 ,god will take us at our word4 ,if we say we trust in him1 he will try whether we really do so1 or only profess to do so2 and if indeed we trust in him1 we are satisfied to stand with him alone4 #b4 ,the individual who desires to go this way must be willing to be rich or poor1 as the ,lord pleases4 ,he must be willing to know what it is to have an abundance or scarcely anything4 ,he must be willing to leave this world without any possessions4 #c4 ,he must be willing to take the money in ,god's way1 not merely in large sums1 but in small4 ,again and again have ,i had a single shilling given or sent to me4 ,to have refused such tokens of ,christian love would have been ungracious4 #d4 ,he must be willing to live as the ,lord's steward4 ,if any one were to begin this way of living1 and did not communicate out of that which the ,lord gives to him1 but hoard it up1 or if he would live up to his income1 as it is called1 then the ,lord1 who influences the hearts of his children to help him with means1 would soon cause those channels to be dried up4 ,how it came that my already good income still more increased so as to come to what it is1 ,i have stated in the early part of this volume2 it was when ,i determined that1 by ,god's help1 his poor and his work should more than ever partake of my means4 ,from that time the ,lord was pleased more and more to intrust me with means for my own purse4 ,various reasons might have kept me from publishing these accounts2 but ,i have for my object in writing the glory of ,god1 and therefore ,i delight in thus showing what a loving ,master ,i serve1 and how bountifully he supplies my necessities2 and ,i write for the comfort and encouragement of my fellow-believers1 that they may be led to trust in ,god more and more1 and therefore ,i feel it due to them to state how1 even with regard to this life1 ,i am amply provided for1 though that is not what ,i seek after4 ,up to ,may #bf1 #ahef1 the total income for the building fund was ,l#bi1big1 #ahs4 #aaa_/b;d41 so that only about ,l#e1gjj more will be required1 as far as ,i am able to see1 in order to accomplish to the full my purpose respecting the accommodation for #gjj more orphans4 ,during the year #ahee-ahef1 the wants of the orphans1 as well as the demands of the missionary1 ,bible1 tract1 and school work1 were supplied more amply than ever before1 and a blessing rested upon all these departments of labor1 as will appear from the following statement3-- ,during this year four day schools1 with #bjc children1 were entirely supported by the funds of the ,institution2 and nine day schools were assisted with copies of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,further1 one ,sunday school1 with #aeh children1 was entirely supported1 and eight others were assisted4 ,lastly1 one adult school1 with #aeh adult scholars1 was entirely supported1 and two other adult schools1 in ,kent and ,norfolk1 were assisted with books4 ,the amount which was spent during this year1 in connection with these schools1 was ,l#cdh1 #es4 #aaa_/d;d42 and the sum total expended during the last twenty-two years1 in connection with the schools which were either entirely or in part supported by the funds of this ,institution1 amounts to ,l#g1eeb1 #ahs4 #ga_/b;d4 ,the number of all the children who were under our care1 merely in the schools which were entirely supported by this ,institution1 from ,march #e1 #ahcd1 to ,may #bf1 #ahef1 was #f1ajd in the day schools1 #b1iaa in the ,sunday schools1 and #b1faa persons in the adult school4 ,thus1 without reckoning the orphans1 #aa1fbf have been brought under habitual instruction in the things of ,god in these various schools2 besides the many thousands in the schools in various parts of ,england1 ,ireland1 ,scotland1 ,british ,guiana1 the ,east ,indies1 etc41 which have been to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,during this year was expended on the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 of the funds of this ,institution1 ,l#dif2 #ajs4 ,there were circulated during this year #b1age ,bibles1 #a1bcc ,new ,testaments1 #aai copies of the ,psalms1 and #aee other small portions of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,there have been circulated since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 through the medium of this ,institution1 #af1abd ,bibles1 #aj1bhj ,new ,testaments1 #cjg copies of the ,psalms1 and #idd other small portions of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,the sum total spent on the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 is ,l#c1hhf1 #js4 #a;d4 ,during this year there was spent1 of the funds of the ,institution1 for missionary objects1 ,l#b1eja1 #is4 #a;d4 ,by this sum sixty-one laborers in the word and doctrine1 in various parts of the world1 were to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,the sum total which has been expended on missionary operations1 of the funds of the ,institution1 since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 is ,l#ah1faf1 #is4 #fa_/b;d4 ,there was laid out for the circulation of tracts1 from ,may #bf1 #ahee1 to ,may #bf1 #ahef1 the sum of ,l#gia1 #as4 #ja_/b;d41 and there were circulated #hab1igj tracts and books4 ,the sum total which has been expended on this object since ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 amounts to ,l#c1fei1 #afs4 #ga_/d;d4 ,the total number of all the tracts and books which have been circulated since ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 is #d1cig1fhj4 ,at the beginning of this period there were #big orphans in the new ,orphan ,house4 ,during the past year there have been admitted into it #be orphans4 ,the total number of orphans who have been under our care since ,april1 #ahcf1 is #fbb4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#hd1dda1 #fs4 #ca_/d;d4 has been given to me for the orphans1 as the result of prayer to ,god1 since the commencement of the work1 which sum includes the ,l#ae1jee1 #cs4 #ba_/d;d4 which was the cost of the building1 fitting up1 and furnishing of the present new ,orphan ,house1 and the ,l#bi1big1 #ahs4 #aaa_/b;d4 received up to ,may #bf1 #ahef1 for the building fund1 and the ,l#afg1 #ahs4 #aac_/d;d41 the balance of the current expenses4 ,the total sum which has been given for the other objects since the commencement of the work amounts to ,l#bh1ijd1 #aas4 #cc_/d;d42 and that which has come in by the sale of ,bibles and tracts1 and by the payments of the children in the day schools1 from the commencement up to ,may #bf1 #ahef1 amounts to ,l#e1ade1 #ags4 ,dec4 #ca1 #ahee4 ,during this year the ,lord has been pleased to give me ,l#gbf1 #afs4 #ba_/d;d4 ,may #bf1 #ahef4 ,yesterday evening it was twenty-four years since ,i came to labor in ,bristol4 ,in looking back upon this period1 as it regards the ,lord's goodness to my family and myself1 the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution1 and the saints among whom ,i seek to serve him1 ,i exclaim1 ,what has ,god wrought6 ,i marvel at his kindness1 and yet ,i do not2 for such is his manner2 and1 if it please him that ,i remain longer on earth1 ,i expect1 not fewer manifestations of his love1 but more and more4 ,since my beloved friend and fellow-laborer and ,i first came to ,bristol1 #a1ehf believers have been received into fellowship1 which number1 with the #fh we found in communion1 makes #a1fed4 ,but out of that number #beb have fallen asleep1 #ec have been separated from fellowship1 #ade have left us1 some1 however1 merely through circumstances and in love1 and #eaj have left ,bristol2 so that there are only #fid remaining in communion4 ,by the contributions received during the year #ahef-g1 the whole amount on hand for the new buildings was raised to thirty-one thousand eight hundred seventeen pounds one shilling and elevenpence4 ,for the ,bible1 tract1 and missionary work1 and for schools1 ,mr4 ,m4 had the pleasure of receiving and of expending eight hundred and twenty-nine pounds more than in the previous year4 ,for the support of the orphans all means were so abundantly provided that at the end of the year there was on hand a balance of one thousand four hundred and eighty-nine pounds4 ,the following incident illustrates the author's reliance upon ,god for his own future support4 ,on ,oct4 #ab1 #ahef1 was sent to me a check for one hundred pounds1 with the request of the donor to receive this for myself1 as the beginning of raising a fund for my support when advanced in years1 and for that of my family4 ,this very kind and well-intended proposal by the donor1 who since has died1 appeared to me as a subtle temptation laid for me1 though far from being intended so by him1 to depart from the principles on which ,i had been acting for twenty-six years previously1 both regarding myself and the orphan work4 ,i give the account of this circumstance fully1 as it may be profitable to one or other of the readers4 99 99 99 99 ,,oct4 #aa1 #ahef4 ,,dear ,,sir3-- ,in admiration of the services which you have rendered to poor orphans and mankind in general1 ,i think it right that some provision should be made for yourself4 ,i think it right to send you one hundred pounds1 as a beginning to form a fund1 which ,i hope many good ,christians will add to1 99 99 99 99 for the maintenance of you and your family1 if your own labors should be unequal to it1 and ,i hope you will lay out this as a beginning accordingly4 ,may ,god bless you and your labors1 as he has hitherto done everything connected with your ,institutions4 ,i am1 dear ,sir1 99 99 99 99 ,by ,god's grace ,i had not a moment's hesitation as to what to do4 ,while ,i most fully appreciated the great kindness of the donor1 ,i looked upon this as being permitted by ,god as a temptation to put my trust in something else than himself1 and ,i therefore sent the following letter in reply3-- ,,bristol1 ,,oct4 #ab1 #ahef4 ,,my ,,dear ,,sir3-- ,i hasten to thank you for your kind communication1 and to inform you that your check for one hundred pounds has safely come to hand4 ,i have no property whatever1 nor has my dear wife2 nor have ,i had one single shilling regular salary as minister of the gospel for the last twenty-six years1 nor as the director of the ,orphan ,house and the other objects of the ,scriptural ,knowledge ,institution for ,home and ,abroad4 ,when ,i am in need of anything1 ,i fall on my knees1 and ask ,god that he would be pleased to give me what ,i need2 and he puts it into the heart of some one or other to help me4 ,thus all my wants have been amply supplied during the last twenty-six years1 and ,i can say1 to the praise of ,god1 ,i have lacked nothing4 ,my dear wife and my only child1 a daughter of twenty-four years1 are of the same mind with me4 ,of this blessed way of living none of us are tired1 but become day by day more convinced of its blessedness4 ,i have never thought it right to make provision for myself1 or my dear wife and daughter1 except in this way1 that when ,i saw a case of need1 such as an aged widow1 or a sick person1 or a helpless infant1 ,i would use my means freely which ,god had given me1 fully believing that if either myself1 or my dear wife or daughter1 at some time or other1 should be in need of anything1 ,god would richly repay what was given to the poor1 considering it as lent to himself4 ,under these circumstances1 ,i am unable to accept your kindness of the gift of one hundred pounds towards making a provision for myself and family2 for so ,i understand your letter4 ,any gift given to me1 unasked for1 by those who have it in their heart to help me to supply my personal and family expenses1 ,i thankfully accept2 or any donation given to me for the work of ,god in which ,i am engaged1 ,i also thankfully accept1 as a steward for the orphans1 etc42 but your kind gift seems to me especially given to make a provision for myself1 which ,i think would be displeasing to my heavenly ,father1 who has so bountifully given me my daily bread hitherto4 ,but should ,i have misunderstood the meaning of your letter1 be pleased to let me know it4 ,i hold the check till ,i hear again from you4 ,in the mean time1 my dear sir1 however you meant your letter1 ,i am deeply sensible of your kindness1 and daily pray that ,god would be pleased richly to recompense you for it1 both temporally and spiritually4 ,i am1 dear ,sir1 ,yours very gratefully1 ,,george ,m,ue,l,l,e,r4 ,two days after ,i received a reply1 in which the donor desired me to use the one hundred pounds for the support of the orphans1 for which object ,i gladly accepted this sum4 ,the day after that ,i received another one hundred pounds from the same donor1 and four days after that one hundred pounds more1 all for the support of the orphans1 and all from an individual whom ,i have never seen4 ,in the following words is contained a useful lesson to persons engaged in business3-- ,feb4 #bd1 #aheg4 ,received five pounds as a thank-offering to the ,lord for preservation from making bad debts the past year4 ,has it ever occurred to the reader that the ,lord only can preserve any one engaged in business from making bad debts8 ,has it also occurred to the reader that often the ,lord is obliged1 because we do not use for him1 as good stewards1 that with which he has been pleased to intrust us1 to allow bad debts to be made8 ,consider these things1 dear ,christian reader1 you who are engaged in business4 ,if you were engaged in mercantile affairs1 connected with hundreds of thousands of pounds1 you may by the help of ,god1 be preserved year after year from making bad debts1 though several millions of pounds should be turned in the course of a few years1 provided you keep before you that you are the ,lord's steward1 and carry on business for him2 whilst1 on the other hand1 thousands of pounds may be lost in one single year1 out of only a comparatively small business1 because he who carries it on withholds more than is meet1 and therefore it tends to poverty1 the ,lord being obliged by bad debts 7as they are called71 which he uses as one of his rods1 to deprive his servants of that which was not used aright4 ,the review of the year ending ,may1 #aheg1 presents us with the following results3-- ,there have been during this period four day schools entirely supported by the funds of this ,institution4 ,there are at present in these four day schools #aha children4 ,in addition to the entire support of these four day schools1 six schools were assisted with money1 or books1 or copies of the ,holy ,scriptures1 or both money and books4 ,there was one ,sunday school1 in which there were #age children1 entirely supported by the funds of this ,institution2 and six others were assisted4 ,there has been1 since the formation of the ,institution1 one adult school connected with it1 the expenses of which have been entirely borne by the ,institution1 and in which1 since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 altogether #b1fii adults have been instructed4 ,the number at present on the books is #gb4 ,there were also two other adult schools assisted during the past year4 ,the total amount of means which has been expended during the last twenty-three years in connection with the schools1 which have been either entirely or in part supported by the funds of this ,institution1 amounts to ,l#g1ich1 #acs4 #d;d4 ,the number of ,bibles1 ,testaments1 and portions of the ,holy ,scriptures1 which have been circulated since ,may #bf1 #ahef1 is as follows3-- ,bibles sold1 #fja4 ,bibles given away1 #a1dgf4 ,testaments sold1 #hbi4 ,testaments given away1 #cic4 ,copies of the ,psalms sold1 #aea4 ,other small portions of the ,holy ,scriptures sold1 #caf4 ,there have been circulated since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 through the medium of this ,institution1 #ah1bja ,bibles1 #aa1ejb ,testaments1 #deh copies of the ,psalms1 and #a1bfj other small portions of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,the total amount of the funds of this ,institution spent on the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures1 since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 is ,l#d1djg1 #gs4 #ba_/b;d4 ,the amount spent during the past year1 ,l#eba1 #gs4 #aa_/b;d4 ,some time since a brother in the ,lord wrote to me that he had it in his heart to visit from house to house1 in a large manufacturing town in ,yorkshire1 and1 if possible1 to supply each house with a tract1 and to seek out persons who were destitute of copies of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,i supplied him1 therefore1 with #aj1jjj gospel tracts and #cj ,bibles1 and subsequently with #abg more ,bibles1 and finally with #aj1jjj more tracts and #gd ,bibles4 ,the third object of this ,institution is1 to aid missionary efforts4 ,during the past year has been spent of the funds of the ,institution for this object1 the sum of ,l#c1agg1 #ags4 #aaa_/b;d4 ,by this sum seventy-four laborers in the word and doctrine1 in various parts of the world1 have been to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,the year before last1 ,i had been enabled to spend on this part of the work more than during any previous year2 but the last year ,i was1 by ,god's help1 enabled not only to disburse for this object as much as during the previous year1 but ,l#fgf1 #hs4 #aja_/b;d4 more4 ,for this privilege ,i feel grateful2 yet ,i long to be permitted by the ,lord to do much more still4 ,but whilst it has been a source of joy to me to be able to assist seventy-four servants of ,christ in many parts of the world1 that which was far more than this a cause of thankfulness1 was1 that almost week by week1 and often repeatedly in the same week1 ,i had refreshing intelligence from the brethren whom ,i sought to help4 ,the letters of these brethren exhibit the fact that the aid conveyed through ,mr4 ,m4 was most timely1 coming often in the hour of sore need4 ,they also give assurance that their labors had been singularly blessed to the conversion of the heathen1 and of the ignorant and deluded among whom they preached4 ,the total amount of the funds of the ,institution which has been spent on missionary operations1 since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 is ,l#ba1gid1 #gs4 #f;d4 ,there has been laid out for tracts1 from ,may #bf1 #ahef1 to ,may #bf1 #aheg1 the sum of ,l#ige1 #ahs4 #ga_/b;d42 and there have been circulated within the last year #a1cac1cja tracts and books4 ,the sum total which has been expended on this object1 since ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 amounts to ,l#d1fce1 #aes4 #bc_/d;d4 ,the total number of all the tracts and books which have been circulated since ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 is #e1gaj1iha4 ,letters from those to whom tracts were sent for distribution1 convey the intelligence that in very many instances the tracts were blessed to the conversion of sinners4 ,at the commencement of the last period there were #bii orphans in the new ,orphan ,house on ,ashley ,down1 ,bristol4 ,during the past year there were admitted into it #cj orphans1 making #cbi in all4 ,when the last ,report was published1 there were #hdg orphans waiting for admission4 ,since then #bca more destitute orphans1 bereaved of both parents by death1 and some only a few weeks old1 have been applied for to be admitted1 making #a1jgh in all4 ,of these #a1jgh we were only able to receive #cj1 as has been stated1 and #eh either died or were otherwise provided for1 as their relatives or friends have informed us1 so that there are still #iij waiting for admission4 ,christian reader1 think of these #iij destitute orphans1 bereaved of both parents6 ,i have now1 however1 before me the most pleasant prospect1 if the ,lord permit1 of being able to receive #djj of them in about three months1 and also of being permitted to build the third house for #cjj more4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#ib1age1 #ds4 #ba_/b;d4 has been given to me for the orphans1 as the result of prayer to ,god1 since the commencement of the work1 which sum includes the ,l#ae1jee1 #cs4 #ba_/d;d4 which was the cost of the building1 fitting up1 and furnishing of the present new ,orphan ,house1 and the ,l#ca1hag1 #as4 #aa;d41 which had been received up to ,may #bf1 #aheg1 for the building fund1 and the ,l#a1dhi1 #gs4 #i;d41 the balance of the current expenses4 ,it may also be interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which has been given for the other objects1 since the commencement of the work1 amounts to ,l#cc1bic1 #is4 #aja_/d;d42 and that which has come in by the sale of ,bibles1 since the commencement1 amounts to ,l#b1jhj1 #is4 #aja_/b;d42 by sale of tracts1 ,l#a1ggh1 #bs4 #e;d42 and by the payments of the children in the day schools1 from the commencement1 ,l#b1jff1 #acs4 #da_/b;d4 ,the ,lord is pleased to continue to allow us to see fruit in connection with the orphan work1 with reference to those who are now under our care1 and we hear still again and again of cases in which those who were formerly under our care1 have been led to declare themselves openly for the ,lord1 besides those in whom we saw the work of grace manifestly begun before they left the ,orphan ,house4 ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,,conclusion4 #aheg-ahfj4 ,,the ,,house ,,for ,,four ,,hundred ,,opened--,,prayer ,,more ,,than ,,answered--,,the ,,resort ,,in ,,trouble--,,an ,,outpouring ,,of ,,the ,,spirit ,,on ,,the ,,orphans--,,land ,,for ,a ,,new ,,building ,,purchased--,,but ,,one ,,life ,,to ,,spend ,,for ,,god--,,scattering1 ,,yet ,,increasing--,a ,,memorable ,,year--,,the ,,germ ,,of ,,the ,,irish ,,revival--,,letter ,,from ,,an ,,orphan--,,the ,,fruit ,,of ,,six ,,months' ,,prayer--,,the ,,results ,,of ,,the ,,work--,,revival ,,among ,,the ,,orphans4 ,under date of ,nov4 #ab1 #aheg1 ,mr4 ,m4 writes3-- ,the long looked-for and long prayed-for day had now arrived when the desire of my heart was granted to me1 to be able to open the house for four hundred additional orphans4 ,much had ,i labored in prayer and active engagements to accomplish what was to be done previously2 and now things were so far advanced as that the new house was ready for use2 and a few days after we began to receive the children into it4 ,how precious this was to me1 such will be able to enter into1 who1 having day by day prayed for a blessing for seven years1 and often repeatedly on the same day1 at last obtain the desire of their heart4 ,yet this blessing came not unexpectedly to me1 but had been looked for1 and had1 in the full assurance of faith1 been expected to be obtained in ,god's own time4 ,feb4 #ag1 #aheh4 ,as far as ,i am able to judge1 ,i have now all ,i require in the way of pecuniary means for the third house also1 so that ,i am able to accomplish the full enlargement of the orphan work to one thousand orphans4 ,by the conclusion of the year under consideration1 ,mr4 ,m4 had received1 from all sources1 thirty-five thousand three hundred and thirty-five pounds nine shillings threepence toward the new ,orphan ,houses1 being actually three hundred and thirty-five pounds nine shillings threepence more than ,i had been from the commencement praying for4 ,the following circumstance1 connected with the maintenance and care of the orphans1 exhibits the reliance placed upon prayer and faith for relief in every exigency3-- ,towards the end of ,november1 #aheg1 ,i was most unexpectedly informed that the boiler of our heating apparatus at the new ,orphan ,house1 ,no4 #a1 leaked very considerably1 so that it was impossible to go through the winter with such a leak4 ,our heating apparatus consists of a large cylinder boiler1 inside of which the fire is kept1 and with which boiler the water pipes which warm the rooms are connected4 ,hot air is also connected with this apparatus4 ,this now was my position4 ,the boiler had been considered suited for the work of the winter2 the having had ground to suspect its being worn out1 and not to have done anything towards its being replaced by a new one1 and to have said ,i will trust in ,god regarding it1 would be careless presumption1 but not faith in ,god4 ,it would be the counterfeit of faith4 ,the boiler is entirely surrounded by brickwork2 its state1 therefore1 could not be known without taking down the brickwork2 this1 if needless1 would be rather injurious to the boiler than otherwise2 and as1 year after year1 for eight winters1 we had had no difficulty in this way1 we had not anticipated it now4 ,but suddenly and most unexpectedly1 at the commencement of the winter1 this difficulty occurred4 ,what then was to be done8 ,for the children1 especially the younger infants1 ,i felt deeply concerned that they might not suffer through want of warmth4 ,but how were we to obtain warmth8 ,the introduction of a new boiler would1 in all probability1 take many weeks4 ,the repairing of the boiler was a questionable matter1 on account of the greatness of the leak2 but1 if not1 nothing could be said of it1 till the brick-chamber in which the boiler1 with ,hazard's patent heating apparatus1 is inclosed1 was1 at least in part1 removed2 but that would1 at least as far as we could judge1 take days1 and what was to be done in the mean time to find warm rooms for three hundred children8 ,it naturally occurred to me to introduce temporary gas stoves1 but1 on further weighing the matter1 it was found that we should be unable to heat our very large rooms with gas except we had very many stoves1 which we could not introduce1 as we had not a sufficient quantity of gas to spare from our lighting apparatus4 ,moreover1 for each of these stoves we needed a small chimney1 to carry off the impure air4 ,this mode of heating1 therefore1 though applicable to a hall1 a staircase1 or a shop1 would not suit our purposes4 ,i also thought of the temporary introduction of ,arnott's stoves2 but they would be unsuitable1 as we needed chimneys1 long chimneys1 for them1 as they would have been of a temporary kind1 and therefore must go out of the windows4 ,on this account1 the uncertainty of its answering in our case1 the disfigurement of the rooms almost permanently1 led me to see it needful to give up this plan also4 ,but what was to be done8 ,gladly would ,i have paid one hundred pounds if thereby the difficulty could have been overcome1 and the children not be exposed to suffer for many days from being in cold rooms4 ,at last ,i determined on falling entirely into the hands of ,god1 who is very merciful and of tender compassion1 and ,i decided on having1 at all events1 the brick-chamber opened1 to see the extent of the damage1 and to see whether the boiler might be repaired1 so as to carry us through the winter4 ,the day was fixed when the workmen were to come1 and all the necessary arrangements were made4 ,the fire1 of course1 had to be let out while the repairs were going on4 ,but now see4 ,after the day was fixed for the repairs1 a bleak north wind set in4 ,it began to blow either on ,thursday or ,friday before the ,wednesday afternoon when the fire was to be let out4 ,now came the first really cold weather which we had in the beginning of last winter1 during the first days of ,december4 ,what was to be done8 ,the repairs could not be put off4 ,i now asked the ,lord for two things1 viz4 that he would be pleased to change the north wind into a south wind1 and that he would give to the workmen a mind to work2 for ,i remembered how much ,nehemiah accomplished in fifty-two days1 whilst building the walls of ,jerusalem1 because the people had a mind to work4 ,well1 the memorable day came4 ,the evening before1 the bleak north wind blew still2 but on the ,wednesday the south wind blew3 exactly as ,i had prayed4 ,the weather was so mild that no fire was needed4 ,the brickwork is removed1 the leak is found out very soon1 the boiler-makers begin to repair in good earnest4 ,about half-past eight in the evening1 when ,i was going to leave the new ,orphan ,house for my home1 ,i was informed at the lodge that the acting principal of the firm whence the boiler-makers came was arrived1 to see how the work was going on1 and whether he could in any way speed the matter4 ,i went immediately into the cellar1 therefore1 to see him with the men1 to seek to expedite the business4 ,in speaking to the principal of this1 he said in their hearing1 the men will work late this evening1 and come very early again to-morrow4 ,we would rather1 sir1 said the leader1 work all night4 ,then remembered ,i the second part of my prayer1 that ,god would give the men a mind to work4 ,thus it was3 by the morning the repair of the boiler was accomplished1 the leak was stopped1 though with great difficulty1 and within about thirty hours the brickwork was up again and the fire in the boiler2 and all the time the south wind blew so mildly that there was not the least need of a fire4 ,here1 then1 is one of our difficulties which was overcome by prayer and faith4 ,for nearly three months all went on well2 but at the end of ,february another leak appeared1 which was worse than the previous one4 ,but over this also we were helped through prayer1 so that without any real inconvenience the repairs were accomplished within about thirty hours4 ,from that time the ,lord has not tried us any further in this way4 ,while ,i am writing this it is fine warm weather1 and ,i have ordered in both houses the fires to be discontinued in the heating apparatuses1 and1 the ,lord willing1 a new boiler will of course be substituted4 ,feb4 #b1 #aheh4 ,from ,newton one pound4 ,to-day ,i took the first active steps towards the building of the third house1 when immediately afterwards ,i was informed by letter that a lady in ,london1 an entire stranger to me1 had ordered her bankers to send me three hundred pounds for the support of the orphans4 ,i was also further informed in the evening that in two weeks eight hundred pounds shall be paid to me for the work of the ,lord4 ,the three hundred pounds was sent the next day1 and the eight hundred pounds a fortnight after4 ,see how1 with enlargement of the work1 the ,lord keeps pace with the expenses1 helping when help is really needed1 often also giving beforehand4 ,during the year #aheg-h1 twenty-four schools were supported or assisted out of the funds of the ,institution1 three thousand nine hundred and sixty-three ,bibles and portions of ,scripture were circulated1 and three thousand five hundred and thirty-one pounds expended for the aid of eighty-two laborers in various parts of the world4 ,from these men ,mr4 ,mueller received letters containing the delightful intelligence that their labor had been blessed of the ,lord4 ,after giving copious extracts from these letters1 ,mr4 ,m4 adds3-- ,such extracts might be greatly multiplied1 and1 as ,i said before1 a large volume might easily be written2 but space forbids me giving any more4 ,i feel it1 however1 due to the ,christian reader to state that there is good reason to believe that many hundreds of souls have been brought to the knowledge of the ,lord through the instrumentality of these brethren within the last year2 and may we not hope that even that which is known is not nearly all that the ,lord has been pleased to accomplish through them8 ,how seasonably1 often1 the help for which ,i had labored in prayer has come to these dear servants of ,christ1 the following extracts from letters may show1 though hundreds of similar letters have been received by me within the last twenty years4 ,may #ai1 #aheh4 ,i gratefully acknowledge the ,lord's goodness in the receipt of your check for ten pounds4 ,being brought low1 my dear wife and myself1 when specially waiting on him last evening1 pleaded with the ,lord that he would graciously send a supply this morning2 and again we have the proof of his love by your letter and its contents4 ,bless the ,lord1 ,o my soul6 ,with many thanks to you1 in which my dear wife unites1 ,i am1 etc4 ,feb4 #bg1 #aheh4 ,o1 how my heart goes out towards you for your affectionate remembrance of us in our low estate6 ,not a shilling had we in the house1 nor any human prospect of any money1 when your remittance of five pounds reached us4 ,a laborer on the ,continent writes on ,dec4 #ag1 #aheg3 ,we received yesterday your kind note inclosing eight pounds4 ,the very day you sent your letter to the post-office1 the #abth instant1 was a day set apart for prayer1 with fasting1 to ask the ,lord for means4 ,there were also circulated during the year #a1ccd1gia tracts and books4 ,letters received from the persons who distributed them show that they were greatly blessed in awakening and converting souls4 ,at the commencement of the last period there were #bii orphans in the new ,orphan ,house on ,ashley ,down1 ,bristol4 ,during the past year there were admitted into it1 and into the new house for #djj1 altogether #bai orphans4 ,the total number of orphans who have been under our care since ,april #aa1 #ahcf1 is #hga4 ,the opening of the new house for #djj orphans1 which is not a wing of the house that has been before in existence1 but an entirely distinct establishment1 and larger than the former1 has made it needful to distinguish between these two houses in this way1 that the house which was opened on ,june #ah1 #ahdi1 is now called the new ,orphan ,house ,no4 #a1 and the one which was opened on ,nov4 #ab1 #aheg1 is called the new ,orphan ,house ,no4 #b4 ,the new ,orphan ,house ,no4 #a is fitted up for the accommodation of #adj orphan girls above seven years of age1 #hj orphan boys above seven years1 and #hj male and female orphans from their earliest days1 till they are about seven or eight years of age4 ,the infants1 after having passed the age of seven or eight years1 are removed into the different departments for older boys and girls4 ,the new ,orphan ,house ,no4 #b is fitted up for #bjj female infant orphans1 and for #bjj elder female orphans4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#ajb1gad1 #is4 #f;d4 has been given to me for the orphans1 as the result of prayer to ,god1 since the commencement of the work1 which sum includes the amount received for the building fund for the houses already built and the one to be built4 ,it may also be interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which has been given for the other objects1 since the commencement of the work1 amounts to ,l#ch1big1 #abs4 #aaa_/b;d42 and that which has come in by the sale of ,bibles since the commencement amounts to ,l#b1bbb1 #ds4 #ca_/b;d42 by sale of tracts1 ,l#b1bid1 #fs4 #aaa_/b;d41 and by the payments of children in the day schools1 from the commencement1 ,l#b1ach1 #aas4 #da_/d;d4 ,during the past twenty-two years the ,spirit of ,god has been again and again working among the orphans who were under our care1 so that very many of them have been brought to the knowledge of the ,lord2 but we never had so great a work1 and at the same time one so satisfactory1 within so short a time1 as during the past year4 ,i will enter somewhat into details for the benefit of the reader4 ,there are one hundred and forty elder girls in the new ,orphan ,house ,no4 #a1 of whom1 at the beginning of the last period1 ten were considered to be believers4 ,on ,may #bf1 #aheg1 the death of an orphan1 ,caroline ,bailey1 took place4 ,the death of this beloved girl1 who had known the ,lord several months before she fell asleep1 seems to have been used by the ,lord as a means of answering in a goodly measure our daily prayers for the conversion of the orphans4 ,it pleased ,god at the beginning of the last period mightily to work among the orphans1 so that all at once1 within a few days1 without any apparent cause1 except it be the peaceful end of the beloved ,caroline ,bailey1 more than fifty of these girls were brought to be under concern about their souls1 and some with deep conviction of sin accompanying it1 so that they were exceedingly distressed4 ,and how is it now8 my readers may ask2 for young persons are often apparently much concerned about the things of ,god1 but these impressions pass away4 ,true1 dear reader1 ,i have seen this myself1 having had to do with many thousands of children and young persons within the last thirty years4 ,had1 therefore1 this work among the orphans begun within the last few days1 or even weeks1 ,i should have passed it over in silence2 but more than a year has now elapsed since it commenced1 and it will1 therefore1 give joy to the godly reader to hear that in addition to those ten who were previously believers1 and of whom one has been sent to service1 there are twenty-three girls respecting whom for several months there has been no doubt as to their being believers2 two died in the faith within the year2 and there are thirty-eight more who are awakened and under concern about their souls1 but respecting whom we cannot speak as yet so decidedly4 ,all this regards only one branch of the ,orphan ,establishment1 the elder girls of the ,house ,no4 #a4 ,in addition to this1 ,i am glad also to be able to state that among the other girls in the ,new ,house ,no4 #b1 and among the boys also1 some are interested about the things of ,god2 yea1 our labors begin already to be blessed to the hearts of some of the new received orphans4 ,continuing the narrative of the progress of the new ,orphan ,houses1 ,mr4 ,m4 writes under date of ,oct4 #bi1 #aheh3-- ,in the last ,report ,i stated that ,i was looking out for land for the third house4 ,regarding this1 ,i waited day by day upon ,god4 ,but for many months it pleased him to exercise my faith and patience4 ,when1 more than once ,i seemed to have obtained my desire1 ,i again appeared further from it than ever4 ,however1 ,i continued to pray and to exercise faith1 being fully assured that the ,lord's time was not yet come1 and that1 when it was1 he would help4 ,and so it proved4 ,at last1 in ,september1 #aheh1 ,i obtained eleven and a half acres of land1 quite close to the new ,orphan ,houses ,no4 #a and ,no4 #b1 and only separated from them by the road4 ,on these eleven and a half acres of land a house is built4 ,the price for house and land was three thousand six hundred and thirty-one pounds fifteen shillings1 being more money than ,i should have seen it right to expend on the site1 had it not been of the utmost importance that the third house should be quite near the other two1 to facilitate the superintendence and direction of the establishment4 ,thus1 at last1 this prayer also was answered1 concerning which ,i had been waiting upon ,god for so many months1 and concerning which the difficulties as to sight and reason seemed so great1 but respecting which my mind was continually at peace2 for ,i was sure that1 as ,i was doing ,god's work1 he would1 in his own time1 help me in this particular also4 ,the longer ,i go on in this service1 the more ,i find that prayer and faith can overcome every difficulty4 ,having now obtained land1 and so much1 my desire was to make the best use of it1 and to build for four hundred orphans1 instead of for three hundred1 as ,i had previously purposed to do4 ,after having had several meetings with the architects1 and finding that it was possible to accommodate1 with comparatively little more expense1 four hundred and fifty orphans1 instead of four hundred1 ,i finally determined on that number1 so as to have eventually one thousand one hundred and fifty orphans under my care1 instead of one thousand1 as for several years previously had been contemplated4 ,the greatness of the number of destitute children bereaved of both parents by death1--together with the greatness of the ,lord's blessing1 which has during all these many years rested upon my service in this way1--and the greatness of the ,lord's help in giving me assistants and helpers in the work as well as means1--and1 above all1 the deep realization that ,i have but one life to spend for ,god on earth1 and that that one life is but a brief life2--these were the reasons which led me to this further enlargement4 ,to this determination of a still further enlargement ,i came solely in dependence upon the living ,god for help1 though the increase of expense for the building fund1 on account of the purchase of the land1 and accommodation to be built for the additional one hundred and fifty orphans more than had been from the beginning contemplated1 would not be less than from six thousand to seven thousand five hundred pounds more than ,i had originally expected the total of the premises1 which were to be erected1 would cost2 and though1 in addition to this1 the yearly additional expenditure for the maintenance of these one hundred and fifty orphans1 beyond the intended number of one thousand1 could not be less than one thousand eight hundred pounds a year4 ,but none of these difficulties discouraged me4 ,nov4 #bg4 ,it is this day a twelvemonth since we began to receive fresh children into the new ,orphan ,house ,no4 #b4 ,since then the mercies of the ,lord have been very many1 and his help has been very great4 ,there have been received from ,nov4 #bg1 #aheg1 to ,nov4 #bg1 #aheh1 altogether three hundred and eight orphans4 ,such a year ,i never spent in this service1--one so full of help and blessing in every way4 ,jan4 #d1 #ahei4 ,received seven thousand pounds1 which was entirely left at my disposal1 as the work of ,god in which ,i am engaged might more especially require it4 ,when ,i decided at the end of ,october1 #aheh1 to build for four hundred and fifty orphans1 instead of three hundred1 ,i needed several thousand pounds more1 and was fully assured that ,god would give me the required means1 because in reliance upon him1 and for the honor of his name1 ,i had determined on this enlargement2 and now see1 esteemed reader1 how the ,lord honored this my faith in him6 ,jan4 #ab4 ,from ,westerham1 in eighty-eight small donations1 ,l#d1 #hs4 #f;d4 ,without my knowledge these eighty-eight small donations had been contributed1 and were sent to me4 ,may #bf4 ,during the year now closing1 four thousand one hundred and forty-nine-pounds seventeen shillings fivepence was expended in aid of ninety-one brethren laboring in ,england1 ,scotland1 ,ireland1 ,belgium1 ,france1 ,switzerland1 ,sardinia1 ,canada1 ,nova ,scotia1 ,east ,indies1 ,china1 and ,british ,guiana4 ,also1 during the past year #a1hhe1dja tracts and books have been circulated4 ,at the commencement of the last period there were four hundred and ninety-nine orphans in the new ,orphan ,houses ,no4 #a and ,no4 #b4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahei1 there were six hundred and seventy-two orphans in the two houses1 i4 e4 in ,no4 #a1 #bii1 and in ,no4 #b1 #cgc4 ,the total number of orphans who have been under our care since ,april #aa1 #ahcf1 is #a1jhc4 ,though during the past year we have not had so great and so sudden a work of the ,spirit of ,god going on among the orphans as during the previous year1 when1 within a few days1 above fifty out of one department of one hundred and forty girls were suddenly brought under deep concern about their souls2 yet1 the blessing of the ,lord has not been withheld even spiritually4 ,there are already many caring about the things of ,god among the four hundred and twenty-four orphans who were received within the last eighteen months1 and who ask it1 as a privilege1 to be allowed1 in the summer1 to take their ,bibles with them to bed1 so that1 should they awake in the morning before the bell is rung1 they may be able to read it4 ,out of the thirteen girls who were sent to service1 nine had been believers for some time before they left the establishment4 ,when ,i began the orphan work1 one of the especial objects which ,i had in view was to benefit the church of ,christ at large1 by the accounts which ,i might be enabled to write in connection with this service2 for ,i expected1 from the beginning1 to have many answers to prayer granted to me1 and ,i confidently anticipated that the recording of them would be beneficial to believers1 in leading them to look for answers to their own prayers1 and in encouraging them to bring all their own necessities before ,god in prayer4 ,i likewise firmly believed that many unconverted persons would1 by means of such writings1 be led to see the reality of the things of ,god4 ,as ,i expected1 so it has been4 ,in very many instances the reading of the ,reports of this ,institution1 or the ,narrative of the ,lord's ,dealings with me1 has been blessed by ,god to the conversion of those who knew not our ,lord ,jesus4 ,in thousands of instances1 likewise1 believers have been benefited through them1 being thereby comforted1 encouraged1 led more simply to the ,holy ,scriptures1 led more fully to trust in ,god for everything2 in a word1 led1 in a greater or less degree1 to walk in the same path of faith in which the writer1 by the help of ,god1 is walking4 ,the thousands of instances of blessing which have been brought before me during the past twenty-four years 7for almost daily ,i have heard of fresh cases1 and often of several on the same day71 have only still further led me to earnestness in prayer1 that the ,lord would condescend to use these publications still more1 and make them a blessing to many tens of thousands of his children1 and to many tens of thousands of the unconverted4 ,and now the reader will rejoice with me1 when he reads what follows4 ,i am the more led to relate the following1 that the godly reader more than ever may be encouraged to prayer1 and1 also1 that an accurate statement may be given of this fact1 which has been already referred to in many public places in connection with revival-meetings1 and which likewise has been several times stated in print4 ,in ,november1 #ahef1 a young ,irishman1 ,mr4 ,james ,mc,quilkin1 was brought to the knowledge of the ,lord4 ,soon after his conversion he saw my ,narrative advertised4 ,he had a great desire to read it1 and procured it accordingly1 about ,january1 #aheg4 ,god blessed it greatly to his soul1 especially in showing to him what could be obtained by prayer4 ,he said to himself something like this3 ,see what ,mr4 ,mueller obtains simply by prayer4 ,thus ,i may obtain blessing by prayer4 ,he now set himself to pray that the ,lord would give him a spiritual companion1 one who knew the ,lord4 ,soon after1 he became acquainted with a young man who knew the ,lord4 ,these two began a prayer meeting in one of the ,sunday schools in the parish of ,connor4 ,having his prayer answered in obtaining a spiritual companion1 ,mr4 ,james ,mc,quilkin asked the ,lord to lead him to become acquainted with some more of his hidden ones4 ,soon after1 the ,lord gave him two more young men1 who knew the ,lord previously1 as far as he could judge4 ,in autumn1 #aheg1 ,mr4 ,james ,mc,quilkin stated to these three young men1 given him in answer to believing prayer1 what blessing he had derived from my ,narrative1--how it had led him to see the power of believing prayer2 and he proposed that they should meet for prayer1 to seek the ,lord's blessing upon their various labors in the ,sunday schools1 prayer meetings1 and preachings of the gospel4 ,accordingly1 in autumn1 #aheg1 these four young men met together for prayer in a small schoolhouse near the village of ,kells1 in the parish of ,connor1 every ,friday evening4 ,on ,january #a1 #aheh1 the ,lord gave them the first remarkable answer to prayer in the conversion of a farm servant4 ,he was taken into the number1 and thus there were five who gave themselves to prayer4 ,shortly after1 another young man1 about twenty years old1 was converted2 there were now six4 ,this greatly encouraged the other three who first had met with ,mr4 ,james ,mc,quilkin4 ,others now were converted1 who were also taken into the number2 but only believers were admitted to these fellowship meetings1 in which they read1 prayed1 and offered to each other a few thoughts from the ,scriptures4 ,these meetings1 and others for the preaching of the gospel1 were held in the parish of ,connor1 ,antrim1 ,ireland4 ,up to this time all was going on most quietly1 though many souls were converted4 ,there were no physical prostrations1 as afterwards4 ,about ,christmas1 #aheh1 a young man from ,ahoghill1 who had come to live at ,connor1 and who had been converted through this little company of believers1 went to see his friends at ,ahoghill1 and spoke to them about their own souls and the work of ,god at ,connor4 ,his friends desired to see some of these converts4 ,accordingly1 ,mr4 ,james ,mc,quilkin1 with two of the first who met for prayer1 went1 on ,february #b1 #ahei1 and held a meeting at ,ahoghill in one of the ,presbyterian churches4 ,some believed1 some mocked1 and others thought there was a great deal of presumption in these young converts2 yet many wished to have another meeting4 ,this was held by the same three young men1 on ,february #af1 #ahei2 and now the ,spirit of ,god began to work1 and to work mightily4 ,souls were converted1 and from that time conversions multiplied rapidly4 ,some of these converts went to other places1 and carried the spiritual fire1 so to speak1 with them4 ,the blessed work of the ,spirit of ,god spread in many places4 ,on ,april #e1 #ahei1 ,mr4 ,james ,mc,quilkin went to ,ballymena1 held a meeting there in one of the ,presbyterian churches1 and on ,april #aa held another meeting in another of the ,presbyterian churches4 ,several were convinced of sin1 and the work of the ,spirit of ,god went forward in ,ballymena4 ,on ,may #bh1 #ahei1 he went to ,belfast4 ,during the first week1 there were meetings held in five different ,presbyterian churches1 and from that time the blessed work commenced at ,belfast4 ,in all these visits he was accompanied and helped by ,mr4 ,jeremiah ,meneely1 one of the three young men who first met with him after the reading of my ,narrative4 ,from this time the work of the ,holy ,ghost spread further and further2 for the young converts were used by the ,lord to carry the truth from one place to another4 ,such was the beginning of that mighty work of the ,holy ,spirit1 which has led to the conversion of many tens of thousands1 and which is still going on even in ,ireland1 and the blessed results of which are still felt in ,scotland1 ,england1 and other countries4 ,it is almost needless to add1 that in no degree the honor is due to the instruments1 but to the ,holy ,spirit alone2 yet these facts are stated in order that it may be seen what delight ,god has in answering abundantly the believing prayers of his children4 ,seeing1 then1 how greatly he has condescended to own these records regarding his willingness to listen to prayer1 made to him in the name of the ,lord ,jesus1 ,i am delighted1 at the close of another year1 in connection with this ,institution1 to recount a few of the very many instances in which ,god has been pleased to answer our prayers1 and to grant blessing to rest upon the various objects of this ,institution2 yea1 blessing greater far than during any part of the past twenty-six years1 while it has been in operation4 ,up to ,may #bf1 #ahfj1 ,mr4 ,m4 received for the building fund the sum of ,l#de1aac1 #ads4 #da_/b;d4 ,in ,may1 #ahei1 ,i had in hand for the ,bible1 school1 tract1 and missionary funds1 ,l#b1jji1 #aas4 #ba_/b;d41 a balance far greater than ,i ever had had before4 ,this arose not from the fact of unwillingness to spend the means which the ,lord had been pleased to intrust me with1 but chiefly from the fact that some large donations had come in during the last part of the previous year2 and ,i had not1 as a steward who desires to act in the fear of ,god1 had opportunities brought before me to spend all4 ,but much as the balance was1 all the various schools1 directly or indirectly connected with the ,institution1 required means2 the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures and tracts1 which objects increase more and more1 needed much1 in order to enter every suitable open door2 and lastly1 and especially1 the ninety-one preachers of the gospel in various parts of the world1 on my list on ,may #bf1 #ahei1 required a large sum to aid them4 ,all these various objects1 therefore1 needed so much1 that the balance1 large as it was1 would have lasted but a short time1 had not the living ,god1 who has been my helper from the beginning1 and to whom ,i have looked1 and looked alone1 opened1 in answer to our prayers1 his bountiful hands1 and sent in more before the balance was expended2 so that1 though without any human probability of meeting even one half of the probable expenses in connection with these objects1 not only have ,i been able to meet the whole1 but also1 so bountifully has ,god helped1 that though the expenses were ,l#a1ehd1 #gs4 #cc_/d;d4 more than during the preceding year1 ,i had not only enough1 but even a larger balance was left than at the end of the previous year4 ,jan4 #ca1 #ahfj4 ,on this day ,i received a donation of three thousand pounds1 of which ,i took for these objects two thousand pounds4 ,day by day1 during this period also1 ,i had been asking the ,lord for means for these objects2 and day by day ,i had been entreating him that he would be pleased to enable me to accomplish during this period as much as during the former one in the way of circulating the ,holy ,scriptures and tracts1 and in aiding missionary operations1 though ,i had no natural prospect whatever of being able to do so4 ,my eyes were alone directed to the living ,god1 who year after year for many years past had allowed me to increase the operations of these three objects1 notwithstanding the continual increase of expense in connection with the orphan work2 and thus ,i expected1 fully expected1 though all appearance was against it1 that during this period also ,i should be again helped by ,god1 the living ,god4 ,think1 then1 ,christian reader1 how great my spiritual refreshment1 when1 by this one donation in a great measure1 ,i saw these my daily prayers being again answered4 ,in like manner may you1 in your sphere of service1 in your family affairs1 in your business1 in your profession1 in your various temporal or spiritual necessities1 have your prayers answered4 ,dec4 #i1 #ahei4 ,to-day it is twenty-four years since the orphan work commenced4 ,what has ,god wrought6 ,there have been received since then altogether #a1abi orphans1 and during the last two years and two months alone #dfi1 so greatly has the work increased of late4 ,we have now #gjj orphans under our care4 ,dec4 #aj4 ,the following letter was received to-day from an apprentice3-- ,,most ,,beloved ,,sir3 ,with feelings of gratitude and great thankfulness to you for all the kindness ,i experienced whilst under your care1 and for now apprenticing me to a suitable trade whereby ,i can earn my own living1 ,i write you these few lines4 ,i arrived at my destined abode in safety1 and was kindly received by my master and mistress4 ,dear sir1 ,i thank you for the education1 food1 clothing1 and for every comfort2 but1 above all1 for the instruction from ,god's word which ,i received when in that happy ,orphan ,house2 for it was there ,i was brought to know ,jesus as my ,saviour2 and ,i hope to have him as my guide through all my difficulties1 temptations1 and trials in this world2 and1 having him for my guide1 ,i hope to prosper in my trade1 and thereby show my gratitude to you for all the kindness ,i have received4 ,please to accept my gratitude and thanks2 and ,i hope you will be spared many1 many more years1 to care for poor destitute children like me4 ,i am sure ,i shall often look back with pleasure and regret to the time ,i was in that happy home2--with pleasure that ,i lived there1 and regret that ,i left it4 ,begging you to accept my grateful thanks1 and with my kind love to ,mr4 ,l----1 ,mr4 ,b----1 ,mr4 ,w----1 and ,mr4 ,s----1 ,i am1 dear sir1 ,yours gratefully1 99 99 99 99 ,the ,christian reader1 ,i doubt not1 in perusing such letters1 will with us thank ,god for condescending to give such blessing1 such abundant blessing1 to our labors4 ,feb4 #ad1 #ahfj4 ,two pounds ten shillings sixpence1 with the following letter3-- ,,my ,,dear ,,brother ,,in ,,the ,,lord ,,jesus ,,christ3 ,will you please to accept an order for two pounds ten shillings sixpence by the same post1 for the dear orphans under your care8 ,the history of this small sum is as follows4 ,about seven and a half years ago your ,narrative was put into my hands1 which the ,lord very greatly blessed to my soul4 ,six years and eleven months ago ,i was enabled to cast myself1 my wife and family1 upon the ,lord1 and look to ,him alone for the supply of our temporal necessities while laboring in his glorious cause4 ,from that time to the present we have had no claims upon any person for a single penny2 nor have we made known our wants to any1 or applied to any person for help1 but to our heavenly ,father alone2 and he has supplied our need and not suffered us to be confounded1 blessed be his name6 ,my dear wife1 as well as myself1 from the very first had a strong desire to help you a little in your blessed work of love and labor of faith2 but1 for a long time1 owing to the continued ill-health of my wife1 and the growing expenses of our family1 we never seemed to have any money to spare2 so all we did was to wish1 desire1 and talk about it1 and say how happy we should be if the ,lord would enable us to do so4 ,at length1 we both felt we were acting wrong1 and on the eighth of ,august last we solemnly decided we would give the ,lord back a tenth of the money he was pleased to send us1 though at that time we were very poor1 ,i may add in deeper poverty than we had ever been before2 yet1 under those circumstances1 we were enabled in the strength of the ,lord to come to the above decision and act up to it that very morning2 and the peace and joy we both felt it is in vain for me to attempt to describe4 ,the ,lord has kept us firm ever since1 and instead of having less for our own use1 we have had even more2 so1 dear sir1 this sum is the fruit of six months' prayers4 ,pardon me for troubling you with so long an account of so trifling a sum2 but ,i want you to bless our heavenly ,father for his goodness to us his unworthy servants1 and to remember us in your petitions at a throne of grace4 ,i am1 my dear brother1 ,yours very affectionately and respectfully1 99 99 99 99 ,during the year #ahei-fj there have been received for the orphans #c1edb separate sums4 ,of these there were #a1did under #es41 #efj above #es4 and not exceeding #ajs41 #fad above #ajs4 and not exceeding ,l#a1 #bhh above ,l#a and not exceeding ,l#b1 #daa above ,l#b and not exceeding ,l#e1 #ic above ,l#e and not exceeding ,l#aj1 #di above ,l#aj and not exceeding ,l#bj1 #aj above ,l#bj and under ,l#ej1 #aa of ,l#ej1 #a of ,l#ei1 #ais4 #i;d41 #a of ,l#fb1 #ags41 #a of ,l#hi1 #ds41 #a of ,l#if1 #abs4 #c;d41 #e of ,l#ajj1 #b of ,l#ejj1 and #a of ,l#a1ejj4 ,among these donations were some from ,east ,india1 ,australia1 ,cape of ,good ,hope1 ,saxony1 ,holland1 ,south ,america1 ,united ,states1 from vessels on the ocean1 and from missionaries among the heathen4 ,during the year under consideration twenty-three schools in ,england were supported or aided by the funds of the ,institution4 ,in all of these the teachers are persons of piety1 and instruction is given not only in secular knowledge1 but in the way of salvation4 ,without reckoning the orphans1 #ac1abd souls have been brought under habitual instruction in the things of ,god in these various schools2 besides the many thousands in the schools in the various parts of ,england1 ,ireland1 ,scotland1 ,british ,guiana1 the ,west ,indies1 the ,east ,indies1 etc41 which have been to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,the total amount of means which has been expended during the last twenty-six years in connection with the schools1 which have been either entirely or in part supported by the funds of this ,institution1 amounts to ,l#i1bge1 #js4 #ha_/b;d4 ,the number of ,bibles1 ,testaments1 and portions of the ,holy ,scriptures1 which have been circulated since ,may #bf1 #ahei1 is as follows3 ,bibles sold1 #egi4 ,bibles given away1 #a1abj4 ,testaments sold1 #dji4 ,testaments given away1 #gbe4 ,copies of the ,psalms sold1 #fc4 ,other small portions of the ,holy ,scriptures sold1 #bdh4 ,there have been circulated since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 through the medium of this ,institution1 #bd1gfh ,bibles1 #ae1ajj ,testaments1 #gai copies of the ,psalms1 and #a1hgf other small portions of the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,the amount of the funds of the ,institution spent during the past year on the circulation of the ,holy ,scriptures is ,l#cih1 #cs4 #g;d4 ,the total amount spent since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 is ,l#e1fha1 #acs4 #ca_/b;d4 ,during the past year has been spent of the funds of the ,institution1 in aid of missionary efforts at home and abroad1 the sum of ,l#e1jai1 #fs4 #a;d4 ,by this sum one hundred and one laborers in the word and doctrine1 in various parts of the world1 have been to a greater or less degree assisted4 ,it is an interesting fact that these laborers are located in ,england1 ,scotland1 ,ireland1 ,belgium1 ,france1 ,switzerland1 ,sardinia1 ,canada1 ,nova ,scotia1 ,east ,india1 ,china1 and ,british ,guiana4 ,the laborers aided by the ,institution were peculiarly blessed during the year #ahei-fj4 ,while the preaching of those laboring in foreign lands was very useful1 the brethren preaching in ,ireland and ,scotland were signally favored with success1 and were permitted to see in a wonderful measure the fruit of their prayers and toils4 ,a single extract only can be given from the letter of a laborer in ,scotland4 ,a devoted servant of ,christ has been laboring in a manufacturing town in ,scotland1 where1 by means of schools1 ,bible classes1 visiting from house to house1 and preaching the gospel among thousands of the most wretched1 most debased1 and most ignorant1 he seeks to win souls for the ,lord4 ,in this service he has been going on year after year4 ,in a measure his labors had been blessed up to the period of the last ,report1 but far more abundantly since1 as the following account1 given by himself to me in a letter dated ,oct4 #bh1 #ahei1 will show3-- ,this month1 through which we have passed1 has brought me to a point in my history which for years ,i have contemplated and looked forward to with deeper and more intense desire than to any anticipated event in my whole life4 ,more than thirty years ago there sprang up in my soul a longing and craving for the effusion of the ,holy ,ghost on the church and on the world1 such as would extend throughout the whole of ,scotland4 ,for this ,i have labored1 and spoken1 and prayed increasingly4 ,as ,i grew older1 the craving for this blessing grew stronger4 ,to see it became the ruling passion of my soul1 and1 as years rolled away1 my hope of seeing it realized strengthened apace4 ,on this season of expected blessing we seem at length to have entered4 ,the religious movement is creeping steadily along the whole of the west of ,scotland4 ,it has not acquired a sudden or very powerful momentum4 ,we are1 so far as ,i can judge1 in the initiatory stage in all the points where the work has found a settlement4 ,a sound has gone out as from the ,lord2 the rumor travels on1 and in its course awakens the careless1 opens the ear1 quickens the attention1 and everywhere is making preparation for something coming4 ,this note of preparation is calling the people together4 ,their ear is open to listen4 ,in every place this hearing is bringing faith in its train2 men are turning to ,god2 intensity is given to those silent cases of conviction where for months or years there has been concern ebbing and flowing with circumstances4 ,not a few of these have come to light through their concern all at once ripening into deep distress4 ,forced out of the old ruts in which they have moved1 they are forced to venture their all into the hands of ,jesus1 and are set at liberty4 ,such has been the process at work here4 ,i am continually falling in with solitary cases1 and a number of these have found peace4 ,it would take far more time than ,i can spare to record their history1 and how they obtained deliverance4 ,the total amount of the funds of the ,institution which has been spent on missionary operations since ,march #e1 #ahcd1 is ,l#cd1die1 #cs4 #d;d4 ,there has been laid out for tracts and books1 from ,may #bf1 #ahei1 to ,may #bf1 #ahfj1 the sum of ,l#a1fej1 #aas4 #dc_/d;d42 and there have been circulated within the last year #b1efb1jja tracts and books4 ,the sum total which has been expended on this object1 since ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 amounts to ,l#h1jfd1 #abs4 #fa_/b;d4 ,the total number of all the tracts and books which have been circulated since ,nov4 #ai1 #ahdj1 is #aa1dic1agd4 ,during the past year there were again circulated #fgf1fjj tracts and books more than during the year before4 ,the great number of laborers for ,god who have been raised up for service within the last two years in various parts of the world1 and the mighty working of the ,spirit of ,god1 which has created in multitudes a desire gladly to receive tracts and books1 account for this4 ,nor is there in these two particulars a decrease1 but a continual increase4 ,so great has been the call for tracts that of late we have sent out repeatedly #ajj1jjj in one week1 for gratuitous circulation1 and sometimes even more than this4 ,when the mighty working of the ,spirit of ,god commenced in ,ireland1 ,i sought from the beginning to send very large supplies of tracts to ,belfast and elsewhere1 in order that thus the holy flame might be fanned1 as it were1 and that in the very outset the simplicity of the gospel might be set before the young converts4 ,about two millions of the tracts and books circulated during the past year were given away gratuitously4 ,hundreds of believers have been engaged in spreading them abroad1 not merely in many parts of ,england1 ,scotland1 and ,ireland1 but in various other parts of the world4 ,at the commencement of the last period1 there were #fgb orphans in the new ,orphan ,houses ,no4 #a and ,no4 #b4 ,during the past year were admitted into the two houses #gj orphans4 ,on ,may #bf1 #ahfj1 there were just #gjj orphans under our care1 our full number in the two houses1 i4 e4 in ,no4 #a1 #cjj1 in ,no4 #b1 #djj4 ,the total number of orphans who have been under our care since ,april #aa1 #ahcf1 is #a1aec4 ,without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me1 the sum of ,l#acc1ebh1 #ads4 has been given to me for the orphans1 as the result of prayer to ,god1 since the commencement of the work1 which sum includes the amount received for the building fund for the houses already built and the one to be built4 ,it may also be interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which has been given for the other objects since the commencement of the work amounts to ,l#ea1ggg1 #ads4 #aa;d42 and that which has come in by the sale of ,bibles1 since the commencement1 amounts to ,l#b1ecj1 #ds4 #ea_/b;d42 by sale of tracts1 ,l#c1edf1 #ais4 #aa_/d;d42 and by the payments of the children in the day schools1 from the commencement1 ,l#b1cjd1 #ahs4 #i;d4 ,besides this1 also1 a great variety and number of articles of clothing1 furniture1 provisions1 etc41 have been given for the use of the orphans4 ,day after day1 and year after year1 by the help of ,god1 we labor in prayer for the spiritual benefit of the orphans under our care4 ,these our supplications1 which have been for twenty-four years brought before the ,lord concerning them1 have been abundantly answered in former years in the conversion of hundreds from among them4 ,we have also had repeated seasons in which1 within a short time1 or even all at once1 many of the orphans were converted4 ,such a season we had about three years since1 when within a few days about sixty were brought to believe in the ,lord ,jesus2 and such seasons we have had again twice during the past year4 ,the first was in ,july1 #ahei1 when the ,spirit of ,god wrought so mightily in one school of #abj girls1 as that very many1 yea1 more than one half1 were brought under deep concern about the salvation of their souls4 ,this work1 moreover1 was not a mere momentary excitement2 but1 after more than eleven months have elapsed1 there are #ca concerning whom there is full confidence as to their conversion1 and #cb concerning whom there is likewise a goodly measure of confidence1 though not to the same amount as regarding the #ca4 ,there are therefore #fc out of the #abj orphans in that one school who are considered to have been converted in ,july1 #ahei4 ,this blessed and mighty work of the ,holy ,spirit cannot be traced to any particular cause4 ,it was1 however1 a most precious answer to prayer4 ,as such we look upon it1 and are encouraged by it to further waiting upon ,god4 ,the second season of the mighty working of the ,holy ,spirit among the orphans1 during the past year1 was at the end of ,january and the beginning of ,february1 #ahfj4 ,the particulars of it are of the deepest interest4 ,a very profitable pamphlet might be written on the subject4 ,i have prayed again and again for guidance how to act1 and have at last come to the decision not to relate the details1 lest the dear children1 who would recognize themselves in the description1 should be injured2 for my experience of laboring twenty-six years among children1 and of having had to deal with so many very young believers1 has led me to the full conviction that it is injurious to make them prominent4 ,if ,god makes them prominent by using them as evidently he is using children in these days1 we have only to admire and to praise2 but this is very different from ourselves making them prominent4 ,i must therefore content myself by stating that this great work of the ,spirit of ,god in ,january and ,february1 #ahfj1 began among the younger class of the children under our care1 little girls of about six1 seven1 eight1 and nine years old2 then extended to the older girls1 and then to the boys2 so that within about ten days above #bjj of the orphans were stirred up to be anxious about their souls1 and in many instances found peace immediately1 through faith in our ,lord ,jesus4 ,they at once requested to be allowed to hold prayer meetings among themselves1 and have had these meetings ever since4 ,many of them also manifested a concern about the salvation of their companions and relations1 and spoke or wrote to them about the way to be saved4 ,should the believing reader desire to know how it has been with these children since the end of ,january and the beginning of ,february1 our reply is1 we have1 in most cases1 cause for thankfulness4 ,the present state of the #gjj orphans1 spiritually1 is1 that there are #aah under our care1 regarding whose conversion we have full confidence2 #hi regarding whom we have also confidence1 though not to that full degree as concerning the #aah2 and #ec whom we consider in a hopeful state4 ,to these #bfj are to be added the #ad who were sent out as believers1 and the three who died in the faith during the past year4 ,it is to be remembered that very many of the children in the ,orphan ,houses are quite young1 as we have received them from four months old and upward4 ,during no year have we had greater cause for thanksgiving on account of the spiritual blessing among the children than during the last2 ,,and ,,yet ,,we ,,look ,,for ,,further ,,and ,,greater ,,blessing ,,still4 ,,appendix4 ,mr4 ,mueller is constantly receiving not only contributions in money1 but a great variety of useful articles1 which are regularly sent to a shop provided for their sale4 ,the following list of such articles1 given anonymously during the first six months of the year #ahei-fj1 will not be without interest to the reader1 as showing by what an endless diversity of means resources are furnished for the work in which ,mr4 ,m4 is engaged3-- ,,june4 ,a bead bag1 a bouquet-holder1 #f gilt brooches1 a gilt bracelet1 a waist-buckle1 and an agate heart4--#e pairs of knitted travelling shoes1 a compass and thermometer1 a court-plaster case1 a guinea piece1 #b half franc pieces1 a copper coin1 #d rings1 a brooch1 a gold pencil-case1 a pair of earrings1 top of a seal1 and a gold waist-buckle4--,a silver watch guard2 a small brooch1 a breastpin1 and a ring4--#ab pairs of garters4--,a sofa tidy4--,a small stereoscopic box4 #f frocks1 #f shirts1 #d pocket handkerchiefs1 #b pairs of socks1 #b nightcaps1 #ab kettle-holders1 #b pairs of wristlets1 #d thimbles1 #b brooches1 steel slides1 a bracelet1 and waist-buckle4 ,a bead mat1 #b bags1 a penwiper1 #c book-marks1 and a scent-bag4--,a pencil1 #b pairs of spectacles1 a smelling-bottle1 a pocketbook1 some gloves1 stockings1 combs1 and various articles of clothing1 etc41 together with a half-sovereign4 ,,july4 ,an old silver watch1 an old metal watch1 and an old shilling4--#b coats1 #a jacket1 one waistcoat1 #a pair of trousers1 and #a pair of garters4 #e dresses1 a body1 and #b shillings4--#i penwipers1 #d babies' shirts1 #i mats1 #a pair of baby's boots1 #b nightcaps1 #f pinafores1 #b pairs of watch pockets1 #a ribbon mat1 #a pincushion1 #b needlebooks1 and #c book-markers4--#b dolls1 #b dolls' hats1 a pair of bracelets1 a pincushion1 a needlebook1 a shaving cloth1 a sampler1 #b pairs of cuffs1 a kettle-holder1 a penwiper1 a pair of baby's shoes1 a book-mark1 a bag1 a watch-guard1 a pinafore1 and a pamphlet4--#b buckles1 a smelling-bottle1 some mock pearls1 #c hair bracelets1 a hair ring1 and a wig4 ,,august4 ,some fancy envelopes4--,a ring1 #b shirt studs1 and a watch-hook4--,a pattern for a collar4--,a ring from ,stroud4--#ab new bonnets4--,a brooch1 a bracelet1 a book-marker1 some cuffs1 a pattern for work1 and some trimming4--,a frame for ladies' work4--,from the friend at ,devizes1 #b skirts of dresses1 a jacket1 and a shawl4--,some pencil lead for polishing4--,some knitting and sewing cotton4--#b old wedding rings4--#c balls4--#h book-marks1 #d postage-stamp cases1 and #f pincushions4 ,,september4 ,a parcel containing some worsted1 some brass thimbles1 bodkins1 and needles4--#d black ostrich feathers1 #a white ditto1 #d colored drawings4--#c pairs of socks1 #f pairs of stockings1 and #b waistcoats4--,a pair of patent renovators 7or flesh gloves74--,a small work-bag of silk and straw4--,a guinea piece1 a lace habit shirt1 a pair of lace sleeves1 and a ,french cambric handkerchief4--#c collars1 #a pocket handkerchief1 and #a pair of sleeves4--#b flannel petticoats1 a table cover1 a silver wine-strainer1 a silver marrow spoon1 #a sugar spoon1 a punch ladle1 #f chemises1 and #f pinafores4--,a small hamper of books4--#a alpaca coat1 #a check waistcoat1 #a pair of trousers1 #c pairs of shoes1 #a travelling cap1 #a pair of spectacles in case1 #b pairs of boots1 #b muffetees1 #a pair of gaiters1 #a pair of boots1 #h copper pens1 #a pair of slippers1 #a black leather bag1 #a pair of new boots1 #a coat1 #a waistcoat1 #e pairs of gloves1 #a pair of braces1 a necktie1 a dressing box1 #b brushes1 #c razors1 a stiletto1 a pair of spectacles1 and #b pieces of teeth set in gold4--#ab book covers1 #g small ditto1 #a small box1 #d ditto in one4--,a large box of toys4--,a collar4--,a large tea chest1 containing #afj articles of ladies' dress1 etc4--,a dress1 #c bodies1 #c berthas1 a waistband1 a pair of cuffs1 a feather1 an ornament for the hair1 some artificial flowers1 some whalebone1 and some pieces of ribbon4--,a cloth mantle1 a velvet jacket1 and a muslin ditto4 ,,october4 #c pairs of crotchet ladies' slippers1 and #a pair of child's ditto4--,a pair of gilt bracelets1 a collar1 a pair of cuffs1 and a pair of worked sleeves4--#b paper mats1 a bead ditto1 a plaister case1 #c needlebooks1 #e small cushions1 #d pincushions1 #b penwipers1 a book-mark1 #b little baskets1 a little bag1 a doll1 a pair of candlestick ornaments1 and #f napkin rings4 ,the parcel also contained #es4 from ,hephzibah4--,an urn-stand1 a bag1 and a mat4--,a collar4--#f pence purses4--#c dolls' bonnets4--,a ,canadian lady's purse4--#i pairs of boots1 #c pairs of shoes1 and a single boot1 all new4 ,,november4 ,a box containing #e bonnets1 #b muslin jackets1 #a silk ditto1 #a silk body1 #c muslin dresses1 #a silk ditto1 #a barege skirt1 #ah pairs of fine stockings1 #ag pairs of coarse ditto1 #c pairs of boots1 #c stockings1 #aj chemises1 #c pairs of drawers1 #e nightdresses1 some pieces of ribbon1 and a few artificial flowers4--#f pairs of night socks4--,a riding habit1 a box1 a silk body1 some velvet trimming1 some satin ditto1 #b waistbands1 some fringe1 some satin ribbon1 a feather1 a scarf1 a veil1 and a pair of woollen sleeves4--#c silver coins4--,a silver tablespoon1 some satin trimming1 and a frill4--#d dresses1 a skirt1 a jacket1 #c children's skirts1 and #b frocks4--,a small gold pencil-case1 a gold breastpin1 and a pair of small gold earrings4--,a collar4--#c antimacassars1 and a baby's cap4--#b silver coins1 and a pair of silver shirt studs4--#g boys' shirts4--,a jacket and a feather4--,a jacket1 a pair of drawers1 #b chemises1 #b nightcaps1 #e skirts1 and #a body4--#d pairs of new boots1 and #b pairs of new shoes4--,a crumb scraper4 99 99 99 99 99 ,mr4 ,mueller1 as a faithful steward1 renders an annual account of all the sums intrusted to him4 ,appended 7p4 #dgf7 is the ,auditor's ,report for #ahei-fj1 showing the total amount in hand for the year1 including the building fund1 to have been ,l#gb1ahh1 #afs4 #ec_/d;d4--almost three hundred and fifty thousand dollars4 ,mr4 ,m4 says3-- ,the audited accounts1 together with the books containing the income and expenses1 may be inspected by the donors4 ,i particularly state this1 because ,i do not publish a list of the donors1 nor do ,i mention their names otherwise1 in order that there may not be held out the least temptation of giving for the sake of worldly applause2 but1 at the same time1 as ,i do this work in the light1 it can bear the light1 and therefore any donor can satisfy himself1 if he please1 that his donation is accounted for4 ,to avoid mistakes1 delays1 and other difficulties1 ,i would request that all letters for me should be directed to my house1 ,no4 #ba1 ,paul ,street1 ,kingsdown1 ,bristol4 ,,george ,m,ue,l,l,e,r4 ,,bristol1 ,july #b1 #ahfj4 ,,the ,,income ,,and ,,expenses ,,of ,,the ,,institution ,,for #ahei-fj4 ,the ,income of the first ,the ,expenses of the first four objects from ,may #bf1 #ahei1 four objects from ,may #bf1 #ahei1 to ,may #bf1 #ahfj4 to ,may #bf1 #ahfj4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ,l s4 d4 ,l s4 d4 ,by balance in hand on ,for all the schools #eae #d #d ,may #bf1 #ahei #b1jji #aa #ba_/b ,bibles #cih #c #g ,donations #g1jbi #ad #aj missionary ,sale of articles purposes #e1jai #f #a given for the purpose #ce #ag #g tracts #a1fej #aa #dc_/d ,sale of tracts #fcf #b #ic_/d stationery #b #ad #h ,sale of ,bibles #aeb #h #i postage #cb #ag #e ,payments of the ,balance in hand on children in the day ,may #bf1 #ahfj #b1cib #b #ba_/b schools #ig #d #f ------ -- -- ------ -- -- ,l#aj1jaj #ai #ha_/d ,l#aj1jaj #ai #ha_/d ,the ,income for the orphans1 from ,the ,expenses for the orphans1 from ,may #bf1 #ahei1 to ,may #bf1 #ahfj4 ,may #bf1 #ahei1 to ,may #bf1 #ahfj4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ,l s4 d4 ,l s4 d4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ,by balance in hand ,current expen's in on ,may #bf1 #ahei1 #g1dfa #ai #a connection with the donations in money #h1gad #f #ba_/b ,orphan ,houses4 #g1bee #ag #f sale of articles ,for the ,apprentices #bjj #e #da_/b given for the #ah1jjj copies of the purpose #egj #ac #fa_/b ,twentieth ,report #agi #c #j sale of ,reports #agc #ah #c postage and carriage cash paid on behalf of boxes of orphans1 #acg #e #d and parcels #eg #a #fa_/b stationery #g #f #fa_/b ,balance in hand on ,may #bf1 #ahfj #i1heh #h #ea_/b ------ -- -- ------ -- -- ,l#ag1jeh #b #e ,l#ag1jeh #b #e ,income for the ,building ,fund1 from ,may #bf1 #ahei1 to ,may #bf1 #ahfj4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------- ,l s4 d4 ,by amount received up to ,may #bf1 #ahei #da1iaa #ae #aa ,donations in money #a1ifd #f #ca_/b ,sale of grass and rent of the field1 ,march #be1 #ahei1 to ,march #be1 #ahfa #gb #j #j ,interest #a1abj #ad #e ,drawbacks of property tax #dd #ag #i ------ -- -- ,l#de1aac #ad #da_/b ,expenditure in connection with the ,building ,fund4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------- ,l s4 d4 ,expended up to ,may #bf1 #ahei #ba1djb #ah #aj for additional furniture1 etc41 on the new ,orphan ,house1 ,no4 #b4 #di #j #ia_/b on the building of the new ,orphan ,house1 ,no4 #c #b1cgi #d #i ,balance in hand on ,may #bf1 #ahfj #ba1bhb #aj #j ------ -- -- ,l#de1aac #ad #da_/b ,we have examined these accounts and find them correct4 ,,richard ,,ball4 ,,robert ,h4 ,,richards4 ,,samuel ,,butler4 ,,john ,,meredith4 ,,bristol1 ,,june #bb1 #ahfj4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,valuable ,,works ,,published ,,by ,,gould ,,and ,,lincoln1 #ei ,,washington ,,street1 ,,boston4 ,,the ,,christian ,,life2 ,,social ,,and ,,individual4 ,by ,,peter ,,bayne1 ,m4 ,a4 #abmo1 cloth1 #a4be4 ,there is but one voice respecting this extraordinary book1--men of all denominations1 in all quarters1 agree in pronouncing it one of the most admirable works of the age4 ,,modern ,,atheism2 ,under its forms of ,pantheism1 ,materialism1 ,secularism1 ,development1 and ,natural ,laws4 ,by ,,james ,,buchanan1 ,d4 ,d41 ,l4 ,l4 ,d4 #abmo1 cloth1 #a4be4 ,the work is one of the most readable and solid which we have ever perused4--,hugh ,miller in the ,witness4 ,,new ,,england ,,theocracy4 ,from the ,german of ,uhden's ,history of the ,congregationalists of ,new ,england1 with an ,,introduction ,,by ,,neander4 ,by ,,mrs4 ,h4 ,c4 ,,conant1 author of ,the ,english ,bible1 etc4 #abmo1 cloth1 #a4jj4 ,a work of rare ability and interest1 presenting the early religious and ecclesiastical history of ,new ,england1 from authentic sources1 with singular impartiality4 ,the author evidently aimed throughout to do exact justice to the dominant party1 and all their opponents of every name4 ,the standpoint from which the whole subject is viewed is novel1 and we have in this volume a new and most important contribution to ,puritan ,history4 ,,the ,,mission ,,of ,,the ,,comforter2 with copious ,notes4 ,by ,,julius ,,charles ,,hare4 ,with the ,notes translated for the ,,american ,,edition4 #abmo1 cloth1 #a4be4 ,,the ,,better ,,land2 or1 ,the ,believer's ,journey and ,future ,home4 ,by the ,rev4 ,a4 ,c4 ,,thompson4 #abmo1 cloth1 #he cts4 ,a most charming and instructive book for all now journeying to the ,better ,land4 ,,the ,,evening ,,of ,,life2 or1 ,light and ,comfort amidst the ,shadows of ,declining ,years4 ,by ,,rev4 ,,jeremiah ,,chaplin1 ,d4 ,d4 ,a new ,revised1 and much enlarged edition4 ,with an elegant ,frontispiece on ,steel4 #abmo1 cloth1 #a4jj4 pointing finger graphic ,a most charming and appropriate work for the aged1--large type and open page4 ,an admirable ,gift for the child to present the parent4 ,,the ,,state ,,of ,,the ,,impenitent ,,dead4 ,by ,,alvah ,,hovey1 ,d4 ,d41 ,prof4 of ,christian ,theology in ,newton ,theol4 ,inst4 #afmo1 cloth1 #ej cts4 ,a ,,wreath ,,around ,,the ,,cross2 or1 ,scripture ,truths ,illustrated4 ,by the ,rev4 ,a4 ,,morton ,,brown1 ,d4 ,d4 ,recommendatory ,preface1 by ,,john ,,angell ,,james4 ,with a beautiful ,frontispiece4 #afmo1 cloth1 #fj cts4 ',christ1 and ,him crucified' is presented in a new1 striking1 and matter-of-fact light4 ,the style is simple1 without being puerile1 and the reasoning is of that truthful1 persuasive kind that 'comes from the heart1 and reaches the heart4'--,n4 ,y4 ,observer4 ,,valuable ,,works4 ,,the ,,puritans2 or the ,court1 ,church1 and ,parliament of ,england1 during the reigns of ,edward ,,vi4 and ,elizabeth4 ,by ,,samuel ,,hopkins1 author of ,lessons at the ,cross1 etc4 ,in #c vols4 ,vol4 ,i4 now ready4 ,octavo1 cloth1 per vol41 #b4ej4 ,,vol4 ,,ii4 ,,ready ,,in ,,february1 #b4ej4 ,it will be found the most interesting and reliable ,history of the ,puritans yet published1 narrating in a dramatic style many facts hitherto unknown4 ,,limits ,,of ,,religious ,,thought ,,examined1 in ,eight ,lectures delivered in the ,oxford ,university ,pulpit1 in the year #aheh1 on the ,bampton ,foundation4 ,by ,rev4 ,h4 ,,longueville ,,mansel1 ,b4 ,d41 ,reader in ,moral and ,metaphysical ,philosophy at ,magdalen ,college1 ,oxford1 and ,editor of ,sir ,william ,hamilton's ,lectures4 ,with the ,copious ,,notes ,,translated for the ,american ,ed4 #abmo1 cloth1 #a4jj4 ,this volume is destined to create a profounder sensation in this country than any philosophical or religious work of this century4 ,it is a defence of revealed religion1 equal in ability to the ,analogy of ,bishop ,butler1 and meets the scepticism of our age as effectually as that great work in an earlier day4 ,the ,pantheism and ,parkerism infused into our popular literature will here find an antidote4 ,the ,lectures excited the highest enthusiasm at ,oxford1 and the ,volume has already reached a third edition in ,england4 ,the copious ,notes of the author having been translated for the ,american edition by an accomplished scholar1 adds greatly to its value4 ,,the ,,historical ,,evidences ,,of ,,the ,,truth ,,of ,,the ,,scripture ,,records1 ,,stated ,,anew1 with ,special ,reference to the ,doubts and ,discoveries of ,modern ,times4 ,in ,eight ,lectures1 delivered in the ,oxford ,university pulpit1 at the ,bampton ,lecture for #ahei4 ,by ,,geo4 ,,rawlinson1 ,m4,a41 ,editor of the ,histories of ,herodotus4 ,with the ,copious ,,notes ,,translated for the ,american ,edition by an accomplished scholar4 #abmo1 cloth1 #a4jj4 ,,sir ,,william ,,hamilton',s ,,lectures ,,on ,,logic4 ,with ,notes from ,original ,materials1 and an ,appendix containing the ,latest ,development of his ,new ,logical ,theory4 ,edited by ,prof4 ,h4 ,,longueville ,,mansel1 ,oxford1 and ,,john ,,veitch1 ,m4 ,a41 ,edinburgh4 ,royal octavo1 cloth1 #c4jj4 7,in press47 ,,moral ,,philosophy1 including ,theoretical and ,practical ,ethics4 ,by ,,joseph ,,haven1 ,d4 ,d41 late ,professor of ,moral and ,intellectual ,philosophy in ,amherst ,college2 author of ,mental ,philosophy4 ,royal #abmo1 cloth1 embossed1 #a4be4 ,it is eminently scientific in method1 and thorough in discussion1 and its views on unsettled questions in morals are discriminating and sound4 ,it treats largely of ,political ,ethics--a department of morals of great importance to ,american youth1 but generally overlooked in text-books4 ,in the history of ethical opinions it is unusually rich and elaborate4 ,,popular ,,geology2 ,with ,descriptive ,sketches from a ,geologist's ,portfolio4 ,by ,hugh ,miller4 ,with a ,resume of the ,progress of ,geological ,science during the last two years4 ,by ,,mrs4 ,,miller4 #abmo1 cloth1 #a4be4 ,this work is likely to prove the most popular of ,hugh ,miller's writings1 and to attain the widest circulation4 ,it is written in his best style1 and makes the mysteries of ,geology intelligible to the common mind4 ,as an architect explains the structure of a house from cellar to attic1 so this accomplished geologist takes the globe to pieces1 and explains the manner in which all its strata have been formed1 from the granite foundation to the alluvial surface4 ,it supplies just the information which many readers have been longing for1 but unable to find4 ,also1 ,,hugh ,,miller',s ,,works4 ,seven volumes1 uniform style1 in an elegant box1 embossed cloth1 #h4be2 library sheep1 #aj4jj2 half calf1 #ad4jj2 antique1 #ad4jj4 ,,mansel',s ,,miscellanies2 including ,prolegomina ,logica1 ,metaphysics1 ,limits of ,demonstrative ,evidence1 ,philosophy of ,kant1 etc4 #abmo1 cloth1 7,in press47 ,,works ,,for ,,church ,,members4 ,,the ,,christian',s ,,daily ,,treasury2 a ,religious ,exercise for every ,day in the ,year4 ,by ,rev4 ,e4 ,,temple4 ,a new and improved edition4 #ab mo1 cloth1 #a4jj4 pointing finger graphic ,a work for every ,christian4 ,it is indeed a ,treasury of good things4 ,,the ,,school ,,of ,,christ2 or1 ,christianity ,viewed in its ,leading ,aspects4 ,by the ,rev4 ,a4 ,r4 ,l4 ,,foote1 author of ,incidents in the ,life of our ,saviour1 etc4 #af mo1 cloth1 #ej cts4 ,,the ,,christian ,,pastor2 ,his ,work and the ,needful ,preparation4 ,by ,,alvan ,,hovey1 ,d4 ,d41 ,prof4 of ,theology in the ,newton ,theol4 ,inst4 #af mo1 pp4 #fj2 flexible cloth1 #be cents2 paper covers1 #ab cents4 ,,apollos2 or1 ,directions to ,persons just commencing a ,religious ,life4 #cb mo1 paper covers1 cheap1 for distribution1 per hundred1 #f4jj4 ,,the ,,harvest ,,and ,,the ,,reapers4 ,home ,work for ,all1 and how to do it4 ,by ,rev4 ,,harvey ,,newcomb4 #af mo1 cloth1 #fc cts4 ,this work is dedicated to the converts of #aheh4 ,it shows what may be done1 by showing what has been done4 ,it shows how much there is now to be done at home4 ,it shows how to do it4 ,every man interested in the work of saving men1 every professing ,christian1 will find this work to be for him4 ,,the ,,church-,,member',s ,,manual of ,ecclesiastical ,principles1 ,doctrines1 and ,discipline4 ,by ,rev4 ,,william ,,crowell1 ,d4 ,d4 ,introduction by ,h4 ,j4 ,,ripley1 ,d4 ,d4 ,second edition1 revised and improved4 #ab mo1 cloth1 #ge cts4 ,,the ,,church-,,member',s ,,hand-,,book2 a ,plain ,guide to the ,doctrines and ,practice of ,baptist ,churches4 ,by the ,rev4 ,,william ,,crowell1 ,d4 ,d4 #ah mo1 cloth1 #ch cts4 ,,the ,,church-,,member',s ,,guide4 ,by the ,rev4 ,,john ,a4 ,,james4 ,edited by ,j4 ,o4 ,,choules1 ,d4 ,d4 ,new edition4 ,with ,introductory ,essay1 by ,rev4 ,,hubbard ,,winslow4 ,cloth1 #cc cts4 ,the spontaneous effusion of our heart1 on laying the book down1 was3 ',may every church1 member in our land possess this book1 and be blessed with all the happiness which conformity to its evangelical sentiments and directions is calculated to confer4'--,christian ,secretary4 ,,the ,,church ,,in ,,earnest4 ,by ,rev4 ,,john ,a4 ,,james4 #ah mo1 cloth1 #dj cts4 ,its arguments and appeals are well adapted to prompt to action1 and the times demand such a book4 ,we trust it will be universally read4--,n4 ,y4 ,observer4 ,those who have the means should purchase a number of copies of this work1 and lend them to church-members1 and keep them in circulation till they are worn out6--,mothers' ,assistant4 ,,christian ,,progress4 ,a ,sequel to the ,anxious ,inquirer4 ,by ,,john ,,angell ,,james4 #ah mo1 cloth1 #ca cts4 pointing finger graphic ,one of the best and most useful works of this popular author4 ,it ought to be sold by hundreds of thousands1 until every church-member in the land has bought1 read1 marked1 learned1 and inwardly digested a copy4--,congregationalist4 ,so eminently is it adapted to do good1 that we feel no surprise that it should make one of the publishers' excellent publications4 ,it exhibits the whole subject of growth in grace with great simplicity and clearness4--,puritan ,recorder4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,gould ,,and ,,lincoln #ei ,,washington ,,street1 ,,boston1 ,would call particular attention to the following valuable works described in their ,catalogue of ,publications1 viz43 ,hugh ,miller's ,works4 ,bayne's ,works4 ,walker's ,works4 ,miall's ,works4 ,bungener's ,work4 ,annual of ,scientific ,discovery4 ,knight's ,knowledge is ,power4 ,krummacher's ,suffering ,saviour4 ,banvard's ,american ,histories4 ,the ,aimwell ,stories4 ,newcomb's ,works4 ,tweedie's ,works4 ,chambers's ,works4 ,harris' ,works4 ,kitto's ,cyclopaedia of ,biblical ,literature4 ,mrs4 ,knight's ,life of ,montgomery4 ,kitto's ,history of ,palestine4 ,whewell's ,work4 ,wayland's ,works4 ,agassiz's ,works4 ,williams' ,works4 ,guyot's ,works4 ,thompson's ,better ,land4 ,kimball's ,heaven4 ,valuable ,works on ,missions4 ,haven's ,mental ,philosophy4 ,buchanan's ,modern ,atheism4 ,cruden's ,condensed ,concordance4 ,eadie's ,analytical ,concordance4 ,the ,psalmist3 a ,collection of ,hymns4 ,valuable ,school ,books4 ,works for ,sabbath ,schools4 ,memoir of ,amos ,lawrence4 ,poetical ,works of ,milton1 ,cowper1 ,scott4 ,elegant ,miniature ,volumes4 ,arvine's ,cyclopaedia of ,anecdotes4 ,ripley's ,notes on ,gospels1 ,acts1 and ,romans4 ,sprague's ,european ,celebrities4 ,marsh's ,camel and the ,hallig4 ,roget's ,thesaurus of ,english ,words4 ,hackett's ,notes on ,acts4 ,m',whorter's ,yahveh ,christ4 ,siebold and ,stannius's ,comparative ,anatomy4 ,maroon's ,geological ,map1 ,u4,s4 ,religious and ,miscellaneous ,works4 ,works in the various ,departments of ,literature1 ,science and ,art4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,transcriber',s ,,note3 ,every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible1 including obsolete and variant spellings4 ,obvious typographical errors in punctuation 7misplaced quotes and the like7 have been fixed4 ,corrections in brackets in the text are noted below3 throughout3 ,it is possible that the same name is spelled variously3 ,franke2 ,francke2 ,franke4 ,the names have been left as in the original4 page #bjc3 typo corrected the ,lord ,jesus4 ,even about the commencmentcommencement of this century1 when there was almost universal darkness or even page #cjb3 typo corrected with a sufficiently large piece of ground in the neghborhoodneighborhood of ,bristol1 for building the premises page #cdb3 possible typo corrected from among the sunday,sunday-school children were1 during these two years1 received into church fellowship4 ,the page #cii3 possible typo corrected added to the present building fund1 so that on the evening of ,may #bf1 #aheb1 ,i had altogether ,l#c1ecj1 #is4 #j-a_/d;d4 page #djh3 possible typo corrected and unbelief prevails4 ,how different1 if one is enabled to wait'swait ,god's own time1 and to look alone to him for help