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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Answers to Prayer , by George Müller, Edited
+by A. E. C. Brooks
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Answers to Prayer 
+       From George Müller's Narratives
+
+
+Author: George Müller
+
+Editor: A. E. C. Brooks
+
+Release Date: June 24, 2008  [eBook #25891]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANSWERS TO PRAYER ***
+
+
+E-text prepared by A. Folland, the Bookworm <bookworm.librivox AT
+gmail.com>, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+(http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+ANSWERS TO PRAYER
+
+From George Mueller's Narratives
+
+Compiled by A. E. C. Brooks.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The Moody Press
+153 Institute Place
+Chicago
+
+
+
+
+"I never remember, in all my Christian course, a period now (in March,
+1895) of sixty-nine years and four months, that I ever SINCERELY and
+PATIENTLY sought to know the will of God by _the teaching of the Holy
+Ghost_, through the instrumentality of the _Word of God_, but I have
+been ALWAYS directed rightly. But if _honesty of heart_ and _uprightness
+before God_ were lacking, or if I did not _patiently_ wait upon God for
+instruction, or if I preferred _the counsel of my fellow men_ to the
+declarations of _the Word of the living God_, I made great mistakes."
+
+GEORGE MUELLER.
+
+
+
+
+Printed in United States of America
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Fac simile of Mr. Mueller's permission for the compilation
+of this book.]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Mr. Brooks, in this compilation, has endeavored to select those incidents
+and practical remarks from Mr. Mueller's Narratives, that show in an
+unmistakeable way, both to believers and unbelievers, the secret of
+believing prayer, the manifest hand of a living God, and His unfailing
+response, in His own time and way, to every petition which is according
+to His will.
+
+The careful perusal of these extracts will thus further the great object
+which Mr. Mueller had in view, without the necessity of reading through
+the various details of his "Narratives," details which Mr. Mueller felt
+bound to give when writing periodically the account of God's dealings
+with him.
+
+For those who have the opportunity, an examination of the "Autobiography
+of George Mueller, or, a Million and a Half in Answer to Prayer" will
+richly repay the time spent upon it.
+
+Mr. Mueller's permission for the compilation of this volume is shown in
+the accompanying facsimile, (see p. 2), in the following words:
+
+"If the extracts are given exactly as printed, and the punctuation
+exactly as in the book and in the connection in which the facts stand, I
+have no objection."
+
+
+
+
+HOW TO ASCERTAIN THE WILL OF GOD
+
+
+I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no
+will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble
+with people generally is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are
+overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it
+may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way
+to the knowledge of what His will is.
+
+2.--Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple
+impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.
+
+3.--I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with,
+the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to
+the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions
+also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the
+Scriptures and never contrary to them.
+
+4.--Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often
+plainly indicate God's Will in connection with His Word and Spirit.
+
+5.--I ask God in prayer to reveal His Will to me aright.
+
+6.--Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection,
+I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and
+knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two
+or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. In trivial matters, and
+in transactions involving most important issues, I have found this
+method always effective.
+
+GEORGE MUELLER.
+
+
+
+
+
+ANSWERS TO PRAYER
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+BEGINNING AND EARLY DAYS OF THE ORPHAN WORK.
+
+     "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of
+     gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be
+     found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of
+     Jesus Christ."--1 Peter, i. 7.
+
+
+Mr. George Mueller, the founder of the New Orphan-Houses, Ashley Down,
+Bristol (institutions that have been for many years the greatest
+monuments of modern times to a prayer-answering God), gives in that most
+valuable and instructive book, "A Narrative of Some of the Lord's
+Dealings with George Mueller," Vol. I., among other reasons for
+establishing an Orphan-House, the following:--
+
+"Sometimes I found children of God tried in mind by the prospect of old
+age, when they might be unable to work any longer, and therefore were
+harassed by the fear of having to go into the poorhouse. If in such a
+case I pointed out to them, how their Heavenly Father has always helped
+those who put their trust in Him, they might not, perhaps, always say,
+that times have changed; but yet it was evident enough, that God was not
+looked upon by them as the LIVING God. My spirit was ofttimes bowed down
+by this, and I longed to set something before the children of God,
+whereby they might see, that He does not forsake, even in our day, those
+who rely upon Him.
+
+"Another class of persons were brethren in business, who suffered in
+their souls, and brought guilt on their consciences, by carrying on
+their business, almost in the same way as unconverted persons do. The
+competition in trade, the bad times, the over-peopled country, were
+given as reasons why, if the business were carried on simply according
+to the word of God, it could not be expected to do well. Such a brother,
+perhaps, would express the wish, that he might be differently situated;
+but very rarely did I see _that there was a stand made for God, that
+there was the holy determination to trust in the living God, and to
+depend on Him, in order that a good conscience might be maintained_. To
+this class likewise I desired to show, by a visible proof, that God is
+unchangeably the same.
+
+"Then there was another class of persons, individuals who were in
+professions in which they could not continue with a good conscience, or
+persons who were in an unscriptural position with reference to spiritual
+things; but both classes feared, on account of the consequences, to give
+up the profession in which they could not abide with God, or to leave
+their position, lest they should be thrown out of employment. My spirit
+longed to be instrumental in strengthening their faith, by giving them
+not only instances from the word of God, of His willingness and ability
+to help all those who rely upon Him, but _to show them by proofs_, that
+He is the same in our day. I well knew _that the Word of God ought to be
+enough_, and it was, by grace, enough, to me; but still, I considered
+that I ought to lend a helping hand to my brethren, if by any means, by
+this visible proof to the unchangeable faithfulness of the Lord, I might
+strengthen their hands in God; for I remembered what a great blessing my
+own soul had received through the Lord's dealings with His servant A. H.
+Franke, who in dependence upon the living God alone, established an
+immense Orphan-House, which I had seen many times with my own eyes. I,
+therefore, judged myself bound to be the servant of the Church of God,
+in the particular point on which I had obtained mercy: namely, _in being
+able to take God by His word and to rely upon it_. All these exercises
+of my soul, which resulted from the fact that so many believers, with
+whom I became acquainted, were harassed and distressed in mind, or brought
+guilt on their consciences, on account of not trusting in the Lord; were
+used by God to awaken in my heart the desire of setting before the
+church at large, and before the world, a proof that He has not in the
+least changed; and this seemed to me best done, by the establishing of
+an Orphan-House. It needed to be something which could be seen, even by
+the natural eye. Now, if I, a poor man, simply by prayer and faith,
+obtained _without asking any individual_, the means for establishing and
+carrying on an Orphan-House, there would be something which, with the
+Lord's blessing, might be instrumental in strengthening the faith of the
+children of God, besides being a testimony to the consciences of the
+unconverted, of the reality of the things of God. This, then, was the
+primary reason for establishing the Orphan-House. I certainly did from
+my heart desire to be used by God to benefit the bodies of poor children,
+bereaved of both parents, and seek in other respects, with the help of
+God, to do them good for this life;--I also particularly longed to be
+used by God in getting the dear orphans trained up in the fear of
+God;--but still, the first and primary object of the work was (and still
+is:) that God might be magnified by the fact, that the orphans under my
+care are provided with all they need, only by _prayer and faith_ without
+anyone being asked by me or my fellow-laborers whereby it may be seen,
+that God is FAITHFUL STILL, and HEARS PRAYER STILL. That I was not
+mistaken, has been abundantly proved since November, 1835, both by the
+conversion of many sinners who have read the accounts, which have been
+published in connection with this work, and also by the abundance of
+fruit that has followed in the hearts of the saints, for which from my
+inmost soul, I desire to be grateful to God, and the honor and glory of
+which not only is due to Him alone, but, which I, by His help, am
+enabled to ascribe to Him."
+
+
+"OPEN THY MOUTH WIDE."
+
+In the account written by Mr. Mueller dated Jan. 16, 1836, respecting the
+Orphan-House intended to be established in Bristol in connection with
+the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, we read:--
+
+"When, of late, the thoughts of establishing an Orphan-House, in
+dependence upon the Lord, revived in my mind, during the first two weeks
+I only prayed that if it were of the Lord, he would bring it about, but
+if not that He graciously would be pleased to take all thoughts about it
+out of my mind. My uncertainty about knowing the Lord's mind did not
+arise from questioning whether it would be pleasing in His sight, that
+there should be an abode and Scriptural education provided for destitute
+fatherless and motherless children; but whether it were His will that I
+should be the instrument of setting such an object on foot, as my hands
+were already more than filled. My comfort, however, was, that, if it
+were His will, He would provide not merely the means, but also suitable
+individuals to take care of the children, so that my part of the work
+would take only such a portion of my time, as, considering the importance
+of the matter, I might give, notwithstanding my many other engagements.
+The whole of those two weeks I never asked the Lord for money or for
+persons to engage in the work.
+
+"On December 5th, however, the subject of my prayer all at once became
+different. I was reading Psalm lxxxi., and was particularly struck, more
+than at any time before, with verse 10: "_Open thy month wide, and I
+will fill it_." I thought a few moments about these words, and then was
+led to apply them to the case of the Orphan-House. It struck me that I
+had never asked the Lord for anything concerning it, except to know His
+will, respecting its being established or not; and I then fell on my
+knees and opened my mouth wide, asking Him for much. I asked in submission
+to His will, and without fixing a time when He should answer my petition.
+I prayed that He would give me a house, _i. e._, either as a loan, or
+that someone might be led to pay the rent for one, or that one might be
+given permanently for this object; further, I asked Him for L1000; and
+likewise for suitable individuals to take care of the children. Besides
+this, I have been since led to ask the Lord, to put into the hearts of
+His people to send me articles of furniture for the house, and some
+clothes for the children. When I was asking the petition, I was fully
+aware what I was doing, _i. e._, that I was asking for something which I
+had no natural prospect of obtaining from the brethren whom I know, but
+which was not too much for the Lord to grant."
+
+"December 10, 1835.--This morning I received a letter, in which a
+brother and sister wrote thus:--"We propose ourselves for the service of
+the intended Orphan-House, if you think us qualified for it; also to
+give up all the furniture, &c., which the Lord has given us, for its
+use; and to do this without receiving any salary whatever; believing
+that if it be the will of the Lord to employ us, He will supply all our
+needs, &c."
+
+"Dec. 13.--A brother was influenced this day to give 4s. per week, or
+L10 8s. yearly, as long as the Lord gives the means; 8s. was given by
+him as two weeks' subscriptions. To-day a brother and sister offered
+themselves, with all their furniture, and all the provisions which they
+have in the house, if they can be usefully employed in the concerns of
+the Orphan-House."
+
+
+A GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT.
+
+"Dec. 17.--I was rather cast down last evening and this morning about
+the matter, questioning whether I ought to be engaged in this way, and
+was led to ask the Lord to give me some further encouragement. Soon
+after were sent by a brother two pieces of print, the one seven and the
+other 23-3/4 yards, 6-3/4 yards of calico, four pieces of lining, about
+four yards altogether, a sheet, and a yard measure. This evening another
+brother brought a clothes horse, three frocks, four pinafores, six
+handkerchiefs, three counterpanes, one blanket, two pewter salt cellars,
+six tin cups, and six metal tea spoons; he also brought 3s. 6d. given
+to him by three different individuals. At the same time he told me that
+it had been put into the heart of an individual to send to-morrow L100."
+
+
+ONE THOUSAND POUNDS.
+
+"June 15, 1837.--To-day I gave myself once more earnestly to prayer
+respecting the remainder of the L1000. This evening L5 was given, so
+that now the whole sum is made up. To the Glory of the Lord, whose I am,
+and whom I serve, I would state again, that every shilling of this
+money, and all the articles of clothing and furniture, which have been
+mentioned in the foregoing pages, have been given to me, _without one
+single individual having been asked by me for anything_."
+
+
+ORPHANS FOR THE BUILDING.
+
+In a third statement, containing the announcement of the opening of the
+Orphan-House, for destitute female children, and a proposal for the
+establishment of an Infant Orphan-House, which was sent to the press on
+May 18, 1836, Mr. Mueller wrote:--
+
+"So far as I remember, I brought even the most minute circumstances
+concerning the Orphan-House before the Lord in my petitions, being
+conscious of my own weakness and ignorance. There was, however, one
+point I never had prayed about, namely that the Lord would send children;
+for I naturally took it for granted that there would be plenty of
+applications. The nearer, however, the day came which had been appointed
+for receiving applications, the more I had a secret consciousness, that
+the Lord might disappoint my natural expectations, and show me that I
+could not prosper in one single thing without Him. The appointed time
+came, and not even one application was made. I had before this been
+repeatedly tried, whether I might not, after all, against the Lord's
+mind, have engaged in the work. This circumstance now led me to lie low
+before my God in prayer the whole of the evening, February 3, and to
+examine my heart once more as to all the motives concerning it; and
+being able, as formerly, to say, that His glory was my _chief aim_,
+_i. e._, that it might be seen that it is not a vain thing to trust in
+the living God,--and that my _second aim_ was the spiritual welfare of
+the orphan-children,--and the _third_ their bodily welfare; and still
+continuing in prayer, I was at last brought to this state, that I could
+say _from my heart_, that I should rejoice in God being glorified in
+this matter, though it were by _bringing the whole to nothing_. But as
+still, after all, it seemed to me more tending to the glory of God, to
+establish and prosper the Orphan-House, I could then ask Him heartily,
+to send applications. I enjoyed now a peaceful state of heart concerning
+the subject, and was also more assured than ever that God would
+establish it. _The very next day_, February 4, the first application
+was made, and since then 42 more have been made."
+
+
+"JUST FOR TO-DAY."
+
+Later on, when there were nearly 100 persons to be maintained, and the
+funds were reduced to about L20, Mr. Mueller writes:--
+
+"July 22 [1838].--This evening I was walking in our little garden,
+meditating on Heb. xiii. 8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day,
+and for ever." Whilst meditating on His unchangeable love, power, wisdom,
+&c.--and turning all, as I went on, into prayer respecting myself; and
+whilst applying likewise His unchangeable love, and power and wisdom,
+&c., both to my present spiritual and temporal circumstances:--all at
+once the present need of the Orphan-House was brought to my mind.
+Immediately I was led to say to myself, Jesus in His love and power has
+hitherto supplied me with what I have needed for the Orphans, and in the
+same unchangeable love and power He will provide me with what I may need
+for the future. A flow of joy came into my soul whilst realising thus
+the unchangeableness of our adorable Lord. About one minute after, a
+letter was brought me, enclosing a bill for L20. In it was written:
+"Will you apply the amount of the enclosed bill to the furtherance of
+the objects of your Scriptural Knowledge Society, or of your Orphan
+Establishment, or in the work and cause of our Master in any way that
+He Himself, on your application to Him, may point out to you. It is not
+a great sum, but it is a sufficient provision for the exigency of
+to-day; and it is for _to-day's_ exigencies, that, ordinarily, the Lord
+provides. To-morrow, as it brings its demands, will find its supply,
+etc."
+
+"[Of this L20 I took L10 for the Orphan fund, and L10 for trip other
+objects, and was thus enabled to meet the expenses of about L34 which,
+in connection with the Orphan-Houses, came upon me within four days
+afterwards, and which I knew beforehand would come.]"
+
+
+WAITING FOR HELP.
+
+"Nov. 21, 1838.--Never were we so reduced in funds as to-day. There was
+not a single halfpenny in hand between the matrons of the three houses.
+Nevertheless there was a good dinner, and by managing so as to help one
+another with bread, etc., there was a prospect of getting over this day
+also; but for none of the houses had we the prospect of being able to
+take in bread. When I left the brethren and sisters at one o'clock,
+after prayer, I told them that we must wait for help, and see how the
+Lord would deliver us this time. I was sure of help, but we were indeed
+straitened. When I came to Kingsdown, I felt that I needed more exercise,
+being very cold; wherefore I went not the nearest way home, but round by
+Clarence Place. About twenty yards from my house, I met a brother who
+walked back with me, and after a little conversation gave me L10 to be
+handed over to the brethren, the deacons, towards providing the poor
+saints with coals, blankets and warm clothing; also L5 for the Orphans,
+and L5 for the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.
+The brother had called twice while I was gone to the Orphan-Houses, and
+had I now been _one half minute_ later, I should have missed him. But
+the Lord knew our need, and therefore allowed me to meet him. I sent off
+the L5 immediately to the matrons."
+
+
+BEYOND DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+"Sept. 21 [1840], Monday. By what was in hand for the Orphans, and by what
+had come in yesterday, the need of to-day is more than supplied, as there
+is enough for to-morrow also. To-day a brother from the neighbourhood of
+London gave me L10, to be laid out as it might be most needed. As we
+have been praying many days for the School,--Bible,--and Missionary
+Funds, I took it all for them. This brother knew nothing about our work,
+when he came three days since to Bristol. Thus the Lord, to show His
+continued care over us, raises up new helpers. They that trust in the
+Lord shall never be confounded! Some who helped for a while may fall
+asleep in Jesus; others may grow cold in the service of the Lord; others
+may be as desirous as ever to help, but have no longer the means; others
+may have both a willing heart to help, and have also the means, but may
+see it the Lord's will to lay them out in another way;--and thus, from
+one cause or another, were we to lean upon man, we should surely be
+confounded; but, in leaning upon the living God alone, we are _BEYOND
+disappointment, and BEYOND being forsaken because of death_, or _want of
+means_, or _want of love_, or _because of the claims of other work_. How
+precious to have learned in any measure to stand with God alone in the
+world, and yet to be happy, and to know that surely no good thing shall
+be withheld from us whilst we walk uprightly!"
+
+
+A GREAT SINNER CONVERTED.
+
+In his REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1841, Mr. Mueller writes:--
+
+"During this year I was informed about the conversion of one of the very
+greatest sinners, that I ever heard of in all my service for the Lord.
+Repeatedly I fell on my knees with his wife, and asked the Lord for his
+conversion, when she came to me in the deepest distress of soul, on
+account of the most barbarous and cruel treatment that she received from
+him, in his bitter enmity against her for the Lord's sake, and because
+he could not provoke her to be in a passion, and _she would not_ strike
+him again, and the like. At the time when it was at its worst I pleaded
+especially on his behalf the promise in Matthew xviii. 19: 'Again I say
+unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything
+that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my father which is in
+heaven.' And now this awful persecutor is converted."
+
+
+PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL BLESSING AMONG THE SAINTS.
+
+"On May 25th, I began to ask the Lord for greater real spiritual
+prosperity among the saints, among whom I labour in Bristol, than there
+ever yet had been among them; and now I have to record to the praise of
+the Lord that truly He has answered this request; for, considering all
+things, at no period has there been more manifestation of grace and
+truth, and spiritual power among us, than there is now while I am
+writing this for the press (1845). Not that we have attained to what we
+might; we are far, very far from it; but the Lord has been very, very
+good to us, and we have most abundant cause for thanksgiving."
+
+
+WITHHOLDING THE REPORT.
+
+"Dec. 9 [1841].--To-day came in for the Orphans by the sale of stockings
+10s. 10d.--We are now brought to the close of the sixth year of this
+part of the work, _having only in hand the money which has been put by
+for the rent_; but during the whole of this year we have been supplied
+with all that was needed.
+
+"During the last three years we had closed the accounts on this day, and
+had, a few days after, some public meetings, at which, for the benefit
+of the hearers, we stated how the Lord had dealt with us during the
+year, and the substance of what had been stated at these meetings was
+afterwards printed for the benefit of the church at large. This time,
+however, it appeared to us better to delay for a while both the public
+meetings and the publishing of the Report. Through grace we had learned
+to lean upon the Lord only, being assured, that, if we were never to
+speak or write one single word more about this work, yet should we be
+supplied with means, as long as He should enable us to depend on Himself
+alone. But whilst we neither had had those public meetings for the
+purpose of exposing our necessity, nor had had the account of the Lord's
+dealings with us published for the sake of working thereby upon the
+feelings of the readers, and thus inducing them to give money, but only
+that we might by our experience benefit other saints; yet it might have
+appeared to some that, in making known our circumstances, we were
+actuated by some such motives. What better proof, therefore, could we
+give of our depending upon the living God alone, and not upon public
+meetings or printed Reports, than that, _in the midst of our deep
+poverty_, instead of being glad for the time to have come when we could
+make known our circumstances, we still went on quietly for some time
+longer, without saying anything. We therefore determined, as we sought
+and still seek in this work to act for the profit of the saints
+generally, to delay both the public meetings and the Report for a few
+months. _Naturally_ we should have been, of course, as glad as anyone to
+have exposed our poverty at that time; but _spiritually_ we were unable
+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 did.
+
+       *       *       *      *       *
+
+"Dec. 18. Saturday morning. There is now the greatest need, and only 4d.
+in hand, which I found in the box at my house; yet I fully believe the
+Lord will supply us this day also with all that is required.--Pause a
+few moments, dear reader! Observe two things! We acted _for God_ in
+delaying the public meetings and the publishing of the Report; but _God's
+way leads always into trial, so far as sight and sense are concerned_.
+_Nature_ always will be tried _in God's ways_. The Lord was saying by
+this poverty, 'I will now see whether you truly lean upon me, and
+whether you truly look to me.' Of all the seasons that I had ever passed
+through since I had been living in this way, _up to that time_, I never
+knew any period in which my faith was tried so sharply, as during the
+four months from Dec. 12, 1841, to April 12, 1842. But observe further:
+We might even now have altered our minds with respect to the public
+meetings and publishing the Report; _for no one knew our determination,
+at this time_, concerning the point. Nay, on the contrary, we knew with
+what delight very many children of God were looking forward to receive
+further accounts. But the Lord kept us steadfast to the conclusion, at
+which we had arrived under His guidance."
+
+
+"HE ABIDETH FAITHFUL."
+
+Under the date Jan. 25, 1842, Mr. Mueller writes:--
+
+"Perhaps, dear reader, you have said in your heart before you have read
+thus far: 'How would it be, suppose the funds for the Orphans were
+reduced to nothing, and those who are engaged in the work had nothing of
+their own to give, and a meal time were come, and you had no food for
+the children.'
+
+"Thus indeed it may be, for our hearts are desperately wicked. If ever
+we should be so left to ourselves, as that either we depend no more upon
+the living God, or that 'we regard iniquity in our hearts,' then such a
+state of things, we have reason to believe, would occur. But so long as
+we shall be enabled to trust in the living God, and so long as, though
+falling short in every way of what we might be, and ought to be, we are
+at least kept from living in sin, such a state of things cannot occur.
+Therefore, dear reader, if you yourself walk with God, and if, on that
+account, His glory is dear to you, I affectionately and earnestly
+entreat you to beseech Him to uphold us; for how awful would be the
+disgrace brought upon His holy name if we, who have so publicly made our
+boast in Him, and have spoken well of Him, should be left to disgrace
+Him, either by unbelief in the hour of trial, or by a life of sin in
+other respects."
+
+
+DELAYED BUT SURE.
+
+"March 9 [1842].--At a time of the greatest need, both with regard to
+the Day-Schools and the Orphans, so much so that we could not have gone
+on any longer without help, I received this day L10 from a brother who
+lives near Dublin. The money was divided between the Day-Schools and the
+Orphan-Houses. The following little circumstance is to be noticed
+respecting this donation:--As our need was so great, and my soul was,
+through grace, truly waiting upon the Lord, I looked out for supplies in
+the course of this morning. The post, however, was out, and no supplies
+had come. This did not in the least discourage me. I said to myself, the
+Lord can send means without the post, or even now, though the post is
+out, by this very delivery of letters He may have sent means, though the
+money is not yet in my hands. It was not long after I had thus spoken to
+myself, when, according to my hope in God, we were helped; for the
+brother who sent us the L10, had this time directed his letter to the
+Boys' Orphan-House, whence it was sent to me."
+
+
+"LIKE AS A FATHER."
+
+"March 17.--From the 12th to the 16th had come in L4 5s. 11-1/2d. for
+the Orphans. This morning our poverty, which now has lasted more or less
+for several months, had become exceedingly great. 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 milk, which is brought about eight o'clock.
+On my way it was specially my request that the Lord would be pleased to
+pity us, even as a father pitieth his children, and that He would not
+lay more upon us than He would enable us to bear, I especially entreated
+Him that He would now be pleased to refresh our hearts by sending us
+help. I likewise reminded Him of the consequences that would result,
+both in reference to believers and unbelievers, if we should have to
+give up the work because of want of means, and that He therefore would
+not permit of its coming to nought. I moreover again confessed before
+the Lord that I deserved not that He should continue to use me in this
+work any longer. While I was thus in prayer, about two minutes' walk
+from the Orphan-Houses, I met a brother who was going at this early hour
+to his business. After having exchanged a few words with him, I went on;
+but he presently ran after me, and gave me L1 for the Orphans. Thus the
+Lord speedily answered my prayer. Truly, 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 us. And how should our Father do otherwise? He that has
+given us the greatest possible proof of His love which He could have
+done, in giving us His own Son, surely He will with Him also freely give
+us all things."
+
+
+TRUST IN THE LORD BETTER THAN MAN'S PROMISES.
+
+"May 6 [1845].--About six weeks ago intimation was kindly given by a
+brother that he expected a certain considerable sum of money, and that,
+if he obtained it, a certain portion of it should be given to the Lord,
+so that L100 of it should be used for the work in my hands, and the other
+part for Brother Craik's and my own personal expenses. However, day
+after day passed away, and the money did not come. I did not trust in
+this money, yet, as during all this time, with scarcely any exception,
+we were more or less needy, I thought again and again about this
+brother's promise; though I did not, by the grace of God, trust in the
+brother who had made it, but in the Lord. Thus week after week passed
+away, and the money did not come. Now this morning it came to my mind,
+that such promises ought to be valued, in a certain sense, as nothing,
+_i. e._, that the mind ought never for a moment to be directed to them,
+but to the living God, and to the living God only. I saw that such
+promises ought not to be of the value of one farthing, so far as it
+regards thinking about them for help. I therefore asked the Lord, when,
+as usual, I was praying with my beloved wife about the work in my hands
+that He would be pleased to take this whole matter, about that promise,
+completely out of my mind, and to help me, not to value it in the
+least, yea, to treat it as if not worth one farthing, but to keep my eye
+directed only to Himself. I was enabled to do so. We had not yet
+finished praying when I received the following letter:
+
+
+     ----May 5, 1845
+
+     Beloved Brother,
+
+     Are your bankers still Messrs. Stuckey and Co. of Bristol, and
+     are their bankers still Messrs. Robarts and Co. of London?
+     Please to instruct me on this; and if the case should be so,
+     please to regard this as a letter of advice that L70 are paid
+     to Messrs. Robarts and Co., for Messrs. Stuckey and Co., for
+     you. This sum apply as the Lord may give you wisdom. I shall
+     not send to Robarts and Co. until I hear from you.
+
+     Ever affectionately yours,
+                                * * * *
+
+
+"Thus the Lord rewarded at once this determination to endeavour not to
+look in the least to that promise from a brother, but only to Himself.
+But this was not all. About two o'clock this afternoon I received from
+the brother, who had more than forty days ago, made that promise, L166
+18s., as he this day received the money, on the strength of which he had
+made that promise. Of this sum L100 are to be used for the work in my
+hands, and the remainder for brother Craik's and my own personal
+expenses."
+
+Under date 1842 Mr. Mueller writes:--
+
+"I desire that all the children of God, who may read these details, may
+thereby be lead to increased and more simple confidence in God for
+everything which they may need under any circumstances, and that these
+many answers to prayer may encourage them to pray, particularly as it
+regards the conversion of their friends and relatives, their own progress
+in grace and knowledge, the state of the saints whom they may know
+personally, the state of the church of God at large, and the success of
+the preaching of the Gospel. Especially I affectionately warn them against
+being led away by the device of Satan, to think that these things are
+peculiar to me, and cannot be enjoyed by all the children of God; for
+though, as has been stated before, every believer is not called upon to
+establish Orphan-Houses, Charity Schools, etc., and trust in the Lord
+for means; yet all believers are called upon, in the simple confidence
+of faith, to cast all their burdens upon Him, to trust in Him for
+everything, and not only to make every thing a subject of prayer, but to
+expect answers to their petitions which they have asked according to His
+will, and in the name of the Lord Jesus.--Think not, dear reader, that I
+have _the gift of faith_, that is, that gift of which we read in 1 Cor.
+xii. 9, and which is mentioned along with 'the gifts of healing,' 'the
+working of miracles,' 'prophecy,' and that on that account I am able to
+trust in the Lord. _It is true_ that the faith, which I am enabled to
+exercise, is altogether God's own gift; it is true that He alone
+supports it, and that He alone can increase it; it is true that, moment
+by moment, I depend upon Him for it, and that, if I were only one
+moment left to myself, my faith would utterly fail; but _it is not true_
+that my faith is that gift of faith which is spoken of in 1 Cor. xii. 9
+for the following reasons:--
+
+"1. The faith which I am enabled to exercise with reference to the
+Orphan-Houses and my own temporal necessities, is not that 'faith' of
+which it is said in 1 Cor. xiii. 2 (evidently in allusion to the faith
+spoken of in 1 Cor. xii. 9), 'Though I have all faith, so that I could
+remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing'; but it is
+the self-same faith which is found in _every believer_, and the growth
+of which I am most sensible of to myself; for, by little and little, it
+has been increasing for the last sixty-nine years.
+
+"2. This faith which is exercised respecting the Orphan-Houses and my
+own temporal necessities, shows itself in the same measure, for instance
+concerning the following points: I have never been permitted to doubt
+during the last sixty-nine years that my sins are forgiven, that I am a
+child of God, that I am beloved of God, and that I shall be finally
+saved; because I am enabled, by the grace of God, to exercise faith upon
+the word of God, and believe what God says in those passages which
+settle these matters (1 John v. 1--Gal. iii. 26--Acts x. 43--Romans x.
+9, 10--John iii. 16, etc.).... Further, when sometimes all has been
+dark, exceedingly dark, with reference to my service among the saints,
+judging from natural appearances; yea, when I should have been
+overwhelmed indeed in grief and despair, had I looked at things after
+the outward appearance; at such times I have sought to encourage myself
+in God, by laying hold in faith on His mighty power, His unchangeable
+love, and His infinite wisdom, and I have said to myself: God is able
+and willing to deliver me, if it be good for me; for it is written: "He
+that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall
+He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Rom. viii. 32. This,
+this it was which, being believed by me through grace, kept my soul in
+peace.--Further, when in connection with the Orphan-Houses, Day Schools,
+etc., trials have come upon me which were far heavier than the want of
+means when lying reports were spread that the Orphans had not enough to
+eat, or that they were cruelly treated in other respects, and the like;
+or when other trials, still greater, but which I cannot mention, have
+befallen me in connexion with this work, and that at a time when I was
+nearly a thousand miles absent from Bristol, and had to remain absent
+week after week: at such times my soul was stayed upon God; I believed
+His word of promise which was applicable to such cases; I poured out my
+soul before God, and arose from my knees in peace, because the trouble
+that was in the soul was in believing prayer cast upon God, and thus I
+was kept in peace, though I saw it to be the will of God to remain far
+away from the work.--Further, when I needed houses, fellow-labourers,
+masters and mistresses for the Orphans or for the Day Schools, I have
+been enabled to look for all to the Lord and trust in Him for
+help.--Dear reader, I may seem to boast; but, by the grace of God, I do
+not boast in thus speaking. From my inmost soul I do ascribe it to God
+alone that He has enabled me to trust in Him, and that hitherto He has
+not suffered my confidence in Him to fail. But I thought it needful to
+make these remarks, lest anyone should think that my depending upon God
+was a particular gift given to me, which other saints have no right to
+look for; or lest it should be thought that this my depending upon Him
+had _only to do with the obtaining of MONEY by prayer and faith_. By the
+grace of God I desire that my faith in God should extend towards EVERY
+thing, the smallest of my own temporal and spiritual concerns, and the
+smallest of the temporal and spiritual concerns of my family, towards
+the saints among whom I labour, the church at large, everything that has
+to do with the temporal and spiritual prosperity of the Scriptural
+Knowledge Institution, etc. Dear reader, do not think that I have
+attained in faith (and how much less in other respects!) to that degree
+to which I might and ought to attain; but thank God for the faith which
+He has given me, and ask Him to uphold and increase it. And lastly, once
+more, let not Satan deceive you in making you think that you could not
+have the same faith but that it is only for persons who are situated as
+I am. When I lose such a thing as a key, I ask the Lord to direct me to
+it, and I look for an answer to my prayer; when a person with whom I have
+made an appointment does not come, according to the fixed time, and I
+begin to be inconvenienced by it, I ask the Lord to be pleased to hasten
+him to me and I look for an answer; when I do not understand a passage
+of the word of God, I lift up my heart to the Lord, that He would be
+pleased, by His Holy Spirit to instruct me, and I expect to be taught,
+though I do not fix the time when, and the manner how it should be; when
+I am going to minister in the Word, I seek help from the Lord, and while
+I, in the consciousness of natural inability as well as utter unworthiness
+begin this His service, I am not cast down, but of good cheer, because I
+look for His assistance, and believe that He, for His dear Son's sake
+will help me. And thus in other of my temporal and spiritual concerns I
+pray to the Lord, and expect an answer to my requests; and may not _you_
+do the same, dear believing reader? Oh! I beseech you, do not think me
+an extraordinary believer, having privileges above other of God's dear
+children, which they cannot have; nor look on my way of acting as
+something that would not do for other believers. Make but trial! Do but
+stand still in the hour of trial, and you will see the help of God, if
+you trust in Him. But there is so often a forsaking the ways of the Lord
+in the hour of trial, and thus the _food of faith_, the means whereby
+our faith may be increased, is lost. This leads me to the following
+important point. You ask, How may I, a true believer, have my faith
+strengthened? The answer is this:--
+
+"I.--Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh
+down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither
+shadow of turning." James i. 17. As the increase of faith is a good
+gift, it must come from God, and therefore He ought to be asked for this
+blessing.
+
+"II.--The following means, however, ought to be used:--1, _The careful
+reading of the word of God, combined with meditation on it._ Through
+reading of the word of God, and especially through meditation on the
+word of God, the believer becomes more and more acquainted with the
+nature and character of God, and thus sees more and more, besides His
+holiness and justice, what a kind, loving, gracious, merciful, mighty,
+wise, and faithful Being He is, and, therefore, in poverty, affliction
+of body, bereavement in his family, difficulty in his service, want of a
+situation or employment, he will repose upon the _ability_ of God to
+help him, because he has not only learned from His word that He is of
+almighty power and infinite wisdom, 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
+people; and he will repose upon the _willingness_ of God to help him,
+because he has not only learned from the Scriptures what a kind, good,
+merciful, gracious, and faithful being God is, but because he has also
+seen in the word of God how, in a great variety of instances He has
+proved Himself to be so. And the consideration of this, if _God has
+become known to us through prayer and meditation on His own word_, will
+lead us, in general at least, with a measure of confidence to rely upon
+Him: and thus the reading of the word of God, together with meditation
+on it, will be one especial means to strengthen our faith. 2, As with
+reference to the growth of every grace of the Spirit, it is of the
+utmost importance that we seek to maintain an upright heart and a good
+conscience, and, therefore, do not knowingly and habitually indulge in
+those things which are contrary to the mind of God, so it is also
+particularly the case with reference to the _growth in faith_. How can I
+possibly continue to act faith upon God, concerning anything, if I am
+habitually grieving Him, and seek to detract from the glory and honour
+of Him in whom I profess to trust, upon whom I profess to depend? All my
+confidence towards God, all my leaning upon Him in the hour of trial
+will be gone, if I have a guilty conscience, and do not seek to put away
+this guilty conscience, but still continue to do the things which are
+contrary to the mind of God. And if, in any particular instance, I
+cannot trust in God, because of the guilty conscience, then my faith is
+weakened by that instance of distrust; for faith with every fresh trial
+of it either increases by trusting God, and thus getting help, or it
+decreases by not trusting Him; and then there is less and less power of
+looking simply and directly to Him, and a habit of self-dependence is
+begotten or encouraged. One or the other of these will always be the
+case in each particular instance. Either we trust in God, and in that
+case we neither trust in ourselves, nor in our fellow-men, nor in
+circumstances, nor in anything besides; or we DO trust in one or more of
+these, and in that case do NOT trust in God. 3, If we, indeed, desire
+our faith to be strengthened, we should not shrink from opportunities
+where our faith may be tried, and, therefore, through the trial, be
+strengthened. In our natural state we dislike dealing with God alone.
+Through our natural alienation from God we shrink from Him, and from
+eternal realities. This cleaves to us more or less, even after our
+regeneration. Hence it is, that more or less, even as believers, we have
+the same shrinking from standing with God alone,--from depending upon
+Him alone,--from looking to Him alone:--and yet this is the very
+position in which we ought to be, if we wish our faith to be
+strengthened. The more I am in a position to be tried in faith with
+reference to my body, my family, my service for the Lord, my business,
+etc., the more shall I have opportunity of seeing God's help and
+deliverance; and every fresh instance, in which He helps and delivers
+me, will tend towards the increase of my faith. On this account,
+therefore, the believer should not shrink from situations, positions,
+circumstances, in which his faith may be tried; but should cheerfully
+embrace them as opportunities where he may see the hand of God stretched
+out on his behalf, to help and deliver him, and whereby he may thus
+have his faith strengthened. 4, The last important point for the
+strengthening of our faith is, that we let God work for us, when the
+hour of the trial of our faith comes, and do not work a deliverance of
+our own. Wherever God has given faith, it is given, among other reasons,
+for the very purpose of being tried.
+
+"Yea, however weak our faith may be, God will try it; only with this
+restriction, that as in every way, He leads on gently, gradually,
+patiently, so also with reference to the trial of our faith. At first
+our faith will be tried very little in comparison with what it may be
+afterwards; for God never lays more upon us that He is willing to enable
+us to bear. Now when the trial of faith comes, we are naturally inclined
+to distrust God, and to trust rather in ourselves, or in our friends, or
+in circumstances.
+
+"We will rather work a deliverance of our own somehow or other, than
+simply look to God and wait for His help. But if we do not patiently
+wait for God's help, if we work a deliverance of our own, then at the
+next trial of our faith it will be thus again, we shall be again
+inclined to deliver ourselves; and thus with every fresh instance of
+that kind, our faith will decrease; whilst on the contrary, were we to
+stand still, in order to see the salvation of God, to see His hand
+stretched out on our behalf, trusting in Him alone, then our faith would
+be increased, 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 faith, our
+faith would be increased yet more.
+
+"Would the believer, therefore, have his faith strengthened, he must
+especially, _give time to God_, who tries his faith in order to prove to
+His child, in the end, how willing He is to help and deliver him, the
+moment it is good for him."
+
+In the early years of the Institution Mr. Mueller and his fellow
+labourers had to endure many severe trials of faith, as some of these
+instances show.
+
+Mr. Mueller when writing of this period says:--
+
+"Though now (July, 1845) for about seven years our funds have been so
+exhausted, that it has been a _rare_ case that there have been means in
+hand to meet the necessities of more than 100 persons for _three days_
+together; yet I have been only once tried in spirit, and that was on
+September 18, 1838, when, for the first time the Lord seemed not to
+regard our prayer. But when He did send help at that time, and I saw
+that it was only for the trial of our faith, and not because He had
+forsaken the work, that we were brought so low, my soul was so
+strengthened and encouraged, that I have not only not been allowed to
+distrust the Lord, but _I have not been even cast down when in the
+deepest poverty_ since that time."
+
+
+A GIFT OF L12.
+
+"Aug. 20 [1838].--The L5 which I had received on the 18th. had been
+given for house-keeping, so that to-day I was again penniless. But my
+eyes were up to the Lord. I gave myself to prayer this morning, knowing
+that I should want again this week at least L13, if not above L20.
+To-day I received L12 in answer to prayer, from a lady who is staying at
+Clifton, whom I had never seen before. Adorable Lord, grant that this
+may be a fresh encouragement to me!"
+
+
+A SOLEMN CRISIS.
+
+Regarding one of the sharpest times of trial Mr. Mueller writes:--
+
+"Sept. 10 [1838]. Monday morning. Neither Saturday nor yesterday had any
+money come in. It appeared to me now needful to take some steps on
+account of our need, _i. e._, to go to the Orphan-Houses, call the
+brethren and sisters together, (who, except brother T----, had never
+been informed about the state of the funds), state the case to them, see
+how much money was needed for the present, tell them that amidst all
+this trial of faith I still believed that God would help, and to pray
+with them. Especially, also, I meant to go for the sake of telling them
+that no more articles must be purchased than we have the means to pay
+for, but to let there be nothing lacking in any way to the children as
+it regards nourishing food and needful clothing; for I would rather at
+once send them away than that they should lack. 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 sold, or whether there were any
+articles really needless, that we might turn them into money. I felt
+that the matter was now come to a solemn crisis. About half-past nine
+sixpence came in, which had been put anonymously into the box at Gideon
+Chapel. This money seemed to me like an earnest, that God would have
+compassion and send more. About ten, after I had returned from brother
+Craik, to whom I had unbosomed my heart again, whilst once more in
+prayer for help, a sister called who gave two sovereigns to my wife for
+the Orphans, stating that she had felt herself stirred up to come and
+that she had delayed coming already too long. A few minutes after, when
+I went into the room where she was, she gave me two sovereigns more, and
+all this without knowing the least about our need. Thus the Lord most
+mercifully has sent us a little help, to the great encouragement of my
+faith. A few minutes after I was called on for money from the Infant
+Orphan-House, to which I sent L2, and L1 0s. 6d. to the Boys'
+Orphan-House, and L1 to the Girls' Orphan-House."
+
+
+A PRECIOUS DELIVERANCE.
+
+"Sept. 17 [1838].--The trial still continues. It is now more and more
+trying, even to faith, as each day comes. Truly, the Lord has wise
+purposes in allowing us to call so long upon Him for help. But I am sure
+God will send help, if we can but wait. One of the labourers had had a
+little money come in of which he gave 12s. 6d.; another labourer gave
+11s. 8d., being all the money she had left; this, with 17s. 6d., which,
+partly, had come in, and, partly was in hand, enabled us to pay what
+needed to be paid, and to purchase provisions, so that nothing yet, in
+any way, has been lacking. This evening I was rather tired respecting
+the long delay of larger sums coming; but being led to go to the
+Scriptures for comfort, my soul was greatly refreshed, and my faith
+again strengthened, by the xxxivth Psalm, so that I went very cheerfully
+to meet with my dear fellow-labourers for prayer. I read to them the
+Psalm, and sought to cheer their hearts through the precious promises
+contained in it."
+
+"Sept. 18.--Brother T. had 25s. in hand, and I had 3s. This L1 8s.
+enabled us to buy the meat and bread, which was needed; a little tea for
+one of the houses, and milk for all; no more than this is needed. Thus
+the Lord has provided not only for this day; for there is bread for two
+days in hand. Now, however, we are come to an extremity. The funds are
+exhausted. The labourers, who had a little money, have given as long as
+they had any left. Now observe how the Lord helped us! A lady from the
+neighbourhood of London who brought a parcel with money from her
+daughter, arrived four or five days since in Bristol, and took lodgings
+next door to the Boys' Orphan-House. This afternoon she herself kindly
+brought me the money, amounting to L3 2s. 6d. We had been reduced so
+low as to be on the point of selling those things which could be spared;
+but this morning I had asked the Lord, if it might be, to prevent the
+necessity, of our doing so. That the money had been so near the
+Orphan-Houses for several days without being given, is a plain proof
+that it was from the beginning in the heart of God to help us; but
+because He delights in the prayers of His children, He had allowed us to
+pray so long; also to try our faith, and to make the answer so much the
+sweeter. It is indeed a precious deliverance. I burst out into loud
+praises and thanks the first moment I was alone, after I had received
+the money. I met with my fellow-labourers again this evening for prayer
+and praise; their hearts were not a little cheered. This money was this
+evening divided, and will comfortably provide for all that will be
+needed to-morrow."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE NEW ORPHAN HOUSES, ASHLEY DOWN.
+
+
+A complaint having been received from a gentleman in October, 1845, that
+some of the inhabitants of Wilson Street were inconvenienced by the
+Orphan-Houses being in that street, Mr. Mueller ultimately decided for
+that and other reasons, after much prayerful meditation, to build an
+Orphan-House elsewhere to accommodate 300 children, and commenced to ask
+the Lord for means for so doing:--
+
+"Jan. 31 [1846].--It is now 89 days since I have been daily waiting upon
+God about the building of an Orphan-House. The time seems to me now near
+when the Lord will give us a piece of ground, and I told the brethren
+and sisters so this evening, after our usual Saturday evening prayer
+meeting at the Orphan-Houses.
+
+"Feb. 1.--A poor widow sent to-day 10s.
+
+"Feb. 2.--To-day I heard of suitable and cheap land on Ashley Down.
+
+"Feb. 3.--Saw the land. It is the most desirable of all I have
+seen.--There was anonymously put in an Orphan-box at my house a
+sovereign, in a piece of paper, on which was written, 'The New
+Orphan-House.'
+
+"Feb. 4.--This evening I called on the owner of the land on Ashley Down,
+about which I had heard on the 2nd, but he was not at home. As I,
+however, had been informed that I should find him at his house of
+business, I went there, but did not find him there either, as he had
+_just before_ left. I might have called again at his residence, at a
+later hour having been informed by one of the servants that he would be
+sure to be at home about eight o'clock; but I did not do so, judging
+that there was the hand of God in my not finding him at either place:
+and I judged it best therefore not to force the matter, but to 'let
+patience have her perfect work.'
+
+"Feb. 5.--Saw this morning the owner of the land. He told me that he
+awoke at three o'clock this morning and could not sleep again till five.
+While he was thus lying awake, his mind was all the time occupied about
+the piece of land, respecting which inquiry had been made of him for the
+building of an Orphan-House, at my request; and he determined that if I
+should apply for it, he would not only let me have it, but for L120 per
+acre, instead of L200; the price which he had previously asked for it.
+How good is the Lord! The agreement was made this morning, and I
+purchased a field of nearly seven acres, at L120 per acre.
+
+"Observe the hand of God in my not finding the owner at home last
+evening! The Lord meant to speak to His servant first about this matter,
+during a sleepless night, and to lead him _fully_ to decide, before I
+had seen him."
+
+
+
+
+"BECAUSE OF HIS IMPORTUNITY."
+
+"Nov. 19 [1846].--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 building. Because (1) it has been for some time past publicly stated
+in print, that I allow it is not without ground that some of the
+inhabitants of Wilson Street consider themselves inconvenienced by the
+Orphan-Houses being in that street, and I long therefore to be able to
+remove the Orphans from thence as soon as possible. (2) I become more and
+more convinced, that it would be greatly for the benefit of the children,
+both physically and morally, with God's blessing, to be in such a position
+as they are intended to occupy, when the New Orphan-House shall have been
+built. And (3) because the number of very poor and destitute Orphans,
+that are waiting for admission, is so great, and there are constantly
+fresh applications made. Now whilst, by God's grace, I would not wish
+the building to be begun one single day sooner than is His will; and
+whilst I firmly believe, that He will give me, in His own time every
+shilling which I need; yet I also know, that He delights in being
+earnestly entreated, and that He takes pleasure in the continuance in
+prayer, and in the importuning Him, which so clearly is to be seen from
+the parable of the widow and the unjust judge, Luke xviii. 1-8. For
+these reasons I gave myself again particularly to prayer last evening,
+that the Lord would send further means, being also especially led to do
+so, in addition to the above reasons, because there had come in but
+little comparatively, since the 29th of last month. This morning, between
+five and six o'clock I prayed again, among other points, about the
+Building Fund, and then had a long season for the reading of the word of
+God. In the course of my reading I came to Mark xi. 24, 'What things
+soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye
+shall have them.' The importance of the truth contained in this portion
+I have often felt and spoken about; but this morning I felt it again
+most particularly, and, applying it to the New Orphan-House, said to the
+Lord: 'Lord I believe that Thou wilt give me all I need for this work. I
+am sure that I shall have all, because I believe that I receive in
+answer to my prayer.' Thus, with the heart full of peace concerning this
+work, I went on to the other part of the chapter, and to the next
+chapter. After family prayer I had again my usual season for prayer with
+regard to all the many parts of the work, and the various necessities
+thereof, asking also blessings upon my fellow-labourers, upon the
+circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and upon the precious souls in the
+Adult School, the Sunday Schools, the Six Day Schools, and the four
+Orphan-Houses. Amidst all the many things I again made my requests about
+means for the Building. And now observe: About five minutes, after I had
+risen from my knees, there was given to me a registered letter, containing
+a cheque for L300, of which L280 are for the Building Fund, L10 for my
+own personal expenses, and L10 for Brother Craik. The Lord's holy name
+be praised for this precious encouragement, by which the Building Fund
+is now increased to more than six thousand pounds."
+
+
+MR. MUELLER'S FIRST ORPHAN-HOUSE.
+
+"Jan. 25 [1847].--The season of the year is now approaching, when
+building may be begun. Therefore with increased earnestness I have given
+myself unto prayer, importuning the Lord that He would be pleased to
+appear on our behalf, and speedily send the remainder of the amount
+which is required, and I have increasingly, of late, felt that the time
+is drawing near, when the Lord will give me all that which is requisite
+for commencing the building. All the various arguments which I have
+often brought before God, I brought also again this morning before Him.
+It is now 14 months and 3 weeks since day by day I have uttered my
+petitions to God on behalf of this work. I rose from my knees this
+morning in full confidence, not only that God _could_, but also _would_,
+send the means, and that soon. Never, during all these 14 months and 3
+weeks, have I had the least doubt, that I should have all that which is
+requisite.--And now, dear believing reader, rejoice and praise with me.
+About an hour, after I had prayed thus, there was given to me the sum of
+Two Thousand Pounds for the Building Fund. Thus I have received
+altogether L9,285 3s. 9-1/2d. towards this work.--I cannot describe the
+joy I had in God when I received this donation. It must be known from
+experience, in order to be felt. 447 days I have had day by day to wait
+upon God, before the sum reached the above amount. How great is the
+blessing which the soul obtains by _trusting in God_, and _by waiting
+patiently_. Is it not manifest how precious it is to carry on God's work
+in this way, even with regard to the obtaining of means?"
+
+The total amount which came in for the Building Fund was L15,784 18s. 10d.
+
+
+ORPHAN-HOUSES NOS. 2 & 3.
+
+"March 12, 1862.--It was in November, 1850, that my mind became
+exercised about enlarging the Orphan Work from 300 Orphans to 1000, and
+subsequently to 1150; and it was in June, 1851, that this my purpose
+became known, having kept it secret for more than seven months, whilst
+day by day praying about it. From the end of November, 1850, to this
+day, March 12, 1862, not one single day has been allowed to pass,
+without this contemplated enlargement being brought before God in
+prayer, and generally more than once a day. But only now, this day, the
+New Orphan-House No. 3 was so far advanced, that it could be opened.
+Observe then, first, esteemed Reader, how long it may be, before a full
+answer to our prayers, even to thousands and tens of thousands of
+prayers, is granted; yea, though those prayers may be believing prayers,
+earnest prayers, and offered up in the name of the Lord Jesus, and
+though we may only for the sake of the honour of our Lord desire the
+answer: for I did, by the grace of God, without the least doubt and
+wavering look for more than eleven years for the full answer; * * * and
+I sought only in this matter the glory of God."
+
+
+PRAYING THREE TIMES DAILY FOR HELPERS.
+
+"As in the case of No. 2, so also in the case of the New Orphan-House
+No. 3, I had daily prayed for the needed helpers and assistants for the
+various departments. Before a stone was laid, I began to pray for this;
+and, as the building progressed, I continued day by day to bring this
+matter before God, feeling assured, that, as in everything else, so in
+this particular also, He would graciously be pleased to appear on our
+behalf and help us, as the whole work is intended for His honour and
+glory.
+
+"At last the time was near when the house could be opened, and the time
+therefore near when the applications, which had been made in writing
+during more than two years previously, should be considered, for the
+filling up of the various posts. It now, however, was found that, whilst
+there had been about 50 applications made for the various situations,
+some places could not be filled up, because either the individuals, who
+had applied for them, were married, or were, on examination, found
+unsuitable. This was no small trial of faith; for day by day, for years,
+had I asked God to help me in this particular, even as He had done in
+the case of the New Orphan-House No. 2; I had also expected help,
+confidently expected help: and yet now, when help _seemed_ needed, it
+was wanting. What was now to be done, dear Reader? Would it have been
+right to charge God with unfaithfulness? Would it have been right to
+distrust Him? Would it have been right to say, it is useless to pray? By
+no means. This, on the contrary, I did; I thanked God for all the help,
+He had given me in connection with the whole of the enlargement; I
+thanked Him for enabling me to overcome so many and such great
+difficulties; I thanked Him for the helpers He had given me for No. 2; I
+thanked Him, also, for the helpers He had given me already for No. 3;
+and instead of distrusting God, I looked upon this delay of the full
+answer to prayer, only as a trial of faith, and therefore resolved,
+that, instead of praying _once_ a day with my dear wife about this
+matter, as we had been doing day by day for years, we should now meet
+daily _three_ times, to bring this before God. I also brought the matter
+before the whole staff of my helpers in the work requesting their
+prayers. Thus I have now continued for about four months longer in
+prayer, day by day calling upon God three times on account of this
+need, and the result has been, that one helper after the other has been
+given, without the help coming _too_ late, or the work getting into
+confusion; or the reception of the children being hindered; and I am
+fully assured, that the few who are yet needed will also be found, when
+they are _really_ required."
+
+
+DIFFICULTIES REMOVED AFTER PRAYER AND PATIENCE.
+
+Mr. Mueller relates the following incidents in connection with the
+purchase of the land for the Fourth and Fifth Orphan-Houses, after
+receiving five thousand pounds for the Building Fund:
+
+"I had now, through all that had come in since May 26th, 1864, including
+this last-mentioned donation, above Twenty-Seven Thousand Pounds in
+hand. I had patiently waited God's time. I had determined to do nothing,
+until I had the full half of the sum needed for the two houses. But now,
+having above Two Thousand Pounds beyond the half, I felt, after again
+seeking counsel from God, quite happy, in taking steps for the purchase
+of land.
+
+"My eyes had been for years directed to a beautiful piece of land, only
+separated by the turnpike road from the ground on which the New
+Orphan-House No. 3 is erected. The land is about 18 acres, with a small
+house and outhouses built on one end thereof. Hundreds of times had I
+prayed, within the last years, that God for Jesus' sake would count me
+worthy, to be allowed to erect on this ground two more Orphan-Houses;
+and hundreds of times I had with a prayerful eye looked on this land,
+yea, as it were, bedewed it with my prayers. I might have bought it
+years ago; but that would have been going before the Lord. I had money
+enough in hand to have paid for it years ago; but I desired patiently,
+submissively, to wait God's own time, and for Him to mark it clearly and
+distinctly that His time was come, and that I took the step according to
+His will; for whatever I might apparently accomplish, if the work were
+mine, and not the Lord's, I could expect no blessing. But now the Lord's
+mind was clearly and distinctly made manifest. I had enough money in
+hand to pay for the land and to build one house, and therefore I went
+forward, after having still asked the Lord for guidance, and being
+assured that it was His will I should take active steps. The first thing
+I did was, to see the agent who acted for the owner of the land, and to
+ask him, whether the land was for sale. He replied that it was, but that
+it was let till March 25th, 1867. He said that he would write for the
+price. Here a great difficulty at once presented itself, that the land
+was let for two years and four months longer, whilst it appeared
+desirable that I should be able to take possession of it in about six
+months, viz., as soon as the conveyance could be made out, and the plans
+be ready for the New Orphan-House No. 4, and arrangements be made with
+contractors. But I was not discouraged by this difficulty; for I
+expected, through prayer, to make happy and satisfactory arrangements
+with the tenant, being willing to give him a fair compensation for
+leaving before his time had expired. But, before I had time to see about
+this, two other great difficulties presented themselves: the one was,
+that the owner asked L7,000 for the land, which I judged to be
+considerably more than its value; and the other, that I heard that the
+Bristol Waterworks Company intended to make an additional reservoir for
+their water, on this very land, and to get an Act of Parliament passed
+to that effect.
+
+"Pause here for a few moments, esteemed Reader. You have seen, how the
+Lord brought me so far, with regard to pecuniary means, that I felt now
+warranted to go forward; and I may further add, that I was brought to
+this point as the result of thousands of times praying regarding this
+object; and that there were, also, many hundreds of children waiting for
+admission; and yet, after the Lord Himself so manifestly had appeared on
+our behalf, by the donation of L5,000, He allows this apparent
+death-blow to come upon the whole. But thus I have found it hundreds of
+times since I have known the Lord. The difficulties, which He is pleased
+to allow to arise, are only allowed, under such circumstances, for the
+exercise of our faith and patience; and more prayer, more patience, and
+the exercise of faith, will remove the difficulties. Now, as I knew the
+Lord, these difficulties were no insurmountable difficulties to me, for
+I put my trust in Him, according to that word: "The Lord also will be a
+refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that
+know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not
+forsaken them that seek Thee." (Psalm ix. 9, 10). I gave myself,
+therefore, earnestly to prayer concerning all these three especial
+difficulties which had arisen regarding the land. I prayed several times
+daily about the matter, and used the following means: 1. I saw the
+Acting Committee of the Directors of the Bristol Waterworks Company
+regarding their intended reservoir on the land, which I was about to
+purchase, and stated to them, what I had seen in print concerning their
+intentions. They courteously stated to me, that only a small portion of
+the land would be required, not enough to interfere with my purpose; and
+that, if it could be avoided, even this small portion should not be
+taken. 2. This being settled, I now saw the tenant, after many prayers;
+for I desired, as a Christian, that if this land were bought, it should
+be done under amicable circumstances with regard to him. At the first
+interview, I stated my intentions to him, at the same time expressing my
+desire that the matter should be settled pleasantly with regard to
+himself. He said that he would consider the matter, and desired a few
+days for that purpose. After a week I saw him again, and he then kindly
+stated, that, as the land was wanted for such an object, he would not
+stand in the way; but that, as he had laid out a good deal on the house
+and land, he expected a compensation for leaving it before his time was
+up. As I, of course, was quite willing to give a _fair_ and _reasonable_
+compensation, I considered this a very precious answer to prayer. 3. I
+now entered upon the third difficulty, the price of the land. I knew
+well how much the land was worth to the Orphan Institution; but its
+value to the Institution was not the market value. I gave myself,
+therefore, day by day to prayer, that the Lord would constrain the owner
+to accept a considerably lower sum than he had asked; I also pointed out
+to him why it was not worth as much as he asked. At last he consented to
+take L5,500 instead of L7,000, and I accepted the offer; for I knew that
+by the level character of the land we should save a considerable sum for
+the two houses, and that by the new sewer, which only a few months
+before had been completed, running along under the turnpike road near
+the field, we should be considerably benefited. In addition to these two
+points I had to take into the account, that we can have gas from
+Bristol, as in the three houses already in operation. And lastly, the
+most important point of all, the nearness of this piece of land to the
+other three houses, so that all could easily be under the same direction
+and superintendence. In fact, no other piece of land, near or far off,
+would present so much advantage to us, as this spot, which the Lord thus
+so very kindly had given to us. All being now settled, I proceeded to
+have the land conveyed to the same trustees who stood trustees for the
+New Orphan-Houses No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3.--I have thus minutely dwelt
+on these various matters for the encouragement of the reader, that he
+may not be discouraged by difficulties, however great and many and
+varied, but give himself to prayer, trusting in the Lord for help, yea,
+expecting help, which, in His own time and way, He will surely grant."
+
+
+ORPHAN-HOUSES NOS. 4 & 5.
+
+"March 5, 1874.--Both houses, No. 4 and No. 5, have now been for years
+in operation, No. 4 since Nov. 1868 and No. 5 since the beginning of the
+year 1870, and above 1,200 Orphans have been already received into them,
+and month after month more are received, as the Orphans are sent out
+from them as apprentices or servants. Moreover all the expenses in
+connection with their being built, fitted up and furnished were met to
+the full, as the demands arose, and, after all had been paid, there was
+left a balance of several thousand pounds, which is being used for
+keeping the houses in repair. See, esteemed Reader, how abundantly God
+answered our prayers, and how plain it is, that we were not mistaken,
+after we had patiently and prayerfully sought to ascertain His will. Be
+encouraged, therefore, yet further and further to confide in the Living
+God."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+PRECIOUS ANSWERS TO PRAYER
+
+
+In remarkable ways God helped Mr. Mueller as "The Narratives" show:--
+
+
+THE ARTIST'S FIRST RETURN.
+
+"April 30 [1859].--Received the following letter from a considerable
+distance: 'My dear Christian Brother, I am the husband of Mrs. ---- who
+sends you by this post the two Sovereign piece. How can we better
+dispose of this relic of affectionate remembrance, than by depositing it
+in the bank of Christ, who always pays the best interest, and never
+fails.--Now, my best and spiritual counsellor, I cannot express to you
+the exceeding great joy I feel, in relating what follows. I am an
+artist, a _poor_ artist, a landscape painter. About two weeks ago I sent
+a picture to Bristol for exhibition, just as I finished your book that
+was lent us. I most humbly and earnestly prayed to God to enable me, by
+the sale of my Bristol picture, to have the blessed privilege of sending
+you _half the proceeds_. The price of the picture is L20. Now mark.
+Immediately the exhibition is open, God, in His mercy, mindful of my
+prayer, sends me a purchaser. I have exhibited in Bristol before, _but
+never sold_ a picture. Oh! my dear friend, my very heart leaps for joy.
+I have never been so near God before. Through your instrumentality I
+have been enabled to draw nearer to God, with more earnestness, more
+faith, more holy desires.--This is the _first return_ God has blessed me
+with for the whole of my last year's labours. What a blessing to have it
+so returned!--Oh, with what joy I read your book!--The picture I speak
+of is now being exhibited in the academy of arts at Clifton, numbered in
+the Catalogue ----, the title is ----. I cannot pay you till the close
+of the exhibition, as I shall not be paid till then, &c.' Of such
+letters I have had thousands during the last 40 years."
+
+
+THE NORTH WIND CHANGED INTO A SOUTH WIND.
+
+"It was towards the end of November of 1857, when I was most
+unexpectedly informed that the boiler of our heating apparatus at No. 1
+leaked very considerably, so that it was impossible to go through the
+winter with such a leak.--Our heating apparatus consists of a large
+cylinder boiler, inside of which the fire is kept, and with which boiler
+the water pipes, that warm the rooms, are connected. Hot air is also
+connected with this apparatus. The boiler had been considered suited for
+the work of the winter. To suspect that it was worn out, and not to do
+anything towards replacing it by a new one, and to have said, I will
+trust in God regarding it, would be careless presumption, but not faith
+in God. It would be the counterfeit of faith.
+
+"The boiler is entirely surrounded by brickwork; its state, therefore,
+could not be known without taking down the brickwork; this, if needless,
+would be rather injurious to the boiler, than otherwise; and as for
+eight winters we had had no difficulty in this way, we had not
+anticipated it now. But suddenly, and most unexpectedly, at the
+commencement of the winter, this difficulty occurred. What then was to
+be done? For the children, especially the younger infants, I felt deeply
+concerned, that they might not suffer, through want of warmth. But how
+were we to obtain warmth? The introduction of a _new_ boiler would, in
+all probability, take many weeks. The _repairing_ of the boiler was a
+questionable matter, on account of the greatness of the leak; but, if
+not, nothing could be said of it, till the brick-chamber in which it is
+enclosed, was, at least in part, removed; but that would, at least, as
+far as we could judge, take days; and what was to be done in the
+meantime, to find warm rooms for 300 children? It naturally occurred to
+me, to introduce temporary gas-stoves; but on further weighing the
+matter, it was found, that we should be unable to heat our very large
+rooms with gas, except we had many stoves, which we could not introduce,
+as we had not a sufficient quantity of gas to spare from our lighting
+apparatus. Moreover, for each of these stoves we needed a small chimney,
+to carry off the impure air. This mode of heating, therefore, though
+applicable to a hall, a staircase, or a shop, would not suit our
+purpose. I also thought of the temporary introduction of Arnott's
+stoves; but they would have been unsuitable, requiring long chimneys (as
+they would have been of a temporary kind) to go out of the windows. On
+this account, the uncertainty of their answering in our case, and the
+disfigurement of the rooms, led me to give up this plan also. But what
+was to be done? Gladly would I have paid L100, if thereby the difficulty
+could have been overcome, and the children not be exposed to suffer for
+many days from being in cold rooms. At last I determined on falling
+entirely into the hands of God, who is very merciful and of tender
+compassion, and I decided on having the brick-chamber opened, to see the
+extent of the damage, and whether the boiler might be repaired, so as to
+carry us through the winter.
+
+"The day was fixed, when the workmen were to come, and all the necessary
+arrangements were made. The fire, of course, had to be let out while the
+repairs were going on. But now see. After the day was fixed for the
+repairs a bleak North wind set in. It began to blow either on Thursday
+or Friday before the Wednesday afternoon, when the fire was to be let
+out. Now came the first really cold weather, which we had in the
+beginning of that winter, during the first days of December. What was to
+be done? The repairs could not be put off. I now asked the Lord for two
+things, viz., that He would be pleased to change the north wind into a
+south wind, and that He would give to the workmen 'a mind to work'; for
+I remembered how much Nehemiah accomplished in 52 days, whilst building
+the walls of Jerusalem, because 'the people had a mind to work.' Well,
+the memorable day came. The evening before, the bleak north wind blew
+still: but, on the Wednesday, the south wind blew: exactly as I had
+prayed. The weather was so mild that no fire was needed. The brickwork
+is removed, the leak is found out very soon, the boiler makers begin to
+repair in good earnest. About half-past eight in the evening, when I was
+going home, I was informed at the lodge, that the acting principal of
+the firm, whence the boiler makers came, had arrived to see how the work
+was going on, and whether he could in any way speed the matter. I went
+immediately, therefore, into the cellar, to see him with the men, to
+seek to expedite the business. In speaking to the principal of this, he
+said in their hearing, 'the men will work late this evening, and come
+very early again to-morrow.'
+
+"'We would rather, Sir,' said the leader, 'work all night.' Then
+remembered I the second part of my prayer, that God would give the men
+'a mind to work.' Thus it was: by the morning the repair was
+accomplished, the leak was stopped, though with great difficulty, and
+within about 30 hours the brickwork was up again, and the fire in the
+boiler; and all the time the south wind blew so mildly, that there was
+not the least need of a fire.
+
+"Here, then, is one of our difficulties which was overcome by prayer and
+faith."
+
+
+CONVERSION OF THE ORPHANS.
+
+"May 26, 1860.--Day after day, and year after year, by the help of God,
+we labour in prayer for the spiritual benefit of the Orphans under our
+care. These our supplications, which have been for 24 years brought
+before the Lord concerning them, have been abundantly answered, in
+former years, in the conversion of hundreds from among them. We have,
+also, had repeated seasons in which, within a short time, or even all at
+once, _many_ of the Orphans were converted. Such a season we had about
+three years since, when, within a few days, about 60 were brought to
+believe in the Lord Jesus; and such seasons we have had again twice
+during the first year. The first was in July, 1859, when the Spirit of
+God wrought so mightily in one school of 120 girls, as that very many,
+yea more than one-half, were brought under deep concern about the
+salvation of their souls. This work, moreover, was not a mere momentary
+excitement; but, after more than eleven months have elapsed, there are
+31 concerning whom there is _full_ confidence as to their conversion,
+and 32 concerning whom there is likewise a goodly measure of confidence,
+though not to the same amount, as regarding the 31. There are therefore
+63 out of the 120 Orphans in that one School who are considered to have
+been converted in July, 1859. This blessed and mighty work of the Holy
+Spirit cannot be traced to any particular cause. It was however, a most
+precious answer to prayer. As such we look upon it, and are encouraged
+by it to further waiting upon God. The second season of the mighty
+working of the Holy Spirit among the Orphans, during the past year, was
+at the end of January and the beginning of February, 1860. The
+particulars of it are of the deepest interest; but I must content myself
+by stating, that this great work of the Spirit of God in January and
+February, 1860, began among the younger class of the children under our
+care, little girls of about 6, 7, 8 and 9 years old; then extended to
+the older girls; and then to the boys, so that within about 10 days
+above 200 of the Orphans were stirred up to be anxious about their
+souls, and in _many_ instances found peace _immediately_, through faith
+in our Lord Jesus. They at once requested to be allowed to hold
+prayer-meetings among themselves, and have had these meetings ever
+since. Many of them also manifested a concern about the salvation of
+their companions and relations, and spoke or wrote to them, about the
+way to be saved."
+
+
+APPRENTICING THE ORPHANS.
+
+"In the early part of the summer, 1862, it was found that we had several
+boys ready to be apprenticed; but there were no applications made by
+masters for apprentices. As all our boys are invariably sent out as
+indoor apprentices, this was no small difficulty; for we not only look
+for Christian masters, but consider their business, and examine into
+their position, to see whether they are suitable; and the master must
+also be willing to receive the apprentice into his own family. Under
+these circumstances, we again gave ourselves to prayer, as we had done
+for more than twenty years before, concerning this thing, instead of
+advertising, which, in all probability, would only bring before us
+masters who desire apprentices for the sake of the premium. We
+remembered how good the Lord had been to us, in having helped us
+hundreds of times before, in this very matter. Some weeks passed, but
+the difficulty remained. We continued, however, in prayer, and then one
+application was made, and then another; and since we first began to pray
+about this matter, last summer, we have been able to send out altogether
+18 boys up to May 26, 1863; the difficulty was thus again entirely
+overcome by prayer, as every one of the boys, whom it was desirable to
+send out, has been sent out."
+
+
+SICKNESS AT THE ORPHANAGE.
+
+Sickness at times visited the houses.
+
+"During the summer and autumn of 1866 we had also the measles at all the
+three Orphan-Houses. After they had made their appearance, our especial
+prayer was: 1. That there might not be too many children ill at one time
+in this disease, so that our accommodation in the Infirmary rooms or
+otherwise might be sufficient. This prayer was answered to the full; for
+though we had at the New Orphan-House No. 1 not less than 83 cases, in
+No. 2 altogether 111, and in No. 3 altogether 68; yet God so graciously
+was pleased to listen to our supplications, as that when our spare rooms
+were filled with the invalids, He so long stayed the spreading of the
+measles till a sufficient number were restored, so as to make room for
+others, who were taken ill. 2. Further we prayed, that the children, who
+were taken ill in the measles, might be safely brought through and not
+die. Thus it was. We had the full answer to our prayers; for though 262
+children altogether had the measles, not one of them died. 3. Lastly we
+prayed, that no evil physical consequences might follow this disease, as
+is so often the case; this was also granted. All the 262 children not
+only recovered, but did well afterwards. I gratefully record this signal
+mercy and blessing of God, and this full and precious answer to prayer,
+to the honour of His name."
+
+
+HELP FOR NEEDY BRETHREN.
+
+1863.--"The end of the year was now at hand, and, in winding up the
+accounts, it was my earnest desire, to do once more all I could, in
+sending help to needy labourers in the gospel. I went therefore through
+the list, writing against the various names of those to whom I had not
+already recently sent, what amount it appeared desirable to send; and I
+found, when these sums were added together, the total was L476, but L280
+was all I had in hand. I wrote therefore a cheque for L280, though I
+would have gladly sent L476, yet felt thankful, at the same time, that I
+had this amount in hand for these brethren. Having written the cheque,
+as the last occupation of the day, then came my usual season for prayer,
+for the many things which I daily, by the help of God, bring before Him;
+and then again, I brought also the case of these preachers of the Gospel
+before the Lord, and besought Him that He would even now be pleased to
+give me yet a goodly sum for them, though there remained but three days
+to the close of our year. This being done, I went home about nine
+o'clock in the evening, and found there had arrived from a great
+distance L100 for Missions, with L100 left at my disposal, and L5 for
+myself. I took, therefore, the whole L200 for Missions, and thus had
+L480 in hand to meet the L476 which I desired for this object. Those who
+know the blessedness of really trusting in God, and getting help from
+Him, as in this case, in answer to prayer, will be able to enter into
+the spiritual enjoyment I had in the reception of that donation, in
+which both the answer to prayer was granted, and with it the great
+enjoyment of gladdening the hearts of many devoted servants of Christ."
+
+
+
+
+THE HEART'S DESIRE GIVEN TO HELP MISSION WORK IN CHINA.
+
+"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand
+Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is
+especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire
+to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken
+steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand
+Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be
+a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work,
+and who may need means for it. It proves afresh, that, if our work is
+His work, and we honour Him, by waiting upon and looking to Him for
+means, He will surely, in His own time and way, supply them."
+
+
+THE JOY OF ANSWERS TO PRAYER.
+
+"The joy which answers to prayer give, cannot be described; and the
+impetus which they afford to the spiritual life is exceedingly great.
+The experience of this happiness I desire for all my Christian readers.
+If you believe indeed in the Lord Jesus for the salvation of your soul,
+if you walk uprightly and do not regard iniquity in your heart, if you
+continue to wait patiently, and believingly upon God; then answers will
+surely be given to your prayers. You may not be called upon to serve the
+Lord in the way the writer does, and therefore may never have answers
+to prayer respecting such things as are recorded here; but, in your
+various circumstances, your family, your business, your profession, your
+church position, your labour for the Lord, etc., you may have answers as
+distinct as any here recorded."
+
+
+THE GREAT NEED OF BEING SAVED BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS.
+
+"Should this, however, be read by any who are not believers in the Lord
+Jesus, but who are going on in the carelessness or self-righteousness of
+their unrenewed hearts, then I would affectionately and solemnly beseech
+such, first of all to be reconciled to God by faith in the Lord Jesus.
+You are sinners. You deserve punishment. If you do not see this, ask God
+to show it unto you. Let this now be your first and especial prayer. Ask
+God also to enlighten you not merely concerning your state by nature,
+but especially to reveal the Lord Jesus to your heart. God sent Him,
+that He might bear the punishment, due to us guilty sinners. God accepts
+the obedience and sufferings of the Lord Jesus, in the room of those who
+depend upon Him for the salvation of their souls; and the moment a
+sinner believes in the Lord Jesus, he obtains the forgiveness of all his
+sins. When thus he is reconciled to God, by faith in the Lord Jesus, and
+has obtained the forgiveness of his sins, he has boldness to enter into
+the presence of God, to make known his requests unto Him; and the more
+he is enabled to realize that his sins are forgiven, and that God, for
+Christ's sake, is well pleased with those who believe on Him, the more
+ready he will be to come with all his wants, both temporal and
+spiritual, to his Heavenly Father, that He may supply them. But as long
+as the consciousness of unpardoned guilt remains, so long shall we be
+kept at a distance from God, especially as it regards prayer. Therefore,
+dear reader, if you are an unforgiven sinner, let your first and
+especial prayer be, that God would be pleased to reveal to your heart
+the Lord Jesus, His beloved Son."
+
+
+A DOUBLE ANSWER.
+
+"July 25 [1865].--From the neighbourhood of London L100, with the
+following letter: 'My dear Sir, I believe that it is through the Lord's
+actings upon me, that I enclose you a cheque on the Bank of England,
+Western Branch, for L100. I hope that your affairs are going on well.
+Yours in the Lord * * * *.' This Christian gentleman, whom I have never
+seen, and who is engaged in a very large business in London, had sent me
+several times before a similar sum. A day or two before I received this
+last kind donation, I had asked the Lord, that He would be pleased to
+influence the heart of this donor to help me again, which I had never
+done before regarding him; and thus I had the double answer to prayer,
+in that not only money came in, but money from _him_. The reader will
+now see the meaning in the donor's letter, when he wrote 'I believe
+that it is through the Lord's actings upon me that I enclose you a
+cheque, &c.' Verily it was the Lord who acted upon this gentleman, to
+send me this sum. Perhaps the reader may think, that in acknowledging
+the receipt of the donation, I wrote to the donor what I have here
+stated. I did not. My reason for not doing so was, lest he should have
+thought I was in especial need, and might have been thus influenced to
+send more. In truly knowing the Lord, in really relying upon Him and
+upon Him alone, there is no need of giving hints directly or indirectly,
+whereby individuals may be induced further to help. I might have written
+to the donor (as was indeed the case), I need a considerable sum day by
+day for the current expenses of the various objects of the Institution,
+and also might have with truth told him, at that time, that I yet needed
+about Twenty Thousand Pounds, to enable me to meet all the expenses
+connected with the contemplated enlargement of the Orphan work. But my
+practice is, never to allude to any of these things in my correspondence
+with donors. When the Report is published, every one can see, who has a
+desire to see, how matters stand; and thus I leave things in the hands
+of God, to speak for us to the hearts of His stewards. And this He does.
+Verily we do not wait upon God in _!"
+
+
+CHRISTIANS IN BUSINESS.
+
+"Jan. 1 [1869].--From Scotland L50 for Missions, L25 for the circulation
+of the Holy Scriptures and L25 for the circulation of Tracts. Received
+also from a considerable distance L10 for these objects, with L10 for
+the Orphans. About this latter donation I make a few remarks. At the
+early part of the year 1868, a Christian business man wrote to me for
+advice in his peculiar difficult business affairs. His letter showed
+that he had a desire to walk in the ways of the Lord, and to carry on
+his business to the glory of God; but his circumstances were of the most
+trying character. I therefore wrote to him to come to Bristol, that I
+might be able to advise him. Accordingly he undertook the long journey,
+and I had an interview with him, through which I saw his most trying
+position in business. Having fully conversed with him, I gave him the
+following counsel: 1, That he should day by day, expressly for the
+purpose, retire with his Christian wife, that they might unitedly spread
+their business difficulties before God in prayer, and do this, if
+possible, twice a day. 2, That he should look out for answers to his
+prayers, and expect that God would help him. 3, That he should avoid all
+business trickeries, such as exposing for sale two or three articles,
+marked below cost price, for the sake of attracting customers, because
+of its being unbecoming a disciple of the Lord Jesus to use such
+artifices; and that, if he did so, he could not reckon on the blessing
+of God. 4, I advised him further, to set apart; out of his profits, week
+by week, a certain proportion for the work of God, whether his income
+was much or little, and use this income faithfully for the Lord. 5,
+Lastly, I asked him, to let me know, month after month, how the Lord
+dealt with him.--The reader will feel interested to learn, that from
+that time the Lord was pleased to prosper the business of this dear
+Christian brother, so that his returns from the 1st of March, 1868, up
+to March 1, 1869, were L9,138 13s. 5d., while during the same period the
+previous year they had been only L6,609 18s. 3d., therefore L2,528 15s.
+2d. more than the year before. When he sent me the donation above
+referred to, he also writes, that he had been enabled to put aside
+during the previous year L123 13s. 3d. for the work of God or the need
+of the poor.--I have so fully dwelt on this, because Christians in
+business may be benefited by it."
+
+
+REVIVAL IN THE ORPHAN-HOUSES.
+
+"In giving the statistics of the previous year [1871-72], I referred
+already to the great spiritual blessing, which it pleased the Lord to
+grant to the Orphan Work at the end of that year and the beginning of
+this; but, as this is so deeply important a subject, I enter somewhat
+further and more fully into it here. It was stated before, that the
+spiritual condition of the Orphans generally gave to us great sorrow of
+heart, because there were so few, comparatively, among them, who were in
+earnest about their souls, and resting on the atoning death of the Lord
+Jesus for salvation. This our sorrow led us to lay it on the whole
+staff of assistants, matrons and teachers, to seek earnestly the Lord's
+blessing on the souls of the children. This was done in our united
+prayer meetings, and, I have reason to believe, in secret also; and in
+answer to these our secret and united prayers, in the year 1872, there
+were, as the result of this, more believers by far among the Orphans
+than ever. On Jan. 8, 1872, the Lord began to work among them, and this
+work was going on more or less afterwards. In the New Orphan-House No.
+3, it showed itself least, till it pleased the Lord to lay His hand
+heavily on that house, by the small-pox; and, from that time the working
+of the Holy Spirit was felt in that house also, particularly in one
+department. At the end of July, 1872, I received the statements of all
+the matrons and teachers in the five houses, who reported to me, that,
+after careful observation and conversation, they had good reason to
+believe that 729 of the Orphans then under our care, were believers in
+the Lord Jesus. This number of believing Orphans is by far greater than
+ever we had, for which we adore and praise the Lord! See how the Lord
+overruled the great trial, occasioned by the small-pox, and turned it
+into a great blessing! See, also, how, after so low a state,
+comparatively, which led us to prayer, earnest prayer, the working of
+the Holy Spirit was more manifest than ever!"
+
+
+MR. MUELLER'S MISSION TOURS.
+
+In the year 1875, when seventy years of age, Mr. Mueller was led to start
+on his Missionary Tours, and during the next twenty years preached to
+more than three million people, in forty-two countries of the world.
+
+"On August 8th, 1882," Mr. Mueller says, "we began our ninth Missionary
+Tour. The first place at which I preached was Weymouth, where I spoke in
+public four times. From Weymouth we went, by way of Calais and Brussels,
+to Duesseldorf on the Rhine, where I preached many times six years
+before. During this visit, I spoke there in public eight times.
+Regarding my stay at Duesseldorf, for the encouragement of the reader, I
+relate the following circumstance. During our first visit to that city,
+in the year 1876, a godly City Missionary came to me one day, greatly
+tried, because he had six sons, for whose conversion he had been praying
+many years, and yet they remained unconcerned about their souls, and he
+desired me to tell him what to do. My reply was, '_Continue_ to pray for
+your sons, and _expect_ an answer to your prayer, and you will have to
+praise God.' Now, when after six years I was again in the same city,
+this dear man came to me and said he was surprised he had not seen
+before himself what he ought to do, and that he had resolved to take my
+advice and more earnestly than ever give himself to prayer. Two months
+after he saw me, five of his six sons were converted within eight days,
+and have for six years now walked in the ways of the Lord, and he had
+hope that the sixth son also was beginning to be concerned about his
+state before God. May the Christian reader be encouraged by this, should
+his prayers not at once be answered; and, instead of ceasing to pray,
+wait upon God all the more earnestly and perseveringly, and _expect_
+answers to his petitions."
+
+
+THE DIVINE PLAN FOR SENDING OUT FOREIGN MISSIONARIES.
+
+The Bristol Church with which Mr. Mueller was connected has been
+privileged to set an example to the Church of God of the way in which
+Foreign Missionaries (who are so greatly needed) can be sent forth in
+answer to prayer. Mr. Mueller writes on p. 516, Vol. I. of his
+Narrative:--
+
+"I also mention here, that during the eight years previous to my going
+to Germany to labour there, it had been laid on my heart, and on the
+hearts of some other brethren among us, to ask the Lord that he would be
+pleased to honour us, as a body of believers, by calling forth from our
+midst brethren, for carrying the truth into foreign lands. But this
+prayer seemed to remain unanswered. Now, however, the time was come when
+the Lord was about to answer it, and I, on whose heart particularly this
+matter had been laid, was to be the first to carry forth the truth from
+among us. About that very time the Lord called our dear brother and
+sister Barrington from among us, to go to Demerara, to labour there in
+connexion with our esteemed brother Strong, and our dear brother and
+sister Espenett, to go to Switzerland. Both these dear brethren and
+sisters left very shortly after I had gone to Germany. But this was not
+all. Our much valued brother Mordal, who had commended himself to the
+saints by his unwearied faithful service among us for twelve years, had
+from Aug. 31, 1843, (the day on which brothers Strong and Barrington
+sailed from Bristol for Demerara), his mind likewise exercised about
+service there, and went out from among us eleven months after. He,
+together with myself, had had it particularly laid upon his heart,
+during the eight years previously, to ask the Lord again and again to
+call labourers from among us for foreign service. Of all persons he, the
+father of a large family, and about 50 years of age, seemed the least
+likely to be called to that work; but God did call him. He went,
+laboured a little while in Demerara, and then, on January 9, 1845, the
+Lord took him to his rest.--When we ask God for a thing, such as that He
+would be pleased to raise up labourers for His harvest, or send means
+for the carrying on of His work, the honest question to be put to our
+hearts should be this: Am _I_ willing to go, if He should call _me_? Am
+_I_ willing to give according to _my_ ability? For we may be the very
+persons whom the Lord will call for the work, or whose means He may wish
+to employ."
+
+In the Report of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for 1896 Mr.
+Mueller shows how greatly this body of believers has been honoured by
+God.
+
+"From our own midst, as a church sixty brethren and sisters have gone
+forth to foreign fields of labour, some of whom have finished their
+labour on earth; but there are still about forty yet engaged in this
+precious service."
+
+Why should not the great and crying need for workers in Asia, Africa,
+and other parts of the world be thus met by thousands of churches in
+Europe and America following this divine plan of praying the Lord of the
+harvest that He would send forth labourers from among them?
+
+Surely they may expect GOD to answer their prayers as He did the prayers
+of this Bristol church.
+
+Look what has been done in China by the faithful use of GOD'S method! We
+quote Mr. Hudson Taylor's words as given in _China's Millions_ for July,
+1897:--
+
+"For the obtaining of fellow-workers we took the MASTER'S direction,
+'Pray ye the LORD of the Harvest.' As for the first five before the
+Mission was formed, so for the twenty-four for whom we first asked for
+the C.I.M.; for further reinforcements when they were needed; for the
+seventy in three years, for the hundred in one year, and for further
+additions from time to time, we have ever relied on this plan. Is it
+possible that in any other way such a band of workers from nearly every
+denomination, and from many lands, could have been gathered and kept
+together for thirty years with no other bond save that which the call of
+GOD and the love of GOD has proved--a band now numbering over seven
+hundred men and women, aided by more than five hundred native workers."
+
+
+THE BEGINNING OF THE 1859 REVIVAL.
+
+"In November, 1856, a young Irishman, Mr. James McQuilkin, was brought
+to the knowledge of the Lord. Soon after his conversion he saw my
+Narrative advertised, viz.: the first two volumes of this book. He had a
+great desire to read it, and procured it accordingly, about January,
+1857. God blessed it greatly to his soul, especially in showing to him,
+what could be obtained by prayer. He said to himself something like
+this: 'See what Mr. Mueller obtains simply by prayer. Thus I may obtain
+blessing by prayer.' He now set himself to pray, that the Lord would
+give him a spiritual companion, one who knew the Lord. Soon after he
+became acquainted with a young man who was a believer. These two began a
+prayer-meeting in one of the Sunday Schools in the parish of Connor.
+Having his prayer answered in obtaining a spiritual companion, Mr. James
+McQuilkin asked the Lord to lead him to become acquainted with some more
+of His hidden ones. Soon after the Lord gave him two more young men, who
+were believers previously, as far as he could judge. In Autumn, 1857,
+Mr. James McQuilkin stated to these three young men, given him in
+answer to believing prayer, what blessing he had derived from my
+Narrative, how it had led him to see the power of believing prayer; and
+he proposed that they should meet for prayer to seek the Lord's blessing
+upon their various labours in the Sunday Schools, prayer-meetings, and
+preaching of the Gospel. Accordingly in Autumn, 1857, these four young
+men met together for prayer in a small school-house near the village of
+Kells, in the parish of Connor, every Friday evening. By this time the
+great and mighty working of the Spirit, in 1857, in the United States,
+had become known, and Mr. James McQuilkin said to himself, 'Why may not
+we have such a blessed work here, seeing that God did such great things
+for Mr. Mueller, simply in answer to prayer.' On January 1, 1858, the
+Lord gave them the first remarkable answer to prayer in the conversion
+of a farm servant. He was taken into the number, and thus there were
+five who gave themselves to prayer. Shortly after, another young man,
+about 20 years old, was converted; there were now six. This greatly
+encouraged the other three who first had met with Mr. James McQuilkin.
+Others now were converted, who were also taken into the number; but only
+believers were admitted to these fellowship meetings, in which they
+read, prayed, and offered to each other a few thoughts from the
+Scriptures. These meetings and others for the preaching of the Gospel
+were held in the parish of Connor, Antrim, Ireland. Up to this time all
+was going on most quietly, though many souls were converted, There were
+no physical prostrations, as afterwards.
+
+"About Christmas, 1858, a young man, from Ahoghill, who had come to live
+at Connor, and who had been converted through this little company of
+believers, went to see his friends at Ahoghill, and spoke to them about
+their own souls, and the work of God at Connor. His friends desired to
+see some of these converts. Accordingly Mr. James McQuilkin, with two of
+the first who met for prayer, went on February 2, 1859, and held a
+meeting at Ahoghill in one of the Presbyterian Churches. Some believed,
+some mocked, and others thought there was a great deal of presumption in
+these young converts; yet many wished to have another meeting. This was
+held by the same three young men on February 16th, 1859; and now the
+Spirit of God began to work, and to work mightily. Souls were converted,
+and from that time conversions multiplied rapidly. Some of these
+converts went to other places, and carried the spiritual fire, so to
+speak, with them. The blessed work of the spirit of God spread in _many
+places_.--On April 5th, 1859, Mr. James McQuilkin went to Ballymena,
+held a meeting there in one of the Presbyterian Churches; and on April
+11th held another meeting in another of the Presbyterian churches.
+Several were convinced of sin and the work of the Spirit of God went
+forward in Ballymena.--On May 28th, 1859, he went to Belfast. During the
+first week there were meetings held in five different Presbyterian
+Churches, and from that time the blessed work commenced at Belfast. In
+all these visits he was accompanied and helped by Mr. Jeremiah Meneely,
+one of the three young men who first met with him, after the reading of
+my Narrative. From this time the work of the Holy Ghost spread further
+and further; for the young converts were used by the Lord to carry the
+truth from one place to another.
+
+"Such was the _beginning_ of that mighty work of the Holy Spirit, which
+has led to the conversion of hundreds of thousands; for some of my
+readers will remember how in 1859 this fire was kindled in England,
+Wales and Scotland; how it spread through Ireland, England, Wales and
+Scotland; how the Continent of Europe was more or less partaking of this
+mighty working of the Holy Spirit; how it led thousands to give
+themselves to the work of Evangelists; and how up to the year 1874 not
+only the effects of this work, first begun in Ireland, are felt, but
+that still more or less this blessed work is going on in Europe
+generally. It is almost needless to add, that in no degree the honour is
+due to the instruments, but to the Holy Spirit alone; yet these facts
+are stated, in order that it may be seen, what delight God has in
+answering abundantly the believing prayer of His children."
+
+
+MR. MUELLER'S MARRIAGE.
+
+In Vol. 3 of The Narrative, Mr. Mueller shows the ordering of God in his
+meeting with and subsequent marriage to his first wife, Miss Mary
+Groves.
+
+"In giving her to me, I own the hand of God; nay, His hand was most
+marked; and my soul says, 'Thou art good, and doest good.'
+
+"I refer to a few particulars for the instruction of others. When at the
+end of the year 1829, I left London to labour in Devonshire in the
+Gospel, a brother in the Lord gave to me a card, containing the address
+of a well-known Christian lady, Miss Paget, who then resided in Exeter,
+in order that I should call on her, as she was an excellent Christian. I
+took this address and put it into my pocket, but thought little of
+calling on her. Three weeks I carried this card in my pocket, without
+making an effort to see this lady; but at last I was led to do so. This
+was God's way of giving me my excellent wife. Miss Paget asked me to
+preach the last Tuesday in the month of January, 1830, at the room which
+she had fitted up at Poltimore, a village near Exeter, and where Mr. A.
+N. Groves, afterwards my brother-in-law, had preached once a month,
+before he went out as a Missionary to Bagdad. I accepted readily the
+invitation, as I longed, everywhere to set forth the precious truth of
+the Lord's return, and other deeply important truths, which not long
+before my own soul had been filled with.
+
+"On leaving Miss Paget, she gave me the address of a Christian brother,
+Mr. Hake, who had an Infant Boarding School for young ladies and
+gentlemen, at Northernhay House, the former residence of Mr. A. N.
+Groves, in order that I might stay there on my arrival in Exeter from
+Teignmouth. To this place I went at the appointed time. Miss Groves,
+afterwards my beloved wife, was there; for Mrs. Hake had been a great
+invalid for a long time, and Miss Groves helped Mr. Hake in his great
+affliction, by superintending his household matters. My first visit led
+to my going again to preach at Poltimore, after the lapse of a month,
+and I stayed again at Mr. Hake's house; and this second visit led to my
+preaching once a week in a chapel at Exeter; and thus I went, week after
+week, from Teignmouth to Exeter, each time staying in the house of Mr.
+Hake. All this time my purpose had been, not to marry at all, but to
+remain free for travelling about in the service of the Gospel; but after
+some months I saw, for many reasons, that it was better for me, as a
+young Pastor, under 25 years of age, to be married. The question now
+was, to whom shall I be united? Miss Groves was before my mind; but the
+prayerful conflict was long, before I came to a decision; for I could
+not bear the thought, that I should take away from Mr. Hake this valued
+helper, as Mrs. Hake continued still unable to take the responsibility
+of so large a household. But I prayed again and again. At last this
+decided me, I had reason to believe that I had begotten an affection in
+the heart of Miss Groves for me, and that therefore I ought to make a
+proposal of marriage to her, however unkindly I might appear to act to
+my dear friend and brother Mr. Hake, and to ask God to give him a
+suitable helper to succeed Miss Groves. On Aug. 15th, 1830, I therefore
+wrote to her, proposing to her to become my wife, and on Aug. 19th, when
+I went over as usual to Exeter for preaching, she accepted me. The first
+thing we did, after I was accepted, was, to fall on our knees, and to
+ask the blessing of the Lord on our intended union. In about two or
+three weeks the Lord, in answer to prayer, found an individual, who
+seemed suitable to act as housekeeper, whilst Mrs. Hake continued ill;
+and on Oct. 7, 1830, we were united in marriage. Our marriage was of the
+most simple character. We walked to church, had no wedding breakfast,
+but in the afternoon had a meeting of Christian friends in Mr. Hake's
+house and commemorated the Lord's death; and then I drove off in the
+stagecoach with my beloved bride to Teignmouth, and the next day we went
+to work for the Lord. Simple as our beginning was, and unlike the habits
+of the world, for Christ's sake, so our Godly aim has been, to continue
+ever since. Now see the hand of God in giving me my dearest wife:--1st,
+that address of Miss Paget's was given to me under the ordering of God.
+2nd, I must at last be made to call on her, though I had long delayed
+it. 3rd, She might have provided a resting-place with some other
+Christian friend, where I should not have seen Miss Groves. 4th, My mind
+might have at last, after all, decided, not to make a proposal to her;
+but God settled the matter thus in speaking to me through my
+conscience--you know that you have begotten affection in the heart of
+this Christian sister, by the way you have acted towards her, and
+therefore, painful though it may be, to appear to act unkindly towards
+your friend and brother, you ought to make her a proposal. I obeyed. I
+wrote the letter in which I made the proposal, and nothing but one even
+stream of blessing has been the result.
+
+"Let me here add a word of Christian counsel. To enter upon the marriage
+union is one of the most deeply important events of life. It cannot be
+too prayerfully treated. Our happiness, our usefulness, our living for
+God or for ourselves afterwards, are often most intimately connected
+with our choice. Therefore, in the most prayerful manner, this choice
+should be made. Neither beauty, nor age, nor money, nor mental powers,
+should be that which prompt the decision; but 1st, Much waiting upon God
+for guidance should be used; 2nd, A hearty purpose, to be willing to be
+guided by Him should be aimed after; 3rd, True godliness without a
+shadow of doubt, should be the first and absolutely needful
+qualification, to a Christian, with regard to a companion for life. In
+addition to this, however, it ought to be, at the same time, calmly and
+patiently weighed, whether, in other respects, there is a suitableness.
+
+For instance, for an educated man to choose an entirely uneducated
+woman, is unwise; for however much on his part love might be willing to
+cover the defect, it will work very unhappily with regard to the
+children."
+
+
+DANGEROUS ILLNESS OF MR. MUELLER'S DAUGHTER.
+
+"In July, 1853, it pleased the Lord to try my faith in a way in which
+before it had not been tried. My beloved daughter and only child, and a
+believer since the commencement of the year 1846, was taken ill on June
+20th.
+
+"This illness, at first a low fever, turned to typhus. On July 3rd there
+seemed no hope of her recovery. Now was the trial of faith. But faith
+triumphed. My beloved wife and I were enabled to give her up into the
+hands of the Lord. He sustained us both exceedingly. But I will only
+speak about myself. Though my only and beloved child was brought near
+the grave, yet was my soul in perfect peace, satisfied with the will of
+my Heavenly Father, being assured that He would only do that for her and
+her parents, which in the end would be the best. She continued very ill
+till about July 20th, when restoration began.
+
+"On Aug. 18th she was so far restored that she could be removed to
+Clevedon for change of air, though exceedingly weak. It was then 59 days
+since she was first taken ill. * * * * * *
+
+"Parents know what an only child, a beloved child is, and what to
+believing parents an only child, a believing child must be. Well, the
+Father in Heaven said, as it were, by this His dispensation, 'Art thou
+willing to give up this child to me?' My heart responded, As it seems
+good to Thee, my Heavenly Father. Thy will be done. But as our hearts
+were made willing to give back our beloved child to Him who had given
+her to us, so He was ready to leave her to us, and she lived. 'Delight
+thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine
+heart.' Psalm xxxvii. 4. The desires of my heart were, to retain the
+beloved daughter if it were the will of God; the means to retain her
+were to be satisfied with the will of the Lord.
+
+"Of all the trials of faith that as yet I have had to pass through, this
+was the greatest; and by God's abundant mercy, I own it to His praise, I
+was enabled to delight myself in the will of God; for I felt perfectly
+sure, that, if the Lord took this beloved daughter, it would be best for
+her parents, best for herself, and more for the glory of God than if she
+lived: this better part I was satisfied with; and thus my heart had
+peace, perfect peace, and I had not a moment's anxiety. Thus would it be
+under all circumstances, however painful, were the believer exercising
+faith."
+
+
+THE DAILY BREAD.
+
+"Aug. 3, 1844. Saturday. With the 12s. we began the day. My soul said:
+'I will now look out for the way in which the Lord will deliver us this
+day again; for He will surely deliver. Many Saturdays, when we were in
+need, He helped us, and so He will do this day also.' Between nine and
+ten o'clock this morning I gave myself to prayer for means, with three
+of my fellow-labourers, in my house. WHILST WE WERE IN PRAYER, there was
+a knock at my room-door, and I was informed that a gentleman had come
+to see me. When we had finished prayer, it was found to be a brother
+from Tetbury, who had brought from Barnstaple L1 2s. 6d. for the
+Orphans. Thus we have L1 14s. 6d., with which I must return the
+letter-bag to the Orphan-Houses, looking to the Lord for more.
+
+"Aug. 6.--Without _one single penny_ in my hands the day began. The post
+brought nothing, nor had I yet received anything, when ten minutes after
+ten this morning the letter-bag was brought from the Orphan-Houses, for
+the supplies of to-day.--Now see the Lord's deliverance! In the bag I
+found a note from one of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses, enclosing
+two sovereigns, which she sent for the Orphans, stating that it was part
+of a present which she had just received unexpectedly, for
+herself.--Thus we are supplied for to-day.
+
+"Sept. 4.--Only one farthing was in my hands this morning. Pause a moment,
+dear reader! Only one farthing in hand when the day commenced. Think of
+this, and think of nearly 140 persons to be provided for. You, poor
+brethren, who have six or eight children and small wages, think of this;
+and you, my brethren, who do not belong to the working classes, but have,
+as it is called, very limited means, think of this! May you not do, what
+we do, under your _trials_? Does the Lord love you less than He loves
+us? Does He not love all His children with no less love than that, with
+which He loves His only begotten Son, according to John xvii. 20-23? Or
+are we better than you? Nay, are we not in ourselves poor miserable
+sinners as you are; and have any of the children of God any claim upon
+God, on account of their own worthiness? Is not that, which alone can
+make us worthy to receive anything from our Heavenly Father, the
+righteousness of the Lord Jesus, which is imputed to those who believe
+in Him? Therefore, dear reader, as we pray in our every need, of
+whatever character it may be, in connection with this work, to our
+Father in Heaven for help, and as He does help us, so is He willing to
+help all His children who put their trust in Him.--Well, let us hear
+then, how God helped when there was only one farthing left in my hands,
+on the morning of Sept. 4, 1844.
+
+"A little after nine o'clock I received a sovereign from a sister in the
+Lord, who does not wish the name of the place, where she resides,
+mentioned. Between ten and eleven o'clock the bag was sent from the
+Orphan-Houses, in which in a note it was stated that L1 2s. was required
+for to-day. SCARCELY HAD I READ THIS, when a fly stopped before my
+house, and a gentleman, Mr. ----, from the neighbourhood of Manchester,
+was announced. I found that he was a believer, who had come on business
+to Bristol. He had heard about the Orphan-Houses, and expressed his
+surprise, that without any regular system of collections, and without
+personal application to anyone, simply by faith and prayer, I obtained
+L2,000 and more yearly for the work of the Lord in my hands. This
+brother, whom I had never seen before; and whose name I did not even
+know before he came, gave me L2, as an exemplification of what I had
+stated to him."
+
+
+"THE POOR WITH YOU ALWAYS."
+
+"Feb. 12, 1845.--After I had sent off this morning the money which was
+required for the housekeeping of to-day, I had again only 16s. 2-1/2d.
+left, being only about one-fourth as much as is generally needed for one
+day, merely for housekeeping, so that there was now again a fresh call
+for trusting in the Lord. In the morning I met again, as usual, with my
+dear wife and her sister, for prayer, to ask the Lord for many blessings
+in connection with this work, and for means also.
+
+"About one hour after, I received a letter from Devonshire, containing
+an order for L22 of which L10 was for the Orphans, L2 for a poor brother
+in Bristol, and L10 for myself.--Besides having thus a fresh proof of
+the willingness of our Heavenly Father to answer our requests on behalf
+of the Orphans, there is this, moreover, to be noticed. For many months
+past, the necessities of the poor saints among us have been particularly
+laid upon my heart. The word of our Lord: 'Ye have the poor with you
+always,' and 'whensoever ye will ye may do them good,' has again and
+again stirred me up to prayer on their behalf, and thus it was again in
+particular this morning. It was the coldest morning we have had the
+whole winter. In my morning walk for prayer and meditation I thought
+how well I was supplied with coals, nourishing food, and warm clothing,
+and how many of the dear children of God might be in need; and I lifted
+up my heart to God to give me more means for myself, that I might be
+able, by actions, to show more abundant sympathy with the poor believers
+in their need; and it was but three hours after when I received this
+L10 for myself."
+
+
+THE LORD DIRECTING THE STEPS.
+
+"Feb. 1, 1847.--Before breakfast I took a direction in my usual
+morning's walk, in which I had not been for many weeks, feeling drawn in
+that direction, just as if God had an intention in leading me in that
+way. Returning home I met a Christian gentleman whom formerly I used to
+meet almost every morning, but whom I had not met for many weeks,
+because I had not been walking in that direction. He stopped me and gave
+me L2 for the Orphans. Then I knew why I had been led thus; for there is
+not yet enough in hand, to supply the matrons to-morrow evening with the
+necessary means for house-keeping during another week.
+
+"Feb. 4.--Yesterday nothing had come in. This morning, just before I was
+going to give myself to prayer about the Orphans, a sister in the Lord
+sent a sovereign, which she had received, as she writes, 'From a friend
+who had met the Orphan Boys, and was particularly pleased with their
+neat and orderly appearance.' After having received this L1, I prayed
+for means for present use, though not confining my prayers to that.
+About a quarter of an hour after I had risen from my knees, I received a
+Setter, with an order for L5. The donor writes, that it is 'the proceeds
+of a strip of land, sold to the railway company.' What various means
+does the Lord employ to send us help, in answer to our prayers!"
+
+
+CONTINUED TRIALS OF FAITH AND PATIENCE.
+
+With the enlargement of the work, by which some 330 persons needed to be
+provided for, the trials of faith continued. Mr. Mueller writes:--
+
+"If we formerly had no certain income, so now have we none. We have to
+look to God for everything in connection with the work, of which often,
+however, the pecuniary necessities are the smallest matter; but to Him
+we are enabled to look, and _therefore_ it is, that we are not
+disappointed."
+
+"Oct. 7, 1852.--This evening there was only L8 left in hand for the
+current expenses for the Orphans. Hitherto we had generally abounded.
+But though much had come in, since the commencement of this new period,
+yet our expenses had been greater than our income, as every donation
+almost of which the disposal was left with me, had been put to the
+Building Fund. Thus the balance in hand on May 26, 1852, notwithstanding
+the large income since then, was reduced to about L8. I therefore gave
+myself particularly to prayer for means, that this small sum might be
+increased.
+
+"Oct. 9.--This morning Luke vii came in the course of my reading before
+breakfast. While reading the account about the Centurion and the raising
+from death the widow's son at Nain, I lifted up my heart to the Lord
+Jesus thus: 'Lord Jesus, Thou hast the same power now. Thou canst
+provide me with means for Thy work in my hands. Be pleased to do so.'
+About half an hour afterwards I received L230 15s.
+
+"The joy which such answers to prayer afford, cannot be described. I was
+determined to wait upon God only, and not to work an unscriptural
+deliverance for myself. I have thousands of pounds for the Building
+Fund; but I would not take of this sum because it was once set apart for
+that object. There is also a legacy of L100 for the Orphans two months
+overdue, in the prospect of the payment of which the heart might be
+naturally inclined to use some money of the Building Fund, to be
+replaced by the legacy money, when it comes in; but I would not thus
+step out of God's way of obtaining help. At the very time when this
+donation arrived, I had packed up L100 which I happened to have in hand;
+received for the Building Fund, in order to take it to the Bank, as I
+was determined not to touch it, but to wait upon God. My soul does
+magnify the Lord for His goodness.
+
+"June 13, 1853.--We were now very poor. Not indeed in debt, nor was even
+all the money gone; for there was still about L12 in hand; but then
+there was needed to be bought flour, of which we buy generally 10 sacks
+at a time, 300 stones of oatmeal, 4 cwt. of soap, and there were many
+little repairs going on in the house, with a number of workmen, besides
+the regular current expenses of about L70 per week. Over and above all
+this, on Saturday, the day before yesterday, I found that the heating
+apparatus needed to be repaired, which would cost in all probability
+L25. It was therefore desirable, humanly speaking, to have L100 for
+these heavy extra expenses, besides means for the current expenses.
+
+"But I had no human prospect whatever of getting even 100 pence, much
+less L100. In addition to this, to-day was Monday, when generally the
+income is little. But, in walking to the Orphan-House this morning, and
+praying as I went, I particularly told the Lord in prayer, that on this
+day, though Monday, He could send me much. And thus it was. I received
+this morning L301 for the Lord's service, as might be most needed.--The
+joy which I had cannot be described. I walked up and down in my room for
+a long time, tears of joy and gratitude to the Lord raining plentifully
+over my cheeks, praising and magnifying the Lord for His goodness, and
+surrendering myself afresh, with all my heart, to Him for His blessed
+service. I scarcely ever felt more the kindness of the Lord in helping
+me.
+
+"Nov. 9.--Our need of means is now great, very great. The Lord tries our
+faith and patience. This afternoon, a brother and sister in the Lord,
+from Gloucestershire, called to see me at the New Orphan-House, before
+going through the house. After a few minutes I received from the sister
+a sovereign, which she had been requested to bring to me for the
+Building Fund; and she gave me from herself L1 for my own personal
+expenses, and L1 for the Building Fund, and her husband gave me L5 for
+the Orphans, and L5 for Foreign Missions.
+
+"Thus the Lord has refreshed my spirit greatly; but I look for more, and
+need much more.
+
+"Nov. 12.--This evening, while praying for means, came a little parcel,
+containing ten sovereigns, from a Christian lady, living not far from
+the New Orphan-House. This was a very great refreshment to my spirit.
+
+"Oct. 17, 1854.--This morning at family prayer, came, in the course of
+reading, Exodus v, which shows that, just before the deliverance of the
+Israelites out of Egypt, their trials were greater than ever. They had
+not only to make the same number of bricks as before, but also to gather
+stubble, as no straw was given them any longer. This led me, in
+expounding the portion, to observe that even now the children of God are
+often in greater trial than ever, just before help and deliverance
+comes. Immediately after family prayer it was found, that by the
+morning's post not one penny had come in for the work of the Lord in
+which I am engaged, though we needed much, and though but very little
+had come in during the three previous days. Thus I had now to remember
+Exodus v, and to practice the truths contained therein. In the course of
+the day nothing was received. In the evening I had, as usual, a season
+for prayer with my dear wife, respecting the various objects of the
+Scriptural Knowledge Institution, and then we left the New Orphan-House
+for our home.
+
+"When we arrived at our house, about nine o'clock, we found that L5 and
+also 5s. had been sent from Norwich in two Post Office Orders for the
+Building Fund, and that L8 3s. 11d. had been sent in for Bibles, Tracts,
+and Reports, which had been sold. This called for thanksgiving. But a
+little later, between nine and ten o'clock, a Christian gentleman called
+and gave me L1 for the Orphans and L200 for foreign missions. He had
+received these sums from an aged Christian woman, whose savings as a
+servant, during her WHOLE life, made up the L200, and who, having
+recently had left to her a little annual income of about L30, felt
+herself constrained, by the love of Christ, to send the savings of her
+whole life for foreign missions. * * *
+
+"Our especial prayer had been again and again, that the Lord would be
+pleased to send in means for missionary brethren, as I had reason to
+believe they were in much need of help; and only at eight o'clock this
+evening I had particularly besought the Lord to send help for this
+object. By the last mail I had sent off L40 to British Guiana, to help
+seven brethren there in some measure. This amount took the last pound in
+hand for this object. How gladly would I have sent assistance to other
+brethren also, but I had no more. Now I am in some degree supplied for
+this object.
+
+"July 12, 1854.--Our means were now again reduced to about L30, as only
+about L150 had come in since June 15. In addition to this, we had very
+heavy expenses before us. This morning, in reading through the book of
+Proverbs, when I came to chapter xxii. 19--'That thy trust may be in the
+Lord, &c.,' I said in prayer to Him: 'Lord, I do trust in Thee; but wilt
+Thou now be pleased to help me; for I am in need of means for the
+current expenses of all the various objects of the Institution.' By the
+first delivery of letters I received an order on a London bank for L100,
+to be used for all the various objects 'as the present need might
+require.'"
+
+
+ARE YOU PREPARED FOR ETERNITY?
+
+"In looking over my account books, I meet again and again with the name
+of one and another who has finished his course. Soon, dear reader, your
+turn and mine may come. Are you prepared for eternity? Affectionately I
+press this question upon you. Do not put it away. Nothing is of greater
+moment than this point; yea, all other things, however important in
+their place, are of exceedingly small importance, in comparison with
+this matter. Do you ask, how you may be prepared for eternity, how to be
+saved, how to obtain the forgiveness of your sins? The answer is,
+believe in the Lord Jesus, trust in Him, depend upon Him alone as it
+regards the salvation of your soul. He was punished by God, in order
+that we guilty sinners, if we believe in Him, might not be punished. He
+fulfilled the law of God, and was obedient even unto death, in order
+that we disobedient, guilty sinners, if we believe in Him, might, on His
+account, be reckoned righteous by God. Ponder these things, dear reader,
+should you have never done so before. Through faith in the Lord Jesus
+alone can we obtain forgiveness of our sins, and be at peace with God;
+but, believing in Jesus, we become, through this very faith, the
+children of God; have God as our Father, and may come to Him for all the
+temporal and spiritual blessings which we need. Thus everyone of my
+readers may obtain answers to prayers, not only to the same extent that
+we obtain them, but far more abundantly.
+
+"It may be that few, comparatively, of the children of God are called to
+serve the Lord in the way of establishing Orphan-Houses, &c.; but all of
+them may, yea, are called upon to trust in God, to rely upon Him, in
+their various positions and circumstances, and apply the word of God,
+faith, and prayer to their family circumstances, their earthly
+occupation, their afflictions and necessities of every kind, both
+temporally and spiritually; just as we, by God's help, in some little
+measure seek to apply the word of God, faith and prayer to the various
+objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad.
+Make but trial of it, if you have never done so before, and you will
+see how happy a life it is. * * * *
+
+"Truly I prefer by far this life of almost constant trial, if I am only
+able to roll all my cares upon my Heavenly Father, and thus become
+increasingly acquainted with Him, to a life of outward peace and
+quietness, without these constant proofs of His faithfulness, His
+wisdom, His love, His power, His over-ruling providence, &c."
+
+
+WAITING ONLY UPON GOD.
+
+"Sept 6, 1854.--Received from Clerkenwell L50 to be used one-half for
+missions, and the other half as I thought best. I took the one-half for
+the support of the Orphans, and find the following remark in my journal
+respecting this donation: 'What a precious answer to prayer!' Since Aug.
+26th we have been day by day coming to the Lord for our daily supplies.
+Precious, also, on account of Missionary brethren, whom I seek to help,
+for whom there was nothing in hand when this donation was received."
+
+Mr. Mueller adds a few remarks to this part of the Narrative:--
+
+"1. Should anyone suppose, on account of its having been stated in the
+previous pages that we were repeatedly brought low as to means, that the
+Orphans have not had all that was needful for them; we reply that
+_never_, since the work has been in existence, has there a meal-time
+come, but the Orphans have had good nourishing food in sufficient
+quantity: and never have they needed clothes, but I have had the means
+to provide them with all they required.
+
+"2. Never since the Orphan work has been in existence have I asked one
+single human being for any help for this work; and yet, unasked for,
+simply in answer to prayer, from so many parts of the world, as has been
+stated, the donations have come in, and that very frequently at a time
+of the greatest need."
+
+Mr. Mueller writes under date, 1859:--
+
+"Every Wednesday evening I meet with my helpers for united prayer; and
+day by day I have stated seasons, when I seek to bring the work with its
+great variety of spiritual and temporal necessities, before the Lord in
+prayer, having perhaps each day 50 or more matters to bring before Him,
+and thus I obtain the blessing. I ask no human being for help concerning
+the work. Nay, if I could obtain L10,000 through each application for
+help; by God's grace, I would not ask. And why not? Because I have
+dedicated my whole life cheerfully to the precious service of giving to
+the world and to the church, a clear, distinct, and undeniable
+demonstration, that it is a blessed thing to trust in, and to wait upon,
+God; that He is now, as He ever was, the Living God, the same as
+revealed in the Holy Scriptures, and that if we know and are reconciled
+to Him through faith in the Lord Jesus, and ask Him in His name for that
+which is according to His mind, He will surely give it to us, in His
+own time, provided that we believe that He will. * * * * *
+
+"Nor has God failed me at any time. Forty years have I proved His
+faithfulness, in this work."
+
+
+IN THE LORD JEHOVAH IS EVERLASTING STRENGTH.
+
+Under date Nov. 9, 1861, Mr. Mueller wrote:--
+
+"Nov. 9. Saturday evening. When this week commenced, I received only L3
+19s. by the first delivery. Shortly after there came in the course of my
+reading, through the Holy Scriptures, Isaiah xxvi, 4, 'Trust ye in the
+Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.'--I laid
+aside my Bible, fell on my knees, and prayed thus: I believe that there
+is everlasting strength in the Lord Jehovah, and I do trust in Him; help
+me, O Lord, for ever to trust in Thee. Be pleased to give me more means
+this day, and much this week, though only so little now has come
+in.--That same day, Nov. 3rd, I received L10 from Surbiton, L5 from a
+donor residing in Clifton, L2 from a Bristol donor, and in the course of
+the week altogether L457 came in; thus Jehovah again proved, that in Him
+is everlasting strength, and that He is worthy to be trusted.--Dear
+believing reader, seek but in the same way to trust in the Lord, if you
+are not in the habit of doing so already, and you will find as I have
+found thousands of times, how blessed it is. But if the reader should be
+yet going on in carelessness about his soul, and therefore be without
+the knowledge of God and His dear Son, then the first, and most
+important thing, such a one has to do, is to trust in the Lord Jesus for
+the salvation of his soul, that he may be reconciled to God, and obtain
+the forgiveness of his sins."
+
+
+JESUS CHRIST, THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND TO-DAY, AND FOREVER.
+
+"May 26, 1861.--At the close of the period I find, that the total
+expenditure for all the various objects was L24,700 16s. 4d., or L67
+13s. 5-3/4d. per day, all the year round. During the coming year I
+expect the expenses to be considerably greater. But God, who has
+helped me these many years, will, I believe, help me in future also.
+
+"You see, esteemed reader, how the Lord, in His faithful love helped us
+year after year. With every year the expenses increased, because the
+operations of the Institutions were further enlarged; but He never
+failed us. You may say, however, 'What would you do, if He should fail
+in helping you?' My reply is, that cannot be, as long as we trust in Him
+and do not live in sin. But if we were to forsake Him, the fountain of
+living waters, and to hew out to ourselves broken cisterns, which cannot
+hold water, by trusting in an arm of flesh; or if we were to live in
+sin, we should then have to call upon Him in vain, even though we
+professed still to trust in Him, according to that word: 'If I regard
+iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.' Psalm lxvi, 18.
+
+"Hitherto, by God's grace, I have been enabled to continue to trust in
+Him alone; and hitherto, though failing and weak in many ways, yet, by
+God's grace, I have been enabled to walk uprightly, hating sin and
+loving holiness, and longing after increased conformity to the Lord
+Jesus.
+
+"Oct. 21 1868--As the days come, we make known our requests to Him, for
+our outgoings have now been for several years at the rate of more than
+One Hundred Pounds each day; but though the expenses have been so great,
+He has never failed us. We have indeed, as to the outward appearance,
+like the 'Burning Bush in the Wilderness;' yet we have not been
+consumed. Moreover, we are full of trust in the Lord, and therefore of
+good courage, though we have before us the prospect, that, year by year,
+our expenses will increase more and more. Did all my beloved fellow
+disciples, who seek to work for God know the blessedness of looking
+truly to God alone, and trusting in Him alone, they would soon see how
+soul refreshing this way is, and how entirely beyond disappointment, so
+far as He is concerned. Earthly friends may alter their minds regarding
+the work in which we are engaged; but if indeed we work for God, whoever
+may alter His mind regarding our service, He will not. Earthly friends
+may lose their ability to help us, however much they desire so to do;
+but He remains throughout eternity the infinitely Rich One. Earthly
+friends may have their minds after a time diverted to other objects,
+and, as they cannot help everywhere, much as they may desire it, they
+may, though reluctantly, have to discontinue to help us; but He is able,
+in all directions, though the requirements were multiplied a million
+times, to supply all that can possibly be needed, and does it with
+delight, where His work is carried on, and where He is confided in.
+Earthly friends may be removed by death, and thus we may lose their
+help, but He lives for ever, He cannot die. In this latter point of
+view, I have especially, during the past 40 years, in connection with
+this Institution, seen the blessedness of trusting in the Living God
+alone. Not one nor two, nor even five nor ten, but many more, who once
+helped me much with their means, have been removed by death; but have
+the operations of the Institution been stopped on that account? No. And
+how came this? Because I trusted in God, and in God alone."
+
+
+THOROUGHLY IN HEART PREPARED FOR TRIALS OF FAITH.
+
+Under date July 28, 1874, Mr. Mueller wrote:--
+
+"It has for months appeared to me, as if the Lord meant, by His dealings
+with us, to bring us back to that state of things, in which we were for
+more than ten years, from August, 1838, to April, 1849, when we had day
+by day, almost without interruption, to look to Him for our daily
+supplies, and, for a great part of the time, from meal to meal. The
+difficulties appeared to me indeed very great, as the Institution is
+now twenty times larger, than it was then, and our purchases are to be
+made in a wholesale way; but, at the same time, I am comforted by the
+knowledge, that God is aware of all this; and that, if this way be for
+the glory of His name, and for the good of His church and the
+unconverted world, I am, by His grace, willing to go this way, and to do
+it to the end of my course. The funds were thus fast expended; but God,
+our infinitely rich Treasurer, remains to us. It is this which gives me
+peace. Moreover, if it pleases Him, with a work requiring about L44,000
+a year, to make me do again at the evening of my life, what I did from
+August, 1838, to April, 1849, I am not only prepared for it, but gladly
+again I would pass through all these trials of faith, with regard to
+means, if He only might be glorified, and His church and the world be
+benefited. Often and often this last point has of late passed through my
+mind, and I have placed myself in the position of having no means at all
+left, and Two Thousand and One Hundred persons not only daily at the
+table, but with everything else to be provided for, and all funds gone;
+189 Missionaries to be assisted, and nothing whatever left; about one
+hundred schools, with about nine thousand scholars in them, to be
+entirely supported, and no means for them in hand; about Four Millions
+of Tracts and Tens of Thousands of copies of the Holy Scriptures yearly
+now to be sent out, and all the money expended. Invariably, however,
+with this probability before me, I have said to myself: 'God, who has
+raised up this work through me, God who has led me generally year after
+year to enlarge it, God who has supported this work now for more than
+forty years, will still help, and will not suffer me to be confounded,
+because I rely upon Him, I commit the whole work to Him, and He will
+provide me with what I need, in future also, though I know not, whence
+the means are to come.'
+
+"Thus I wrote in my journal on July 28, 1874. The reader will now feel
+interested in learning how we fared under these circumstances.
+
+"When I came home, last evening (July 27), I found letters had arrived,
+which contained L193, among which there was one from a Missionary in
+Foreign lands, helped by the funds of this Institution, who, having come
+into the possession of some money, by the death of a relative, sent L153
+0s. 4d. for Foreign Missions. This morning, July 28, came in L24 more,
+so that, when I met this afternoon with several of my helpers for prayer
+for means and various other matters, such as spiritual blessing upon the
+various Objects of the Institution, for more rain in this very dry
+season, the health of our fellow-labourers, etc., we had received, since
+yesterday afternoon, altogether L217. We thanked God for it, and asked
+for more. When the meeting for prayer was over, there was handed to me a
+letter from Scotland, containing L73 17s. 10d., and a paper with 13s.
+This was the immediate answer to prayer for more means.
+
+"Aug. 12.--The income for this whole week, since Aug. 5, has been L897
+15s. 6-1/2d.
+
+"Sept. 16.--Just after having again prayed for the payment of legacies,
+which have been left, I had a legacy receipt sent for the payment of a
+legacy for L1,800.
+
+"Sept. 23.--Income to-day L5,365 13s. 6d., of which there was sent in
+one donation L5,327 7s. 6d. The Lord be praised!"
+
+
+STRONG IN FAITH, GIVING GLORY TO GOD.
+
+On March 27, 1881, Mr. Mueller found that no money remained in hand for
+the School, Bible, Missionary and Tract Funds. Nearly L1,400 had been
+spent for these Objects during the previous month. He writes:--
+
+"What was now to be done, dear reader, under these circumstances, when
+all the money for the above Objects was again gone? I reply, we did what
+we have done for 47 years, that is, we waited continually upon God. My
+dear fellow-labourers in Bristol, and my dear wife and myself in
+America, brought our necessities again and again before the Lord.
+
+"Here in the United States, besides our habitual daily prayer for help,
+we had especial seasons 4, 5, and 6 times a day additionally, for
+pouring out our hearts before our Heavenly Father, and making known our
+requests unto Him, being assured that help would come: and we have not
+waited upon the Lord in vain. This plan may be despised by some,
+ridiculed by others, and considered insufficient by a third class of
+persons; but, under every trial and difficulty, we find prayer and faith
+to be our universal remedy; and, after having experienced for half a
+century their efficacy, we purpose, by God's help, to _continue_ waiting
+upon Him, in order to show to an ungodly world, and to a doubting
+Church, that the Living God is still able and willing to answer prayer,
+and that it is the joy of His heart to listen to the supplications of
+His children. In Psalm ix. 10, the Divine testimony regarding Jehovah
+is, 'They that know thy name will put their trust in Thee.' We know Him,
+by His grace, and do therefore put our trust in Him.
+
+"April 27.--On March 27th we had no means at all in hand for these
+Objects, as stated under that date. We have now been helped through one
+more month, in answer to prayer, and have been supplied with all we
+needed, though that amounted to nearly L1000, and have L23 8s. 6-1/4d.
+left.
+
+"April 29.--A servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of
+Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, having received a legacy of
+L532 14s. 5d., gave L500 of it for these Objects.
+
+"July 28, 1881.--The income has been for some time past only about the
+third part of the expenses. Consequently, all we have for the support of
+the Orphans is nearly gone; and for the first four Objects of the
+Institution we have nothing at all in hand. The natural appearance now
+is, that the work cannot be carried on. But I BELIEVE that the Lord
+will help, both with means for the Orphans and also for the other
+Objects of the Institution, and that we shall not be confounded; also,
+that the work shall not need to be given up. I am fully expecting help,
+and have written this to the glory of God, that it may be recorded
+hereafter for the encouragement of His children. The result will be
+seen.
+
+"The foregoing was written at 7 A. M. July 28, 1881. As yet we have the
+means to meet our expenses, and I expect that we shall not be
+confounded, though for seven years we have not been so poor."
+
+The result has indeed been seen, and will be seen. For more than 20
+years since those words were written and Mr. Mueller had thus recorded
+his confidence in the Lord's help, God HAS sustained the work, and in
+May, 1902, there was a balance in hand of some thousands of pounds,
+notwithstanding that more than L500,000 had been received and expended
+since this entry was made in Mr. Mueller's journal on July 28, 1881.
+
+During these 20 years faith and patience were at times greatly tried:
+
+"Aug. 15, 1881.--The balance for the Orphans is now reduced to L332 12s.
+7d., lower than it has been for more than twenty-five years. This sum we
+have in hand to meet the daily expenses in connection with 2,100
+persons. It is only enough for the average outgoings of 4-1/2 days. But
+our eyes are upon the Lord. I look to my heavenly Provider. The total
+income of to-day has been L28 5s. 2-1/2d.
+
+"Aug. 22.--Part of a legacy, left years ago, L1,000, was paid, as the
+answer to many prayers.
+
+"Feb. 26, 1882.--The balance in hand to-day for the Orphans is L97 10s.
+7-1/2d., viz., L24 more than the average expenses of one single day.
+
+"March 2.--Our position now regarding the Orphan work is, praying day by
+day 'Give us _this day_ our _daily_ bread'. For a considerable time we
+have had day by day to look to the Lord for the supply of our _daily_
+wants; but God has helped us thus far.
+
+"April 20, 1882.--When in the greatest need we received from Edinburgh
+L100 with this statement: 'The enclosed was intended as a legacy, but I
+have sent it in my lifetime.'
+
+"June 3.--From Wottan-under-edge L500. A glorious deliverance was this
+donation, and a precious earnest of what God would do further for us.
+
+"Oct. 21.--Received from Wottan-under-edge L1,000. * * * * * God, in
+answer to our prayers, spoke to His dear child, and inclined his heart
+to send to us more than ever. Thus He also gives proof, that during the
+previous year, when we were so low as to funds, it was only for the
+trial of our faith and patience, and not in anger; nor did He thereby
+mean to indicate, that He would not help us any more. For my own part, I
+_expected_ further great help from God, and I have not been confounded.
+
+"Aug. 17, 1883.--Our balance was reduced this afternoon to L10 2s. 7d.
+Think of this, dear reader! Day by day about 2,100 persons are to be
+provided for in the Orphan Institution, and L10 2s. 7d. was all that was
+in hand to do this. You see that we are just in the same position in
+which we were 46 years since as to funds. God is our banker. In Him we
+trust, and on Him we draw by faith. This was Saturday. In the evening
+L30 was received. On Monday we received L129 further, but had to pay out
+L60. On Tuesday we received L295, but had to pay out L180. * * * * *
+
+"God is pleased continually to vary His mode of dealing with us, in
+order that we may not be tempted to trust in donors, or in
+circumstances, but in Him alone, and to keep our eye fixed upon Him.
+This, by His grace, we are enabled to do, and our hearts are kept in
+peace."
+
+Some ten months later, when the balance in hand was only L41 10s., a
+very little more than one-half of the average expenses for the Orphans
+for one day, and there were sanitary operations advisable to be carried
+out, the expenses of which would amount to upwards of L2,000, Mr. Mueller
+received a legacy of L11,034 6s.
+
+"June 7, 1884.--This is the largest donation I have _ever_ received at
+_one time_. This legacy had been above six years in Chancery, and year
+after year its payment was expected, but remained unsettled by the
+Chancery Court. I kept on praying, however, and for six years prayed day
+by day that the money might be paid, believing that God in His own time
+(_which is always the best_), would help at last; for _many_ legacies in
+Chancery I had prayed out of the Court, and the money was eventually
+paid. In the present case, too, after faith and patience had been
+sufficiently exercised, God granted this request likewise."
+
+1893.--In the Fifty-fourth Report of the Scriptural Knowledge
+Institution Mr. Mueller says:--
+
+"The readers of the last report will remember, under what particular
+trials we entered upon the last financial year of the Institution, from
+May 26th, 1892, to May 26th, 1893; but we trusted in _God_; with
+unshaken confidence we looked to _Him_, and we _expected_ that we should
+somehow or other be helped. * * While thus we went on, my heart was at
+peace habitually, being assured that all this was permitted by God, to
+prepare a blessing for thousands, who would afterwards read the record
+of His dealings with us, during the year from May 26th, 1892, to May
+26th, 1893. With reference to our dear fellow-labourers, Mr. Wright and
+I have seen already, while passing through the trial, how God has
+blessed it to them.
+
+"Aug. 30, 1892.--This evening, whilst reading in the Psalms, I came to
+Psalm lxxxi, 10, and remembered the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart,
+when reading this verse on Dec. 5, 1835, and the effect which this had,
+not only on leading me to found the greatest Orphan Institution in the
+world, but I thought also of the blessing which has thus been brought to
+tens of thousands of believers and unbelievers all over the world.
+Putting aside the Bible, therefore, I fell on my knees and asked God
+that He would graciously be pleased to repeat His former kindness, and
+to supply me again more abundantly with means. Accordingly in less than
+half an hour, I received L50 from a Bristol Donor and from Redland a
+large quantity of fish, in addition to L97 already received to-day as
+the result of much prayer. By the last delivery, at 9 p. m., I received
+L5 more also, and had thus L152 in all, this day, as the result of
+prayer.
+
+"Nov. 11.--There came in to-day, by the first two deliveries, only about
+L8, but the Lord increased the income to more than L200 this day. I am
+never discouraged by very little only coming in, but say to myself, and
+also to my dear helpers, 'More prayer, more patience, and more exercise
+of faith will bring greater blessing'; for thus I have invariably found
+it, since October, 1830, now 63 years ago, when I first began this life
+of entire dependence upon God for everything.
+
+"March 1, 1893.--The income during this week, ending to-day, was L92 8s.
+8-3/4d. for the Orphans, and L9 11s. 2d. for the other Objects, being
+about the sixth part of our weekly expenses; but now the great trial of
+our faith was nearly brought to a close, as will presently be seen.
+
+"March 4.--_This very day_ God begins to answer our prayers, as we have
+received a very good offer for the land we have to sell, even L1,000 per
+acre. The beginning of the day was darker as to outward appearances
+than ever: but we trusted in God for help. The first three deliveries of
+letters brought us only L4, and the remaining three brought us so little
+that the whole day's income was only L8 instead of L90, the amount we
+require every day to meet all our expenses. But God has now helped us.
+We have been able this evening to sell ten acres of land and two-fifths
+of an acre at L1,000 per acre, and shall receive L10,405 altogether for
+the whole of one field. The contract was signed at 8 o'clock this
+evening."
+
+
+MR. MUELLER'S DEPARTURE TO BE WITH CHRIST.
+
+On the evening of Wednesday, March 9th, 1898, Mr. Mueller took part in
+the usual meeting for prayer held in the Orphan-House No. 3; retired at
+his usual hour to rest, and early on the following morning (the 10th of
+March) alone, in his bed-room, breathed his last, realizing what had
+long been with him a most joyous anticipation, viz., that "to depart and
+to be with Christ is far better."
+
+March 14.--This day Mr. Mueller's earthly remains were laid in the grave
+of his first and second wives, at Arno' Vale Cemetery. The attendant
+circumstances, throughout, were very remarkable and interesting to the
+Christian mind chiefly as illustrating God's eternal principle--"Them
+that honour Me I will honour." The man who in life sought not his own
+glory, became in death the one to whom all classes delighted to show
+respect and honour.
+
+From the masses of sympathizing spectators that lined the streets, from
+the tearful eyes, and the audible prayerful ejaculations that escaped
+the lips of bystanders (many of them the poorest of the poor), as the
+orphans filed past, following the hearse; from the suspension of all
+traffic in the principal streets, the tolling of muffled bells, and the
+half-masted flags, and from the dense crowds in the cemetery that
+awaited the arrival of the funeral company, it seemed as if the whole
+city had spontaneously resolved to do honour to the man who had not
+lived for himself, but for the glory of God and the good of his fellows.
+
+For some 21 months before Mr. Mueller's death the trials of faith and
+patience were great. Mr. James Wright, Mr. Mueller's successor, writes:
+
+"He who is pleased, sometimes, to teach His servants 'how to _abound_,'
+sees it _best_ for them, at other times 'to be instructed how to suffer
+need.' For many of the 64 years during which this work has been carried
+on, the former was our experience; we abounded and richly abounded,
+latterly, and especially during the last 2 or 3 years it has been the
+very reverse. _Pressing need_ has been the _rule_; a balance in hand,
+over and above our need, the rare exception. Yet we have never been
+forsaken."
+
+"Sept. 23, 1897.--Residue of the legacy of the late G. J., Esq., L2,679
+18s. 7d. This sum was received when we were in the _deepest need_; and
+after it had pleased the Lord to allow a very protracted trial of faith
+and patience; but see, beloved reader, He did not disappoint nor
+forsake us, as He _never_ does those who really trust in Him. The _joy_
+of _such_ a deliverance cannot be tasted without the experience of the
+previous _trial_.
+
+"Feb. 26, 1898.--The following entry, under this date, is in Mr.
+Mueller's own hand-writing:
+
+"The income to-day, by the two first deliveries, was L7 15s. 11d. Day by
+day our great trial of faith and patience continues, and thus it has
+been, more or less, now, for 21 months, yet, by Thy grace, we are
+sustained."
+
+March 1, 1898.--The following, again, is from a memorandum in Mr.
+Mueller's own hand-writing, under this date:
+
+"For about 21 months with scarcely the least intermission the trial of
+our faith and patience has continued. Now, to-day, the Lord has
+refreshed our hearts. This afternoon came in, for the Lord's work,
+L1,427 1s. 7d. as part payment of a legacy of the late Mrs. E. C. S. For
+3 years and 10 months this money had been in the Irish Chancery Court.
+Hundreds of petitions had been brought before the Lord regarding it, and
+now at last, this portion of the total legacy has been received."
+
+Thus the Lord, in love and faithfulness, greatly refreshed the heart of
+His servant, only nine days before taking him home to be with Himself.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX A
+
+FIVE CONDITIONS OF PREVAILING PRAYER
+
+
+Entire dependence upon the merits and mediation of the Lord Jesus
+Christ, as the only ground of any claim for blessing. (See John xiv. 13,
+14; xv. 16, etc.)
+
+2.--Separation from all known sin. If we regard iniquity in our hearts,
+the Lord will not hear us, for it would be sanctioning sin. (Psalm lxvi.
+18.)
+
+3.--Faith in God's word of promise as confirmed by His oath. Not to
+believe Him is to make Him both a liar and a perjurer. (Hebrews xi. 6;
+vi. 13-20.)
+
+4.--Asking in accordance with His will. Our motives must be godly: we
+must not seek any gift of God to consume it upon our lusts. (1 John v.
+14; James iv. 3.)
+
+5.--Importunity in supplication. There must be waiting on God and
+waiting for God, as the husbandman has long patience to wait for the
+harvest. (James v. 7; Luke xviii. 1-8.)
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX B
+
+THE CAREFUL AND CONSECUTIVE READING OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
+
+
+Concerning this subject Mr. Mueller says: "I fell into the snare, into
+which so many young believers fall, the reading of religious books in
+preference to the Scriptures. I could no longer read French and German
+novels, as I had formerly done, to feed my carnal mind; but still I did
+not put into the room of those books the best of all books. I read
+tracts, missionary papers, sermons, and biographies of godly persons.
+The last kind of books I found more profitable than others, and had they
+been well selected, or had I not read too much of such writings, or had
+any of them tended particularly to endear the Scriptures to me, they
+might have done me much good.--I never had been at any time in my life
+in the habit of reading the Holy Scriptures. When under fifteen years of
+age, I occasionally read a little of them at school; afterwards God's
+precious book was entirely laid aside, so that I never read one single
+chapter of it, as far as I remember, till it pleased God to begin a work
+of grace in my heart. Now the Scriptural way of reasoning would have
+been: God himself has condescended to become an author, and I am
+ignorant about that precious book, which His Holy Spirit has caused to
+be written through the instrumentality of His servants, and it contains
+that which I ought to know, and the knowledge of which will lead me to
+true happiness; therefore I ought to read again and again this most
+precious book, this book of books, most earnestly, most prayerfully, and
+with much meditation; and in this practice I ought to continue all the
+days of my life. For I was aware, though I read it but little, that I
+knew scarcely anything of it. But instead of acting thus, and being led
+by my ignorance of the word of God to study it more, my difficulty in
+understanding it, and the little enjoyment I had in it, made me careless
+of reading it (for much prayerful reading of the Word, gives not merely
+more knowledge, but increases the delight we have in reading it); and
+thus, like many believers, I practically preferred, for the first four
+years of my divine life, the works of uninspired men to the oracles of
+the living God. The consequence was, that I remained a babe, both in
+knowledge and grace. In knowledge I say; for all _true_ knowledge must
+be derived, by the Spirit, from the Word. And as I neglected the Word, I
+was for nearly four years so ignorant, that I did not _clearly_ know
+even the _fundamental_ points of our holy faith. And this lack of
+knowledge most sadly kept me back from walking steadily in the ways of
+God. For it is the truth that makes us free, (John viii. 31, 32,) by
+delivering us from the slavery of the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of
+the eyes, and the pride of life. The Word proves it. The experience of
+the saints proves it; and also my own experience most decidedly proves
+it. For when it pleased the Lord in Aug. 1829, to bring me really to the
+Scriptures, my life and walk became very different. And though even
+since that I have very much fallen short of what I might and ought to
+be, yet, by the grace of God, I have been enabled to live much nearer to
+Him than before.
+
+"If any believers read this, who practically prefer other books to the
+Holy Scriptures, and who enjoy the writings of men much more than the
+word of God, may they be warned by my loss. I shall consider this book
+to have been the means of doing much good, should it please the Lord,
+through its instrumentality, to lead some of His people no longer to
+neglect the Holy Scriptures, but to give them that preference, which
+they have hitherto bestowed on the writings of men. My dislike to
+increase the number of books would have been sufficient to deter me from
+writing these pages, had I not been convinced, that this is the only way
+in which the brethren at large may be benefited through my mistakes and
+errors, and been influenced by the hope, that in answer to my prayers,
+the reading of my experience may be the means of leading them to value
+the Scriptures more highly, and to make them the rule of all their
+actions. * * *
+
+"If anyone should ask me, how he may read the Scriptures most
+profitably, I would advise him, that:
+
+"I.--Above all he should seek to have it settled in his own mind, that
+God alone, by His Spirit, can teach him, and that therefore, as God will
+be enquired of for blessings, it becomes him to seek God's blessing
+previous to reading, and also whilst reading.
+
+"II.--He should have it, moreover, settled in his mind, that, although
+the Holy Spirit is the _best_ and _sufficient_ teacher, yet that this
+teacher does not always teach immediately when we desire it, and that,
+therefore, we may have to entreat Him again and again for the
+explanation of certain passages; but that He will surely teach us at
+last, if indeed we are seeking for light prayerfully, patiently, and
+with a view to the glory of God.
+
+"III.--It is of immense importance for the understanding of the word of
+God, to read it in course, so that we may read every day a portion of
+the Old and a portion of the New Testament, going on where we previously
+left off. This is important--1, Because it throws light upon the
+connection; and a different course, according to which one _habitually_
+selects particular chapters, will make it utterly impossible ever to
+understand much of the Scriptures. 2, Whilst we are in the body, we need
+a change even in spiritual things; and this change the Lord has
+graciously provided in the great variety which is to be found in His
+word. 3, It tends to the glory of God; for the leaving out some
+chapters here and there, is practically saying, that certain portions
+are better than others: or, that there are certain parts of revealed
+truth unprofitable or unnecessary. 4, It may keep us, by the blessing of
+God, from erroneous views, as in reading thus regularly through the
+Scriptures we are led to see the meaning of the whole, and also kept
+from laying too much stress upon certain favourite views. 5, The
+Scriptures contain the whole revealed will of God, and therefore we
+ought to seek to read from time to time through the whole of that
+revealed will. There are many believers, I fear, in our day, who have
+not read even once through the whole of the Scriptures; and yet in a few
+months, by reading only a few chapters every day they might accomplish
+it.
+
+"IV.--It is also of the greatest importance to meditate on what we read,
+so that perhaps a small portion of that which we have read, or, if we
+have time, the whole may be meditated upon in the course of the day. Or
+a small portion of a book, or an epistle, or a gospel, through which we
+go regularly for meditation, may be considered every day, without,
+however, suffering oneself to be brought into bondage by this plan.
+
+"Learned _commentaries_ I have found to store the _head_, with many
+notions and often also with the truth of God; but when the _Spirit_
+teaches, through the instrumentality of prayer and meditation, the
+_heart_ is affected. The former kind of knowledge generally puffs up,
+and is often renounced, when another commentary gives a different
+opinion, and often also is found good for nothing, when it is to be
+carried out into practice. The latter kind of knowledge generally
+humbles, gives joy, leads as nearer to God, and is not easily reasoned
+away; and having been obtained from God, and thus having entered into
+the heart, and become our own, is also generally carried out."
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX C
+
+PROVING THE ACCEPTABLE WILL OF GOD
+
+
+It is very instructive and helpful to see the way in which Mr. Mueller
+proved the acceptable will of the Lord, when exercised in heart about
+the enlargement of the Orphan work, so that not only 300 but 1000
+Orphans might be provided for.
+
+"Dec. 11, 1850.--The especial burden of my prayer therefore is, that God
+would be pleased to teach me His will. My mind has also been especially
+pondering, how I could know His will satisfactorily concerning this
+particular. Sure I am, that I shall be taught. I therefore desire
+patiently to wait for the Lord's time, when He shall be pleased to shine
+on my path concerning this point.
+
+"Dec. 26.--Fifteen days have elapsed since I wrote the preceding
+paragraph. Every day since then I have continued to pray about this
+matter, and that with a goodly measure of earnestness, by the help of
+God. There has passed scarcely an hour during these days, in which,
+whilst awake, this matter has not been more or less before me. But all
+without even a shadow of excitement. I converse with no one about it.
+Hitherto have I not even done so with my dear wife. From this I refrain
+still, and deal with God alone about the matter, in order that no
+outward influence, and no outward excitement may keep me from attaining
+unto a clear discovery of His will. I have the fullest and most peaceful
+assurance, that He will clearly show me His will. This evening I have
+had again an especial solemn season for prayer, to seek to know the will
+of God. But whilst I continue to entreat and beseech the Lord, that He
+would not allow me to be deluded in this business, I may say I have
+scarcely any doubt remaining on my mind as to what will be the issue,
+even that I should go forward in this matter.
+
+"As this, however, is one of the most momentous steps that I have ever
+taken, I judge that I cannot go about this matter with too much caution,
+prayerfulness, and deliberation. I am in no hurry about it. I could wait
+for years, by God's grace, were this His will, before even taking one
+single step towards this thing, or even speaking to anyone about it;
+and, on the other hand, I would set to work to-morrow, were the Lord to
+bid me do so. This calmness of mind, this having no will of my own in
+the matter, this only wishing to please my Heavenly Father in it, this
+only seeking His and not my honour in it; this state of heart, I say, is
+the fullest assurance to me that my heart is not under a fleshly
+excitement, and that, if I am helped thus to go on, I shall know the
+will of God to the full. But, while I write thus, I cannot but add at
+the same time, that I do crave the honour and the glorious privilege to
+be more and more used by the Lord. I have served Satan much in my
+younger years, and I desire now with all my might to serve God, during
+the remaining days of my earthly pilgrimage. I am forty-five years and
+three months old. Every day decreases the number of days that I have to
+stay on earth. I therefore desire with all my might to work. There are
+vast multitudes of Orphans to be provided for. * * *
+
+"I desire that thus it may be more abundantly manifest that God is still
+the hearer and answerer of prayer, and that He is the living God now, as
+He ever was and ever will be, when He shall, simply in answer to prayer,
+have condescended to provide me with a house for 700 Orphans, and with
+means to support them. This last consideration is the most important
+point in my mind. The Lord's honour is the principal point with me in
+this whole matter; and just because that is the case, if He would be
+more glorified by my not going forward in this business, I should, by
+His grace, be perfectly content to give up all thoughts about another
+Orphan-House. Surely, in such a state of mind, obtained by the Holy
+Spirit, Thou, O my Heavenly Father, will not suffer Thy child to be
+mistaken, much less to be deluded! By the help of God I shall continue
+further, day by day, to wait upon Him in prayer concerning this thing,
+till He shall bid me act.
+
+"Jan. 2, 1851.--A week ago I wrote the preceding paragraph. During this
+week I have still been helped, day by day, and more than once every
+day, to seek the guidance of the Lord about another Orphan-House. The
+burden of my prayer has still been, that He, in His great mercy, would
+keep me from making a mistake. During the last week the Book of Proverbs
+has come, in the course of my Scripture reading, and my heart has been
+refreshed, in reference to this subject, by the following passages:
+'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
+understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy
+paths.' Prov. iii. 5, 6. By the grace of God I do acknowledge the Lord
+in my ways, and in this thing in particular; I have therefore the
+comfortable assurance that He will direct my paths concerning this part
+of my service, as to whether I shall be occupied in it or not. Further:
+'The integrity of the upright shall preserve them; but the perverseness
+of fools shall destroy them.' Prov. xi. 3. By the grace of God I am
+upright in this business. My honest purpose is to get glory to God.
+Therefore I expect to be guided aright. Further: 'Commit thy works unto
+the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established.' Prov. xvi. 3. I do
+commit my works unto the Lord, and therefore expect that my thoughts
+will be established.--My heart is more and more coming to a calm, quiet,
+and settled assurance, that the Lord will condescend to use me yet
+further in the Orphan Work. Here, Lord, is Thy servant!"
+
+Mr. Mueller wrote down eight reasons against and eight reasons for
+establishing another Orphan-House for Seven Hundred Orphans.
+
+The following is his last reason for so doing:
+
+"I am peaceful and happy, spiritually, in the prospect of enlarging the
+work as on former occasions when I had to do so. This weighs
+particularly with me as a reason for going forward. After all the calm,
+quiet, prayerful consideration of the subject for about eight weeks, I
+am peaceful and happy, spiritually, in the purpose of enlarging the
+field. This, after all the heart searching which I have had, and the
+daily prayer to be kept from delusion and mistake in this thing, and the
+betaking myself to the Word of God, would not be the case, I judge, had
+not the Lord purposed to condescend to use me more than ever in this
+service.
+
+"I, therefore, on the ground of the objections answered, and these eight
+reasons FOR enlarging the work, 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 work, which he is quite willing
+to do."
+
+"May 24.--From the time that I began to write down the exercises of my
+mind on Dec. 5th, 1850, till this day, ninety-two more Orphans have been
+applied for, and seventy-eight were already waiting for admission
+before. But this number increases rapidly as the work becomes more and
+more known.
+
+"On the ground of what has been recorded above, I purpose to go forward
+in this service, and to seek to build, to the praise and honour of the
+living God, another Orphan-House, large enough to accommodate seven
+hundred Orphans."
+
+
+
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