George Müller · 74 of 97

Fourth Part · Part 9

May 26, 1848. By the Lord's faithful love I have been enabled to meet all the heavy expenses connected with these objects during the last two years, amounting to nearly Two Thousand Six Hundred Pounds, and at the same time owe no one anything, and have a balance of 5l. 19s. 7 ¼ d. left in hand.

Supplies for the support of the Orphans, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1846, to May, 26, 1848.

May 26, 1846. Scarcely ever had we so much in hand, and certainly not for the last eight years, when the accounts were closed, as at this time. This evening I received 100l. It being left to me to apply this sum as I felt led, and as it might be needed, I put half of it to the Orphan Fund, and the other half to the fund for the other objects.

June 4. Today I received 50l. for the Orphans together with 100l. for the other objects. This money came the instant after I had risen from my knees, to ask the Lord for more means, as, on account of needing about 75l. for the printing of the Report, 23l. for oatmeal, 19l. for fittings, 25l. for rent, and 26l. for the sisters who labour in the Orphan-Houses (which sums are shortly to be paid), we shall soon again need more.

Jan. 20, 1847. For the whole of this period since May 26, 1846, therefore nearly eight months, when the accounts were closed, we have had always an abundance of means, and for the greater part of the time about 200l. in hand. The sum of One Thousand Sixty-Five Pounds has come in for the Orphans in less than eight months, to which is to be added the balance of 85l. 4s. 9 ¾ d. in hand when the accounts were closed. Invariably I have thus been able to give to the Matrons of the four Orphan-Houses the money in advance, which was required for the necessities of one week. But now, after having paid away last evening 45l. 5s. for the house-keeping of a week in advance and for other expenses, the money which remains in hand is needed for rent, and oatmeal, which has been ordered from Scotland. This morning therefore I gave myself particularly to prayer with regard to means for present use for the Orphans. How blessed to have the living God to go to! Particularly precious to know Him in these days of widespread distress! Potatoes are too dear for food for the Orphans at this time. The rice, which we have substituted instead of them, is twice as dear as usual; the oatmeal more than twice as dear; and the bread one-half dearer than usual. But the riches of God are as great as ever. He knows that our expenses are great. He knows that a little will not do in these days, when provisions are so dear, as there are about 150 persons to be provided for, including teachers and apprentices. My soul is at peace. Evening. About noon I received from a pious physician the following note, with a check for 5l.

"My dear sir, I send you something towards buying bread for the Orphans. The dearness of food must be felt by many; but the Lord in judgment is nevertheless gracious He will sustain. I am your sincere friend and well-wisher.

"* * * *"

From Maidenhead I received still further this evening 5s.

Jan. 21. Having had to pay out this morning 5l. 2s. 6d. for oatmeal for present use, before the arrival of the larger quantity of a ton and a half ordered from Scotland, there was again only 2s. 6d. left of the money which had come in yesterday. About 1 o'clock this afternoon I received 1l. through a Christian lady of Bristol from "a poor gardener." There came in also-still further 1s. by sale of Reports and 1l. 2s. 6d. from London.

Jan. 22. A brother from Devonshire came here on business, to obtain some money which was owed to him. He did not obtain it; but God used him as an instrument to bring me some money, for he gave me 10s. for the Orphans. There came in still further by sale of trinkets and old silver 12l. 8s. 5d.

Jan. 23. By sale of books and some music 2l. 10s.

Jan. 24. Profits from the sale of ladies' bags 1l.—During this period also two sisters kindly made some ladies' bags and baskets, and gave the profits arising from the sale for the benefit of the Orphans.

On the 25th and 26th came in still further 2l. 4s. 1 ¾ d., so that, when in the evening of the 26th at our usual weekly meeting for prayer and conference I met with the brethren and sisters, who labour in the various day schools and Orphan-Houses (then seventeen in number), I was again able, by means of the 26l. 1s. 0 ¾ d., which the Lord had sent in during the week, to give to the four matrons of the Orphan-Houses all the needful supplies for the coming week. That which remained was put by towards the rent of the houses. Our prayer now was, that the Lord would be pleased again to send in fresh supplies, that we might have at the next meeting all that might be needed for the week after.

Feb. 2, Tuesday. When we met this evening for prayer and conference, it was found, that, whilst there had been nothing left in hand after our meeting this day week (except money put by for oatmeal and rent), there had come in altogether during the week 29l. 18s. 18 ½ d. The way in which the Lord supplied us with those means was as follows: On the 26th and 27th I received 10s., and 10s. as profits from the sale of ladies' bags. On the 27th from London 3l., and also 5s. From C. C. 2l. From Braunton a purse with 6s. From Barnstaple 1l. On the 28th anonymously from London, from J. W. A., 5l. with these words: "From the giver of all, through one of His stewards." On the 29th from Sodbury 2s. 6d. On the 30th from Droitwich 5s. 6d. Also anonymously by post 5s. worth of postages with these words: "A sip of milk and a crust of bread for a poor Orphan." Also from C. C. 10s. On the 31st an old shilling and sixpence, a small silver pencil case, and a pair of small ear-drops.— Feb. 1. 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 21. for the Orphans. Then I knew why I bad been led thus; for there is not yet enough in hand, to supply the matrons tomorrow evening with the necessary means for housekeeping during another week.—There came in still further today for needlework done by the Orphans 1l. 17s. 7d. Also 4s. 5d., the contents of an Orphan box.—On Feb. 2nd came in 2l. 5s. 11d., by sale of a Report 4d., and by sale of stockings 9s. 3d.—On Jan. 30th a box came from London. It contained 4 brooches, a gold chain, 2 pairs of earrings, 2 gold watch hooks, a locket, a ring, 2 parts of gold chains, a rich silk dress, a silk cloak, a glass bottle, some music, 39 books, 18 knitted doilies, and a pair of knitting pins. Some of these articles were today, Feb. 2, sold for 8l. 2s. 3d.—There came in further by the sale of articles and Reports, 4s. 1d., by the boxes in the Orphan-Houses and at my house 1l. 2s., and anonymously was sent 5s. worth of postages. Here then, dear reader, you have a specimen how the Lord does week after week supply us—I said 29l. 18s. 10 ½ d. had come in during the week. As, however, I was informed that the arrival of the oatmeal from Scotland had been announced, and that it was much dearer than I had expected, i.e. nearly three times as dear as formerly, I found that there had not been sufficient money put by, and took therefore in the first place what was yet needed for that. In consequence of this I had only 10l. 14s. left for housekeeping, which I divided among the matrons, being fully assured that the Lord would again send in means, before that was spent. I went home in great peace, though all the money I possessed for present use for the Orphans was only three half-farthings.

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, winch 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 1l., 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 letter, with an order for 5l. 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!— About half an hour after having received this 5l., there was sent 10s., being the profits from the sale of ladies' bags. This evening was received still further, by the sale of some trinkets, 1l. 18s. Thus I am able to send all the remainder of the money, which is yet needed for housekeeping up to Tuesday, Feb. 9th.

The Lord's holy name be praised for this fresh precious help!

Feb. 5. 1l. 4s. 10d. has come in today.

Feb. 7. Lord's day. Yesterday nothing had come in. In two days again about 20l. will be needed for housekeeping, and there was only about the tenth part in hand. But I was not in the least disturbed about this. There are also new clothes to be found for the 32 Orphans in the Boys' Orphan-House, which likewise will cost many pounds. That expense also, I believed, God would help me to meet. Now observe the Lord's kindness! On returning this morning from the meeting, I found the following letter containing 50l.

"* * * *, Feb. 6, 1847.

"Beloved Brother,

"Having been led, during the past year, to see the unscripturalness of life insurance, which I had been carrying on for some years previously, I now enclose you the sum which I received from the office, on returning to them my policy, viz. 22l. 8s., and the payment due about this time, eleven guineas, as a thank-offering to the Lord for having, chiefly by means of the work in which you are engaged in Bristol, opened my eyes in some little measure to His will with regard to His pilgrim people here. I ask your prayers on my behalf, dearest brother, amongst the many who must be on your heart, for singleness of eye, to walk with God by faith, that the whole body may be full of light,' and that I may not be permitted to darken the little light I have, by serving any other master.

I add also ten pounds, which you will kindly apply to the help of those who are labouring in the Gospel abroad, or if more urgent, at home. Also will you oblige me by accepting six pounds for your own use.

Of several Reports (which you sent me for distribution) I have received payment for three, for which I enclose one shilling. The first items please apply for the use of the Orphan-Houses, as you may see best." &c.

Thus the Lord has given by one donation 34l. for the Orphans.—I have also in this another answer, in receiving 10l. for missionary brethren, for whom I had of late been especially seeking help from the Lord.— This evening I received still further from C. C. 1l. 10s. 0 ½ d.

Feb. 9. There was received today by sale of articles 3l. 9s. 8d. When I met again this evening with my fellow-labourers for prayer and conference at one of the Orphan-Houses, it was found that 48l. 12s. 6 ½ d. had come in for present use for the Orphans during the past week, which commenced with three half-farthings in my hands; so that there was enough for all the expenses connected with the house-keeping of the coming week, and the rest was put by for the rent, the apprentices, and the boys' clothes; and as to the necessities of this day week, when again fresh supplies will need to be given to the matrons, I am looking to the Lord.

Feb. 10. This evening we hare received already a little towards the expenses of the coming week. A brother gave me 10l., of which 5l. are for the poor Irish and 5l. for the Orphans. Also 7s. 1d. from the Orphan-box of a sister.

Feb. 11. Anonymously 2s. 6d. From Nottingham 1l. 15s.

Feb. 12. Anonymously, from a lady, 2l. to buy coals for the four Orphan-houses.

Feb. 13. Anonymously from Islington a half-sovereign. By sale of Reports 8d.

Feb. 14. Through a sister 5s., from C. C. 8s. 3d., and anonymously 2s. 6d.

Feb. 15. From a Scotch sister 1l., by sale of stockings, Reports, and articles 7l. 0s. 4d., from an Orphan- box 3s. O ½ d., from Nice 1l., anonymously 10s., from Cork 5s. 2d., and several shillings besides in small donations, &c.—Thus there had come in again by this Tuesday evening, Feb. 16th, 21l. 4s. 2d. during the past week. As, however, I had to put by some money for the boys' clothes and rent, I could only leave 12l. 4s. with the matrons, quite sufficient for a few days; and my hope in God is, that He will send more, before this is gone.

Feb. 17. From the neighbourhood of Bridgewater 10s. 6d., and 1s. 1d. came in besides. On the 18th came in 1l. more.

Feb. 19. This morning I gave myself again to prayer, importuning the Lord that He would be pleased to send more means, as so little had come in during the last two days. Almost immediately, after rising from my knees, I received from Doncaster 3l. 3s. At the same tune I received from Bromyard 5s., and 4s. from Aberystwith. About an hour later came from a sister in the neighbourhood of Wotton-under-Edge 12s. 6d., a lady's bag, and a knitted bread-basket cloth. Thus, with the 12l. 4s. already given to the matrons, we are supplied till next Tuesday evening, the 23rd of February.

Feb. 20. Today came in from the neighbourhood of Castle Cary 10s., by sale of Reports 2l. 6d., and by sale of articles 10s. 6d. Also anonymously a parcel from Tetbury, containing 2 shillings, a gold coin, a silver coin, 2 copper coins, a brass coin, 4 gilt brooches, 2 silver brooches, 3 gold brooches, 5 collars, a waistcoat, a pair of boots, 2 cloaks, and a shawl.

Feb. 21. From C. C. 14s., and 5l. with these words: "Your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things," and Philip iv. 19. How true! My Heavenly Father knew that we had need of this, and therefore put it into the heart of this donor to give this 5l. for in two days we shall again require many pounds more than I had this morning. Also how truly is again fulfilled in my experience at this time Philip iv. 19.

Feb. 22. From Westmoreland a half sovereign and 1s. in postages.

Feb. 23. Anonymously a half sovereign. By sale of articles and Reports 3l. 16s. 0 ½ d., and through an Orphan-box in my house 2s. A lady who met the Orphans today in the fields, gave to one of the girls 2s. Evening. Tuesday. By what the Lord has been pleased to send in during the past week, I have enough to supply the matrons with all which is needed during the coming week and 14s. left.

Feb. 24. From a poor brother 6s.; the produce of an Orphan-box 1s. 7 ½ d. and a shilling bank token.—Feb. 26. From Bath 2s. 6d., and from Droitwich 9s. 4d.

Feb. 27. Saturday evening. Only these few shillings have come in since Tuesday evening, so that, having had to pay away several small sums besides the housekeeping expenses, since Tuesday, nothing is in hand towards supplying the matrons with housekeeping money next Tuesday.— Received this evening from C. C. 5l., 6s. 6d. and anonymously from Totness 1s. 6d. worth of postages.

Feb. 28. Today came in still further from the Hot-wells 3s. 6d., and 10l. as the profits of shares which the donor has in a certain concern. How kind of the Lord to help us thus so seasonably in our poverty!

March 1. By work and knitting of the Orphans 1l. 4s. 8d. and from E. N. 10s.

March 2. By sale of articles 8l. 10s. 6d., and by sale of a Report 4d. From H. C. as "A thank-offering to the Lord" 1l. From Manchester 1l. From London 13s. From Staffordshire 1s.—Thus by this evening the Lord has again sent in during the past week 29l. 8s. 11 ½ d., whereby I had enough to advance the house-keeping expenses to the matrons of the four Orphan-Houses for the coming week, and to meet some other expenses.

March 3. Received 6s. 7d.—March 4. 1l. from the neighbourhood of Stroud, as "a thank-offering to God for partial recovery from sickness."—Also from Bath 5l.—A gentleman gave anonymously to the governess of the Infant Orphans 2l.—I also received the following letter today: "Dear Sir, When my dear brother John died, he had one shilling and fourpence halfpenny owing to him which he intended for the Orphans. As I received it today, I now send it to you. He said Jesus will never forsake the Orphans.' M. W." The paper contained 1s. 7 ¾ d. and a quarter of a gilder. This legacy came from a dear boy who I hear died in the faith.—March 5. From Clevedon 2s. 6d.—March 6. The proceeds of an Orphan-box 7s. 1d.

March 7. Only 8l. 17s. 9 ¾ d. had come in since the 2nd, and the day after tomorrow fresh supplies will need to be given to the matrons for house-keeping, Under these circumstances I received this morning 150l., of which the donor intends 100l. for labourers in the Lord's vineyard at home and abroad, and 50l. for other work in my hands. Of this 50l. I took 25l. for the Orphans, and 25l. for the SchoolBibleand Tract Fund. Thus we are helped afresh.—There came in besides from C. C. 6s., from a lady 1l., and anonymously 1s. 4d.

March 8. This morning I received still further from Falmouth a bank order for 4l. from a brother "As a thank-offering to the Lord for bringing him safely back to his native land;" 2l. of this amount is for the Orphans, 1l. for Brother Craik, and 1l. for my own personal necessities. Also 10s. from an Orphan-box, and 10s. from a sister.

March 6. By sale of articles and Reports 4l. 13s. 2d., from a poor brother 6d., and through the boxes in my house 1l. 1s. 6d.—This evening, Tuesday, I find that since last Tuesday evening again 44l. 1s. 6 ¾ d. has come in. Thus I have the means to meet all the house-keeping expenses during the coming week, and something will be left to put by towards the rent, the current expenses for the apprentices, &c. How good is the Lord in helping us week after week through the heavy expenses, especially in this season of deep distress and dearness of provisions! To His praise I can say, we have lacked nothing all this winter.

Whilst preparing these extracts from my journal for the press, I remember to have heard the following remarks made with reference to the time about which I am just now writing, namely the season of dearth during the winter of 1846-7: "I wonder how it is now with the Orphans? If Mr. Miller is now able to provide for them as he has, we will say nothing." When I heard such remarks, I said nothing except this: "We lack nothing:" or, "God helps us." Should this fall into the hands of any who have had such thoughts, let them remember that it is the very time for faith to work, when sight ceases. The greater the difficulties, the easier for faith. As long as there remain certain natural prospects, faith does not get on even as easily (if I may say so), as when all natural prospects fail. It is true that during the time of the dearth our expenses were considerably greater than usual it is also true that many persons, who otherwise might have given, were unable to do so, or had their surplus directed into other channels, such as Ireland, &c.; but the gold and silver are the Lord's. To Him we made our prayer. In Him we put our trust. And He did not forsake us.' For we went as easily through that winter as through any winter since the work had been in existence. Nor could it be otherwise; for God had at this very time an especial opportunity of showing the blessedness of trusting in Him. Seek, dear reader, more and more to put your trust in Him for everything, and you will even concerning this life find it most precious so to do.

March 10. I was able, last evening, to meet most comfortably all the expenses for the coming week; yet we had then nothing left, as I put by the rest of the money, that we might not get into debt with regard to the rent, the expenses of the apprentices, &c. When now there was again nothing left for future house-keeping expenses, a Christian lady at a considerable distance informed me by this mornings post, that she has paid into the hands of Messrs. Stuckey and Co. of Bristol, my bankers, the sum of 100l. for my use, for the benefit of the Orphans. By the same post I have received also 10s. from Droitwich. The Lord's holy name be praised for this seasonable help! I have now all the rent for next quarter day, am able to purchase two pieces of calico which were needed, a fresh supply of rice and soap, and to meet other heavy expenses in the way of certain alterations and improvements to be made in the four houses, about which I had repeatedly asked the Lord.

May 1. From March 10th up to this day came in the sum of 132l. 10s. 5 ¾ d. Before the means in hand were expended, the Lord always gave a fresh supply. This evening, Saturday May 1st, I gave myself especially to prayer for means, as we were now again very poor, there being no means to meet the house-keeping expenses on next Tuesday evening, when fresh supplies are to be given to the matrons. About half an hour, after I had risen from my knees, I received from a Friend to the Institution a letter, containing 10l. Of this sum 8s. 5d. is from twenty poor Orphans under his care, who, having read one of my Reports, desired him to send to the Orphans in Bristol their little donations, each having contributed from 2d. to 8d., 5s. 6d. is from an aged Christian, 10s. from a servant of the donor, and 8l. 16s. 1d. from himself, to makeup the 10l.

May 2. There came in still further from C. C. 1l., from a Christian lady 10s., from a Christian servant 5s., and anonymously 10s.

May 4. Today was received for articles and Reports 1l. 16s. 1d., and through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 16s. 8 ½ d. Thus I was able this evening, by what had come in since Saturday evening, May 1, to meet the house-keeping expenses of the coming week.

May 11. Another week is gone by. This evening also I have been able to meet all the expenses connected with house-keeping during the coming week, through what has come in since May 4th, but at the same time there is nothing left. Hitherto the children have lacked nothing. Never were provisions nearly so dear since the commencement of the work, as they are now. The bread is almost twice as much as eighteen months ago, the oatmeal nearly three times as much as formerly, the rice more than double the usual price, and no potatoes can be used, on account of their exceeding high price. But though I have now returned from the Orphan-Houses, without any means being left in my hands for further supplies, yet my heart is in peace, in great peace, being sure that the Lord will help.

May 12. The Lord is beginning to help already. This evening I have received 4l. from Scarborough.

May 13. This morning I received 6s. from the neighbourhood of Bideford. This afternoon was given to me 50l., being left to my disposal, as it might be most needed. Being so exceedingly poor as to means for the Orphans, and having heavy expenses to meet, I put this 50l. to the Orphan-Fund for present use. Thus I am able to order oatmeal from Scotland, which is nearly out, put by money for the rent, pay for medical attendance for the children, &c. How good is the Lord, in helping us so seasonably in this time of great dearness of provisions! There came in still further today 5s.—On May 14th from O. 1s., "through walking a short distance instead of riding."—On May 16th from C. C. 13s. 1d. From O. 3s. being "the first fruits of increase of wages." From the Isle of Wight 17s. 9d., from Hayle 2l., from Plymouth 15s.—On May 17th from a Christian lady 5s., from E. A. B. 13s. 6d., and from C. B. 13s. 10 ½ d.—On May 18th by sale of articles and Reports 2l. 6s. 4d. Though thus since last Tuesday evening, May 11th, about 63l. has come in, yet as there have been heavy extra expenses to meet in the course of the week, besides the usual amount required for housekeeping for the coming week, and as I need to put by about 20l. for oatmeal which has been ordered from Scotland, we are again without anything in hand.

May 19. This morning the Lord has again begun to send in a little. I received from Bath 1l., and from a Colonel in the Presidency of Madras 2l.—May 20th. From Worcester 1l., and from a sick little boy 6d.—May 23rd. From C. C. 5l. 2s. 4d. Also a stranger called at the infant Orphan-House, bought books to the amount of 8s. 1d., and gave a sovereign for them.

May 24. By sale of articles came in 3l. 10s. 2d.

May 25. From Shirehampton 2s.

The boxes in the Orphan-Houses contained 1l. 10s 1d. Also an individual from Taunton gave 10s. Lastly there came in by sale of Reports 6d. and from M. W. 6d.—Thus the Lord has again sent in since last Tuesday evening about 161l. This, however, not being nearly enough to meet the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, I could only give a part of what was needed, hoping in God to give me more, before that which is in the hands of the matrons shall have been spent.

May 26. A lady gave 10s.—May 27th. By sale of books, given for the purpose, came in 1l. 11s. 6d., and through an Orphan-box 8s. 6d. This 2l. 10s. received yesterday and today I sent off to the Orphan-Houses.

May 28. By sale of Reports 1s., the proceeds of an Orphan-box at Street 2s., from Guernsey 1l.May 29th. The 1l. 3s., which came in yesterday, was enough for today, Saturday; for only the addition of 1l. was required to help us till Monday morning, and therefore the Lord had sent 3s. more than was needed. Evening. There has come in this day still further 1l. 9s. 7d. by sale of some little trinkets, almost all of which had been given some time since, and which now our poverty led me to pack up and send out for sale. This money likewise was divided among the matrons.

May 30. Lord's day morning. I have just now received, in this our great need, when there was not sufficient in hand to meet the necessities of tomorrow, 6l. 6s. from a Christian gentleman of title at Zurich in Switzerland, a distance of about one thousand miles. What a most seasonable help! Thus I am able to send all the remainder of the supplies, which are needed till Tuesday evening.

In these days of straitness, the question would naturally arise, If, when you have only to care for 130 Orphans, you are so poor, what will you do when there are 300, for whom you are just on the point of building a house? And further, Is it not an indication not to increase the work, seeing you are now so poor with only about one-third of the number of Orphans which you purpose to receive into the New Orphan-House?—I am not tried, however, with such thoughts; for I know that 1, Only for the trial of my faith, as heretofore the Lord allows me now again to be poor. Never at any time have the expenses been so great for the work, as from May 26, 1846, to May 26, 1847; but also never has so much come in in the same space of time during any other period of this work. 2, It is for the profit of the church at large, that we have now again to pass through these days of poverty. 3, I know that it is as easy for the Lord to supply us with all the means that the work will require when once the New Orphan-House is opened, as it is for Him to give us what we need now, though the expenses in all likelihood will then be Two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds a year more than they are at present.