Chapter XIII: Part 13

I took this 10s. for the Building Fund. The donor is a poor working man. This afternoon I received 50l. more from the neighbourhood of London, with these words: "For the missionaries, and where else most needed." I took, therefore, 25l. of it for missions, and the other 25l. for the Building Fund.

Thus the Lord has been pleased this day to refresh my heart greatly in sending these donations, and has given again a manifest proof that yesterday I did not wait upon Him in vain. But I look out for more abundant help, and for larger sums. I cannot help noticing here, that this afternoon the Lord also refreshed my spirit through a donation of 6 pairs of new shoes, which a young man (whom about twelve years ago I received as a very destitute Orphan, and who about five years ago was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and who has lately finished his apprenticeship), brought me for the Orphans, as a small token of his gratitude, as he said. He had himself made the shoes, having bought the leather with the little sums which he had earned in working overtime for his master.

Such instances occur often. I see now, again and again, fruit resulting from my labours in this service. It is not at all a rare thing that I meet with respectable young women, or respectable young men, who, many years ago, were placed, as very destitute Orphans, under my care, and who are now a comfort and help to society, instead of being a pest, which otherwise they might have been. But valuable and pleasant as this is, I frequently meet with far more in them: I find them to be children of the living God, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and see or hear that they walk according to their profession. Thus, in the midst of many difficulties, and with much that, for the present moment, is discouraging, I see abundant fruit. Yet, if even only one soul were won from among these Orphans, how abundantly would all labours, trials, difficulties, and expenditure of money be made up; but, if I know of scores of them already in heaven, and scores of them now on the road to heaven, how can I but go on labouring, esteeming it a privilege to be allowed of God to seek to win more and more of them for Him? Considerations like these are a mighty impulse to me to go forward with regard to the intended Orphan House.

Nov. 10. Today I received 200l., of which the donor kindly wished me to keep 20l. for my own personal expenses, and to apply the rest as most needed for the Lord's work in my hands. I took, therefore, 100l. for the Building Fund, and 80l. for missionary objects, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Gospel Tracts, and for the support of all the various schools which are supported by the funds of the Scriptural Knowledge. Institution. By this donation my heart has been greatly refreshed for the following reasons:--lst. During the last twelve days very little, comparatively, has come in. 2nd. The first four objects of the Institution, for which I took the 80l., were lower as to funds than they have been during the last ten months, as only 113l. remained in hand. 3rd. I had been praying for supplies for my own personal expenses, in order that I might be able to help in certain cases of need, which were near my heart. This day week, Nov. 3rd, I began particularly to pray about this object. On Nov. 7th there was 5l. put anonymously into the letter box at my house, for my own personal expenses. The note was signed "H." On the same evening I received 2l. more. On Nov. 8th I received 1l. from Keswick. On Nov. 9th 1l. 14s. 6d., and today 20l. Though this is a digression from the immediate subject before me, yet, as I write chiefly for the comfort and encouragement of the children of God, and that their dependence upon God and their trust in Him may more and more be increased, and also that unbelievers may see the reality of the things of God, I take delight in mentioning these cases, to show that He does not merely supply me, in answer to prayer, with means for His work in which I am occupied, but that He also bountifully supplies my own personal necessities, simply in answer to prayer.

Nov. 19. Early this morning came, in the course of my reading through the Holy Scriptures, Heb. v. and vi., and my heart was greatly strengthened by Heb. vi. 15., "And so after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." I have not once, even for one moment, been allowed to doubt, either the power or the willingness of the Lord to supply me with all that shall be needed for this other Orphan House, since I came at first to the conclusion that it was His will I should enlarge the work; yet I have often, very often, been led to ask, that He would graciously be pleased to sustain my faith and patience to the end; for great, very great, may yet be the exercises both of my faith and patience, before. I have the desire of my heart granted.

Nov. 28. The following case will especially show in what a variety of ways the Lord is pleased to supply me with means. Today I received from an individual, hitherto an entire stranger to me, the letter which follows:--

* * * *, London, Nov 27, 1851.

"My dear Brother,

I asked the Lord for help with regard to yourself and your work. The other night a stranger called at my house, and left a parcel, declining to give her name, saying, Take charge of this for Mr. George Müller.' The parcel contained 3l. 14s. 9d., two silver spoons, and two silver thimbles; 4s. were added to pay the expenses. May the Lord prosper you, my brother.

Yours affectionately,

* * * * *"

As it was not stated for what object the donation was intended, I took the whole for the Building Fund.

Dec. 8. From A. Z. at Hull 3l. 5s., of which the donor kindly intends 5s. for my own personal expenses. Through this donor also 5s. besides. Both these donations are remarkable. The donor who sent the 3l. 5s., some years ago, when in very poor circumstances, set apart from his earnings ¾ d. a-day for the Orphans. From that time God was pleased to prosper him; and now he is able to send this 3l. 5s. at once. The donor of the 5s. had about a year ago one of the Reports of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution lent to him, when he was living in much sin, by the brother who sent the 3l. 5s., and this Report was the means of his conversion.

Dec. 28. This morning I received a donation of 200l., which, being left at my disposal, I took one half for the Building Fund, and the other half for the School, Bible, Tract and Missionary Objects.

Jan. 28, 1852. From Torquay 5s.--I received also this morning the following registered letter, enclosing 50l.

"* * * * *Jan. 21, 1852.

"Dear Brother,

"Having this morning received a large present, I hasten to send you 50l., either towards building the New Orphan House, or for the missionary servants of the Lord; as you may deem best.

" Yours very truly in Christ,

"* * * *"

I am especially labouring in prayer, day by day, that the Lord would be pleased to furnish me with the means for building another Orphan House, as the number of applications for destitute children, bereaved of both parents, is increasing more and more: but I have also of late been particularly praying to the Lord for means for missionary brethren, as almost all I have in hand for them is expended. On this account I purpose to take one half of this donation for the Building Fund, and the other half for missionary objects.

March 17. Day by day I am waiting upon God for means. With full confidence, both as to the power of the Lord to give me the means, and likewise His willingness, I am enabled to continue to wait. But He is pleased to exercise my faith and patience, and especially has this been the case of late. Not more than 27l. 11s. has come in, during the last four weeks, for the Building Fund. Yet, amidst it all, by the help of God, my heart has been kept looking to the Lord, and expecting help from Him. Now today my heart has been greatly refreshed by a donation of 999l. 13s. 5d., which, being left to my disposal for the work of God, I took of it for the Building Fund 600l., for current expenses for the Orphans 200l., and the remainder for the School, Bible, Tract, and Missionary objects. I cannot describe to any one how refreshing this donation is to my spirit. After having been for weeks, day by day, waiting upon the Lord, and receiving so little, comparatively, either for current expenses or for the Building Fund, this answer to many prayers is exceedingly sweet to my spirit.

March 18. From Mallow in Ireland 5s.--From Torquay 5s.--From Whitby 2l. 3s. 6d., of which 1l. is for the Building Fund, 1l. for present use for the Orphans, and 3s. 6d. for ditto.--From Kingstanley 1l.--From Lichfield 4l. 15s., and 5s.

March 21. From Clifton 5l., with 3s. for present use for the Orphans. Through Salem boxes 1s.

March 23. From Driffield 5l.--Received also further 500l., which, being entirely left at my disposal, I took 100l. for the Building Fund, 200l. for current expenses for the Orphans, 50l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, 50l. for the circulation of Gospel Tracts, 50l. for preachers of the Gospel in foreign lands, and 50l. for preachers of the Gospel in England, Ireland, and Scotland.

May 16. From two Christian ladies at Clifton 10s.

May 19. From Bishopwearmouth 5l.

May 20. 149l. 8s. 11 ½ d., being the proceeds arising from the sale of a book in English, and 40l. 14s. from the sale of a book in French, were given for the Building Fund; and 75l. 18s. 9d., being the balance of a certain account, for present use for the Orphans.

To the donations received during this year, is to be added 64l. 10s. 6d. received for interest; for as a steward of the money, with which I was intrusted for the Building Fund, I felt it right to put out to interest that which came in. Lastly, there remained in hand from the former Building Fund the balance of 776l. 14s. 3 ¾ d., which I added to the present Building Fund, so that on the evening of May 26th, 1852, I had altogether 3530l. 9s. 0 ¼ d.

I add the following points, which were stated in the Report of 1852, and which are here reprinted for the better information of the readers.

A. Looking at the comparatively small amount yet in hand towards the accomplishment of my purpose, some of my readers may suppose that I am on that account discouraged. My reply is, that I am not at all discouraged, and that for the following reasons.

1. The many donations which the Lord has been pleased to send me during the past year expressly for the Building Fund, have been a proof to me that He condescends to listen to my supplications respecting this part of the work, and to those of His dear children who help me with their prayers; for many, I believe, labour with me in prayer.

2. The delay of the Lord in sending still larger sums, and more speedily, than He has been pleased to do hitherto, I only consider to be for the exercise of my faith and patience. Were the Lord displeased with my intention, He would not have dealt with me as He has, and would not have encouraged me to continue to wait upon Him, by the many donations which were expressly given for this object, and some from most unexpected quarters. This exercise of my faith and patience, however, I believe to be intended not merely for my own individual profit; but through me, also for the benefit of others. By God's gracious help and support I will, therefore, continue to wait patiently, till He shall be pleased more abundantly to send in the means, which I do not in the least doubt life will do.

3. Even when intending to build the New Orphan-House on Ashley Down, Bristol, (which was then an undertaking to me greater far than the second Orphan House now contemplated), I had to wait two years and three months, before I had all the means needed; and great, and many, and varied indeed were the trials of my patience and faith, before that work was accomplished; yet, at last, the Lord so abundantly helped me, and so altogether carried me through all the difficulties, that the house was built, fitted up, furnished, and inhabited, and several hundred pounds remained over and above what was required. And now three years have already elapsed since the house has been inhabited, and the three hundred Orphans in it have no cause to speak of want, but only of abundance. But as the work increases more and more, 1 am not surprised that my trials of faith and patience should become sharper and sharper, and should last longer and longer; but yet, by His help, will I hope in God, whom I shall have to praise further still, and who will help me further still, on the ground of the worthiness and merits of His holy child Jesus, though I am most unworthy in myself to be helped.

4. One of the things, which especially encourages me to continue to wait upon God, and to labour on in prayer Concerning this object, is the great number of applications which continue to be made for the admission of children who have been lawfully begotten, but who are by death bereaved of both parents, and who are in very destitute circumstances. There were 170 such children waiting for admission a year ago; since then there have been 183 more applied for, making in all 353. Of these, as during the last year but few vacancies have occurred, I have only been able to receive twenty-seven, therefore 326 remain unprovided for. This number would be far greater still, had not many persons been kept from applying to me; for they considered it useless, as the number of Orphans, waiting for admission, was already so great. Now when I consider all the help which the Lord has been pleased to grant me in this His service for so many years, and how He has carried me through one difficulty after another, and when I see one case after another, of the most pitiable Orphans (some less than one year old) brought before me; how can I but labour on in prayer on their behalf, fully believing that God, in His own time, will give me the means for this intended second home for 700 more Orphans, though I know not when the money will be sent, and whom He will honour to be the instruments, whether it will come from many or from few comparatively, and whether more especially from those donors whom God has used in former times, or whether He may be pleased to put it into the heart of those to assist me in this service, whose names I have never heard up to this time.

B. Up to the present I have taken no actual steps towards the erection of the second Orphan-House, nor do I mean to do anything in the way of purchasing the land, &c., until I have a sum in hand which may point out that the Lord's time is come for taking such steps. At present I do not allow my mind to be occupied with such points, but seek to go on step by step, and therefore, in the first place, to wait upon God for a greater amount of means than I have in hand at present; and when the Lord shall have been pleased to grant me this, I doubt not that He will also guide and direct me as to carrying out the desire which, I trust, He has put into my heart, to be still more extensively used as the Friend of the Orphan.

C. I state again that this second Orphan-House is only intended, as the one already built, for children who have been lawfully begotten, who have lost both parents by death, and who are in destitute circumstances; this, however, being the case, children may be received from any place, and the more destitute, the fewer patrons and friends they have to plead their cause, the more likely they are to be received, as neither favour nor partiality is shown in the admission of the children, but their cases are considered in the order in which applications are made. I state again here especially, that no sectarian views prompt me, or even in the least influence me in the reception of children; I do not belong to any sect, and am, therefore, not influenced by sectarianism in the admission of Orphans; but from wheresoever they come, and to whatsoever religions denomination the parents belonged, or with whatever body the persons making application may be connected; and whether those who apply never gave me one penny towards the work, or whether they gave much; it makes no difference in the admission of the children. Now just as it has been thus with regard to the admission of Orphans for more than sixteen years past, so, when God shall be pleased to allow me to accomplish my purpose concerning another Orphan-House, it is still intended to be the same concerning that one also. The New Orphan-House on Ashley Down, Bristol, is not say Orphan-House, not the Orphan-House of any party or sect, but it is God's Orphan-House, and the Orphan-House for any and every poor destitute Orphan who has lost both parents; provided, of course, there be room in the establishment, and that there be nothing so peculiar in the case of the children as to prevent their being received; and exactly thus it is intended to be, God helping, with regard to the Orphan-House for 700 Orphans, now in contemplation.

Supplies for the School, Bible , Missionary and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852.

At no time during the past eighteen years did I begin a new period with so much money in hand, as was the case at the commencement of this. There was a balance of 809l. 10s. 6d. left for these objects. Long before this balance was expended, however, the Lord was pleased to send in further supplies; so that, during all the year, there did not come before me one single instance in which, according to my judgment, it would have been desirable to help forward Schools or Missionary objects, or the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, but I had always the means in hand for doing so.

I will now notice a few of the more remarkable donations

On the third day already, after the accounts had been closed, May 29, 1851, I received a donation of 150l., of which I took one-half for the current expenses for the Orphans, and the other half for these objects. This was the first donation in this new period, and was a precious encouragement to me in the work.

July 8. From May 29th to this day have come in twenty-eight donations, varying from 1d. to 15l. Today I received a donation of 150l. of which the donor kindly wished me to take 10l. for my own personal expenses, and to use the rest as the work of God might require it. As I still had an abundance in hand both for the Orphans and for these objects, I took one-half for the current expenses for the Orphans, and the other half for these objects.

Sept. 6. Again fifty-two donations had come in between July 8th and this day, varying from 1d. to 20l., when today a brother who has often manifested his deep interest in the spread of the truth, and who is far from being rich, sent me 80l. for home and foreign labourers in the Word.

Nov. 10. Forty donations have come in for these objects from Sept. 6th to this day, varying from 1 ½ d. to 25l. Today I received 200l., of which, as stated under the particulars given under this date with reference to the Building Fund, I took 80l. for these objects. This donation came in most seasonably; for now the funds for these objects were lower than they had been for the last ten months, as only 113l. remained in hand.

Dec. 21. The funds for these objects were now reduced to 10l. 14s. 5d., as the twenty-two donations from 4d. to 13l., which had come in since Nov. 10th, did not altogether amount to more than 31l. 9s. 4d., and as much money had been expended. The means in hand were therefore far less than they had been at any time during the last sixteen months, when I received this morning from A. Z., a new donor, by the Clifton post, 10l., which, being left to my disposal, I took for these objects.

Dec. 27. Only 1l. 7s. 6d. had come in since the 21st. After the payments of this day were met, there remained only 10s. 4d. in hand.

Consider this position, dear reader. Only 10s. 4d. in hand, and the expenses for all the various schools were to be met, and the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and of Tracts I desired to go on, and the Fifty preachers of the Gospel, whom I sought to help, my heart desired to help still further. Consider also, that whatever my necessities may be, I never go into debt, nor do I apply to any one personally for any thing, but give myself unto prayer. Now hear how this matter ended.

Dec. 28. When I came home last evening from the New Orphan-House, I found a letter from Gloucestershire, containing a sovereign and a half. The sovereign was half for these objects, and half for the Orphans; and of the half sovereign, 6s. were intended for the Orphans; and 4s. for these objects. Thus I had 14s. more But this morning the Lord has opened His hands still more bountifully. I have received a donation of 200l. The disposal of the money was left to me. I took therefore one half for the School , Bible , Missionary and Tract Objects, and the other half for the Building Fund.--This donation has been a very great refreshment to my spirit. During the last six weeks very little has come in, and though we had lacked nothing (for only a few days since I paid for sixty thousand Tracts at once), yet we were now poorer than we had been for two or three years, with regard to means for these objects. This, however, did not in the least cast me down; for I knew it was only for the trial of my faith and patience, and that, when the trial was over, the Lord would again send in bountiful supplies. This He has now commenced to do, but I expect much more than this. Indeed I am looking out daily for the Lord's help.

Jan. 1, 1852. The old year closed with manifestations of God's loving help, in the way of means, and the new begins in the same way. Last evening I received 4s. 5d. for these objects, and this morning, when I paid an account, I had 10l. returned for the Schools.--In the course of the day I received still further from Sherborne 3l., of which the donor wished 1l. to be taken for the Orphans, 1l. for missions, and 1l. for my own personal expenses. I received also anonymously from Aberdeen 4s. for the Orphans, with 2s. for missions.

Jan. 2. Further: 5l. for the Schools in Bristol.

Jan. 19. All our money for missionary objects, for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and for the support of the various Schools was now again spent, as only very little, comparatively had come in since Dec. 28th. The last money which I had, I sent off by the mail steamer to Demerara, which left two days since. Under these circumstances, I received this evening 20l., which I might either use for the Orphans, or for missionary objects, according to the donor's wish. I took it for missionary objects. But I am looking out for larger supplies, as I have many openings, profitably to lay out considerable sums for missionary objects, and for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts. It is remarkable, that, while I have received from the donor of this sum from time to time donations for the Orphans, I had not received anything for missionary objects for a very long time. But I have again and again prayed for help for this part of the work, and this point makes the answer to prayer only the more manifest.

Jan. 21. After still further repeated waiting upon the Lord for means, especially for missionary objects and for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, I received today from Somersetshire 20l., of which the donor intends 10l. for foreign missions and 10l. towards the support of the Orphans.

Jan. 22. From London 4l. for missions.

Jan. 23. 50l., of which half is for missions, and half for the Building Fund.

Jan. 26. 500l. was left at my disposal. I took the whole for these objects.

This donation came in most seasonably, enabling me to go on helping preachers of the Gospel, and also to go on with the circulation of Bibles and Tracts.

March 17. Before all means were gone, when there was yet about 160l. in hand, there came in again today for these objects 199l. 13s. 5d.

March 23. 200l. more came in today.

March 26. From three brethren 20l. for missions.--On the same day from a missionary box at Old Aberdeen 2l.

May 12. The 26 donations which have come in for these objects, since March 26th, were small. Today I received from Cornwall 50l., of which the donor wished me to take 10l. for my own personal expenses; the rest being left at my disposal I took the whole for these objects.

May 15. Received 20l. for missions.

May 19. When nearly all the means for these objects were exhausted, I received 250l., of which I took for these objects 200l., and 50l. for the current expenses for the Orphans.

Thus I have given some instances to show how the Lord was pleased to supply me during another year.

Supplies for the support of the Orphans, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852.

When this period commenced, I had in hand for the current expenses for the Orphans 970l. 13s. 11 ¾ d. We had never had so large a balance for the other objects at the commencement of any new period, as was the case at the commencement of this, and so it was also with regard to the Orphan work. This arose from the fact, that, only a little more than four months before the accounts were closed, a donation of 3000l. had been given, which, being equally divided between the Orphan Fund and the Fund for the other objects, had left so large a balance in hand. But though there was this large balance to begin with, dependence upon God was still required day by day, as the pecuniary help is only a very small part of that which is needed; and even as to means, this sum would not have lasted long, had the Lord not sent in further supplies. This, however, He did; and thus it was, that, while there were other trials, varied and many, yet, as to means, we experienced for a long time scarcely any difficulty at all. I will now very briefly notice some cases in which God helped us with means for the support of the Orphans, in answer to prayer.

May 27, 1851. The first donation of this new period came from an aged Godly clergyman, whom, up to that time, I had never seen, but to whom my heart had been much knit through correspondence. The donation consisted of 5l. from himself, and 1s. 6d. from three poor persons through him.

July 3. A brother and sister, having had a legacy left to them, though very far from being rich, sent 50l. out of it for the Orphans, as they desire to use the money with which the Lord may intrust them for Him.

Oct. 2. From the ladies who constitute the Bristol Dorcas Society, the value of 215l. in flannel and unbleached calico.

Feb. 10, 1852. When the accounts were closed, there was in hand 970l. 13s. 11 ¾ d., and there has come in since then 1242l. 19s. 8d. Up to this time, I had had an abundance of means, to meet all the current expenses of the New Orphan-House, and there was still 126l. 3s. 8 ½ d. in hand. But though I had this, the certain expenses of this week alone were. 102l. 0s. 4d., besides what might be otherwise needed. Under these circumstances, a Godly merchant at Clifton gave me this evening, through his son, a Fifty Pound Note for the benefit of the Orphans. This donation has greatly refreshed my spirit; for though we were not in actual need, there being 126l. 3s. 8 ½ d. in hand, to meet the expenses of 102l. 0s. 4d., which I expected to come upon me this week, yet there would then only have been left 24l. 3s. 4 ½ d. towards meeting the current expenses of an establishment with more than 300 inmates. There had not been so little in hand since the New Orphan-House was first opened. How kind, therefore, of the Lord, to put it into the heart of this donor, who is not personally known to me, to contribute this sum!

March 16. From Feb. 10th up to March 8th the income had been comparatively small, only about 130l. altogether having been received for the current expenses for the Orphans. This, with what was in hand on Feb. 10th, was, therefore, so reduced, that on March 8th I had only been able to advance 15l. for house-keeping expenses, instead of 30l., which I had for a long time been in the habit of doing. After having paid away this 15l., I had only about 5l. left. Before this 15l., however, was quite spent, I had received so much, that on the 12th I could advance. 10l. more for house-keeping. Now this money was all gone, and today, March 16th, more money was needed, but there was none in hand, except the balance which was last year left from the Building Fund, which I was most reluctant to use, and concerning which I asked the Lord that there might be no need for using it, as I wished to take it for the intended Orphan-House, the number of destitute Orphans who are waiting for admission being so great. Now observe how God helped me! Just before I was called on for more money, I received this morning from a noble Lady as her own gift and that of two of her friends 15l., and also 4s. 1 ½ d. was given to me as the contents of an Orphan-box. Thus I was able to advance again 15l. for house-keeping.

March 17. For about six weeks past the Lord has been pleased to exercise my faith and patience much. Very little, comparatively, has come in for the Building Fund and the current expenses for the various objects; but now He has this day greatly refreshed my spirit by the donation of 999l. 13s. 5d., referred to under the Building Fund, which, being left to me for the Lord's work, to be used as I think best, I took of it for the current expenses for the Orphans 200l.; so that again, before the money, which came in yesterday, is expended, fresh supplies are received. I have been particularly also refreshed by this donation, in that I am not obliged to use the balance of the former Building Fund, but can let that remain for the present Building Fund.

May 26, 1852. Since March 17th no further difficulties have been experienced with regard to means; for though the expenses have amounted since then to about 700l., the Lord has bountifully supplied me with all I needed; for I received another donation of 200l., one of 75l. 18s. 9d., one of 50l., two of 10l., eighteen of between 5l. and 10l., besides many between 6d. and 5l.--Thus I am helped to the close of another year, during which the Lord has enabled me, through waiting upon Him, and looking to Him for help, to supply all the current expenses of the New Orphan-House with its 300 Orphans and all their overseers, teachers, nurses, etc.; the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts has been going on as before; the various schools have been supported; the same amount as during the past year, or rather more, has been expended for missionary objects; and yet, over and above all this, I have been enabled to gather a goodly sum for the Building Fund of the intended Orphan-House.

Have I not therefore abundant reason to praise the Lord for His goodness, to trust in Him for the future, to speak well of His name to my fellow-believers, and to encourage them, more and more to rely upon the Lord for everything?

Miscellaneous points respecting the Scriptural Know/edge Institution for Home and Abroad, with reference to the period from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852.

1. During this period there were entirely supported by the funds of the Institution four Day Schools in Bristol, with 248 poor children in them, and three others in Devonshire, Monmouthshire, and Norfolk, were assisted.--Further, one Sunday School in Bristol, with 243 children, was entirely supported, and two others in Devonshire and Gloucestershire, with 230 children, were assisted.--Lastly, one Adult School in Bristol, with 120 Adult Scholars, was entirely supported during this period.--From March 5, 1834, up to May 26, 1852, there were 5,525 children in the Day Schools in Bristol, 2,600 in the Sunday School, and 2,033 grown up persons in the Adult School.--There was expended of the Funds of the Institution, for these various Schools, during this period, 360l. 1s. 9d.

2. During this period there was expended of the Funds of the Institution 207l. 3s. 1d. for the purpose of circulating the Holy Scriptures, especially among the very poorest of the poor. There were issued during this period 1,101 Bibles and 409 New Testaments.--There were altogether circulated from March 5, 1834, up to May 26, 1852, Eight Thousand Eight Hundred and Ten Bibles, and Four Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-one New Testaments.

For two years previous to May 26, 1852, it was on my heart, to seek to make some especial effort for the spread of the Holy Scriptures and for the spread of simple Gospel Tracts, in a way and for a purpose which would not be accomplished by the giving of copies of the Holy Scriptures, or the giving of Tracts to poor persons. My wish was, to put believers of the higher classes in the way of obtaining cheap pocket Bibles for the purpose of giving them away as presents to more respectable persons, as well as furnishing them with the opportunity of purchasing Bibles and New Testaments, at a cheap rate, for giving them away among the poor; and of furnishing believers in the higher classes, who are Tract distributors, with an opportunity of purchasing simple Gospel Tracts for circulation. Connected with this I desired, especially, to present the truths of the Gospel, in print, before genteel persons, whom I had not the same opportunity of reaching as poorer persons to whom Tracts and Bibles might be given. To this my attention was turned on account of the mighty efforts which were made to take away the Holy Scriptures, and to spread Tracts which contain most pernicious errors. Up to this time we had never had, to any considerable extent, a depository for Bibles and Tracts. The circulation of Tracts had been almost exclusively by gratuitous distribution; and thus it had been also, for some years previously, with reference to the circulation of the Holy Scriptures.--For a very long time, however, we could not meet with a suitable house, till at last, after much prayer, and waiting for more than a year, convenient premises were obtained by renting No. 34, Park Street, Bristol. On April 29, 1852, this Bible and Tract Warehouse was opened with prayer.

3. During this year there was spent of the funds of the Institution, for missionary objects, the sum of 2005l. 7s. 5d. By this sum fifty-one labourers in the word and doctrine, in various parts of the world, were to a greater or less degree assisted.

It is a subject of joy and thankfulness to me, to be able to inform the believing reader, that the Lord was pleased to grant again much blessing upon the labours of these brethren during this year. Many sinners were converted through their instrumentality, some of whom had been in a most awful state. This remark applies both to foreign and home labourers.

4. There was laid out for the circulation of Tracts, from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852, the sum of 356l. 11s. 3 ½ d. There were circulated during the year 489,136 Tracts.

The total number of Tracts, which were circulated from the beginning up to May 26, 18152, was 1,086,366.

The Lord is pleased to increase this part of the work more and more.

It is not merely, however, of the increase in the number of Tracts that I have to speak. I heard during this year of one case after another, in which the tracts, with which the Lord enabled me to furnish the many brethren who circulate them, were used by Him in the way of communicating great blessing to believers, or as instruments of conversion to unbelievers. I would indeed with all my might seek to spread the truth of God by means of these little publications in greater and greater numbers; but I would follow them also, day by day, with my prayers, and never trust in the numbers which have been issued, but in God, to Grant His blessing, without which all these efforts are in vain.

A great number of believers, in various parts of the world, aid me in the circulation of tracts. Up to April 1852, however, almost all the tracts which were circulated were given away gratuitously, but, as has been stated already, there was then more particularly commenced the sale of Tracts also, in connexion with the sale of Bibles, at the Bible and Tract Warehouse, No. 34, Park Street, Bristol.

5. On May 26, 1851, there were. Three Hundred Orphans in the New Orphan House on Ashley Down, Bristol. From that day up to May 26, 1852, there wore admitted into it twenty-seven Orphans, making 327 in all. Of these 327, nine died during the year; one Orphan was sent to Christian relatives, who by that time were able to provide for him, and who felt it their duty to do so; one was sent to relatives on account of being in such a state of health that the Establishment was an unsuitable place for her; three of the elder girls, who were able to earn their bread by entering service, but who could not be recommended to any situation, after they had been long borne with, were at last sent in disgrace from the Establishment to their relatives. This course was adopted as a last remedy with regard to themselves, and as a solemn warning for all the children in the Establishment. Four girls were with comfort sent out to service, and nine boys were apprenticed at the expense of the establishment. This makes the removals as many as the reception of new Orphans, so that the number was still 300 in the New Orphan House, on May 26, 1852. The total of the expenses, connected with the support of the Orphans, from May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852, was 3035l. 3s. 4d. The total number of Orphans under our care from April 1836, to May 26, 18152, was Five Hundred and Fifteen.

I notice further the following points in connection with the New Orphan House.

1. Without any one having been personally applied to for anything, by me, the sum of 42,970l. 17s. 6d. was given to me for the Orphans as the result of prayer to God from the commencement of the work, up to May 26, 1852. It may be also interesting to the reader to know, that the total amount, which was given as free contributions, for the other objects, from the commencement of the work up to May 26, 1852, amounted to 15,976l. 10s. 6 ¼ d.; and that, which came in by the sale of Bibles and Tracts, and by the payments of the children in the Day-Schools, amounted to 3,073/. 1s. 9 ¾ d. Besides this, also a great variety and number of articles of clothing, furniture, provisions, &c., were given for the use of the Orphans.

2. During no period of the work had we such great affliction in the way of sickness in the Orphan Establishment as during this. For nearly four months the scarlet fever and other diseases prevailed, so that more than one hundred children were seriously ill during this period, and at one time there were 55 Orphans confined to their beds. But the Lord dealt very mercifully with us. Only 5 died in consequence of the scarlet fever, though we had 64 decided cases.

3. Several of the Orphans who left the Establishment during this year went away as believers, having been converted some time before they left; one also who died gave very decided evidence of a true change of heart by faith in our Lord Jesus; several who in former years were under our care, as we heard during this year, took their stand openly on the Lord's side, and dated their first impressions to the instructions received whilst with us; and lastly, of those under our care, there were not a few whose spiritual state gave us joy and comfort. Thus, amidst many difficulties and trials and some discouragements, we had abundant cause to praise God for His goodness, and to go forward in the strength of the Lord.

Matters connected with my own personal affairs.

Dec. 31, 1851. During this year the Lord was pleased to give me

1. By anonymous offerings through the Chapel boxes . . . . . £157 4 0 ¾

2. By presents in money from believers in Bristol, not given anonymously . 135 5 4

3. By presents in money, from believers not residing in Bristol . . . 156 6 9

4. By presents in provisions, clothes, &c., worth to us at least . . . 16 17 0

----

£465 13 1 ¾

Admire, dear reader, the Lord's kindness towards me, in that again, during this year also, Ha has so abundantly supplied me with means for my own personal and family necessities, without any regular salary or other stated income whatever, simply in answer to prayer.

Further account of the intended Orphan House for Seven Hundred Poor Children, bereaved of both parents by death, from May 26, 1852, to May 26, 1853.

In the last chapter on this subject, it was stated, that on May 26, 1852, 1 had actually in hand towards this object 3,530l. 9s. 0 ¼ d.; and now I go on to relate how the Lord has been pleased to help me further since then; but, for the sake of brevity, I can only refer to the more remarkable donations.

June 18. Received 5s. 7d. from the Orphans in the Girl's Department of the New Orphan House, in commemoration of the anniversary of the opening of the New Orphan House, which took place this day three years. Received also 3s. 9d. from the Orphan Boys. These little sums from these children have given me much joy. I likewise received this day a donation of 200l., of which the donor kindly wished me to keep 20l. for my own personal expenses, and to use the 180l. as might be most needed. I took of this sum 60l. for the Building Fund, 60l. towards the support of the 300 Orphans, and 60l. for the various other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.

June 22. Today I was informed that there had been paid into the hands of my bankers 500l. This sum is from a donor whom I have never seen, but whom God evidently has led, in answer to my daily supplications, and to those of my fellow-labourers, to help me in His service. This donation has exceedingly refreshed my spirit, and has led me to expect more and more help from God. As this 500l. is left at my disposal, I took of it one-third for the Building Fund, another third for the current expenses for the 300 Orphans, and the last third for the School, Bible, Tract, and Missionary Fund of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.

July 1. 50l. The money being left to my disposal, I took half for the Building Fund--and half for the School, Bible, Tract and Missionary Objects.

July 29. Received from one of the Orphans, formerly under our care, the following lines: "Dear Sir, will you please to accept the enclosed silver chain for the Building Fund, and the 3s. 6d. for your personal use, from your grateful Orphan, * * * *." This donation gave me much joy.

Aug. 6. From an Irish friend 53l., "As a small acknowledgment of the donor's gratitude to his Heavenly Father for enriching him with the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to his dear Redeemer for loving him, and giving Himself for him."

Aug. 13. From the neighbourhood of London 50l.

Aug. 21. From Southport a gold ring--I received also today the following letter from Madras, East Indies, enclosing a donation of 50l. for the Building Fund.

"* * * * * Madras, 9th July, 1852.

"Dear Brother,

"Some time in the year 1842 or 1843 I met with The Lord's dealings with George Müller,' and, after rending it, was moved to send you something; but at that time I had not the means. In fact, I had lent, what little money I had, to a person who was unable to repay me, and I was nearly destitute. The good hand of God has been on me since that time, and I have often wondered whether George Müller was still in the flesh but never had the resolution to inquire. Last December I met in a friend's house the Twelfth Report, and, after reading it, resolved to cast a mite into the Lord's treasury towards building the Orphan-House for Seven Hundred children; and may the God of Jacob, that has fed me all my life long, unto this day, accept of it, as an acknowledgment of the thousandth part of the mercies I have received at His hands. I therefore enclose a bill of exchange * * * *. Value of bill Seventy Pounds sterling. * * * * I have often mentioned you by name in my appeals to the throne of grace; and if I meet you not on earth, I hope I shall in those regions where we shall see the Lamb on His throne and in His Father's kingdom, and where there is no more sin or sorrow.

My dear Brother,

"Ever yours,

"* * * * *"

This donation and letter have exceedingly refreshed my spirit, and quickened me yet further to prayer.

Pause a few moments dear Reader. See how faith and prayer bring means from individuals whom we have never seen, whose very names we have never heard of, and who live at a distance of more than Ten Thousand miles from us. Do you not see that it is not in vain, to make known our requests to the Lord, and to come to Him for everything? When it was first laid on my heart, to build a second Orphan-House for 700 destitute children, bereaved of both parents by death, simply in dependence upon God alone for means, could I have looked for this 70l. from this Christian brother at Madras? Verily not, for I did not even know of his existence. Had I other friends, from whom to expect the large sum which will be needed to accomplish this? No, on the contrary, all human probability was against my ever receiving this large sum. But I had faith in God. I believed that He was able and willing to give me what was needed for this work; and solely in dependence upon Him I purposed to build another Orphan-House. But now see bow God has helped me further; for after I had received this donation of 70l., I had still only 4,127l. 12s. 6 ¾ d. in hand, in other words, only a little more than the ninth part of the sum which, as far as I am able to calculate, will be needed to accomplish my object.

Aug. 30. During this month again fourteen destitute Orphans have been applied for, none of whom we can receive, because the New Orphan-House is full. There are now 356 Orphans already waiting for admission, from six months old and upwards, each bereaved of both parents by death.

Sept. 8. During the last five days, only 2l. 14s. had come in for the Building Fund, and only 9l. 1s. altogether for the current expenses for the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. Such seasons try my faith and patience; but, by the grace of God, they do not discourage me. He helps me to continue in prayer, and to look for answers, and for a time when He will help again bountifully. During the past eighteen years and six months, which I have been occupied in this service, I have again and again found, that, after a season, during which very little has come in, and my faith has thus been tried, the Lord has generally the more bountifully helped afterwards. Thus it has been again this day. I have received a donation of 280l. 10s. 6d., of which the donor kindly wished me to take 20l. 10s. 6d. for my own personal expenses, and to use the 260l. as the work of the Lord in my hands might require. I took of this sum one-third for the Building Fund, one-third for the current expenses for the Orphans, and one-third for the other Objects. Thus I had at once a four-fold answer to prayer; 1, Means for my own personal expenses, about which I had been asking the Lord; 2, Means for the Building Fund, for which I am day by day labouring in prayer; 3, Means for the current expenses for the Orphans, which were greatly needed; and 4, Means for the other Objects, which were entirely exhausted.