SQLite format 3@  O{tableTopicsTopicsCREATE TABLE 'Topics' (Title NVARCHAR(100), Notes TEXT) v/O00 George Mueller{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang3082\f0\fs22 George Mueller\par \par 01.01 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 1\par 01.02 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 2\par 01.03 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 3\par 01.04 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 4\par 01.05 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 5\par 01.06 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 6\par \lang1033\par Taken from \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.praize.com/classics/preacher.php?preacher=82"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf2 http://www.praize.com/classics/preacher.php?preacher=82}}}\cbuller. Part I\par \par PREFACE\par \par TO THE\par \par FIRST EDITION OF THE FIRST PART.\par \par \par It was only after the consideration of many months, and after much self-examination as to my motives, and after much earnest prayer, that I came to the conclusion to write this little work. I have not taken one single step in the Lord's service, concerning which I have prayed so much. My great dislike to increasing the number of religious books would, in itself, have been sufficient to have kept me for ever from it, had I not cherished the hope of being instrumental in this way to lead some of my brethren to value the Holy Scriptures more, and to judge by the standard of the word of God the principles on which they act. But that which weighed more with me than any thing was, that I have reason to believe from what I have seen among the children of God, that many of their trials arise, either from want of confidence in the Lord as it regards temporal things, or from carrying on their business in an unscriptural way. On account, therefore, of the remarkable way in which the Lord has dealt with me in temporal things, within the last ten years, I feel that I am a debtor to the Church of Christ, and that I ought, for the benefit of my poorer brethren especially, to make known, as much as I can, the way in which I have been led. In addition to this, I know it to be a fact, that to many souls the Lord has blessed what I have told them about the way in which He has led me, and therefore it seemed to me a duty to use such means, whereby others also, with whom I could not possibly converse, might be benefited. That which at last, on May 6, 1836, induced me finally to determine to write this Narrative was, that, if the Lord should permit the book to sell, I might, by the profits arising from the sale, be enabled in a greater degree to help the poor brethren and sisters among whom I labour, a matter which just at that time weighed much on my mind. I therefore at last began to write. But after three days I was obliged to lay the work again aside, on account of my other pressing engagements. On May 15th I was laid aside on account of an abscess and now being unable, for many weeks, to walk about as usual, though able to work at home, I had time for writing. When the manuscript was nearly completed, I gave it to a brother to look it over, that I might have his judgment; and the Lord so refreshed his spirit through it, that he offered to advance the means for having it printed, with the understanding that if the book should not sell, he would never consider me his debtor. By this offer not a small obstacle was removed, as I have no means of my own to defray the expense of printing. These two last circumstances, connected with many other points, confirmed me that I had not been mistaken, when I came to the conclusion that it was the will of God, that I should serve His church in this way.\par \par The fact of my being a foreigner, and therefore but very imperfectly acquainted with the English language, I judged to be no sufficient reason for keeping me from writing. The Christian reader being acquainted with this fact, will candidly excuse any inaccuracy of expression.\par \par For the poor among the brethren this Narrative is especially intended, and to their prayers I commend it in particular.\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par Bristol, July 5, 1837.\par \par \par NARRATIVE,\par \par &c. &c.\par \par \par I was born at Kroppenstaedt, near Halberstadt, in the kingdom of Prussia, on September 27th, 1805. In January 1810 my parents removed to Heimersleben, about four miles from Kroppenstaedt, where my father was appointed collector in the excise. As a warning to parents I mention, that my father preferred me to my brother, which was very injurious to both of us. To me, as tending to produce in my mind a feeling of self-elevation; and to my brother, by creating in him a dislike both towards my father and me.\par \par My father, who educated his children on worldly principles, gave us much money, considering our age; not in order that we might spend it, but, as be said, to accustom us to possess money without spending it. The result was, that it led me and my brother into many sins. For I repeatedly spent a part of the money in a childish way, and afterwards, when my father looked over my little treasure, I sought to deceive him in making up the accounts, either by not putting down all the money which he had given me, or by professing to have more money in hand than was the case, and counting it out accordingly before him. Now, though this deceit was found out at last, and I was punished, yet I remained the same. For before I was ten years old I repeatedly took of the government money which was intrusted to my father, and which he had to make up; till one day, as he had repeatedly missed money, he detected my theft, by depositing a counted sum in the room where I was, and leaving me to myself for a while. Being thus left alone, I took some of the money, and hid it under my foot in my shoe. When my f ather, after his return, had counted and missed the money, I was searched and my theft detected.\par \par Though I was punished on this and other occasions, yet I do not remember that at any time, when my sins were found out, it made any other impression upon me than to make me think how I might do the thing the next time more cleverly, so as not to be detected. Hence it came, that this was not the last time that I was guilty of stealing.\par \par When I was between ten and eleven years of age, I was sent to Halberstadt, to the cathedral classical school, there to be prepared for the university; for my father's desire was, that I should become a clergyman: not, indeed, that thus I might serve God, but that I might have a comfortable living. My time was now spent in studying, reading novels, and indulging, though so young, in sinful practices. Thus it continued till I was fourteen years old, when my mother was suddenly removed. The night she was dying, I, not knowing of her illness, was playing at card s till two in the morning, and on the next day, being the Lord's day, I went with some of my companions in sin to a tavern, and then we went about the streets, half intoxicated.\par \par The following day I attended, for the first time, the religious instruction, which I was to receive previous to my confirmation. This likewise was attended to in a careless manner; and when I returned to my lodgings, my father had arrived to fetch my brother and me home to our mother's funeral. This bereavement made no lasting impression on my mind. I grew worse and worse. Three or four days before I was confirmed, (and thus admitted to partake of the Lord's supper,) I was guilty of gross immorality; and the very day before my confirmation, when I was in the vestry with the clergyman to confess my sins, (according to the usual practice,) after a formal manner, I defrauded him; for I handed over to him only the twelfth part of the fee which my father had given me for him.\par \par In this state of heart, without prayer , without true repentance, without faith, without knowledge of the plan of salvation, I was confirmed, and took the Lord's supper, on the Sunday after Easter 1820. Yet I was not without some feeling about the solemnity of the thing, and I stayed at home in the afternoon and evening, whilst the other boys and girls, who had been confirmed with me, walked about in the fields I also made resolutions to turn from those vices in which I was living, and to study more. But as I had no regard to God, and attempted the thing in my own strength, all soon came to nothing, and I still grew worse.\par \par Six weeks after my confirmation I went for a fortnight to Brunswick, to a sister of my father, where I became attached to a young female, who was a Roman catholic. My time till Midsummer 1821 was spent partly in study, but in a great degree in playing the piano-forte and guitar, reading novels, frequenting taverns, forming resolutions to become different, yet breaking them almost as fast as they were made. My mone y was often spent on my sinful pleasures, through which I was now and then brought into trouble, so that once, to satisfy my hunger, I stole a piece of coarse bread, the allowance of a soldier who was quartered in the house where I lodged. What a bitter, bitter thing is the service of Satan, even in this world!!\par \par At Midsummer 1821 my father obtained an appointment at Schoenebeck, near Magdeburg, and I embraced the opportunity of entreating him to remove me to the cathedral classical school of Magdeburg; for I thought, that, if I could but leave my companions in sin, and get out, of certain snares, and be placed under other tutors, I should then live a different life. But as my dependence in this matter also was not upon God, I fell into a still worse state. My father consented, and I was allowed to leave Halberstadt, and to stay at Heimersleben till Michaelmas. During that time I superintended, according to my father's wish, certain alterations, which were to be made in his house there, for the sake of letting it profitably. Being thus quite my own master, I grew still more idle, and lived as much as before in all sorts of sin.\par \par When Michaelmas came, I persuaded my father to leave me at Heimersleben till Easter, and to let me read the classics with a clergyman living in the same place. As Dr. Nagel was a very learned man, and also in the habit of having pupils under his care, and a friend of my father, my request was granted. I was now living on the premises belonging to my father, under little real control, and intrusted with a considerable sum of money, which I had to collect for my father, from persons who owed it to him. My habits soon led me to spend a considerable part of this money, giving receipts for different sums, yet leaving my father to suppose I had not received them.\par \par In November I went on a pleasure excursion to Magdeburg, where I spent six days in much sin; and though my absence from home had been found out by my father, before I returned from thence; yet I took all the money I could obtain, and went to Brunswick, after I had, through a number of lies, obtained permission from my tutor. The reason of my going to Brunswick was, the attachment I had formed eighteen months previously to the young female residing there. I spent a week at Brunswick, in an expensive hotel. At the end of the week my money was expended. This, as well as the want of a passport, prevented my staying any longer in the hotel; but as I still wished to remain at Brunswick, I went to my uncle, the husband of my father's sister, and made some excuse for not having gone to him in the first instance. My uncle, seeing I suppose my unsteady life, intimated after a week, that he did not wish me to remain with him any longer.\par \par I then went, without money, to another hotel, in a village near Brunswick, where I spent another week in an expensive way of living. At last, the owner of the hotel suspecting that I had no money, asked for payment, and I was obliged to leave my best clothes as a security, and could scarcely thus escape from being arrested. I then walked about six miles, to Wolfenbuttel, went to an inn, and began again to live as if I had plenty of money. Here I stayed two days, looking out for an opportunity to run away; for I had now nothing remaining to leave as a pledge. But the window of my room was too high to allow of my escaping, by getting down at night. On the second or third morning I went quietly out of the yard, and then ran off; but being suspected and observed, and therefore seen to go off, I was immediately called after, and so had to return.\par \par I now confessed my case, but found no mercy. I was arrested, and taken between two soldiers to a police officer. Being suspected by him to be a vagabond or thief, I was examined for about three hours, and then sent to gaol. I now found myself at the age of sixteen, an inmate of the same dwelling with thieves and murderers, and treated accordingly. My superior manners profited nothing. For though, as a particular favour, I received the first evening some meat with my bread, I had the next day the common allowance of the prisoners,-very coarse bread and water, and for dinner vegetables, but no meat. My situation was most wretched. I was locked up in this place day and night, without permission to leave my cell. The dinner was such that on the first day I completely loathed it; and left it untouched. The second day I took a little, the third day all, and the fourth and following days I would fain have had more. On the second day I asked the keeper for a Bible, not to consider its blessed contents, but to pass away the time. However, I received none. Here then I was; no creature with me; no book, no work in my hands, and large iron rails before my narrow window.\par \par During the second night I was awakened out of my sleep by the rattling of the bolts and keys. Three men came into my room. When I asked them in my fright what it meant, they laughed at me, continuing quietly to try the iron rails, to see whether I could escape.-After a few days I found out, that a thief was imprisoned next to me, and, as far as a thick wooden partition would allow of it, I conversed with him; and shortly after the governor of the prison allowed him, as a favour to me, to share my cell. We now passed away our time in relating our adventures, and I was by this time so wicked, that I was not satisfied with relating things of which I had been really guilty, but I even invented stories, to show him what a famous fellow I was.\par \par I waited in vain day after day to be liberated.-After about ten or twelve days my fellow prisoner and I disagreed, and thus we two wretched beings, to increase our wretchedness, spent day after day without conversing together.-I was in prison from December 18th, 1821, till January 12th, 1822, when the keeper came and told me to go with him to the police office. Here I found, that the Commissioner, before whom I had been tried, had first written to my uncle at Brunswick, and when he had written in reply, that it was better to acquaint my father with my conduct, the Commissioner had done so; and thus I was kept in prison till my father sent the money which was needed for my traveling expenses, to pay my debt in the inn, and for my maintenance in the prison. So ungrateful was I now, for certain little kindnesses shown to me by my fellow-prisoner, that, although I had promised to call on his sister, to deliver a message from him, I omitted to do so; and so little had I been benefited by this my chastisement, that, though I was going home to meet an angry father, only two hours after I had left the town where I had been imprisoned, I chose an avowedly wicked person as my traveling companion for a great part of my journey.\par \par My father, who arrived two days after I had reached Heimersleben, after having severely beaten me, took me home to Schoenebeck, intending to keep me there till Easter, and then to send me to a classical school at Halle, that I might be under strict discipline and the continual inspection of a tutor. In the meantime I took pupils, whom I instructed in Latin, French, arithmetic, and German Grammar. I now endeavoured, by diligence in study, to regain the favour of my father. My habits were, as to outward appearance, exemplary. I made progress in my own studies, benefited my pupils, and was soon liked by every body around me, and in a short time my father had forgotten all. But all this time I was in heart as bad as ever; for I was still in secret habitually guilty of great sins.\par \par Easter came, and on account of my good behaviour, my diligence in study, and also because I was no expense to my father, but earned much more than I cost him, I easily persuaded him to let me stay at home till Michaelmas. But after that period he would not consent to my remaining any longer with him, and therefore I left home, pretending to go to Halle to be examined. But having a hearty dislike to the strict discipline of which I had heard, and knowing also that I should meet there young men attending the university with whom I was acquainted, enjoying all the liberty of German students, whilst I myself was still at school: for these and other reasons I went to Nordhausen, and had myself examined by the director of the gymnasium, to be received into that school. I then went home, but never told my father a word of all this deception, till the day before my departure, which obliged me to invent a whole chain of lies. He was then very angry; but at last, through my entreaties and persuasion, he gave way and allowed me to go. This was in the beginning of October, 1822.\par \par I continued at Nordhausen two years and six months, till Easter, 1825. During this time I studied with considerable diligence the Latin classics, French, history, my own language, &c.; but did little in Hebrew, Greek, and the Mathematics. I lived in the house of the director, and got, through my conduct, highly into his favour, so much so, that I was held up by him in the first class as an example to the rest, and he used to take me regularly with him in his walks, to converse with me in Latin. I used now to rise regularly at four, winter and summer, and generally studied all the day, with little exception, till ten at night.\par \par But whilst I was thus outwardly gaining the esteem of my fellow-creatures, I did not care in the least about God, but lived secretly in much sin, in consequence of which I was taken ill, and for thirteen weeks confined to my room. During my illness I had no real sorrow of heart, yet being under certain natural impressions of religion, I read through Klopstock's works without weariness. I cared nothing about the word of God. I had about three hundred books of my own, but no Bible. I practically set a far higher value upon the writings of Horace and Cicero, Voltaire and Moliere, than upon the volume of inspiration. Now and then I felt that I ought to become a different person, and I tried to amend my conduct, particularly when I went to the Lord's supper, as I used to do twice every year, with the other young men. The day previous to attending that ordinance, I used to refrain from certain things; and on the day itself I was serious, and also swore once or twice to God, with the emblem of the broken body in my mouth, to become better, thinking that for the oath's sake I should be induced to reform. But after one or two days were over, all was forgotten, and I was as bad as before.\par \par I had now grown so wicked, that I could habitually tell lies without blushing. And further, to show how fearfully wicked I was, I will mention, out of many others, only one great sin, of which I was guilty, before I left this place. Through my dissipated life I had contracted debts, which I had no means of discharging; for my father could allow me only about as much as I needed for my regular maintenance. One day, after having received a sum of money from him, and having purposely shown it to some of my companions, I afterwards feigned that it was stolen, having myself by force injured the lock of my trunk, and having also designedly forced open my guitar case. I also feigned myself greatly frightened at what had happened, ran into the director's room with my coat off, and told him that my money was stolen. I was greatly pitied. Some friends also gave me now as much money as I pretended to have lost, and the circumstance afforded me a ground upon which to ask my creditors to wait longer. But this matter turned out bitterly; for the director, having ground to suspect me, though he could not prove anything, never fully restored me to his confidence.\par \par As it regards my own feeling, though I was very wicked, yet this desperate act of depravity was too much, even for my hardened conscience; for it never afterwards allowed me to feel easy in the presence of the director's wife, who, like a kind mother, had waited on me in my illness, and on whom I had now so willfully brought trouble. How long-suffering was God at this time, not to destroy me at once! And how merciful that he did not suffer me to be tried before the police, who easily would have detected that the whole was a fabrication! I was heartily glad for many reasons, but particularly on account of this latter circumstance, to be able soon after to exchange the school for the university.\par \par I had now obtained what I had fondly looked forward to. I became a member of the university, and that with very honourable testimonials. I had thus obtained permission to preach in the Lutheran Establishment, but I was as truly unhappy, and as far from God as ever. I had made strong resolutions, now at last, to change my course of life, for two reasons: first, because, without it, I thought no parish would choose me as their pastor; and secondly, that without a considerable knowledge of divinity I should never get a good living, as the obtaining of a valuable cure, in Prussia, generally depends upon the degree which the candidates of the ministry obtain in passing the examination. But the moment I entered Halle, the university town, all my resolutions came to nothing.-Being now more than ever my own master, and without any control as long as I did not fight a duel, molest the people in the streets, &c., I renewed my profligate life afresh, though now a student of divinity. When my money was spent, I pawned my watch and a part of my linen and clothes, or borrowed in other ways. Yet in the midst of it all I had a desire to renounce this wretched life, for I had no enjoyment in it, and had sense enough left to see, that the end one day or other would be miserable; for I should never get a living. But I had no sorrow of heart on account of offending God.\par \par One day when I was in a tavern with some of my wild fellow-students, I saw among them one of my former school-fellows, named Beta, whom I had known four years before at Halberstadt, but whom at that time had despised, because he was so quiet and serious. It now appeared well to me to choose him as my friend, thinking that if I could but have better companions, I should by that means improve my own conduct. I entered into familiar discourse with him, and we were soon much knit to one another. "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." Jeremiah xvii. 5.\par \par This Beta was a backslider. When formerly he was so quiet at school, I have reason to believe it was because the Spirit of God was working on his heart; but now, having departed from the Lord, he tried to put off the ways of God more and more, and to enjoy the world of which he had known but little before. I sought his friendship because I thought it would lead me to a steady life; and he gladly formed an acquaintance with me, as he told me afterwards, because he thought it would bring him into gay society. Thus my poor foolish heart was again deceived. And yet, God, in His abundant mercy, made him, after all, in a way which was never thought of by me, the instrument of doing me good, not merely for time, but for eternity.\par \par About this period, June 1825, I was again taken ill in consequence of my profligate and vicious life. My state of health would therefore no longer allow me to go on in the same course, but my desires were still unchanged. About the end of July I recovered. After this, my conduct was outwardly rather better; but this arose only from want of money. At the commencement of August, Beta and I with two other students, drove about the country, for four days. All the money for this expensive pleasure had been obtained by pledging some of our remaining articles. When we returned, instead of being truly sorry on account of this sin, we thought of fresh pleasures, and, as my love for traveling was stronger than ever, through what I had seen on this last journey, I proposed to my friends to set off for Switzerland. The obstacles in the way, the want of money, and the want of the passports, were removed by me. For, through forged letters from our parents, we procured passports; and through pledging all we could, particularly our books, we obtained as much money as we thought would be enough. Beta was one of the party.\par \par On August 18th we left Halle. It will be enough to say that we went as far as Mount Rigi in Switzerland, by the way of Erfurt, Frankfort, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Zurich, and returned by the way of Constance, Ulm, and Nuremberg. Forty-three days we were, day after day, traveling, almost always on foot. I had now obtained the desire of my heart. I had seen Switzerland. But still I was far from being happy. The Lord most graciously preserved us from many calamitous circumstances, which, but for His gracious providence, might have overtaken us. But I did not see His hand at that time, as I have seen it since. Sickness of one or more of us, or separation from one another, which might have so easily befallen us, would have brought us, being so far from home, and having but just as much money as was absolutely needed, into a most miserable condition. I was on this journey like Judas; for, having the common purse, I was a thief. I managed so, that the journey cost me but two-thirds of what it cost my friends. Oh! how wicked was I now. At last all of us became tired of seeing even the most beautiful views; and whilst at first, after having seen certain scenes, I had been saying with Horace, at the end of the day, in my pagan heart, "Vixi," (I have lived), I was now glad to get home again.\par \par September 29th we reached Halle, from whence each of us, for the remainder of the vacation, went to his father's house. I had now, by many lies, to satisfy my father concerning the traveling expenses, and succeeded in deceiving him. During the three weeks I stayed at home I determined to live differently for the future. Once more the Lord showed me what resolutions come to, when made in man's strength. I was different for a few days; but when the vacation was over, and fresh students came, and, with them, fresh money, all was soon forgotten.\par \par At that time Halle was frequented by 1260 students, about 900 of whom studied divinity, all of which 900 were allowed to preach, although, I have reason to believe, not nine of them feared the Lord.\par \par The time was now come when God would have mercy upon me. His love had been set upon such a wretch as I was before the world was made. His love had sent His Son to bear the punishment due to me on account of my sins, and to fulfill the law which I had broken times without number. And now at a time when I was as careless about Him as ever, He sent His Spirit into my heart. I had no Bible, and had not read in it for years. I went to church but seldom; but, from custom, I took the Lord's supper twice a year. I had never heard the gospel preached, up to the beginning of November 1825. I had never met with a person who told me that he meant, by the help of God, to live according to the Holy Scriptures. In short, I had not the least idea, that there were any persons really different from myself, except in degree.\par \par One Saturday afternoon, about the middle of November 1825, I had taken a walk with my friend Beta. On our return he said to me, that he was in the habit of going on Saturday evenings to the house of a Christian, where there was a meeting. On further enquiry he told me that they read the Bible, sang, prayed, and read a printed sermon. No sooner had I heard this, than it was to me as if I had found something after which I had been seeking all my life long. I immediately wished to go with my friend, who was not at once willing to take me; for knowing me as a gay young man, he thought I should not like this meeting. At last, however, he said he would call for me.-I would here mention, that Beta seems to have had conviction of sin, and probably also a degree of acquaintance with the Lord, when about fifteen years old. Afterwards, being in a cold and worldly state, he joined me in this sinful Journey to Switzerland. On his return, however, being extremely miserable, and convinced of his guilt, he made a full confession of his sin to his father; and whilst with him, sought the acquaintance of a Christian brother, named Richter. Thi s Dr. Richter, who himself had studied a few years before at Halle, gave him, on his return to the university, a letter of introduction to a believing tradesman, of the name of Wagner. It was this brother, concerning whom Beta spoke to me, and in whose house the meeting was held.\par \par We went together in the evening. As I did not know the manners of believers, and the joy they have in seeing poor sinners, even in any measure caring about the things of God, I made an apology for coming. The kind answer of this dear brother I shall never forget. He said: "Come as often as you please; house and heart are open to you." We sat down and sang a hymn. Then brother Kayser, now a missionary in Africa, in connection with the London Missionary Society, who was then living at Halle, fell on his knees, and asked a blessing on our meeting. This kneeling down made a deep impression upon me; for I had never either seen any one on his knees, nor had I ever myself prayed on my knees. He then read a chapter and a print!ed sermon; for no regular meetings for expounding the Scriptures were allowed in Prussia, except an ordained clergyman was present. At the close we sang another hymn, and then the master of the house prayed. Whilst he prayed, my feeling was something like this: "I could not pray as well, though I am much more learned than this illiterate man." The whole made a deep impression on me. I was happy; though, if I had been asked, why I was happy, I could not have clearly explained it.\par \par When we walked home, I said to Beta, "All we have seen on our journey to Switzerland, and all our former pleasures, are as nothing in comparison with this evening." Whether I fell on my knees when I returned home, I do not remember; but this I know, that I lay peaceful and happy in my bed. This shows that the Lord may begin His work in different ways. For I have not the least doubt, that on that evening, He began a work of grace in me, though I obtained joy without any deep sorrow of heart, and with scarcely any knowled"ge. That evening was the turning point in my life.-The next day, and Monday, and once or twice besides, I went again to the house of this brother, where I read the Scriptures with him and another brother; for it was too long for me to wait till Saturday came again.\par \par Now my life became very different, though not so, that all sins were given up at once. My wicked companions were given up; the going to taverns was entirely discontinued; the habitual practice of telling falsehoods was no longer indulged in, but still a few times after this I spoke an untruth.-At the time when this change took place, I was engaged in translating a novel out of French into German, for the press, in order to obtain the means of gratifying my desire to see Paris, &c. This plan about the journey was now given up, though I had not light enough to give up the work in which I was engaged, but finished it. The Lord, however, most remarkably put various obstacles in the way and did not allow me to sell the manuscript. At last#, seeing that the whole was wrong, I determined never to sell it, and was enabled to abide by this determination. The manuscript was burnt.\par \par I now no longer lived habitually in sin, though I was still often overcome, and sometimes even by open sins, though far less frequently than before, and not without sorrow of heart. I read the Scriptures, prayed often, loved the brethren, went to church from right motives, and stood on the side of Christ; though laughed at by my fellow-students.\par \par It had pleased God to teach me something of the meaning of that precious truth: "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." I understood something of the reason why the Lord Jesus died on the cross, and suffered such agonies in the Garden of Gethsemane: even that thus, bearing the punishment due to us, we might not have to bear it ourselves. And, therefore, apprehending in some measure the love of Jesus for my $soul, I was constrained to love Him in return. What all the exhortations and precepts of my father and others could not effect; what all my own resolutions could not bring about, even to renounce a life of sin and profligacy: I was enabled to do, constrained by the love of Jesus. The individual who desires to have his sins forgiven, must seek for it through the blood of Jesus. The individual who desires to get power over sin, must likewise seek it through the blood of Jesus.\par \par In January 1826, I began to read missionary papers, and was greatly stirred up to become a missionary myself. I prayed frequently concerning this matter, and thus made more decided progress for a few weeks. But soon, alas! I was drawn aside. I used frequently to meet a young female, who also came to the meetings on Saturday evenings; and being the only pious female of my own age, whom I knew, I soon felt myself greatly attached to her. This led away my heart from missionary work, for I had reason to believe that her parents% would not allow her to go with me. My prayers now became cold and formal, and at length were almost entirely given up. My joy in the Lord left me. In this state I continued for about six weeks. At the end of that time, about Easter 1826, I saw a devoted young brother, named Hermann Ball, a learned man, and of wealthy parents, who, constrained by the love of Christ, preferred labouring in Poland among the Jews as a missionary, to having a comfortable living near his relations. His example made a deep impression on me. I was led to apply his case to my own, and to compare myself with him; for I had given up the work of the Lord, and, I may say, the Lord Himself, for the sake of a girl. The result of this comparison was, that I was enabled to give up this connexion, which I had entered into without prayer, and which thus had led me away from the Lord. When I was enabled to be decided, the Lord smiled on me, and I was, for the first time in my life, able fully and unreservedly to give up myself to Him.\par &\par It was at this time that I began truly to enjoy the peace of God, which passeth all understanding. In this my joy I wrote to my father and brother, entreating them to seek the Lord, and telling them how happy I was; thinking, that if the way to happiness were but set before them, they would gladly embrace it. To my great surprise an angry answer was returned.-About this period the Lord sent a believer, Dr. Tholuck, as professor of divinity to Halle, in consequence of which a few believing students came from other universities. Thus also, through becoming acquainted with other brethren, the Lord led me on.\par \par With the revival of the work of grace in my heart, after the snare above referred to had been broken, my former desire, to give myself to missionary service, returned, and I went at last to my father to obtain his permission, without which I could not be received into any of the German missionary institutions. My father was greatly displeased, and particularly reproached me, saying that 'he had expended so much money on my education, in hope that he might comfortably spend his last days with me in a parsonage, and that he now saw all these prospects come to nothing. He was angry, and told me he would no longer consider me as his son. But the Lord gave me grace to remain steadfast. He then entreated me, and wept before me; yet even this by far harder trial the Lord enabled me to bear. Before I went away I took an opportunity of reminding my brother of my former wicked life, and told him that now, having been thus blessed by God, I could not but live for Him. After I had left my father, though I wanted more money than at any previous period of my life, as I had to remain two years longer in the university, I determined, never to take any more from him; for it seemed to me wrong, so far as I remember, to suffer myself to be supported by him, when he had no prospect that I should become, what he would wish me to be, namely, a clergyman with a good living. This resolution I was enabled to keep(.\par \par By the way I would here observe, that the Lord afterwards, in a most remarkable way, supplied my temporal wants. For shortly after this had occurred, several American gentlemen, three of whom were professors in American colleges, came to Halle for literary purposes; and as they did not understand German, I was recommended by Dr. Tholuck to teach them. These gentlemen, some of whom were believers, paid so handsomely for the instruction which I gave them, and for the lectures of certain professors which I wrote out for them, that I had enough and to spare. Thus did the Lord richly make up to me the little which I had relinquished for His sake. "0 fear the Lord, ye His saints; for there is no want to them that fear Him." Psalm xxxiv. 9.\par \par On my return from my father to Halle, I found that the more experienced brethren thought that I ought for the present to take no further steps respecting my desire to go out as a missionary. But still it was more or less in my mind.-Whitsuntide and the) two days following I spent in the house of a pious clergyman in the country: for all the ministers at Halle, a town of more than 30,000 inhabitants, were unenlightened men, God greatly refreshed me through this visit. Dear Beta was with me. On our return we related to two of our former friends, whose society we had not quite given up, though we did not any longer live with them in sin, how happy we had been on our visit. I then told them how I wished they were as happy as ourselves. They answered, we do not feel that we are sinners. After this I fell on my knees, and asked God to show them that they were sinners. Having done so, I left them, and went into my bed-room, where I continued to pray for them. After a little while I returned to my sitting-room, and found them both in tears, and both told me that they now felt themselves to be sinners. From that time a work of grace commenced in their hearts.\par \par Shortly after this, being still greatly exercised about going out as a missionary, and wishin*g much (according to my natural mind, as I now see,) to have the matter settled, in one way or the other, without being willing quietly, patiently, and prayerfully to wait on the Lord, I came to the conclusion to ascertain the Lord's mind by the lot. To this end I not merely drew a lot in private, but I bought a ticket in the royal lottery; and I left it thus with the Lord, that if I gained any thing, I should take it to be His will that I should become a missionary, if not, that I should remain at home. My ticket came out with a small sum, on account of which it appeared to me that I should be a missionary. I therefore applied to the Berlin Missionary Society, but was not accepted, because my father had not given his consent.\par \par Very soon afterwards I was led to see in some degree, and since then much more fully, the error into which I had fallen respecting the lot. In the first place it was altogether wrong, that I, a child of God, should have any thing to do with so worldly a system as that of +the lottery. But it was also unscriptural to go to the lot at all for the sake of ascertaining the Lord's mind, and this I ground on the following reasons. We have neither a commandment of God for it, nor the example of our Lord, nor that of the apostles, after the Holy Spirit had been given on the day of Pentecost. 1. We have many exhortations in the word of God to seek to know His mind by prayer and searching the Holy Scriptures, but no passage which exhorts us to use the lot. 2. The example of the apostles (Acts i.) in using the lot, in the choice of an apostle, in the room of Judas Iscariot, is the only passage, which can be brought in favour of the lot, from the New Testament, (and to the Old we have not to go under this dispensation, for the sake of ascertaining how we ought to live as disciples of Christ). Now concerning this circumstance we have to remember, that the Spirit was not yet given (John vii. 39; ch. xiv. 16, 17; ch. xvi. 7, 13), by whose teaching especially it is that we may know the mi,nd of the Lord; and hence we find, that, after the day of Pentecost, the lot was no more used, but the apostles gave themselves to prayer and fasting to ascertain how they ought to act.\par \par In addition to this I would give my own experience concerning the lot, but only by way of illustrating the view just given; for the word of God is quite sufficient on the subject. And first as it regards my using the lot in the above case. How did it turn out? I had repeatedly asked the Lord to show me His mind, whether He would have me to be a missionary or not. But not coming to a satisfactory assurance, and being very anxious to have the matter settled, I found out in my own judgment a much shorter way, namely, the lot. I ought to have said to myself, how can an individual, so ignorant as you are, think about being a teacher to others? For though I was truly begotten again, and rested upon Christ alone for salvation, still I should not have been able to give a clear explanation of even the most elementary tru-ths of the Gospel. How then could I be fit to teach others? The first thing therefore I ought to have done, was, to seek through much prayer, and searching the Scriptures, and a holy life, to obtain more knowledge of divine things. Further, as to my impatience in wishing the matter settled, how could I have been fit to endure in that state the hardships and trials of a missionary life, in which my patience, no doubt, would have been much more severely tried? I therefore ought to have said to myself, if I cannot wait quietly, though it be many months longer, before the Lord shows me clearly His will concerning the matter, how then can I be fit for missionary work? Instead of thus comparing my state of heart and knowledge, with what is required in the Scriptures from him who is to be a teacher, I ran hastily to the lot, and thought I had done it prayerfully. And how did it end? According to my prayers the lot decided I should be a missionary among the heathen (and my mind, at that time, especially inclined .to the East Indies). But the way in which the Lord has led me since has been very different. And it ought not to be said in defense of the practice of deciding by lot- Perhaps the Lord meant you to be a missionary among the heathen, but you did not give yourself to the work? for I actually offered myself to a society, but was not accepted. Moreover, since 1826 I have repeatedly offered myself most solemnly to the Lord for this work, and am as sure that it is not His will that I should go out a missionary for the present, as I am sure of any thing. Nor could it be said, that perhaps the Lord yet may call me for this work. For if He should be pleased to do so tomorrow, yet that would prove nothing concerning the above point. For I did not use the lot to ascertain whether at any period of my life I should be engaged in missionary work, but whether I should then set about it. And to put such an explanation on the matter, would be acting as false prophets, who, when their prophecies fail, try to find out some /way or other, whereby they may show that their prophecies were true.\par \par About two years after I used the lot in another instance. I went one day to a village about fifteen miles from Halle, to see the few believers there. When I was about three miles from the place, it began to get dark; and finding myself in a spot where the road divided, and not knowing which way I should choose, I was greatly perplexed. I stood a moment, and then prayed to God to show me by the lot, which was the right way. Now, truly one may say, if the use of the lot in our day is according to the will of God, this was particularly a case for the Lord to direct me through this means. For here was one of His children in need, looking up to his Father to help him, through the lot, out of his difficulty, and this His child also on a journey in His service. I drew the lot and went the way to the left. After some time I found I was on the wrong road. Now, at last, as I did not know how to get into the right one, I did what I ought0 to have done before, and what I believe to be a scriptural way of acting; I prayed that the Lord graciously would send some one to put me into the right way; and almost immediately a carriage came up, and I was directed on my journey.\par \par In one other instance I used the lot some years after. It concerned a most important matter, important for my whole life. I had then a degree of conviction, that I ought prayerfully and patiently to wait for the Lord's decision. But my natural mind would have the decision at once, and thus after prayer I drew the lot, to have the matter in one way or other settled. But facts turned out completely different from what the lot decided.\par \par To ascertain the Lord's will we ought to use scriptural means. Prayer, the word of God, and His Spirit should be united together. We should go to the Lord repeatedly in prayer, and ask Him to teach us by His Spirit through His word. I say, by His Spirit through His word. For if we should think that His Spirit led us to do s1o and so, because certain facts are so and so, and yet His word is opposed to the step which we are going to take, we should be deceiving ourselves.\par \par For instance: A brother in business thinks he ought to leave the house in which he lives, because it is not in a good situation. He wishes to know the Lord's mind, as he says, and prays about the matter. After a few days, unexpectedly, a house is offered to him without seeking after it, in a much better situation. The house is very suitable, as he thinks; the rent very moderate; and moreover the person who offers him the house tells him, that, because he is a believer he will let him have it at this cheap rent. There is, however, this scriptural objection in the way. If he goes into this house, he must carry on so large a business, to cover his expenses, that his time will be so occupied as to encroach upon those hours, which ought to be devoted to his spiritual interests. Now the scriptural way of deciding would be this: No situation, no business 2will be given to me by God, in which I have not time enough to care about my soul (Matthew vi. 33). Therefore, however outward circumstances may appear, it can only be considered as permitted of God, to prove the genuineness of my love, faith, and obedience, but by no means as the leading of His providence to induce me to act contrary to His revealed will.\par \par In connexion with this I would mention, that the Lord very graciously gave me, from the very commencement of my divine life, a measure of simplicity and of childlike disposition in spiritual things, so that whilst I was exceedingly ignorant of the Scriptures, and was still from time to time overcome even by outward sins, yet I was enabled to carry most minute matters to the Lord in prayer. And I have found " godliness profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." Though very weak and ignorant, yet I had now, by the grace of God, some desire to benefit others, and he who so faithfully had on3ce served Satan, sought now to win souls for Christ.\par \par I may mention a few instances. I circulated every month, in different parts of the country, about 300 missionary papers. I also sold and distributed a considerable number of tracts, and often took my pockets full in my walks, and distributed them, and spoke to poor people whom I met. I also wrote letters to some of my former companions in sin. I visited for thirteen weeks a sick man, who, when I first began to speak to him about the things of God, was completely ignorant of his state as a sinner, trusting for salvation in his upright and moral life. After some weeks, however, the Lord allowed me to see a decided change in him, and he afterwards repeatedly expressed his gratitude, that I had been sent to him by God, to be the means of opening his blind eyes. May this encourage the believing reader to sow the seed, though he does not see it spring up at once.\par \par Thus the Lord condescended to begin to use me soon after my conversion, tho4ugh but little; for I could bear but very little, as I did not see at that time, as I do now, that God alone can give spiritual life at the first, and keep it up in the soul afterwards. How imperfectly, however, on account of my ignorance, some of these things were done, I will show by the following instance. Once I met a beggar in the fields, and spoke to him about his soul. But when I perceived it made no impression upon him, I spoke more loudly; and when he still remained unmoved, I quite bawled in talking to him; till at last I went away, seeing it was of no use. Though none had sought the Lord less than myself, when He was pleased to begin His work in me; yet so ignorant was I of the work of the Spirit, that I thought my speaking very loudly would force him into repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus.\par \par Having heard that there was a schoolmaster living in a village, about six miles from Halls, who was in the habit of holding a prayer meeting at four o'clock every morning, with t5he miners, before they went into the pit, giving them also an address, I thought he was a believer; and as I knew so very few brethren, I went to see him, in order, if it might be, to strengthen his hands. About two years afterwards he told me, that when I came to him first, he knew not the Lord, but that he had held these prayer-meetings merely out of kindness to a relative, whose office it was, but who bad gone on a journey; and that those addresses which lie had read were not his own, but copied out of a book. He also told me, that he was much impressed with my kindness, and, what he considered condescension on my part in coming to see him, and this, together with my conversation, had been instrumental in leading him to care about the things of God; and I knew him ever afterwards as a true believer.\par \par This schoolmaster asked me, whether I would not preach in his parish, as the aged and infirm clergyman would be very glad of my assistance. Up to this time I had never preached, though for fiftee6n months past I might have done so as a student of divinity; for before Christmas 1825 I had been mercifully kept from attempting to preach, (though I wrote to my father about July that I had preached, because I knew it would please him), and after Christmas, when I knew the Lord, I refrained from doing so, because I felt that I was yet too little instructed in the things of God. The same reason ought to have still kept me from preaching; yet I thought, that, by taking a sermon, or the greater part of one, written by a spiritual man, and committing it to memory, I might benefit the people. Had I reasoned scripturally, I should have said, surely it cannot be the will of God, that I should preach in this way, if I have not enough knowledge of the Scriptures to write a sermon. Moreover, I had not enough light nor tenderness of conscience to see, that I was a deceiver in the pulpit; for every body supposes, that the sermon a man preaches is, if not entirely, at least as to the most part, his own composition.\7par \par I now set about putting a printed sermon into a suitable form, and committing it to memory. It was hard work. There is no joy in man's own doings and choosings. It took me nearly a whole week to commit to memory such a sermon as would take up nearly an hour in repeating. I got through it, but had no enjoyment in the work. It was on August 27, 1826, at eight in the morning, in a chapel of ease, in connexion with which my friend was schoolmaster.5 At eleven I repeated the same sermon verbatim in the parish church. There was one service more, in the afternoon, at which I needed not to have done any thing; for the schoolmaster might have read a printed sermon, as he used to do. But having a desire to serve the Lord, though I often knew not how to do it scripturally; and knowing that this aged and unenlightened clergyman had had this living for forty-eight years, and having therefore reason to believe, that the gospel scarcely ever had been preached in that place; I had it in my heart to preach agai8n in the afternoon. But I had no second sermon committed to memory. It came, however, to my mind to read the 5th chapter of Matthew, and to make such remarks as I was able. I did so. Immediately upon beginning to expound "Blessed are the poor in spirit, &c." I felt myself greatly assisted; and whereas in the morning my sermon had not been simple enough for the people to understand it, I now was listened to with the greatest attention, and I think was also understood. My own peace and joy were great. I felt this a blessed work. After the service I left the aged clergyman as soon as possible, lest I should lose my enjoyment.\par \par On my way to Halle I thought, this is the way I should like always to preach. But then it came immediately to my mind, that such sort of preaching might do for illiterate country people, but that it never would do before a well educated assembly in town. I thought, the truth ought to be preached at all hazards, but it ought to be given in a different form, suited to the heare9rs. Thus I remained unsettled in my mind as it regards the mode of preaching; and it is not surprising that I did not then see the truth concerning this matter, for I did not understand the work of the Spirit, and therefore saw not the powerlessness of human eloquence. Further, I did not keep in mind, that if the most illiterate persons in the congregation can comprehend the discourse, the most educated will understand it too; but that the reverse does not hold true.\par \par It was not till three years afterwards that I was led, through grace, to see what I now consider the right mode of preparation for the public preaching of the Word. But about this, if God permit, I will say more when I come to that period of my life.\par \par I now preached frequently, both in the churches of villages and towns, but never had any enjoyment in doing so, except when speaking in a simple way; though the repetition of sermons, which had been committed to memory, brought more praise from my fellow-creatures. But from :neither way of preaching did I see any fruit. It may be, that the last day may show the benefit even of these feeble endeavours. One reason why the Lord did not permit me to see fruit, seems to me, that I should have been most probably lifted up by success. It may be also, because I prayed exceedingly little respecting the ministry of the Word, and because I walked so little with God, and was so rarely a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use.\par \par About the time that I first began to preach I lived for about two months in free lodgings, provided for poor students of divinity in the Orphan-House, built in dependence upon God, by that devoted and eminent servant of Christ, A. H. Franke, Professor of Divinity at Halle, who died 1727. I mention this, as some years afterwards I was benefited myself through the faith of this dear man of God.-About that time I was still so weak that I fell repeatedly into open sins, yet could not continue in them, nay, not even for a few days, witho;ut sorrow of heart, confession before God, and fleeing to the blood of the Lamb. And so ignorant was I still, that I bought a crucifix in a frame, and hung it up in my room, hoping that being thus frequently reminded of the sufferings of my Saviour, I should not fall so frequently into sin. But in a few days the looking to the crucifix was as nothing, and I fell about that very time more than once deeply.\par \par About this time I formed an intimate acquaintance with a brother, who was also a divinity student: and as we loved one another so much, and were so happy in one another's society, we thought that it would greatly add to our joy, and to one another's benefit, to live together, and that thus we might mutually help one another. Accordingly in September 1826, I left the free lodgings in the Orphan-House, and lived with him. But alas! we were not aware, that because God is greatly glorified by the love and union of His people, for this very reason Satan particularly hates it, and will, therefore, iI now gained by becoming a Christian? Afterwards I walked about in the streets in this wretched state of heart, and at last I went into a confectioner's shop, where wine and ardent spirits were sold, to eat and to drink. But as soon as I had taken a piece of cake I left the shop, having no rest, as I felt that it was unbecoming a believer, either to go to such places, or to spend his money in such a way. In the afternoon of the very day on which, in the ingratitude of my heart, I had had such unkind thoughts about the Lord, (who was at that very time in so remarkable a manner supplying my temporal wants, by my being employed in writing for an AMERICAN Professor), He graciously showed me my sin, not by a severe chastisement, as I most righteously deserved, but by adding another mercy to the many He had already shown me. Oh! how long-suffering is our Lord. How does He bear with us! May I at least now seek, for the few days whilst I may stay in this world, to be more grateful for all His mercies!\par \par ?At two o'clock I received a parcel from Frankfort, containing the exact sum of money of which I had requested the loan. There was no letter to be found. I was overwhelmed with the Lord's mercy, but very much regretted that there was no letter. At last, on carefully examining the paper in which the silver had been packed, I found one, which I have kept, and which I translate from the German.\par \par "A peculiar providence has brought me acquainted with the letter which you have written to Lady B. But you are under a mistake concerning her, both as it regards her character, and her stay at D., where she never was. She has been taken for another individual. But that I may lessen in some measure the difficulties in which you seem to be, I send you the enclosed small sum, for which you may thank, not the unknown giver, but the Lord, who turneth the hearts like rivers of water. Hold fast the faith which God has given you by His Holy Spirit; it is the most precious treasure in this life, and it contains in it@self true happiness. Only seek by watching and prayer more and more to be delivered from all vanity and self-complacency, by which even the true believer may be ensnared when he least expects it. Let it be your chief aim to be more and more humble, faithful, and quiet. May we not belong to those who say and write continually,' Lord,' 'Lord,' but who have Him not deeply in their hearts. Christianity consists not in words, but in power. There must be life in us. For, therefore, God loved us first that we might love Him in return; and that loving we might receive power, to be faithful to Him, and to conquer ourselves, the world, distress, and death. May His Spirit strengthen you for this, that you may be an able messenger of His Gospel! Amen.\par \par "AN ADORING WORSHIPPER OF THE\par \par SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST."\par \par Frankfort-on-the-Maine, January 14th, 1827.\par \par \par I saw, in some measure, at the time when I received t letter, how much I needed such a faithful, and, at the same time, loAving word of admonition; but I have seen it more fully since. Self-complacency, and a want of quietness and saying and writing more frequently "Lord," "Lord," than acknowledging Him by my life as such; these were the evils against which at that time I particularly needed to be cautioned; and up to this day I am still much, very much, lacking in these points: though the Lord, to His praise I would say it, has done much for me in these particulars since that time.\par \par After having read this letter, my heart was full of joy, shame and gratitude. Truly it was the goodness of God which brought my heart into this state, and not the money for that was gone in a few hours after for the two purposes above referred to. With my heart full of peculiar feelings, and ashamed of my conduct in the morning, I left the town towards the evening, to walk alone in a solitary place. And now, being particularly conscious of my ingratitude to the Lord for all His mercies, and of my want of steadfastness in His ways, I couBld not forbear falling down on my knees behind a hedge, though the snow was a foot deep, anew to surrender myself wholly to Him, and to pray for strength that I might for the future live more to His glory, and also to thank Him for His late mercy. It was a blessed time, I continued about half an hour in prayer.\par \par After such an experience, it may be difficult for one, who does not know the plague of his own heart, to think that I was at that time a true believer, when I tell hint that so base was I, so altogether like a beast before my God, and unmindful of His mercies to me in Christ, that only a few weeks after I fell into a wretched backsliding state, in which I continued for many days, during which time prayer was almost entirely given up. It was on one of these days that I rang my bell, and ordered the servant to fetch me wine. And now I began to drink. But how good was the Lord ! Though I desired to drink, that I might be able more easily to go on in sin, yet He would not allow me to give upC myself to the wickedness of my heart. For whilst in my ungodly days I had drunk once about five quarts of strong beer in one afternoon, in the way of bravado, and once also much wine at one time, without remorse of conscience, I could now take only two or three glasses before the wickedness of my conduct was brought before me; and my conscience told me that I drank merely for the sake of drinking, and thus I gave it up.\par \par It was about this time that I formed the plan of exchanging the University of Halle for that of Berlin, on account of there being a greater number of believing professors and students in the latter place. But the whole plan was formed without prayer, or at least without earnest prayer. When, however, the morning came on which I had to take decided steps concerning it, and to apply for the university-testimonials, the Lord graciously stirred me up, prayerfully to consider the matter; and finding that I bad no sufficient reason for leaving Halle, I gave up the plan, and have neveDr had reason to regret having done so.\par \par In the vacations, Michaelmas, 1826, and Easter, 1827, and at other times, I visited a Moravian settlement, called Gnadau, which was only about three miles distant from the place where my father then resided. Through the instrumentality of the brethren, whom I met there, my spirit was often refreshed.\par \par The public means of grace by which I could be benefited were very few. Though I went regularly to church when I did not preach myself, yet I scarcely ever heard the truth; for there was no enlightened clergyman in the town. And when it so happened that I could bear Dr. Tholuck, or any other godly minister, the prospect of it beforehand, and the looking back upon it afterwards, served to fill me with joy. Now and then I walked ten or fifteen miles to enjoy this privilege. May those who enjoy the faithful ministry of the Word feel exceedingly thankful for it. There are few blessings on earth greater for a believer; and yet the Lord is frequently obligEed to teach us the value of this blessing by depriving us of it for a season.\par \par Another means of grace which I attended, besides the Saturday evening meetings in brother Wagner's house, was a meeting every Lord's day evening with the believing students, which consisted of six or more in number, and increased, before I left Halle, to about 20; and which, after the Easter vacation of 1827, was held in my room till I left Halle. In these meetings one, or two, or more of the brethren prayed, and we read the Scriptures, sang hymns, and sometimes also one or another of the brethren spoke a little in the way of exhortation, and we read also such writings of godly men as were calculated for edification. I was often greatly stirred up and refreshed in these meetings; and twice, being in a backsliding state, and therefore cold and miserable, I opened my heart to the brethren, and was brought out of that state through the means of their exhortations and prayers. "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves togFether," is a most important exhortation. Even if we should not derive any especial benefit, at the time, so far as we are conscious, yet we may be kept from much harm. And very frequently the beginning of coldness of heart is nourished by keeping away from the meetings of the saints. I know, when I was cold, and had no real desire to be brought out of that state, I went a few times into the villages, where I was sure not to meet with brethren, that I might not be spoken to about the things of God. Yet so gracious was the Lord, that my very wretchedness brought me back after a few hours. The Lord had begun a good work in me; and being faithful, though I was faithless, He would not give me up, but carried on His gracious work in me; though it would have progressed much more rapidly, had not my rebellious heart resisted. As to the other means of grace I would say: 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 Gread 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 Hthrough 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 saIy; 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.\par \par If any believers read this, who practically prefer other books to the Holy Scriptures, and who enjoy the writings of menJ 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.\par \par Before I leave this subject I would only add : If the reader understands very little of the word of God, he ought to read it very much; for the Spirit explains the Word by the Word. And if he enjoys the readiKng of the Word little, that is just the reason why he should read it much; for the frequent reading of the Scriptures creates a delight in them, so that the more we read them, the more we desire to do so. And if the reader should be an unbeliever, I would likewise entreat him to read the Scriptures earnestly, but to ask God previously to give him a blessing. For in doing so, God may make him wise unto salvation, 2 Tim. iii. 16.\par \par If any one should ask me, how he may read the Scriptures most profitably, I would advise him, that\par \par 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 inquired of for blessings, it becomes him to seek God's blessing previous to reading, and also whilst reading.\par \par 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 tLhat, 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.\par \par 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 connexion, 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 Mothers; 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.\par \par 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 considNered every day, without, however, suffering oneself to be brought into bondage by this plan.\par \par 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 us 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. If the inquirer after truth does not understand the Hebrew and Greek languages, so as to be able to compare the common translation with the original, he may, concerning several passages, get light by an improved rendering, provided he can be sure thOat the translator was a truly spiritual person.\par \par The last and most important means of, grace, namely, prayer, was comparatively but little improved by me. I prayed, and I prayed often. I also prayed, in general, by the grace of God, with sincerity; but had I been more earnestly praying, or even only as much, as I have prayed of late years, I should have made much more rapid progress.\par \par In August, 1827, I heard that the Continental Society in England intended to send a minister to Bucharest, the residence of many nominal German Christians, to help an aged brother in the work of the Lord; the two other German Protestant ministers in that place being, the one a Socinian, and the other an unenlightened orthodox preacher. After consideration and prayer I offered myself for this work to professor Tholuck, who was requested to look out for a suitable individual; for with all my weakness I had a great desire to live wholly for God. Most unexpectedly my father gave his consent, though Bucharest Pwas above a thousand miles from my home, and as completely a missionary station as any other. I considered this a remarkable providence; though I see now, that a servant of Christ has to act for his Master, whether it be according to the will of his earthly father or not. I then went home to, spend a short time with my father. In the town where he lived, containing about 3000 inhabitants, I could not hear of a single believer, though I made many inquiries. The time I stayed with my father was more profitably spent than it had formerly been. I was enabled more than ever before to realize my high calling. I had by the grace of God power over sin; at least much more than at any former period of my life.\par \par I returned to Halle, and now prepared with earnestness for the work of the Lord. I set before me the sufferings which might await me. I counted the cost. And he, who once so fully-served Satan, was now willing, constrained by the love of Christ, rather to suffer affliction for the sake of Jesus, thQan to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. I also prayed with, a degree of earnestness concerning my future work.\par \par One day, at the end of October, the above-mentioned brother, Hermann Ball, missionary to the Jews, attended the Lord's day evening meeting in my room, on his way through Halle, and stated that he feared, on account of his health, his should be obliged to give up labouring among the Jews. When I heard this, I felt a peculiar desire to fill up his place. About this very time also I became exceedingly fond of the Hebrew language, which I had cared about very little up to that time, and which I had merely studied now and then, from a sense of duty. But now I studied it, for many weeks, with the greatest eagerness and delight. Whilst I thus from time to time felt a desire to fill up Brother Ball's place as a missionary to the Jews, (about which, however, I did not seriously think, because Dr. Tholuck daily expected a letter from London, finally to settle the particulars respecting myR going to Bucharest); and whilst I thus greatly delighted in the study of Hebrew: I called in the evening of Nov. 17th on Dr. Tholuck. In the course of conversation he asked me, whether I had ever had a desire to be a missionary to the Jews, as I might be connected with the London Missionary Society, for promoting Christianity among them, for which he was an agent. I was struck with the question, and told him what had passed in my mind, but added that it was not proper to think anything about that, as I was going to Bucharest: to which he agreed.\par \par When I came home, however, these few words were like fire within me. The next morning I felt all desire for going to Bucharest gone, which appeared to me very wrong and fleshly, and I therefore entreated the Lord, to restore to me the former desire for labouring on that missionary station. He graciously did so almost immediately. My earnestness in studying Hebrew, and my peculiar love for it, however, continued. About this time I had an offer of becomiSng tutor to the sons of a pious Gentleman of title, which I did not accept on account of my purpose of going to Bucharest, and if that should come to nothing, on account of my desire of being a missionary to the Jews.\par \par About ten days after, Dr. Tholuck received a letter from the Continental Society, stating, that, on account of the war between the Turks and Russians, it appeared well to the committee, for the time being to give up the thought of sending a minister to Bucharest, as it was the seat of war between the two armies. Dr. Tholuck then asked me again, what I now thought about being a missionary to the Jews. My reply was, that I could not then give an answer, but that I would let him know, after I had prayerfully considered the matter. After prayer and consideration, and consulting with experienced brethren, in order that they might probe my heart as to my motives, I came to this conclusion, that, though I could not say with certainty it was the will of God that I should be a missionary tTo the Jews, yet, that I ought to offer myself to the committee, leaving it with the Lord to do with me afterwards, as it might seem good in His sight. Accordingly Dr. Tholuck wrote, about the beginning of December, 1827, to the committee in London.\par \par At Christmas I spent a few days at Belleben, a village about fifteen miles from Halle, where I had been once or twice before, both for the sake of refreshing the few brethren living there, and also of having my own spirit refreshed by their love. One evening, when I was expounding the Scriptures to them, an unconverted young man happened to be present, and it pleased the Lord to touch his heart, so that he was brought to the knowledge of the truth.\par \par In the beginning of the year 1828 there was a new workhouse established at Halle, into which persons of bad character were put for a time, and made to work. Being disposed to benefit unbelievers, I heartily desired to have permission statedly to preach the word of truth to them while I stayed atU Halle, particularly as I understood that one of the lecturers of divinity in the university, who was a Socinian, had applied for this living. I wrote to the magistrates of the city, and offered to preach to those criminals gratuitously, hoping that in this way there would be less objection to my doing so. The reply was, that Dr. \emdash\emdash had applied for this living, and that it had been laid before the provincial government for consideration, but that they would be glad if I would preach in the workhouse till the matter was decided. The decision did not come for some time, and I had thus an opportunity of preaching twice every Lord's day, and once or twice on the week evenings; and besides this I took the criminals one by one into a room, to converse with them about their souls. Thus the Lord condescended to give to one so unworthy, so ignorant, so weak in grace, and so young in the faith and in years, a most important field of labour. However, it was well, that even under these circumstances I shVould have laboured there; for humanly speaking, had I not been there, they would have had either no instruction at all, or a Socinian, or an unenlightened preacher would have preached to them. And besides this, I had at least some qualification for ministering there; for I knew the state of those poor sinners, having been myself formerly, in all probability, a great deal worse than most of them, and my simplicity and plainness of speech they would not have found in every minister. After some months the matter was decided, the Socinian lecturer of divinity, Dr. \emdash\emdash , was appointed to the living, and I had to discontinue my labours.\par \par It was not before March 1828, that Professor Tholuck received an answer from London respecting me, in which the committee put a number of questions to me, on the satisfactory answers to which my being received by them would depend. After replying to this first communication, I waited daily for an answer, and was so much the more desirous of having it, as myW course in the university was completed. But no answer came. Had my desire, to serve the Lord among the Jews, been of the flesh, it would in all likelihood not have continued; but I still thought about it, and continued to make it a subject of prayer. At last, on June 13th, I received a letter from London, stating that the committee had determined, to take me as a missionary student for six months on probation, provided that I would come to London.\par \par I had now had the matter before me about seven months, having supposed, not only that it would have been settled in a few weeks, but also, that, if I were accepted, I should be sent out immediately, as I had passed the university. Instead of this, not only seven months passed over before the decision came, but I was also expected to come to London, and not only so, but, though I had from my infancy been more or less studying, and now at last wished actively to be engaged, it was required that I should again become a student. For a few moments, therefXore, I was greatly disappointed and tried. But, on calmly considering the matter, it appeared to me but right that the committee should know me personally, and that it was also well for me to know them more intimately than merely by correspondence, as this afterwards would make our connexion much more comfortable. I determined therefore, after I had seen my father, and found no difficulty on his part, to go to London.\par \par There was, however, an obstacle in the way of my leaving the country. Every Prussian male subject is under the necessity of being for three years a soldier, provided his state of body allows it; but those who have had a classical education up to a certain degree, and especially those who have passed the university, need to be only one year in the army, but have to equip and maintain themselves during that year. Now, as I had been considered fit for service, when I was examined in my twentieth year, and had only been put back, at my own request, till my twenty-third year, and as I Ywas now nearly twenty-three, I could not obtain a passport out of the country, till I had either served, my time, or had been exempted by the King himself. The latter I hoped would be the case; for it was a well known fact that those who had given themselves to missionary service, had been always exempted. Certain brethren of influence, living in the capital, to whom I wrote on the subject, advised me, however, to write first to the president of the government of the province to which I belonged. This was done, but I was not exempted. Then those brethren wrote to the King himself; but he replied, that the matter must be referred to the ministry and to the law, and no exception was made in my favour.\par \par I now knew not what to do. In the meantime, at the beginning of August, I was taken ill. It was a common cold at first, but I could not get rid of it, as formerly. At last a skillful physician was consulted, and powerful means were used. After some time, he prescribed tonics and wine. For a day or tZwo I seemed to get better, but after that it appeared, by the return of giddiness in my head, that the tonics had been too soon resorted to. At last, having used still other means, I seemed in a fit state for tonics, and began again to take them. At the same time one of my friends, an American Professor, took me as a companion with him to Berlin and other places, so that we rode about the country for about ten days together. As long as I was day after day in the open air, going from place to place, drinking wine and taking tonics, I felt well; but as soon as I returned to Hale, the old symptoms returned. A second time the tonics were given up, and the former means used.\par \par About ten weeks had by this time passed away, since I was first taken ill. This illness, in which a particular care for the body seemed to be so right, and in which therefore frequent walks were taken, and in which I thought myself justified in laying aside the study of Hebrew, &c., had not at all a beneficial effect on my soul.[ In connexion with this one of my chief companions at this time, the last-mentioned American Professor, was a backslider. If the believing reader does not know much of his own heart and of man's weakness, he will scarcely think it possible that, after I had been borne with by the Lord so long, and had received so many mercies at His hands, and had been so fully and freely pardoned through the blood of Jesus, which I both knew from His word, and had also enjoyed; and after that I had been in such various ways engaged in the work of the Lord; I should have been once more guilty of great backsliding, and that at the very time when the hand of God was lying heavily upon me. Oh! how desperately wicked is the human heart.\par \par It was in this cold state of heart, that I rode with my friend to Leipsic, at the time of the famous Michaelmas fair. He wished me to go with him to the Opera. I went, but had not the least enjoyment. After the first act I took a glass of ice for refreshment. After the second act I \was taken faint in consequence of this, my stomach being in a very weak state; but I was well enough; after a while, to go to the hotel, where I passed a tolerable night. On the next morning my friend ordered the carriage for our return to Halle. This circumstance the Lord graciously used as a means of arousing me; and on our way home, I freely opened my mind to my friend about the way in which we had been going on; and he then told me that he was in a different state of heart, when he left America. He also told me, when I was taken faint, that he thought it was an awful place to die in. This was the second and last time, since I have believed in the Lord Jesus, that I was in a theatre; and but once, in the year 1827, I went to a concert, when I likewise felt, that it was unbecoming for me, as a child of God, to be in such a place. On my return to Halle I broke a blood-vessel in my stomach, in consequence of the glass of ice. I was now exceedingly weak, in which state I continued far several weeks, and th]en went for change of air into the country, to the house of a beloved brother in the Lord, who, up to this day, has continued a kind and faithful friend to me. My heart was now again in a better state than it had been before the rupture of the blood-vessel, Thus the Lord, in the faithful love of His heart, seeing that I was in a backsliding state, chastised me for my profit; and the chastisement yielded, in a measure at least, the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Heb. xii. 10, 11.\par \par Whilst I was staying in the country, I received a letter from the American Professor, who had in the meantime changed Halle for Berlin, and who wished me to come to Berlin, where, being near the Court, I should be more likely to obtain an exemption from my military duty; and he mentioned, at the same time, that all the expenses, connected with my staying in Berlin, would be fully covered by the remuneration I should receive for teaching German to himself and two of his friends, for a few hours every week. As I had no^ more connexion with the university at Halle, my course having been finished for more than six months past, and as I had the prospect of being spiritually benefited through my stay in Berlin, and there was no probability, if I remained at Halle, of obtaining the above-mentioned exemption, I came to the conclusion to go to Berlin.\par \par Two ladies of title traveled with me to Berlin in a hired carriage. As I knew that we should be for two days together, I thought, in my fleshly wisdom, that though I ought to speak to them about the things of God, I should first show them kindness and attention, and that, after having thus opened a way to their hearts, I might fully set before them their state by nature, and point them to the Lamb of God. We went on together most amicably, I making only a few general remarks about divine things. On the second evening, however, when we were near the end of our journey, I felt that it was high time to speak. And no sooner had I begun plainly to do so, than one of them re_plied, "Oh! Sir, I wish you had spoken sooner about these things, for we have, for a long time, wished to have some one to whom we might open our hearts; but seeing that the ministers whom we know do not live consistently, we have been kept from speaking to them." I now found that they had been under conviction of sin for some time, but did not know the way to obtain peace, even by faith in the Lord Jesus. After this I spoke freely to them during the hour that yet remained. They parted from me under feelings of gratitude and regret that they could hear no more, for they only passed through Berlin. I felt myself greatly reproved, and all I could do was, by a long letter, to seek to make up for my deficiency in ministering to them on the journey. May this circumstance never be forgotten by me, and may it prove a blessing to the believing reader.\par \par My chief concern now was how I might obtain a passport for England, through exemption from military duty. But the more certain brethren tried, though the`y knew how to set about the matter, and were also persons of rank, the greater difficulty there appeared to be in obtaining my object; so that in the middle of January 1829 it seemed as if I must immediately become a soldier. There was now but one more way untried, and it was at last resorted to. A believing major, who was on good terms with one of the chief generals, proposed that I should actually offer myself for entering the army, and that then I should be examined as to my bodily qualifications, in the hope, that, as I was still in a very weak state of body, I should be found unfit for military service. In that case it would belong to the chief general finally to settle the matter; who, being a godly man himself, on the major's recommendation would, no doubt, hasten the decision, on account of my desire to be a missionary to the Jews. At the same time it stood so, that, if I should be found fit for service, I should have to enter the army immediately.\par \par Thus far the Lord had allowed things tao go, to show me, it appears, that all my friends could not procure me a passport till His time was come. But now it was come. The King of kings had intended that I should go to England, because He would bless me there, and make me a blessing, though I was at that time, and am still most unworthy of it; and, therefore, though the King of Prussia had not been pleased to make an exemption in my favour, yet now all was made plain, and that at a time when hope had almost been given up, and when the last means had been resorted to. I was examined, and was declared to be unfit for military service. With a medical certificate to this effect, and a letter of recommendation from the major I went to this chief general, who received me very kindly and who himself wrote instantaneously to a second military physician, likewise to examine me at once. This was done, and it was by him confirmed that I was unfit. Now the chief general himself, as his adjutants happened to be absent, in order to hasten the matter, wrote wibth his own hands the papers which were needed, and I got a complete dismissal, and that for life, from all military engagements. This was much more than I could have expected. This military gentleman spoke to me in a very kind way, and pointed out certain parts of the Scriptures, which he in particular advised me to bring before the Jews, especially Romans xi.\par \par On considering why the Lord delayed my obtaining this permission, I find that one of the reasons may have been, that I might both be profited myself by my stay in Berlin, and that I also might be instrumental in benefiting others. As to the first, I would mention, that I learned a lesson in Berlin which I did not know before. Whilst I was at Halle, I thought I should much enjoy being among so many christians as there are in Berlin. But when I was there I found, that enjoyment in the Lord does not depend upon the multitude of believers, by whom we are surrounded. As to the second point, perhaps the last day may show, that the Lord had somec work for me in Berlin: for, from the time of my coming until I left, I preached three, four, or five times every week in the wards of a poorhouse, which was inhabited by about three hundred aged and infirm people. I also preached once in a church, and likewise visited one of the prisons several times on Lord's days to converse with the prisoners about their souls, where I was locked in by the keeper with the criminals in their cells.\par \par On the whole my time in Berlin was not lost; and I was in a better state of heart than I had been for any length of time before, I was not once overcome by my former outward besetting sins, though I have nothing to boast of even as it regards that period; and were only the sins of those days brought against me, had I not the blood of Jesus to plead, I should be most miserable. But I think it right to mention, for the glory of God, as I have so freely spoken about my falls, that whilst I was more than ever unobserved by others; and whilst I was living in the midst dof more gaiety and temptations than ever; and had far more money than at any previous time of my life; I was kept from things of which I had been habitually guilty in my unconverted days ! - My health was in a very weak state, almost the whole time whilst I was staying in Berlin, and was in no degree better, till, on the advice of, a believing medical professor, I gave up all medicine.\par \par Having now without any further difficulty obtained my passport, I left Berlin on February 3rd, 1829, for London. The Lord gave me more grace on my way from Berlin than on my way to it; for my mouth was almost immediately opened to my fellow-travelers, and the message of the Gospel seemed to be listened to with interest, particularly by one. On February 5th I arrived at my father's house; it was the place where I had lived as a boy, and the scene of many of my sins, my father having now returned to it after his retirement from office. I came to it with peculiar feelings. These feelings were not excited merely by tehe fact of my having been seven years absent from it, but arose from the spiritual change I had undergone since I last saw the place; for I had never been at Heimersleben since my father fetched me from thence, which was a few days after my imprisonment at Wolfenb\'fcttel had come to an end. There were but three persons in the whole town with whom my soul had any fellowship. One of them had spent all his money in coal mines, and was then earning his daily bread by thrashing corn. As a boy I had in my heart laughed at him, for he seemed so different from all other people. Now I sought him out, having previously been informed that he was a believer, to acknowledge him as such, by having fellowship with him, and attending, a meeting in his house on the Lord's day evening. My soul was refreshed, and his also. Such a spiritual feast, as meeting with a brother, was a rare thing to him. May we believers who live in Great Britain, and especially those of us who are surrounded by many children of God, seek for grafce, more highly to prize the blessings which, we enjoy through fellowship with brethren! This dear brother, who had then been a believer for more than twenty years, had only a few times heard the gospel preached during all that period. What a wonderful thing that I, one of the vilest of those brought up in that small town, should have been so abundantly favoured, as to have been brought to the knowledge of the truth, whilst none of all my relations, and scarcely one of those who grew up with me, so far as it has come to my knowledge, know the Lord!\par \par I left my father's house on February 10th, with the prospect of seeing him again in about a twelvemonth, as a missionary among the Jews. But how has the Lord graciously altered matters ! - I was kindly lodged for a night at Halberstadt by an aged brother, and then proceeded towards Rotterdam, by the way of Munster. At Munster I rested a few days, and was very kindly received by several brethren. They were officers in the army, and two of them had beegn, but a little while before this, Roman Catholics. I lodged in the house of a beloved brother, a tailor, who likewise had been a Roman Catholic.\par \par About February 22nd I arrived at Rotterdam. I took lodgings in the house of a believer, where two German brethren lodged, whom I had known at Halle, and who intended to go out as missionaries in connexion with the Dutch Missionary Society. It was a peculiar feeling to me, for the first time in my life to find myself among Christians of another nation, to attend their family prayer, hear them sing, &c. In spirit I had fellowship with them, though our communication was but broken, as I understood but little of the Dutch language. Here also I heard for the first time the preaching of the Gospel in English, of which I knew enough to understand a part of what was said. -My going to England by the way of Rotterdam was not the usual way; but consulting with a brother in Berlin, who had been twice in England, I was told that this was the cheapest route. My ashking this brother, to be profited by his experience, would have been quite right, had I, besides this, like Ezra, sought of the Lord the right way. Ezra viii. 21. But I sought unto men only, and not at all unto the Lord, in this matter. When I came to Rotterdam, I found that no vessels went at that time from that port to London, on account of the ice having just broken up in the river, and that it would be several weeks before the steamers would again begin to ply. Thus I had to wait nearly a month at Rotterdam, and, therefore, not only needed much more time than I should have required to go by way of Hamburgh, but also much more money.\par \par On March 19th, 1829, I landed in London. I now found myself, in a great measure, as it regards liberty, brought back to the years when I was at school; yea, almost all the time I had been at school, and certainly for the last four years, previous to my coming to England, I was not so much bound to time and order as I was in this seminary; and had not there been ia degree of grace in me, yea, so much as not to regard the liberty of the flesh, I should now probably have given up all idea of being a missionary to the Jews. But as I did not see that anything was expected from me which I could not conscientiously accede to, I thought it right to submit myself, for the Lord's sake, to all the regulations of the institution.\par \par My brethren in the seminary, most of them Germans, had instruction in Hebrew, Latin, Greek, French, German, &c., scarcely any of them having had a classical education; I read only Hebrew, and was exempted from all the rest. I remember how I longed to be able to expound the Scriptures in English, when I heard a German brother do so, a few days after my arrival. And I also remember what joy it gave me, when a few weeks after, for the first time, I spoke in English to a little boy, whom I met alone in the fields, about his soul, thinking that he would bear with my broken English.-I now studied much, about twelve hours a day, chiefly Hebrew; jcommenced Chaldee; perfected myself in reading the German-Jewish in Rabbinic characters, committed portions of the Hebrew Old Testament to memory, &c.; and this I did with prayer, often falling on my knees, leaving my books for a little, that I might seek the Lord's blessing, and also, that I might be kept from that spiritual deadness, which is so frequently the result of much study. I looked up to the Lord even whilst turning over the leaves of my Hebrew dictionary, asking His help, that I might quickly find the words. I made comparatively little progress in English; for living with some of my countrymen, I was continually led to converse in German.\par \par My experience in this particular leads me to remark, that, should this fall into the hands of any who are desirous to labour as missionaries among a people whose language is not their own, they should seek not merely to live among them, for the sake of soon learning their language, but also, as much as possible, to be separated from those who speakk their own language; for, when, some months after, I was in Devonshire, completely separated from those who spoke German, I daily made much progress, whilst I made comparatively little in London.\par \par Soon after my arrival in England, I heard one of the brethren in the seminary speak about a Mr. Groves, a dentist in Exeter, who, for the Lord's sake, had given up his profession, which brought him in about fifteen hundred pounds a year, and who intended to go as a missionary to Persia, with his wife and children, simply trusting in the Lord for temporal supplies. This made such an impression on me, and delighted me so, that I not only marked it down in my journal, but also wrote about it to my German friends.\par \par I came to England weak in body, and in consequence of much study, as I suppose, I was taken ill on May 15, and was soon, at least in my own estimation, apparently, beyond recovery. The weaker I became in body, the happier I was in spirit. Never in my whole life had I seen myself so ville, so guilty, so altogether what I ought not to have been, as at this time. It was as if every sin, of which I had been guilty, was brought to my remembrance; but, at the same time, I could realize that all my sins were completely forgiven that I was washed and made clean, completely clean, in the blood of Jesus. The result of this was, great peace. I longed exceedingly to depart and to be with Christ. When my medical attendant came to see me, my prayer was something like this: "Lord, Thou knowest that he does not know what is for my real welfare, therefore do Thou direct him." When I took my medicine, my hearty prayer each time was something like this: "Lord, Thou knowest that this medicine is in itself nothing, no more than as if I were to take a little water. Now please, 0 Lord, to let it produce the effect which is for my real welfare, and for Thy glory. Let me either be taken soon to Thyself or let me be soon restored; let me be ill for a longer time, and then taken to Thyself, or let me be ill for am longer time, and then restored. 0 Lord, do with me as seemeth Thee best! " One sin in particular was brought to my mind, which I never had seen before, viz., that whilst all my life, even in former sicknesses, I had been blessed with uninterrupted refreshing sleep, which now, for some nights, had almost entirely fled from my eyes, I had never heartily thanked God for it.\par \par After I had been ill about a fortnight, my medical attendant unexpectedly pronounced me better. This, instead of giving me joy, bowed me down, so great was my desire to be with the Lord; though almost immediately afterwards grace was given me to submit myself to the will of God. After some days I was able to leave my room. Whilst recovering I still continued in a spiritual state of heart, desiring to depart and to be with Christ. As I recovered but slowly, my friends entreated me to go into the country for change of air; but my heart was in such a happy and spiritual frame, that I did not like the thought of traveling and seeinng places. So far was I changed, who once had been so passionately fond of traveling. But as my friends continued to advise me to go into the country, I thought at last that it might be the will of God that I should do so, and I prayed therefore thus to the Lord: "Lord, I will gladly submit myself to Thy will, and go if Thou wilt have me to go. And now let me know Thy will by the answer of my medical attendant. If, in reply to my question, he says it would be very good for me, I will go; but if he says it is of no great importance, then I will stay." When I asked him, he said that it was the best thing I could do. I was then enabled willingly to submit, and accordingly went to Teignmouth. It was there that I became acquainted with my beloved brother, friend, and fellow-labourer, Henry Craik.\par \par A few days after my arrival at Teignmouth, the chapel, called Ebenezer, was reopened, and I attended the opening. I was much impressed by one of those who preached on the occasion. For though I did not likeo all he said, yet I saw a gravity and solemnity in him different from the rest. After he had preached, I had a great desire to know more of him; and being invited by two brethren of Exmouth, in whose house he was staying, to spend some time with them, I had an opportunity of living ten days with him under the same roof. Through the instrumentality of this brother the Lord bestowed a great blessing upon me, for which I shall have cause to thank Him throughout eternity.\par \par I will mention some points which God then began to show me.\par \par 1. That the word of God alone is our standard of judgment in spiritual things; that it can be explained only by the Holy Spirit; and that in our day, as well as in former times, He is the teacher of His people. The office of the Holy Spirit I had not experimentally understood before that time. Indeed, of the office of each of the blessed persons, in what is commonly called the Trinity, I had no experimental apprehension. I had not before seen from the Scriptureps that the Father chose us before the foundation of the world; that in Him that wonderful plan of our redemption originated, and that He also appointed all the means by which it was to be brought about. Further, that the Son, to save us, had fulfilled the law, to satisfy its demands, and with it also the holiness of God; that He had borne the punishment due to our sins, and had thus satisfied the justice of God. And further, that the Holy Spirit alone can teach us about our state by nature, show us the need of a Saviour, enable us to believe in Christ, explain to us the Scriptures, help us in preaching, &c. It was my beginning to understand this latter point in particular, which had a great effect on me; for the Lord enabled me to put it to the test of experience, by laying aside commentaries, and almost every other book, and simply reading the word of God and studying it. The result of this was, that the first evening that I shut myself into my room, to give myself to prayer and meditation over the Scripqtures, I learned more in a few hours than I had done during a period of several months previously. But the particular difference was, that I received real strength for my soul in doing so. I now began to try by the test of the Scriptures the things which I had learned and seen, and found that only those principles, which stood the test, were really of value.\par \par 2. Before this period I had been much opposed to the doctrines of election, particular redemption, and final persevering grace; so much so that, a few days after my arrival at Teignmouth, I called election a devilish doctrine. I did not believe that I had brought myself to the Lord, for that was too manifestly false; but yet I held, that I might have resisted finally. And further, I knew nothing about the choice of God's people, and did not believe that the child of God, when once made so, was safe for ever. In my fleshly mind I had repeatedly said, If once I could prove that I am a child of God for ever, I might go back into the world for ra year or two, and then return to the Lord, and at last be saved. But now I was brought to examine these precious truths by the word of God. Being made willing to have no glory of my own in the conversion of sinners, but to consider myself merely as an instrument; and being made willing to receive what the Scriptures said; I went to the Word, reading the New Testament from the beginning, with a particular reference to these truths. To my great astonishment I found that the passages which speak decidedly for election and persevering grace, were about four times as many as those which speak apparently against these truths; and even those few, shortly after, when I had examined and understood them, served to confirm me in the above doctrines. As to the effect which my belief in these doctrines had on me, I am constrained to state, for God's glory, that though I am still exceedingly weak, and by no means so dead to the lusts of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, as I might and as I ousght to be, yet, by the grace of God, I have walked more closely with Him since that period. My life has not been so variable, and I may say that I have lived much more for God than before. And for this have I been strengthened by the Lord, in a great measure, through the instrumentality of these truths. For in the time of temptation, I have been repeatedly led to say: Should I thus sin? I should only bring misery into my soul for a time, and dishonour God; for, being a son of God for ever, I should have to be brought back again, though it might be in the way of severe chastisement. Thus, I say, the electing love of God in Christ (when I have been able to realize it) has often been the means of producing holiness, instead of leading me into sin. It is only the notional apprehension of such truths, the want of having them in the heart, whilst they are in the head, which is dangerous.\par \par 3. Another truth, into which, in a measure, I was led during my stay in Devonshire, respected the Lord's coming. Mty views concerning this point, up to that time, had been completely vague and unscriptural. I had believed what others told me, without trying it by the Word. I thought that things were getting better and better, and that soon the whole world would be converted. But now I found in the Word, that we have not the least Scriptural warrant to look for the conversion of the world before the return of our Lord. I found in the Scriptures, that that which will usher in the glory of the church, and uninterrupted joy to the saints, is the return of the Lord Jesus, and that, till then, things will be more or less in confusion. I found in the Word, that the return of Jesus, and not death, was the hope of the apostolic Christians; and that it became me, therefore, to look for His appearing. And this truth entered so into my heart, that, though I went into Devonshire exceedingly weak, scarcely expecting that I should return again to London, yet I was immediately, on seeing the truth, brought off from looking for death,u and was made to look for the return of the Lord. Having seen this truth, the Lord also graciously enabled me to apply it, in some measure at least, to my own heart, and to put the solemn question to myself -What may I do for the Lord, before He returns, as He may soon come?\par \par 4. In addition to these truths, it pleased the Lord to lead me to see a higher standard of devotedness than I had seen before. He led me, in a measure, to see what is my true glory in this world, even to be despised, and to be poor and mean with Christ. I saw then, in a measure, though I have seen it more fully since, that it ill becomes the servant to seek to be rich, and great, and honoured in that world, where his Lord was poor, and mean, and despised.\par \par I do not mean to say that all that which I believe at present concerning these truths, and those which, in connexion with them, the Lord has shown me since August 1829, were apprehended all at once; and much less did I see them all at once with the same clearnesvs, as, by the grace of God, I do now; yet my stay in Devonshire was a most profitable time to my soul. My prayer had been, before I left London, that the Lord would be pleased to bless my journey to the benefit of my body and soul. This prayer was answered in both respects; for in the beginning of September I returned to London much better in body; and, as to my soul, the change was so great, that it was like a second conversion.\par \par After my return to London, I sought to benefit my brethren in the seminary, and the means which I used were these. I proposed to them to meet together every morning from six to eight for prayer and reading the Scriptures, and that then each of us should give out what he might consider the Lord had shown him to be the meaning of the portion read. One brother in particular was brought into the same state as myself; and others, I trust, were more or less benefited. Several times, when I went to my room after family prayer in the evening, I found communion with God so sweewt, that I continued in prayer till after twelve, and then, being full of joy, went into the room of the brother just referred to; and, finding him also in a similar frame of heart, we continued praying until one or two and even then I was a few times so full, of joy, that I could scarcely sleep, and at six in the morning again called the brethren together for prayer.\par \par All this moreover did not leave me idle, as it regards actual engagements in the Lord's work, as I will now show. After I had been for about ten days in London, and had been confined to the house on account of my studies, my health began again to decline; and I saw that it would not be well, my poor body being only like a wreck or brand brought out of the devil's service, to spend my little remaining strength in study, but that I now ought to set about actual engagements in the Lord's work, particularly as He had now given me more light about His truth, and also a heart to serve Him. I consequently wrote to the committee of the Socxiety, requesting them to send me out at once, as they had now had an opportunity of knowing me; and, that they might do so with more confidence, to send me as a fellow-labourer to an experienced brother. However I received no answer.\par \par After having waited about five or six weeks, in the meantime seeking in one way or other to labour for the Lord, it struck me that I was wrong and acting unscripturally, in waiting for the appointment to missionary work from my fellow-men; but that, considering myself called by the Lord to preach the gospel, I ought to begin at once to labour among the Jews in London, whether I had the title of missionary or not. In consequence of this I distributed tracts among the Jews, with my name and residence written on them, thus inviting them to conversation about the things of God; preached to them in those places where they most numerously collect together; read the Scriptures regularly with about fifty Jewish boys; and became a teacher in a Sunday school. In this work I yhad much enjoyment and the honour of being reproached and ill-treated for the name of Jesus. But the Lord gave me grace, never to be kept from the work by any danger, or the prospect of any suffering.\par \par My light increased more and more during the months of September, October, and November. At the end of November it became a point of solemn consideration with me, whether I could remain connected with the Society in the usual way. My chief objections were these: 1. If I were sent out by the Society, it was more than probable, yea, almost needful, if I were to leave England, that I should labour on the Continent, as I was unfit to be sent to eastern countries on account of my health, which would probably have suffered, both on account of the climate, and of my having to learn other languages. Now, if I did go to the Continent, it was evident, that without ordination I could not have any extensive field of usefulness, as unordained ministers are generally prevented from labouring freely there; but I zcould not conscientiously submit to be ordained by unconverted men, professing to have power to set me apart for the ministry, or to communicate something to me for this work which they do not possess themselves. Besides this, I had other objections to being connected with any state church or national religious establishment, which arose from the increased light which I had obtained through the reception of this truth, that the word of God is our only standard, and the Holy Spirit our only teacher. For as I now began to compare what I knew of the establishment in England and those on the Continent, with this only true standard, the word of God, I found that all establishments, even because they are establishments, i.e. the world and the church mixed up together, not only contain in them the principles which necessarily must lead to departure from the word of God; but also, as long as they remain establishments, entirely preclude the acting throughout according to the Holy Scriptures.-Then again, if I were{ to stay in England, the Society would not allow me to preach in any place indiscriminately, where the Lord might open a door for me; and to the ordination of English bishops I had still greater objections, than to the ordination of a Prussian Consistory. 2. I further had a conscientious objection against being led and directed by men in my missionary labours. As a servant of Christ it appeared to me, I ought to be guided by the Spirit, and not by men, as to time and place; and this I would say, with all deference to others, who may be much more taught and much more spiritually minded than myself. A servant of Christ has but one Master. 3. I had love for the Jews, and I had been enabled to give proofs of it; yet I could not conscientiously say, as the committee would expect from me, that I would spend the greater part of my time only among them. For the scriptural plan seemed to me, that, in coming to a place, I should seek out the Jews, and commence my labour particularly among them; but that, if they re|jected the gospel, I should go to the nominal Christians-The more I weighed these points, the more it appeared to me that I should be acting hypocritically, were I to suffer them to remain in my mind, without making them known to the committee.\par \par The question that next occurred to me was, how I ought to act if not sent out by the Society. With my views I could not return to Prussia; for I must either refrain from preaching, or imprisonment would be the result. The only plan that presented itself to me was, that I should go from place to place throughout England, as the Lord might direct me, and give me opportunity, preaching wherever I went, both among Jews and nominal Christians. To this mode of service I was especially stirred up through the recently received truth of the Lord's second coming, having it impressed upon my heart to seek to warn sinners, and to stir up the saints; as He might soon come. At the same time it appeared to me well, that I should do this in connexion with the Society fo}r promoting Christianity among the Jews, serving them without any salary, provided they would accept me on these conditions. An objection which came to my mind against taking any step which might lead to the dissolution of my connexion with the Society, namely, that I had been some expense to it, and that thus I should appear ungrateful, and the money would seem to have been thrown away, was easily removed in this way:\par \par 1. When I engaged with the Society, I did it according to the light I then had. 2. I have but one Master; His is the money, and to Him I have to give an account. 3. Though I have nothing to boast of, but much reason to be ashamed before God on account of my lack of service; yet, speaking after the manner of men, in some measure I did work, not only in the Lord's service, but even in that particular line for which the money had been put into the hands of the committee.\par \par There remained now only one point more to be settled:\par \par How I should do for the future as it ~regarded the supply of my temporal wants, which naturally would have been a great obstacle, especially as I was not merely a foreigner, but spoke so little English, that whilst I was greatly assisted in expounding the Scriptures, it was with difficulty I could converse about common things. On this point, however, I had no anxiety; for I considered, that, as long as I really sought to serve the Lord, that is, as long as I sought the kingdom of God and His righteousness, these my temporal supplies would be added to me. The Lord most mercifully enabled me to take the promises of His word, and rest upon them, and such as Matthew vii. 7, 8, John xiv. 13, 14, Matthew vi. 25-34, were the stay of my soul concerning this point. In addition to this, the example of brother Groves, the dentist before alluded to, who gave up his profession, and went out as a missionary, was a great encouragement to me. For the news, which by this time had arrived, of how the Lord had aided him on his way to Petersburg, and at Petersburg, strengthened my faith.\par \par At last, on December 12, 1829, I came to the conclusion to dissolve my connexion with the Society, if they would not accept my services under the above conditions, and to go throughout the country preaching, (being particularly constrained to do so from a desire to serve the Lord as much as in me lay, BEFORE HIS RETURN), and to trust in Him for the supply of my temporal wants. Yet at the same time it appeared well to me to wait a month longer, and to consider the matter still further, before I wrote to the committee, that I might be sure I had weighed it fully.\par \par On December 24th I went to the Church Missionary Institution at Islington, in the hope of benefiting the students there, if it were the Lord's will. I returned very happy, as I almost invariably was at that time, and went to bed full of joy. Next morning, (being that of Christmas day), I awoke in a very different state of heart from what I had experienced for many weeks past. I had no enjoyment, and felt cold and lifeless in prayer. At our usual morning meeting, however, one of the brethren exhorted me to continue to pray, saying that the Lord surely would again smile on me, though now for a season, for wise purposes, He seemed to have withdrawn Himself. I did so. At the Lord's table, in the morning, a measure of enjoyment returned. Afterwards I dined in a family, in company with the brother just referred to. My former enjoyment gradually returned. Towards evening the Lord gave me an opportunity of speaking about His return, and I had great enjoyment in doing so. At eight o'clock I was asked to expound at family prayer, and was much assisted by the Lord. About half an hour after the exposition was over, I was requested to come out of the room to see one of the servants, and the mother of another of the servants, who had been present at family prayer. I found them in tears, and both deeply impressed and under concern about their souls. I then went home, at least as happy as on the previous evening. I have related this circumstance, because I am aware that it is a common temptation of Satan to make us give up the reading of the Word and prayer when our enjoyment is gone; as if it were of no use to read the Scriptures when we do not enjoy them, and as if it were of no use to pray when we have no spirit of prayer; whilst the truth is, in order to enjoy the Word, we ought to continue to read it, and the way to obtain a spirit of prayer, is, to continue praying; for the less we read the word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.\par \par About the beginning of the next year my fellow students had a fortnight's vacation, and as with them I had conformed myself to the order of the Institution, I felt that I might also partake of their privileges; not indeed to please the flesh, but to serve the Lord. On December 30th, I therefore left London for Exmouth, where I intended to spend my vacation in the house of my Christian friends, who had kindly lodged me the summer before, that I might preach there during this fortnight, and still more fully weigh the matter respecting my proposal to time Society. I arrived at Exmouth on December 31st, at six in the evening, an hour before the commencement of a prayer-meeting at Ebenezer Chapel. My heart was burning with a desire to tell of the Lord's goodness to my soul, and to speak forth what I considered might not be known to most with whom I met. Being, however, not called on, either to speak or pray, I was silent. The next morning I spoke on the difference between being a Christian and a happy Christian, and showed, whence it generally comes, that we rejoice so little in the Lord. This my first testimony was blessed to many believers, that God, as it appears, might show me that He was with me. Among others it proved a blessing to a Christian female, who had been for ten years in bondage, and who, in the providence of God, had been brought from Exeter to be present that morning. This she told me many months after, when I met her on a journey.\par \par At the request of several believers I spoke again in the afternoon, and also proposed a meeting in the chapel every morning at ten, to expound the epistle to the Romans. I had also most days a meeting in a room with several ladies, for reading the Scriptures with them. This I did that I might make the best of my fortnight. The second day after my arrival, a brother said to me: "I have been praying for this month past that the Lord would do something for Lympstone, a large parish where there is little spiritual light. There is a Wesleyan chapel, and I doubt not you would be allowed to preach there." Being ready to speak of Jesus wherever the Lord might open a door, yet so, that I could be faithful to the truths which he had been pleased to teach me, I went, and easily obtained liberty to preach twice on the next day, being the Lord's day. Besides this I preached in another village near Exmouth; so that I spoke once, twice, or three times in public or private meetings every day for the first ten or twelve days, and that with great enjoyment to my own soul.\par \par During the first days of January, 1830, whilst at Exmouth, it became more and more clear to me, that I could not be connected with the Society under the usual conditions; and as I had an abundance of work where I was, and little money to spend in traveling (for all I possessed was about five pounds), it appeared best to me to write at once to the committee, that, whilst they were coming to a decision respecting me, I might continue to preach. I therefore wrote to them, stating what had been my views before I became acquainted with them, and what they were now. I also stated my difficulty in remaining, connected with them on the usual terms, as stated in substance above; and then concluded, that as, however, I owed them much, as having been instrumental in bringing me to England, where the Lord had blessed me so abundantly: and as I, also, should like to obtain from them the Hebrew Scriptures and tracts for the Jews: I would gladly serve them without any salary, if they would allow me to labour in regard to time and place as the Lord might direct me. Some time after I received a very kind private letter from one of the secretaries, who always had been very kind to me, together with the following official communication from the committee.\par \par \par "London Society for promoting Christianity amongst the Jews."\par \par At a Meeting of the Missionary Sub-Committee, held January 27, 1830, Society House, 10, Wardrobe Place, Doctors' Commons, a Letter was read from Mr. G. F. Muller.\par \par "Resolved, That Mr. Muller be informed, that while the committee cordially rejoice in any real progress in knowledge and grace which he may have made under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, they, nevertheless, consider it inexpedient for any society to employ those who are unwilling to submit themselves to their guidance with respect to missionary operations; and that while, therefore, Mr. Muller holds his present opinions on that point, the committee cannot consider him as a missionary student; but should more mature reflection cause him to alter that opinion, they will readily enter into further communication with him."\par \par \par Thus my connexion with the Society was entirely dissolved. Fifty-two years have passed away since, and I never have, even for one single moment, regretted the step I took, but have to be sorry that I have been so little grateful for the Lord's goodness to me in that matter. The following part of the Narrative also will prove to the enlightened reader, how God blessed my acting out the light He had been pleased to give me. But I cannot leave this subject, without adding, that it is far from my intention to throw any blame upon the Society. I have no wish to do so: nay, I confess, were the last-mentioned circumstances not so intimately connected with my being in England, I would rather have left out the matter altogether. But being under the necessity of saying something about my connexion with it, it appeared best to me to relate the circumstances just as they were. Yet I do testify that I have not done it in the least for the sake of injuring the Society; for I have received much kindness from some of those connected with it, particularly from two worthy men, then taking a prominent part in managing its affairs. If I be judged differently, I can only say, "Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come."\par \par After I had preached about three weeks at Exmouth and its neighbourhood, I went to Teignmouth, with the intention of staying there ten days, to preach the Word among the brethren with whom I had become acquainted during the previous summer, and thus to tell them of the Lord's goodness to me. One of the brethren said almost immediately on my arrival at Teignmouth, I wish you would become our minister, as the present one is going to leave us. My answer was, I do not intend to be stationary in any place, but to go through the country, preaching the Word as the Lord may direct me. In the evening, Monday, I preached for brother Craik, at Shaldon, in the presence of three ministers, none of whom liked the sermon; yet it pleased God, through it, to bring to the knowledge of His dear Son, a young woman who had been servant to one of these ministers, and who had heard her master preach many times. How differently does the Lord judge from man! Here was a particular opportunity for the Lord to get glory to Himself. A foreigner was the preacher, with great natural obstacles in the way, for he was not able to speak English with fluency; but he had a desire to serve God, and was by this time also brought into such a state of heart as to desire that God alone should have the glory, if any good were done through his instrumentality. How often has it struck me, both at that time and since, that His strength was made perfect in my weakness.\par \par On Tuesday evening I preached at Ebenezer Chapel, Teignmouth, the same chapel at the opening of which I became acquainted with the brother, whom the Lord had afterwards used as an instrument of benefiting me so much. My preaching was also disliked there by many of the hearers; but the Lord opened the hearts of a few to receive the truth, and another young woman was brought to the Lord through the instrumentality of the word then preached. On Wednesday I preached again in the same chapel, and the word was disliked still, perhaps more, though the few, who received the truth in the love of it, increased in number. On Thursday I preached again at Shaldon, and on Friday at Teignmouth. The effect was the same; dislike on the one side, and joy and delight in the truth on the other. By this time I began to reflect about the cause of this opposition; for the same brethren who had treated me with much kindness the summer previous, when I was less spiritually minded, and understood much less of the truth, now seemed to oppose me, and I could not explain it in any other way than this, that the Lord intended to work through my instrumentality at Teignmouth, and that therefore Satan, fearing this, sought to raise opposition against me.\par \par On the Lord's day I dined with a brother, whose heart\par \par the Lord had opened to receive me as a servant of Christ. After dinner I talked to a young woman, his servant, at the request of her sister, who on the Tuesday previous had been convinced of sin, and on the Friday brought to enjoy peace in the Lord. This young woman also was, through the instrumentality of this conversation, brought to see her sinful state, though she could not rejoice in the Lord until about seven months after. How differently the Lord dealt with her sister, and yet the work of grace was as real in the one as in the other, as I had full opportunity of seeing afterwards! On this same Lord's day I preached twice at Teignmouth, and once at Shaldon; for so precious did every opportunity seem to me, and so powerfully did I feel the importance of those precious truths, which I had so recently been led to see, that I longed to be instrumental in communicating them to others.\par \par By this time the request, that I might stay at Teignmouth, and be the minister of the above chapel, had been repeatedly expressed by an increasing number of the brethren; but others were decidedly against my remaining there. This opposition was instrumental in settling it in my mind that I should stay for awhile, at least until I was formally rejected. In consequence of this conclusion I took the following step, which, it may be, I should not repeat under similar circumstances, but which was certainly taken in love to those who were concerned in the matter, and for the glory of God, as far as I then had light.\par \par On the Tuesday following, after preaching, I told the brethren how, in the providence of God, I had been brought to them without the least intention of staying among them, but that, on finding them without a minister, I had been led to see it to be the will of God to remain with them. I also told them, as far as I remember, that I was aware of the opposition of some, but that I nevertheless intended to preach to them till they rejected me; and if they should say, I might preach, but they would give me no salary, that would make no difference on my part, as I did not preach for the sake of money; but I told them, at the same time, that it was an honour, to be allowed to supply the temporal wants of any of the servants of Christ. The latter point I added, as it seemed right to me, to give out the whole counsel of God, as far as I knew it. On the next day, Wednesday, I left, and having preached in two or three places near Exmouth, and taken leave of my friends there, I returned to Teignmouth.\par \par Here I preached again three times on the Lord's day, none saying we wish you not to preach, though many of the hearers did not hear with enjoyment. Some of them left, and never returned; some left, but returned after awhile. Others came to the chapel, who had not been in the habit of attending there previous to my coming. There was sufficient proof that the work of God was going on, for there were those who were glad to hear what I preached, overlooking the infirmities of the foreigner, delighting in the food for their souls, without caring much about the form in which the truth was set before them; and these were not less spiritual than the rest: and there were those who objected decidedly; some, however, manifesting merely the weakness of brethren, and others the bitterness of the opposers of the cross. There was, in addition to this, a great stir, a spirit of inquiry, and a searching of the Scriptures, whether these things were so. And what is more than all, God set His seal upon the work, in converting sinners. Twelve weeks I stood in this same position, whilst the Lord graciously supplied my temporal wants, through two brethren, unasked for. After this time, the whole little church, eighteen in number, unanimously gave me an invitation to become their pastor. My answer to them was, that their invitation did not show me more than I had seen before, that it was the will of God that I should remain with them, yet that for their sakes I could not but rejoice in this invitation, as it was a proof to me that God had blessed them through my instrumentality, in making them thus of one mind. I also expressly stated to the brethren, that I should only stay so long with them, as I saw it clearly to be the will of the Lord; for I had not given up my intention of going from place to place, if the Lord would allow me to do so. The brethren, at the same time, now offered to supply my temporal wants, by giving me \'a355. a year, which sum was afterwards somewhat increased, on account of the increase of the church.\par \par I now had Teignmouth for my residence, but I did not confine my labours to this place; for I preached regularly once a week in Exeter, once a fortnight at Topsham, sometimes at Shaldon, often at Exmouth, sometimes in the above-mentioned villages near Exmouth, regularly once a week at Bishopsteignton, where a part of the church lived, and afterwards repeatedly at Chudleigh, Collumpton, Newton Bushel, and elsewhere.\par \par That which I now considered the best mode of preparation for the public ministry of the Word, no longer adopted from necessity, on account of want of time, but from deep conviction, and from the experience of God's blessing upon it, both as it regards my own enjoyment, the benefit of the saints, and the conversion of sinners, is as follows:-1. I do not presume to know myself what is best for the hearers, and I therefore ask the Lord in the first place, that He would graciously be pleased to teach me on what subject I shall speak, or what portion of His word I shall expound. Now sometimes it happens, that previous to my asking Him, a subject or passage has been in my mind, on which it has appeared well for me to speak. In that case I ask the Lord, whether I should speak on this subject or passage. If, after prayer, I feel persuaded that I should I fix upon it, yet so, that I would desire to leave myself open to the Lord to change it, if He please. Frequently, however, it occurs, that I have no text or subject in my mind, before I give myself to prayer for the sake of ascertaining the Lord's will concerning it. In this case I wait some time on my knees for an answer, trying to listen to the voice of the Spirit to direct me. If then a passage or subject, whilst I am on my knees, or after I have finished praying for a text, is brought to my mind, I again ask the Lord, and that sometimes repeatedly, especially if, humanly speaking, the subject or text should be a peculiar one, whether it be His will that I should speak on such a subject or passage. If after prayer my mind is peaceful about it, I take this to be the text, but still desire to leave myself open to the Lord for direction, should He please to alter it, or should I have been mistaken. Frequently also, in the third place, it happens, that I not only have no text nor subject on my mind previous to my praying for guidance in this matter, but also I do not obtain one after once, or twice, or more times praying about it. I used formerly at times to be much perplexed, when this was the case, but for more than forty-five years it has pleased the Lord, in general at least, to keep me in peace about it. What I do is, to go on with my regular reading of the Scriptures, where I left off the last time, praying (whilst I read) for a text, now and then also laying aside my bible for prayer, till I get one. Thus it has happened, that I have had to read five, ten; yea twenty chapters, before it has pleased the Lord to give me a text: yea, many times I have even had to go to the place of meeting without one, and obtained it perhaps only a few minutes before I was going to speak; but I have never lacked the Lord's assistance at the time of preaching, provided I had earnestly sought it in private. The preacher cannot know the particular state of the various individuals who compose the congregation, nor what they require, but the Lord knows it; and if the preacher renounces his own wisdom, he will be assisted by the Lord; but if he will choose in his own wisdom, then let him not be surprised if he should see little benefit result from his labours.\par \par Before I leave this part of the subject, I would just observe one temptation concerning the choice of a text. We may see a subject to be so very full, that it may strike us it would do for some other occasion. For instance, sometimes a text, brought to one's mind for a week-evening meeting, may appear more suitable for the Lord's day, because then there would be a greater number of hearers present. Now, in the first place, we do not know whether the Lord ever will allow us to preach on another Lord's day; and, in the second place, we know not whether that very subject may not be especially suitable for some or many individuals present just that week-evening. Thus I was once tempted, after I had been a short time at Teignmouth, to reserve a subject, which had been just opened to me, for the next Lord's day. But being able, by the grace of God, to overcome the temptation by the above reasons, and preaching about it at once, it pleased the Lord to bless it to the conversion of a sinner, and that too an individual who meant to come but that once more to the chapel, and to whose case the subject was most remarkably suited.\par \par 2. Now when the text has been obtained in the above way, whether it be one or two or more verses, or a whole chapter or more, I ask the Lord that He would graciously be pleased to teach me by His Holy Spirit, whilst meditating over it. Within the last fifty years, I have found it the most profitable plan to meditate with my pen in my hand, writing down the outlines, as the Word is opened to me. This I do, not for the sake of committing them to memory, nor as if I meant to say nothing else, but for the sake of clearness, as being a help to see how far I understand the passage. I also find it useful afterwards to refer to what I have thus written. I very seldom use any other help besides the little I understand of the original of the Scriptures, and some good translations in other languages. My chief help is prayer. I have NEVER in my life begun to study one single part of divine truth, without gaining some light about it, when I have been able really to give myself to prayer and meditation over it. But that I have often found a difficult matter, partly on account of the weakness of the flesh, and partly also on account of bodily infirmities and multiplicity of engagements. This I most firmly believe, that no one ought to expect to see much good resulting from his labours in word and doctrine, if he is not much given to prayer and meditation.\par \par 3. Having prayed and meditated on the subject or text, I desire to leave myself entirely in the hands of the Lord. I ask Him to bring to my mind what I have seen in my room, concerning the subject I am going to speak on, which He generally most kindly does, and often teaches me much additionally, whilst I am preaching.\par \par In connection with the above, I must, however, state, that it appears to me there is a preparation for the public ministry of the Word, which is even more excellent than the one spoken of. It is this: to live in such constant and real communion with the Lord, and to be so habitually and frequently in meditation over the truth, that without the above effort, so to speak, we have obtained food for others, and know the mind of the Lord as to the subject or the portion of the Word on which we should speak. But this I have only in a small measure experienced, though I desire to be brought into such a state, that habitually "out of my belly may flow rivers of living water."\par \par That which I have found most beneficial in my experience for the last fifty-one years in the public ministry of the Word, is, expounding the Scriptures, and especially the going now and then through a whole gospel or epistle. This may be done in a two-fold way, either by entering minutely into the bearing of every point occurring in the portion, or by giving the general outlines, and thus leading the hearers to see the meaning and connexion of the whole. The benefits which I have seen resulting from expounding the Scriptures are these: 1. The hearers are thus, with God's blessing, led to the Scriptures. They find, as it were, a practical use of them in the public meetings. This induces them to bring their bibles, and I have observed that those who at first did not bring them, have afterwards been induced to do so: so that in a short time few, of the believers at least, were in the habit of coming without them. This is no small matter; for every thing, which in our day will lead believers to value the Scriptures, is of importance. 2. The expounding of the Scriptures is in general more beneficial to the hearers than if, on a single verse, or half a verse, or two or three words of a verse some remarks are made, so that the portion of Scripture is scarcely anything but a motto for the subject; for few have grace to meditate much over the Word, and thus exposition may not merely be the means of opening up to them the Scriptures, but may also create in them a desire to meditate for themselves. 3. The expounding of the Scriptures leaves to the hearers a connecting link, so that the reading over again the portion of the Word, which has been expounded, brings to their remembrance what has been said; and thus, with God's blessing, leaves a more lasting impression on their minds. This is particularly of importance as it regards the illiterate, who sometimes have neither much strength of memory nor capacity of comprehension. 4. The expounding of large portions of the Word, as the whole of a gospel or an epistle, besides leading the hearer to see the connexion of the whole, has also this particular benefit for the teacher, that it leads him, with God's blessing, to the consideration of portions of the Word, which otherwise he might not have considered, and keeps him from speaking too much on favourite subjects, and leaning too much to particular parts of truth, which tendency must surely sooner or later injure both himself and his hearers.- Expounding the word of God brings little honour to the preacher from the unenlightened or careless hearer, but it tends much to the benefit of the hearers in general.\par \par Simplicity in expression, whilst the truth is set forth, is, in connexion with what has been said, of the utmost importance. It should be the aim of the teacher to speak so, that children, servants, and people who cannot read, may be able to understand him, so far as the natural mind can comprehend the things of God. It ought also to be remembered, that there is, perhaps, not a single congregation in which there are not persons of the above classes present, and that if they can understand, the well-educated or literary persons will understand likewise; but the reverse does not hold good. It ought further to be remembered that the expounder of the truth of God speaks for God, for eternity, and that it is not in the least likely that he will benefit the hearers, except he uses plainness of speech, which nevertheless needs not to be vulgar or rude. It should also be considered, that if the preacher strive to speak according to the rules of this world, he may please many, Particularly those who have a literary taste; but, in the same proportion, he is less likely to become an instrument in the hands of God for the conversion of sinners, or for the building up of the saints. For neither eloquence nor depth of thought make the truly great preacher, but such a life of prayer and meditation and spirituality, as may render him a vessel meet for the Master's use, and fit to be employed both in the conversion of sinners and in the edification of the saints.\par \par About the beginning of April I went to preach at Sidmouth. While I was staying there, three sisters in the Lord had, in my presence, a conversation about baptism, one of whom had been baptized after she had believed. When they had conversed a little on the subject, I was asked to give my opinion concerning it. My reply was, "I do not think ,that I need to be baptized again." I was then asked by the sister who bad been baptized, "But have you been baptized?" I answered, "Yes, when I was a child." She then replied, "Have you ever read the Scriptures, and prayed with reference to this subject?" I answered, "No." "Then," she said, "I entreat you, never to speak any more about it till you have done so." It pleased the Lord to show me the importance of this remark; for whilst at that very time I was exhorting every one to receive nothing which could not be proved by the word of God, I had repeatedly spoken against believers' baptism, without having ever earnestly examined the Scriptures, or prayed concerning it; and now I determined, if God would help me, to examine that subject also, and if infant baptism were found to be scriptural, I would earnestly defend it; and if believers' baptism were right, I would as strenuously defend that, and be baptized.\par \par As soon as I had time, I set about examining the subject. The mode I adopted was as follows : I repeatedly asked God to teach me concerning it, and I read the New Testament from the beginning, with a particular reference to this point. But now, when I earnestly set about the matter, a number of objections presented themselves to my mind.\par \par 1. Since many holy and enlightened men have been divided in opinion concerning this point, does this not prove, that it is not to be expected we should come to a satisfactory conclusion about this question in the present imperfect state of the church? -This question was thus removed: If this ordinance is revealed in the Bible, why may I not know it, as the Holy Spirit is the teacher in the church of Christ now as well as formerly? 2. There have been but few of my friends baptized, and the greater part of them are opposed to believers' baptism, and they will turn their backs on me. Answer: Though all men should forsake me, if the Lord Jesus takes me up, I shall be happy. 3. You will be sure to lose one half of your income if you are baptized. Answer: As long as I desire to be faithful to the Lord, He will not suffer me to want. 4. People will call you a baptist, and you will be reckoned among that body, and you cannot approve of all that is going on among them. Answer: It does not follow that I must in all points go along with all those who hold believers' baptism, although I should be baptized. 5. You have been preaching for some years, and you will have thus publicly to confess, that you have been in an error, should you be led to see that believers' baptism is right. Answer: It is much better to confess that I have been in error concerning that point than to continue in it. 6. Even if believers' baptism should be right, yet it is now too late to attend to it, as you ought to have been baptized immediately on believing. Answer: It is better to fulfill a commandment of the Lord Jesus ever so late, than to continue in the neglect of it.\par \par It had pleased God, in his abundant mercy, to bring my mind into such a state, that I was willing to carry out into my life whatever I should find in the Scriptures concerning this ordinance, either the one way or the other. I could say, " I will do His will," and it was on that account, I believe, that I soon saw which "doctrine is of God," whether infant baptism or believers' baptism. And I would observe here, by the way, that the passage to which I have just now alluded, John vii. 17, has been a most remarkable comment to me on many doctrines and precepts of our most holy faith. For instance: "Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Matthew v. 39-44. "Sell that ye have, and give alms." Luke xii. 33. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another." Rom. xiii. 8. It may be said, surely these passages cannot be taken literally, for how then would the people of God be able to pass through the world. The state of mind enjoined in John vii. 17, will cause such objections to vanish. Whosoever is WILLING To ACT OUT these commandments of the Lord LITERALLY, will, I believe, be led with me to see that, to take them LITERALLY, is the will of God. -Those who do so take them will doubtless often be brought into difficulties, hard to the flesh to bear, but these will have a tendency to make them constantly feel that they are strangers and pilgrims here, that this world is not their home, and thus to throw them more upon God, who will assuredly help us through any difficulty into which we may be brought by seeking to act in obedience to His word.\par \par As soon as I was brought into this state of heart, I saw from the Scriptures that believers ONLY are the proper subjects for baptism, and that immersion is the only true Scriptural mode, in which it ought to be attended to. The passage which particularly convinced me of the former, is Acts viii. 36-38, and of the latter, Rom. vi. 3-5. Some time after, I was baptized. I had much peace in doing so, and never have I for one single moment regretted it.- Before I leave this point, I would just say a few words concerning the result of this matter, so far as it regards some of the objections which occurred to my mind when I was about to examine the Scriptures concerning baptism.\par \par 1. Concerning the first objection, my conviction now is, that of all revealed truths not on is more clearly revealed in the Scriptures, not even the doctrine of justification by faith, and that the subject has only become obscured by men not having been willing to take the Scriptures alone to decide the point.\par \par 2. Not one of my true friends in the Lord has turned his back on me, as I supposed, and almost all of them have been themselves baptized since.\par \par 3. Though in one way I lost money in consequence of being baptized, yet the Lord did not suffer me to be really a loser, even as it regards temporal things; for He made up the loss most bountifully. In conclusion, my example has been the means of leading many to examine the question of baptism, and to submit, from conviction, to this ordinance and seeing this truth I have been led to speak on it as well as on other truths; and during the forty-five years that I have now resided in Bristol, more than three thousand believers have been baptized among us.\par \par In June of this year (1830) I went to preach at the opening of a chapel in a village near Barnstaple, built by that blessed man of God, Thomas Pugsley, now with the Lord. It pleased God to bring two souls to Himself through this my visit, and one more was converted on another visit. So graciously did the Lord condescend to use me, that almost everywhere He blessed the Word which I preached, thereby testifying that He had sent me, and thereby also getting glory to Himself in using such an instrument. It was so usual for me to preach with particular assistance, especially during the first months of this year, that once, when it was otherwise, it was much noticed by myself and others. The circumstance was this. One day, before preaching at Teignmouth, I had more time than usual, and therefore prayed and meditated about six hours, in preparation for the evening meeting, and I thought I saw many precious truths in the passage on which I had meditated. It was the first part of the first chapter of the epistle to the Ephesians. After I had spoken a little time, I felt that I spoke in my own strength, and I, being a foreigner, felt particularly the want of words, which had not been the case before. I told the brethren, that I felt I was left to myself, and asked their prayers. But after having continued a little longer, and feeling the same as before, I closed, and proposed that we should have a meeting for prayer, that the Lord still might be pleased to help me. We did so, and I was particularly assisted the next time.\par \par During this summer also it appeared to me scriptural, according to the example of the Apostles, Acts xx. 7, to break bread every Lord's day, though there is no commandment given to do so, either by the Lord, or by the Holy Ghost through the Apostles. And at the same time it appeared to me scriptural, according to Eph. iv., Rom. xii., &c., that there should be given room for the Holy Ghost to work through any of the brethren whom He pleased to use; that thus one member might benefit the other with the gift which the Lord has bestowed upon him. Accordingly at certain meetings any of the brethren had an opportunity to exhort or teach the rest, if they considered that they had any thing to say which might be beneficial to the hearers.-I observe here, that, as the Lord gave me grace to endeavour at once to carry out the light which He had been pleased to give me on this point, and as the truth was but in part apprehended, there was much infirmity mixed with the manner of carrying it out. Nor was it until several years after that the Lord was pleased to teach me about this point more perfectly. That the disciples of Jesus should meet together, on the first day of the week, for the breaking of bread, and that that should be their principal meeting, and that those, whether one or several, who are truly gifted by the Holy Spirit for service, be it for exhortation, or teaching, or rule, &c., are responsible to the Lord for the exercise of their gifts: these are to me no matters of uncertainty, but points on which my soul, by grace, is established, through the revealed will of God.\par \par On October 7th, 1830, I was united by marriage to Miss Mary Groves, sister of the brother whose name has already been mentioned. This step was taken after prayer and deliberation, from a full conviction that it was better for me to be married: and I have never regretted since, either the step itself or the choice, but desire to be truly grateful to God for having given me such a wife.\par \par About this time I began to have conscientious objections against any longer receiving a stated salary. My reasons against it were these :-\par \par 1. The salary was made up by pew-rents; but pew-rents are, according to James ii. 1-6, against the mind of the Lord, as, in general, the poor brother cannot have so good a seat as the rich. (All pew-rents were therefore given up, and all the seats made free, which was stated at the entrance of the chapel). 2. A brother may gladly do something towards my support if left to his own time; but when the quarter is up, he has perhaps other expenses, and I do not know, whether he pays his money grudgingly, and of necessity, or cheerfully; but God loveth a cheerful giver. Nay, I knew it to be a fact, that sometimes it had not been convenient to individuals to pay the money, when it had been asked for by the brethren who collected it. 3. Though the Lord had been pleased to give me grace to be faithful, so that I had been enabled not to keep back the truth, when He had shown it to me; still I felt that the pew-rents were a snare to the servant of Christ. It was a temptation to me, at least for a few minutes, at the time when the Lord had stirred me up to pray and search the Word respecting the ordinance of baptism, because \'a330. of my salary was at stake, if I should be baptized.\par \par For these reasons I stated to the brethren, at the end of October, 1830, that I should for the future give up having any regular salary. After I had given my reasons for doing so, I read Philippians iv., and told the saints, that if they still had a desire to do something towards my support, by voluntary gifts, I had no objection to receive them, though ever so small, either in money or provisions. A few days after it appeared to me, that there was a better way still; for if I received personally every single gift, offered in money, both my own time and that of the donors would be much taken up; and in this way also the poor might, through temptation, be kept from offering their pence, a privilege of which they ought not to be deprived; and some also might in this way give more than if it were not known who was the giver; so that it would still be doubtful whether the gifts were given grudgingly or cheerfully. For these reasons especially, there was a box put up in the chapel, over which was written, that whoever had a desire to do something towards my support, might put his offering into the box.\par \par At the same time it appeared to me right, that henceforth I should ask no man, not even my beloved brethren and sisters, to help me, as I had done a few times according to their own request, as my expenses, on account of traveling much in the Lord's service, were too great to be met by my usual income. For unconsciously I had thus again been led, in some measure, to trust in an arm of flesh; going to man, instead of going to the Lord at once. To come to this conclusion before God, required more grace than to give up my salary.\par \par About the same time also my wife and I had grace given to us to take the Lord's commandment, "Sell that ye have, and give alms," Luke xii. 33, literally, and to carry it out. Our staff and support in this matter were Matthew vi. 19-34, John xiv. 13, 14. We leaned on the arm of the Lord Jesus. It is now fifty-one years, since we set out in this way, and we do not in the least regret the step we then took. Our God also has, in His tender mercy, given us grace to abide in the same mind concerning the above points, both as it regards principle and practice; and this has been the means of letting us see the tender love and care of our God over His children, even in the most minute things, in a way in which we never experimentally knew them before; and it has, in particular, made the Lord known to us more fully than we knew Him before, as a prayer hearing God. As I have written down how the Lord has been pleased to deal with us since, I shall be able to relate some facts concerning this matter, as far as they may tend to edification.\par \par \par Extracts from my Journal.\par \par \par Nov. 18th, 1830.-Our money was reduced to about eight shillings. When I was praying with my wife in the morning, the Lord brought to my mind the state of our purse, and I was led to ask Him for some money. About four hours after, we were with a sister1 at Bishopsteignton, and she said to me, "Do you want any money ?" "I told the brethren," said I, "dear sister, when I gave up my salary, that I would for the future tell the Lord only about my wants." She replied, "But He has told me to give you some money. About a fortnight ago I asked Him, what I should do for Him, and He told me to give you some money; and last Saturday it came again powerfully to my mind, and has not left me since, and I felt it so forcibly last night, that I could not help speaking of it to Brother P." My heart rejoiced, seeing the Lord's faithfulness, but I thought it better not to tell her about our circumstances, lest she should be influenced to give accordingly; and I also was assured, that, if it were of the Lord, she could not but give. I therefore turned the conversation to other subjects, but when I left she gave me two guineas. We were full of joy on account of the goodness of the Lord.-I would call upon the reader to admire the gentleness of the Lord, that He did not try our faith much at the commencement, but gave us first encouragement, and allowed us to see His willingness to help us, before He was pleased to try it more fully.\par \par The next Wednesday I went to Exmouth, our money having then again been reduced to about nine shillings. I asked the Lord on Thursday, when at Exmouth, to be pleased to give me some money. On Friday morning, about eight o'clock, whilst in prayer, I was particularly led to ask again for money; and before I rose from my knees I had the fullest assurance, that we should have the answer that very day. About nine o'clock I left the brother with whom I was staying, and he gave me half a sovereign, saying, "Take this for the expenses connected with your coming to us." I did not expect to have my expenses paid, but I saw the Lord's fatherly hand in sending me this money within one hour after my asking Him for some. But even then I was so fully assured that the Lord would send more that very day, or had done so already, that, when I came home about twelve o'clock, I asked my wife whether she had received any letters. She told me she had received one the day before from a brother in Exeter, with three sovereigns. Thus even my prayer on the preceding day had been answered. The next day one of the brethren came and brought me \'a34., which was due to me of my former salary, but which I could never have expected, as I did not even know that this sum was due to me. Thus I received, within thirty hours, in answer to prayer, \'a37. 10s.\par \par In the commencement of December I went to Collumpton, where I preached several times, and likewise in a neighbouring village. In driving home from the village late at night, our driver lost his way. As soon as we found out our mistake, being then near a house, it struck me that the hand of God was in this matter; and having awakened the people of the house, I offered a man something if he would be kind enough to bring us into the right road. I now walked with the man before the gig, and conversed with him about the things of God, and soon found out that he was an awful backslider. May God, in mercy, bless the word spoken to him, and may we learn from this circumstance, that we have to ask on such occasions, why the Lord has allowed such and such things to happen to us. -Since the publication of the first edition, one day, about eight years after this circumstance had happened, the individual who drove me that night introduced himself to me as a believer, and told me that on that evening he received his first impressions under the preaching of the Word. The missing of the right road may have been connected with his state of mind. May I and my fellow-labourers in the Gospel be encouraged by this, patiently to continue to sow the seed, though only after eight years or more we should see the fruit of it. I only add, that up to that time, the individual had been a very dissipated young man, who caused his believing parents very much grief. Their love led them to convey me and my wife to this village and back again, and truly the Lord gave them a reward in doing so.\par \par Between Christmas and the new year, when our money was reduced to a few shillings, I asked the Lord for more; when a few hours after there was given to us a sovereign by a brother from Axminster. This brother had heard much against me, and was at last determined to hear for himself, and thus came to Teignmouth, a distance of forty miles; and having heard about our manner of living, gave us this money.\par \par With this closes the year 1830. Throughout it the Lord richly supplied all my temporal wants, though at the commencement of it I had no certain human prospect for one single shilling; so that, even as it regards temporal things, I had not been in the smallest degree a loser in acting according to the dictates of my conscience; and, as it regards spiritual things, the Lord had indeed dealt bountifully with me, and led me on in many respects, and, moreover, had condescended to use me as an instrument in doing His work.\par \par On January 6th, 7th, and 8th, 1831, I had repeatedly asked the Lord for money, but received none. On the evening of January 8th I left my room for a few minutes, and was then tempted to distrust the Lord, though He had been so gracious to us, in that He not only up to that day had supplied all our wants, but had given us also those answers of prayer, which have been in part just mentioned. I was so sinful, for about five minutes, as to think it would be of no use to trust in the Lord in this way. I also began to say to myself, that I had perhaps gone too far in living in this way. But, thanks to the Lord! this trial lasted but a few minutes. He enabled me again to trust in Him, and Satan was immediately confounded; for when I returned to my room (out of which I had not been absent ten minutes), the Lord had sent deliverance. A sister in the Lord, who resided at Exeter, had come to Teignmouth, and brought us \'a32. 4s.; so the Lord triumphed, and our faith was strengthened.\par \par Jan. 10. Today, when we had again but a few shillings, \'a35. was given to us, which had been taken out of the box. I had, once for all, told the brethren, who had the care of these temporal things, to have the kindness to let me have the money every week; but as these beloved brethren either forgot to take it out weekly, or were ashamed to bring it in such small sums, it was generally taken out every three, four, or five weeks. As I had stated to them, however, from the commencement, that I desired to look neither to man nor the box, but to the living God, I thought it not right on my part, to remind them of my request to have the money weekly, lest it should hinder the testimony which I wished to give, of trusting in the living God alone. It was on this account that on January 28th, when we had again but little money, though I had seen the brethren on January the 24th open the box and take out the money, I would not ask the brother, in whose hands it was, to let me have it; but, standing in need of it, as our coals were almost gone, I asked the Lord to incline his heart to bring it, and but a little time afterwards it was given to us, even \'a31. 8s. 6d.\par \par I would here mention, that since the time I began living in this way, I have been kept from speaking, either directly or indirectly, about my wants, at the time I was in need. But whilst I have refrained, and do still habitually refrain, from speaking to my fellow creatures about my wants at the time, I desire to speak well of the Lord's goodness, after He has delivered me; not only in order that He thus may get glory, but also that the children of God may be encouraged to trust in Him.\par \par On February 14th we had again very little money, and, whilst praying, I was led to ask the Lord, graciously to\par \par supply our wants; and the instant that I rose from my knees, a brother gave me \'a31., which had been taken out of the box.\par \par On March 7th I was again tempted to disbelieve the faithfulness of the Lord, and though I was not miserable, still I was not so fully resting upon the Lord, that I could triumph with joy. It was but one hour after, when the Lord gave me another proof of His faithful love. A Christian lady at Teignmouth had been from home for some time, and on her return she brought from the sisters in the Lord, with whom she had been staying, five sovereigns for us, with these words written in the paper; -"I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink. Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? The King shall answer and say unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."\par \par On March 16th I went to Axminster, and preached in several places in that neighbourhood, besides holding a meeting at Axminster. Whilst staying there I was requested to preach at Chard; but as I had never been away from Teignmouth on the Lord's day, I had to pray much, before I came to the conclusion to comply with the request. At last I had the fullest assurance that I ought to preach at Chard. I have since heard that the Lord used me in edifying the brethren, and through a general exhortation to all, to read the Scriptures with earnestness, a woman was stirred up to do so, and this was the means of her conversion. As to myself, I had a most refreshing season. I mention this circumstance to show how important it is to ascertain the will of God, before we undertake any thing, because we are then not only blessed in our own souls, but also the work of our hands will prosper.-One of the brethren at Chard forced a sovereign upon me, against the acceptance of which I strove much, lest it should appear as if I had preached for money. Another would give me a paper with money. I refused it for the same reason. At last he put it by force into my pocket, and ran away. The paper contained 11s. 6d.\par \par April 16th. This morning I found that our money was reduced to 3s., and I said to myself, I must now go and ask the Lord earnestly for fresh supplies. But before I had prayed, there was sent from Exeter \'a32, as a proof that the Lord hears before we call.\par \par I would observe here, by the way, that if any of the children of God should think that such a mode of living leads away from the Lord, and from caring about spiritual things, and has the effect of causing the mind to be taken up with the question, What shall I eat? What shall I drink ?-and Wherewithal shall I be clothed? and that on that account it would be much better to have a stated salary, particularly for one who labours in the word and doctrine, in order that he may be above these cares; I say, should any believer think so, I would request him, prayerfully to consider the following remarks :-1. I have had experience of both ways, and know that my present mode of living, as to temporal things, is connected with less care. 2. Confidence in the Lord, to whom alone I look for the supply of my temporal wants, keeps me, at least whilst faith is in exercise, when a case of distress comes before me, or when the Lord's work calls for my pecuniary aid, from anxious reckoning like this: Will my salary last out? Shall I have enough myself the next month? &c. In this my freedom, I am, by the grace of God, generally at least, able to say to myself something like this:- My Lord is not limited; He can again supply; He knows that this present case has been sent to me; and thus, this way of living, so far from leading to anxiety, as it regards possible future want, is rather the means of keeping from it. And truly it was once said to me by an individual,-You can do such and such things, and need not to lay by, for the church in the whole of Devonshire cares about your wants. My reply was: The Lord can use not merely any of the saints throughout Devonshire, but those throughout the world, as instruments to supply my temporal wants. 3. This way of living has often been the means of reviving the work of grace in my heart, when I have been getting cold; and it also has been the means of bringing me back again to the Lord, after I have been backsliding. For it will not do,-it is not possible, to live in sin, and, at the same time, by communion with God, to draw down from heaven every thing one needs for the life that now is. 4. Frequently, too, a fresh answer to prayer, obtained in this way, has been the means of quickening my soul, and filling me with much joy.\par \par About April 20th I went to Chumleigh. Here and in the neighbourhood I preached repeatedly, and from thence I went to Barnstaple. Whilst we were at Barnstaple, there was found in my wife's bag a sovereign, put there anonymously. A sister also gave us \'a32. On our return to Teignmouth, May 2, when we emptied our travelling bag, there fell out a paper with money. It contained two sovereigns and threepence, the latter put in, no doubt, to make a noise in emptying the bag. May the Lord bless and reward the giver! In a similar way we found 4s. put anonymously into one of our drawers, a few days after.\par \par June 6. Having prayed much on the previous days, that, when we wanted money, the Lord would be pleased to send some, today, after I had again asked for it, a poor sister brought half a sovereign, 5s. from herself, and 5s. from another very poor sister. This is not only a fresh proof that the Lord hears prayer, but also that He sends by whom He will. Our money had been reduced to 8s.\par \par June 12. Lord's day. On Thursday last I went with brother Craik to Torquay, to preach there. I had only about 3s. with me and left my wife with about 6s. at home. The Lord provided beds for us through the hospitality of a brother. I asked the Lord repeatedly for money; but when I came home my wife had only about 3s. left, having received nothing. We waited still upon the Lord. Yesterday passed away, and no money came. We had 9d. left. This morning we were still waiting upon the Lord, and looking for deliverance. We had only a little butter left for breakfast, sufficient for brother E. and a relative living with us, to whom we did not mention our circumstances, that they might not be made uncomfortable. After the morning meeting, brother Y. most unexpectedly opened the box, and, in giving me quite as unexpectedly the money at such a time, he told me that he and his wife could not sleep last night on account of thinking that we might want money. The most striking point is, that, after I had repeatedly asked the Lord, but received nothing, I then prayed yesterday, that the Lord would be pleased to impress it on brother Y. that we wanted money, so that he might open the box. There was in it \'a31. 8s. 10 1/2d. Our joy on account of this fresh deliverance was great, and we praised the Lord heartily.\par \par June 18. Brother Craik called on us today, and he then had only 1 1/2d. left. A few minutes after, he received: a sum of money, and in returning to us on his way home, he gave us 10s., when we had but 3s. left.\par \par July 20. A shoulder of mutton and a loaf were sent to us anonymously.-I understood some time afterwards, that Satan had raised the false report that we were starving, in consequence of which a believer sent these provisions. I would mention by the way, that various reports have been circulated, on account of this our way of living. Sometimes it has been said that we had not enough to eat, and that surely such and such an infirmity of body we had brought on us, because we had not the necessaries of life. Now, the truth is, that, whilst we have been often brought low; yea, so low, that we have not had even as much as one single penny left; or so as to have the last bread on the table, and not as much money as was needed to buy another loaf;- yet never have we had to sit down to a meal, without our good Lord having provided nourishing food for us. I am bound to state this, and I do it with pleasure. My Master has been a kind Master to me, and if I had to choose this day again, as to the way of living, the Lord giving me grace, I would not choose differently. But even these very reports, false as they were, I doubt not the Lord has sometimes used as a means, to put it into the hearts of His children, to remember our temporal necessities.\par \par About July 25th I preached several times at Collumpton, and in a neighbouring village, in the open air. My experience as it regards preaching in the open air has been very different from what I might have expected. I have often preached out of doors, and but once has it been blessed, as far as I know, and that was in the case of an officer in the army, who came to make sport of it; whilst almost in every place, if not in every place, where I have preached in rooms or chapels, the Lord has given testimony to the Word. Perhaps the Lord has not been pleased to let me see fruit from this part of my work, though I have been many times engaged in it; or it may be, that, because I did not pray so earnestly respecting my out-door preaching as respecting my in-door preaching, the former has not been so much blessed as the latter. But this testimony I cannot but bear, that, though I do not consider it at present my work, on account of want of bodily strength, yet it is a most important work, and I should delight in being so honoured now, as to be allowed to be engaged in it.\par \par August 9. After extreme suffering, which lasted about seventeen hours, my wife was this day delivered of a still-born child.- Who of my readers would suppose, that whilst I was so abundantly blessed by God, and that in so many respects, my heart should have been again many times during several months previous to this day, cold, wretched, carnal? How long-suffering is the Lord! Repeatedly, during this time, I could let hours run on, after I had risen in the morning, before I prayed; at least, before I retired for prayer. And at that time when I appeared most zealous for God, perhaps more so than at any time before or since, I was often far from being in a spiritual state. I was not now, indeed, indulging in gross outward sins, which could be noticed by my brethren; but often - very often, the eye of my kind loving Father must have looked on me with much grief. On this account, I have no doubt, the Lord now, in great compassion, sent this heavy blow. I had not seriously thought of the great danger connected with childbearing, and therefore had never earnestly prayed about it. Now came this solemn time. The life of my dear wife was hanging, as it were, on a thread, and, in the midst of it, my conscience told me, that my state of heart made such a chastisement needful. Yet, at the same time, I was much supported.- When the child was still-born, I saw almost immediately afterwards, that this could not have been expected otherwise, for I had not looked on the prospect of having a child as on a blessing, which I was about to receive from God, but rather considered it as a burden and a hindrance in the Lord's work; for I did not know then, that, whilst a wife and children may be in certain respects, on the one hand, a hindrance to the servant of Christ, they also may fit him, on the other hand, for certain parts of his work, in teaching him things which are important to be known, especially for the pastoral work. The Lord now brought, in addition to this, very great sufferings upon my beloved wife, which lasted for six weeks, combined with a partial lameness of the left side. -Immediately after the eventful time of August 8th and 9th, the Lord brought me, in His tender mercy, again into a spiritual state of heart, so that I was enabled to look on this chastisement as a great blessing. May this my experience be a warning to believing readers, that the Lord may not need to chastise them, on account of their state of heart! May it also be a fresh proof to them, that the Lord, in His very love and faithfulness, will not, and cannot let us go on in backsliding, but that He will visit us with stripes, to bring us back to Himself!\par \par There was one point, however, in which, by grace, I had continued to be faithful to God, i.e. in my mode of living, and, therefore, in as far as I had been faithfully sowing, I now reaped abundantly; for the Lord most graciously supplied, in rich abundance, all our temporal wants, though they were many. Another reason for this may have been, that the Lord never lays more on us, in the way of chastisement, than our state of heart makes needful; so that whilst He smites with the one hand, He supports with the other.-We saw it to be against the Lord's mind to put by any money for my wife's confinement, though we might have, humanly speaking, very easily saved \'a320. or \'a330. during the six months previous to August 7th. I say, humanly speaking, and judging from what we had received during all these months, we might have laid by as much as the above sums; but I have every reason to believe, that, had I begun to lay up, the Lord would have stopped the supplies, and thus, the ability of doing so was only apparent. Let no one profess to trust in God, and yet lay up for future wants, otherwise the Lord will first send him to the hoard he has amassed, before He can answer the prayer for more. We were persuaded, that, if we laid out our money in the Lord's service, He would send more when we needed it; and this our faith, His own gift, He graciously honoured, inasmuch as He not merely gave us what we needed, but much more.\par \par On August 6th, just before this time of need, the Lord sent us \'a35. from a distance of about forty miles, and that from a sister, whom, up to this day, neither of us know personally. On August 7th I received \'a31. 0s. 9 1/2d. out of the box. August 15th, from a distance of twenty-five miles was sent \'a35., and from a distance of about seventy miles \'a31. August 18th, whilst preaching at Chudleigh, \'a31. was sent to me, and a brother sent from Exeter \'a32. August 21st was again sent from a distance of seventy miles \'a35., and August 23rd another \'a35. from the same place. Also, August 22nd, 16s. 9d. was given out of the box. August 24th, a brother, who is a day labourer, gave me 2s. 6d. August 31st, 5s. was given to me. September 3rd, whilst preaching at Chudleigh, \'a33. 10s. was given to me by a brother and three sisters. September 4th, a sister gave me a guinea, and also out of the box was given 9s. 8d. September 10th, \'a36. was given to me. Thus, within about one month, the Lord not only sent us nearly \'a340., but likewise all sorts of suitable provisions and refreshments, needful at such a time; and, in addition to this, the two medical gentlemen who attended my wife would not take any remuneration for their unwearied attention and kindness, during the space of six weeks. Thus the Lord gave us even more than we could have saved, if we had endeavoured to do so.\par \par November 16th. This morning I proposed united prayer respecting our temporal wants. Just as we were about to pray, a parcel came from Exmouth. In prayer we asked the Lord for meat for dinner, having no money to buy any. After prayer, on opening the parcel, we found, among other things, a ham, sent by a brother at Exmouth, which served us for dinner. Thus not only our own family was provided for, but also a sister in the Lord then staying with us.\par \par November 17th. Today we had not a single penny left. We had asked the Lord yesterday and today. We desired only enough money to be able to buy bread. We were reduced more than ever we had been before. But our gracious and faithful Lord, who never lays more upon His children than He enables them to bear, delivered us again this time, by sending us \'a31. 10s. 6d., about an hour before we wanted money to buy bread.\par \par November 19th. We had not enough to pay our weekly rent; but the Lord graciously sent us again today 14s. 6d. I would just observe, that we never contract debts, which we believe to be unscriptural (according to Romans xiii. 8;) and therefore we have no bills with our tailor, shoemaker, grocer, butcher, baker, &c.; but all we buy we pay for in ready money. The Lord helping us, we would rather suffer privation, than contract debts. Thus we always know how much we have, and how much we have a right to give away. May I entreat the believing reader, prayerfully to consider this matter; for I am well aware that many trials come upon the children of God, on account of not acting according to Rom. xiii. 8.\par \par November 27th, Lord's day. Our money had been reduced to 2 1/2d.; our bread was hardly enough for this day. I had several times brought our need before the Lord. After dinner, when I returned thanks, I asked Him to give us our daily bread, meaning literally that He would send us bread for the evening. Whilst I was praying, there was a knock at the door of the room. After I had concluded, a poor sister came in, and brought us some of her dinner, and from another poor sister, 5s. In the afternoon she also brought us a large loaf. Thus the Lord not only literally gave us bread, but also money.\par \par In reading about all these answers to prayer, the believing reader may be led to think that I am spiritually minded above most of the children of God, and that, therefore, the Lord favours us thus. The true reason is this. Just in as many points as we are acting according to the mind of God, in so many are we blessed and made a blessing. Our manner of living is according to the mind of the Lord, for He delights in seeing His children thus come to Him (Matt. vi.); and therefore, though I am weak and erring in many points, yet He blesses me in this particular, and, I doubt not, will bless me, as long as He shall enable me to act according to His will in this matter.\par \par After we had, on December 31st, 1831, looked over the Lord's gracious dealings with us during the past year, in providing for all our temporal wants, we had about 10s. left. A little while after, the providence of God called for that, so that not a single farthing remained. Thus we closed the old year, in which the Lord had been so gracious in giving to us, without our asking any one:-\par \par 1. Through the instrumentality of the box, \'a331. 14s.-\par \par 2. From brethren of the Church at Teignmouth, in presents of money, \'a36. 18s. 6d.\par \par 3. From brethren living at Teignmouth and elsewhere, not connected with the Church at Teignmouth, \'a393. 6s. 2d. Altogether, \'a3131. 18s. 8d.\par \par \par There had been likewise many articles of provision and some articles of clothing given to us, worth at least \'a320. I am so particular in mentioning these things, to show that we are never losers by acting according to the mind of the Lord. For had I had my regular salary, humanly speaking, I should not have had nearly as much; but whether this would have been the case or not, this is plain, that I have not served a hard Master, and that is what I delight to show. For, to speak well of His name, that thus my beloved fellow-pilgrims, who may read this, may be encouraged to trust in Him, is the chief purpose of my writing.\par \par We had now in the new year to look up to our kind Father for new mercies, and during the year 1832 also we found Him as faithful and compassionate as before, not laying more on us than He enabled us to bear, though space will only permit me to mention a few particulars.\par \par January 7, 1832. We had been again repeatedly asking the Lord today and yesterday to supply our temporal wants, having no means to pay our weekly rent; and this evening, as late as eleven o'clock, a brother gave us 19s. 6d., a proof that the Lord is not limited to time.\par \par January 13. The Lord has again graciously fed us today. We have 5d. left, some bread, rice, meat, potatoes, and other good things, and, above all, the Lord Jesus. He who has provided will provide.\par \par January 14. This morning we had nothing but dry bread with our tea; only the second time since we have been living by simple faith upon Jesus for temporal supplies. We have more than \'a340. of ready money in the house for two bills,2 which will not be payable for several weeks; but we do not consider this money to be our own, and would rather suffer great privation, God helping us, than take of it. I thank the Lord, who gives me grace to be more faithful in these matters than I used to be formerly, when I would have taken of it, and said, that by the time the money was actually due, I should be able to replace it. We were looking to our Father, and He has not suffered us to be disappointed. For when now we had but 3d. left, and only a small piece of bread, we received 2s. and 5s., the particulars concerning which would take up too much space.\par \par February 18. This afternoon I broke a blood vessel in my stomach, and lost a considerable quantity of blood. I was very happy immediately afterwards. February 19. This morning, Lord's day, two brethren called on me, to ask me what arrangement there should be made today, as it regarded the four villages, where some of the brethren were in the habit of preaching, as, on account of my not being able to preach, one of the brethren would need to stay at home to take my place. I asked them, kindly to come again in about an hour, when I would give them an answer. After they were gone, the Lord gave me faith to rise. I dressed myself, and determined to go to the chapel. I was enabled to do so, though so weak when I went, that walking the short distance to the chapel was an exertion to me. I was enabled to preach this morning with as loud and strong a voice as usual, and for the usual length of time. After the morning meeting, a medical friend called on me, and entreated me not to preach again in the afternoon, as it might greatly injure me. I told him, that I should indeed consider it great presumption to do so, had the Lord not given me faith. I preached again in the afternoon, and this medical friend called again, and said the same concerning the evening meeting. Nevertheless, having faith, I preached again in the evening. After each meeting I became stronger, which was a plain proof that the hand of God was in the matter. After the third meeting I went immediately to bed, considering that it would be presumption to try my strength needlessly.\par \par February 20. The Lord enabled me to rise early in the morning, and to go to our usual prayer-meeting, where I read, spoke, and prayed. Afterwards I wrote four letters, expounded the scriptures at home, and attended the meeting again in the evening. February 21. I attended the two meetings as usual, preached in the evening, and did my other work besides. February 22. Today I attended the meeting in the morning, walked afterwards six miles with two brethren to Newton Bushel, and rode from thence to Plymouth: February 23. I am now as well as I was before I broke the blood vessel.-In relating the particulars of this circumstance I would earnestly warn every one who may read this, not to imitate me in such a thing if he has no faith; but if he has, it will, as good coin, most assuredly be honoured by God. I could not say, that, if such a thing should happen again, I would act in the same way; for when I have been not nearly so weak as when I had broken the blood-vessel, having no faith, I did not preach; yet if it were to please the Lord to give me faith, I might be able to do the same, though even still weaker than at the time just spoken of.\par \par About this time I repeatedly prayed with sick believers till they were restored. Unconditionally I asked the Lord for the blessing of bodily health, (a thing which I could not do now), and almost always had the petition granted. In some instances, however, the prayer was not answered. In the same way, whilst in London, Nov. 1829, in answer to my prayers, I was immediately restored from a bodily infirmity under which I had been labouring for a long time, and which has never returned since. The way in which I now account for these facts is as follows. It pleased the Lord, I think, to give me in such cases something like the gift (not grace) of faith, so that unconditionally I could ask and look for an answer. The difference between the gift and the grace of faith seems to me this. According to the gift of faith I am able to do a thing, or believe that a thing will come to pass, the not doing of which, or the not believing of which would not be sin; according to the grace of faith I am able to do a thing, or believe that a thing will come to pass, respecting which I have the word of God as the ground to rest upon, and, therefore, the not doing it, or the not believing it would be sin. For instance, the gift of faith would be needed, to believe that a sick person should be restored again though there is no human probability: for there is no promise to that effect; the grace of faith is needed to believe that the Lord will give me the necessaries of life, if I first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness: for there is a promise to that effect." Matt. vi.\par \par March 18. These two days we have not been able to purchase meat. The sister in whose house we lodge gave us today part of her dinner. We are still looking to Jesus for deliverance. We want money to pay the weekly rent and to buy provisions. March 19. Our landlady sent again of her meat for our dinner. We have but a halfpenny left. I feel myself very cold in asking for money: still I hope for deliverance, though I do not see whence money is to come. We were not able to buy bread today as usual. March 20. This has been again a day of very great mercies. In the morning we met round our breakfast which the Lord had provided for us, though we had not a single penny left. The last half-penny was spent for milk. We were then still looking to Jesus for fresh supplies. We both had no doubt that the Lord would interfere. I felt it a trial that I had but little earnestness in asking the Lord, and had this not been the case, perhaps we might have had our wants sooner supplied. We have about \'a37. in the house; but considering it no longer our own, the Lord kept us from taking of it, with the view of replacing what we had taken, as formerly I might have done. The meat which was sent yesterday for our dinner, was enough also for today. Thus the Lord had provided another meal. Two sisters called upon us about noon, who gave us two pounds of sugar, one pound of coffee, and two cakes of chocolate. Whilst they were with us, a poor sister came and brought 1s. from herself, and 2s. 6d. from another poor sister. Our landlady also sent us again of her dinner, and also a loaf. Our bread would scarcely have been enough for tea, had the Lord not thus graciously provided. In the afternoon the same sister who brought the money, brought us also from another sister, one pound of butter and 2s., and from another sister 5s. Thus the Lord graciously has again answered our feeble and cold breathings. Lord, strengthen our faith\par \par March 29. I went to Shaldon this morning. Brother Craik has left for Bristol for four weeks. I think he will only return to take leave, and that the Lord will give him work there. [What a remarkable presentiment, which came to pass, concerning my beloved brother and fellow-labourer!]\par \par April 4. Besides our own family, there are now four visitors staying with us, and we have but 2s. April 5. Four pounds of cheese, and one pound of butter were sent to us. April 7. Anonymously was sent to us, from Plymouth, a large ham, with two sovereigns tied in the corner of the cloth in which the ham was wrapped up. Thus the Lord, once more, in this our time of need, when our expenses are double, has graciously appeared for us.\par \par April 8. I have again felt much this day that Teignmouth is no longer my place, and that I shall leave it.\par \par I would observe that in August of the preceding year (1831), I began greatly to feel as if my work at Teignmouth were done, and that I should go somewhere else. On writing about this to a friend, I was led, from the answer I received, to consider the matter more maturely, and at last had it settled in this way, that it was not likely to be of God, because, for certain reasons, I should naturally have liked to leave Teignmouth. Afterwards I felt quite comfortable in remaining there. In the commencement of the year 1832 I began again much to doubt whether Teignmouth was my place, or whether my gift was not much more that of going about from place to place, seeking to bring believers back to the Scriptures, than to stay in one place and to labour as a pastor. I thought so particularly whilst at Plymouth, in February. On my return, however, I resolved to try whether it were not the will of God that I should still give myself to pastoral work among the brethren at Teignmouth; and, with more earnestness and faithfulness than ever, I was enabled to attend to this work, and was certainly much refreshed and blessed in it; and I saw immediately blessings result from it. This my experience seemed more than ever to settle me at Teignmouth. But notwithstanding this, the impression that my work was done there, came back after some time, as the remark in my journal of April 8th shows, and it became stronger and stronger. There was one point remarkable in connexion with this. Wherever I went, I preached with much more enjoyment and power than at Teignmouth, the very reverse of which had been the case on my first going there. Moreover, almost every where I had many more hearers than at Teignmouth, and found the people hungering after food, which, generally speaking, was no longer the case at Teignmouth.\par \par April 10. I asked the Lord for a text, but obtained none. At last; after having again much felt that Teignmouth is not my place, I was directed to Isaiah li. 9-11. April 11. Felt again much that Teignmouth will not much longer be my residence. April 12. Still feel the impression that Teignmouth is no longer my place. April 13. Found a letter from Brother Craik, from Bristol, on my return from Torquay, where I had been to preach. He invites me to come and help him. It appears to me from what he writes, that such places as Bristol more suit my gifts. O Lord, teach me! I have felt this day more than ever, that I shall soon leave Teignmouth. I fear, however, there is much connected with it which savours of the flesh, and that makes me fearful. It seems to me as if I should shortly go to Bristol, if the Lord permit. April 14. Wrote a letter to Brother Craik, in which I said I should come, if I clearly saw it to be the Lord's will. Have felt again very much today, yea, far more than ever, that I shall soon leave Teignmouth. At last I was pressed in spirit to determine that tomorrow I would tell the brethren so, in order that by the result of this I might see more of the Lord's mind; and that, at all events, I might have their prayers, to be directed in this matter by the Lord.\par \par April 15. Lord's day. This evening I preached again once more, as fully as time would permit, on the Lord's second coming. After having done so, I told the brethren what effect this doctrine had had upon me, on first receiving it, even to determine me to leave London, and to preach throughout the kingdom; but that the Lord had kept me chiefly at Teignmouth for these two years and three months, and that it seemed to me now that the time was near when I should leave them. I reminded them of what I told them when they requested me to take the oversight of them, that I could make no certain engagement, but stay only so long with them as I should see it to be the Lord's will to do so. There was much weeping afterwards. But I am now again in peace. [This would not have been the case, had the matter not been of God. I knew of no place to go to. My mind was much directed to Torquay, to preach there for a month or so, and then to go further. For though I had written that I would come to Bristol, I meant only to stay there for a few days, and to preach a few times.]\par \par April 16. This morning I am still in peace. I am glad I have spoken to the brethren, that they may be prepared, in case the Lord should take me away.-Having again little money, and being about to leave Teignmouth for several days, I asked the Lord for a fresh supply, and within about four hours afterwards he sent me, from six different quarters, \'a33. 7s. 6d. I left today for Dartmouth, where I preached in the evening.-There was much weeping today among the saints at Teignmouth. This is already a trial to me, and it will be still more so should I actually leave.-It is a most important work to go about and stir up the churches; but it requires much grace, much self-denial, much saying over the same things, and the greatest watchfulness and faithfulness, in making use of one's time for prayer, meditation, and reading the Scriptures.-I had five answers to prayer today. 1. I awoke at five, for which I had asked the Lord last evening. 2. The Lord removed from my dear wife an indisposition, under which she had been suffering. It would have been trying to me to have had to leave her in that state. 3. The Lord sent us money. 4. There was a place vacant on the Dartmouth coach, which only passes through Teignmouth. 5. This evening I was assisted in preaching, and my own soul refreshed.\par \par April 17. I preached again at Dartmouth. April 18. I am still at Dartmouth. I wrote to Brother Craik, that, the Lord willing, I should be with him at Bristol on the 21st. I preached again this evening, with especial assistance, before a large congregation. April 19. I awoke early, and had a good while to myself for prayer and reading the Word, and left happy in spirit for Torquay, where I preached in the evening with much help. The brethren are sorry, that, on account of my going to Bristol, my regular weekly preaching will be given up there for a while. I walked home after preaching, and arrived at Teignmouth at twelve o'clock.\par \par April 20. I left this morning for Bristol. I preached with little power (as to my own feeling) in Exeter, from three till half-past four. At five I left for Taleford, where I preached in the evening, likewise with little power. I was very tired in body, and had had therefore little prayer. But still, in both places, the believers seemed refreshed. I went to bed at eleven, very, very tired.\par \par April 21. This morning I rose a little before five, and attended a prayer meeting from a quarter past five, to a quarter past six. I spoke for some time at the meeting. Afterwards I prayed and read again with some believers, and likewise expounded the Scriptures. The Bristol coach took me up about ten. I was very faithless on the journey.\par \par I did not speak a single word for Christ, and was therefore wretched in my soul. This has shown me again my weakness. Though the Lord had been so gracious to me yesterday, in this particular, both on my way from Teignmouth to Exeter, and from Exeter to Taleford, and had given me much encouragement, in that He made my fellow-travellers either thankfully to receive the word, or constrained them quietly to listen to the testimony; yet I did not confess Him today. Nor did I give away a single tract, though I had my pockets full on purpose. O wretched man that I am!\par \par I would offer here a word of warning to my fellow-believers. Often the work of the Lord itself may be a temptation to keep us from that communion with Him which is so essential to the benefit of our own souls.-On the 19th I had left Dartmouth, conversed a good deal that day, preached in the evening, walked afterwards eight miles, had only about five hours sleep, traveled again the next day twenty-five miles, preached twice, and conversed very much besides, went to bed at eleven, and rose before five. All this shows that my body and spirit required rest, and, therefore, however careless about the Lord's work I might have appeared to my brethren, I ought to have had a great deal of quiet time for prayer and reading the Word, especially as I had a long journey before me that day, and as I was going to Bristol, which in itself required much prayer. Instead of this, I hurried to the prayer meeting after a few minutes' private prayer. But let none think that public prayer will make up for closet communion. Then again, afterwards, when I ought to have withdrawn myself, as it were, by force, from the company of beloved brethren and sisters, and given my testimony for the Lord (and, indeed, it would have been the best testimony I could have given them), by telling them that I needed secret communion with the Lord: I did not do so, but spent the time, till the coach came, in conversation with them. Now, however profitable in some respects it may have been to those with whom I was on that morning, yet my own soul needed food; and not having had it, I was lean, and felt the effects of it the whole day, and hence I believe it came that I was dumb on the coach.\par \par April 22. This morning I preached at Gideon Chapel, Bristol. [Though this sermon gave rise to false reports, yet the Lord was pleased to bless it to several; and the false reports were likewise instrumental in bringing many individuals under the sound of the Word.] In the afternoon I preached at the Pithay Chapel. [This sermon was a blessing to many, many souls; and many were brought through it, to come afterwards to hear Brother Craik and me. Among others it was the means of converting a young man who was a notorious drunkard, and who was just again on his way to a public house, when an acquaintance of his met him, and asked him to go with him to hear a foreigner preach. He did so; and from that moment he was so completely altered, that he never again went to a public house, and was so happy in the Lord afterwards that he often neglected his supper, from eagerness to read the Scriptures, as his wife told me. He died about five months afterwards.] This evening I was much instructed in hearing Brother Craik preach. I am now fully persuaded that Bristol is the place where the Lord will have me to labour.\par \par April 23. This evening I preached again with much assistance at Gideon. I was very happy. [The Lord made this testimony a blessing to several.] I feel that Bristol is my place for a while. The Lord mercifully teach me!\par \par April 27. It seems to Brother Craik and myself the Lord's will that we should go home next week, in order that in quietness, without being influenced by what we see here, we may more inquire into the Lord's will concerning us. It especially appears to us much more likely that we should come to a right conclusion among the brethren and sisters in Devonshire, whose tears we shall have to witness, and whose entreaties to stay with them we shall have to hear, than here in Bristol, where we see only those who wish us to stay. Some asked me to stay with them while Brother Craik goes home. But it seems better that we should both go. [I observe here, it was evident that many preferred my beloved brother's gifts to my own; yet, as he would not come, except I came with him: and as I knew that I also had been called by the Lord for the ministry of the Word, I knew that I also should find my work in Bristol, and that though it might be a different one, yet I should fill up in some measure his lack, whilst he supplied my deficiencies; and that thus we might both be a benefit to the church and to the world in Bristol. The result has evidently confirmed this. I am, moreover, by the grace of God, strengthened to rejoice in my fellow-labourer's honour, instead of envying him; having, in some measure, been enabled to enter into the meaning of that word: "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from above."\par \par April 28. It still seems to us the Lord's will that we should both leave soon, to have quiet time for prayer concerning Bristol. This afternoon I felt the want of retirement, finding afresh, that the society of brethren cannot make up for communion with the Lord. I spent about three hours over the Word and in prayer, this evening, which has been a great refreshment to my inner man.\par \par April 29. I preached this morning with much outward power, but with little inward enjoyment, on Rev. iii. 14-22. [As it afterwards appeared, that testimony was blessed to many, though I lacked enjoyment in my own soul. May this be an encouragement to those who labour in word and doctrine!] This afternoon Brother Craik preached in a vessel called the Clifton Ark, fitted up for a chapel. In the evening I preached in the same vessel. [These testimonies also God greatly honoured, and made them the means of afterwards bringing several, who then heard us, to our meeting places. How did God bless us in everything we took into our hands! How was He with us, and how did He help us, thereby evidently showing that He Himself had sent us to this city! !] Brother Craik preached this evening at Gideon for the last time previous to our going. The aisles, the pulpit stairs, and the vestry were filled, and multitudes went away on account of the want of room.\par \par April 30. It was most affecting to take leave of the dear children of God, dozens pressing us to return soon, many with tears in their eyes. The blessing which the Lord has given to our ministry, seems to be very great.\par \par We both see it fully the Lord's will to come here, though we do not see under what circumstances. A brother has promised to take Bethesda Chapel for us, and to be answerable for the payment of the rent: so that thus we should have two large chapels.-I saw, again, two instances today, in which my preaching has been blessed.\par \par May 1. Brother Craik and I left this morning for Devonshire. May 2. I preached this evening at Bishopsteignton, and told the brethren, that, the Lord willing, I should soon leave them. May 3. I saw several of the brethren today, and felt so fully assured that it is the Lord's will that I should go to Bristol, that I told them so. This evening I had a meeting with the three deacons, when I told them plainly about it; asking them, if they see any thing wrong in me concerning this matter, to tell me of it. They had nothing to say against it; yea, though much wishing me to stay, they were convinced themselves that my going is of God.\par \par May 4. I saw again several brethren today, and told them about my intention to go to Bristol. There is much sorrowing and sighing, but it does not move me in the least, though I desire to sympathize with them. I am still fully persuaded that the Lord will have us go to Bristol. May 5. One other striking proof to my mind, that my leaving Teignmouth is of God, is, that some truly spiritual believers, though they much wish me to stay, themselves see that I ought to go to Bristol.\par \par May 7. Having received a letter from Bristol on May 5th, it was answered today in such a way that the Lord may have another opportunity, to prevent our going thither, if it be not of Him. Especially we will not move a single stone out of the way in our own strength, and much less still be guilty of a want of openness and plainness, nor would we wish by such means to obtain Bethesda chapel.\par \par May 11. The Lord seems to try us about Bristol. There was reason to expect a letter the day before yesterday, but none came; also today there is no letter. Even this is very good for us. Yea, I do wish most heartily that we may not have Bethesda chapel, if it be not good for us.\par \par May 15. Just when I was in prayer concerning Bristol, I was sent for to come to Brother Craik. Two letters had arrived from Bristol. The brethren assembling at Gideon accept our offer to come under the conditions we have made, i.e., for the present to consider us only as ministering among them, but not in any fixed pastoral relationship, so that we may preach as we consider it to be according to the mind of God, without reference to any rules among them; that the pew-rents should be done away with and that we should go on, respecting the supply of our temporal wants, as in Devonshire. We intend, the Lord willing, to leave in about a week, though there is nothing settled respecting Bethesda chapel.\par \par May 16. I preached for the last time at Bishopsteignton, and took leave of the brethren. May 17. I went to Exmouth, and, after preaching, took leave of the brethren. May 21. I began today to take leave of the brethren at Teignmouth, calling on each of them. In the evening I went over to Shaldon to take leave of the brethren, of whom brother Craik has had the oversight. It has been a trying day. Much weeping on the part of the saints. Were I not so fully persuaded that it is the will of God we should go to Bristol, I should have been hardly able to bear it.\par \par May 22. The brethren at Shaldon and Teignmouth say, that they expect us soon back again. As far as I understand the way in which God deals with his children, this seems very unlikely. In every respect we have seen the Lord's goodness, and all proves that it is His will that we should go to Bristol. This full persuasion has helped me to withstand all the tears of the saints. Towards the evening the Lord, after repeated prayer, gave me Col. i. 21-23, as a text, for the last word of exhortation. It seemed to me best to speak as little as possible about myself, and as much as possible about Christ. I scarcely alluded to our separation, and only commended myself and the brethren, in the concluding prayer, to the Lord. The parting scenes are very trying, but my full persuasion is, that the separation is of the Lord.\par \par May 23. My beloved wife, Mr. Groves, my father-in-law, and I left this morning for Exeter. Dear brother Craik intends to follow us tomorrow.\par \par \par Review of the time since I left London, up to my removal from Teignmouth.\par \par \par I. All this time the Lord never allowed me to regret the step I had taken, in separating from the Society.\par \par II. The results have most abundantly shown, that it was of God; for, by His help, 1, I have not lost in truth or grace since. 2, I have been in peace concerning the matter. 3, the Lord made it a blessing to many souls.\par \par III. During this period it pleased the Lord, to convert, through my instrumentality, many souls at Teignmouth, Exmouth, Bishopsteignton, Exeter, Chudleigh, in the neighbourhood of Barnstaple, at Chard, and elsewhere. The church at Teignmouth increased from eighteen to fifty-one.\par \par IV. The Lord most graciously supplied all my temporal wants during this period, so that I lacked no good thing.\par \par V. We had unexpectedly received, just before we left Teignmouth, about \'a315., else we should not have been able to defray all the expenses connected with leaving, traveling, &c. By this also the Lord showed His mind concerning our going to Bristol.\par \par VI. During these two years and five months, since I left London, I have sinned in many respects, though walking, it may be, in the eyes of the brethren, very near to God. Indeed, my confession concerning this time also is, that I have been an unprofitable servant.\par \par \par The following record will now show to the believing reader how far, what I have said concerning my persuasion, that it was the will of God that we should go to Bristol, has been proved by facts.\par \par May 25th, 1832. This evening we arrived in Bristol. May 27. This morning we received a sovereign, sent to us by a sister residing in Devonshire, which we take as an earnest that the Lord will provide for us here also. May 28. When we were going to speak to the brethren, who manage the temporal affairs of Gideon chapel, about giving up the pew-rents, having all the seats free, and receiving the free-will offerings through a box, a matter which was not quite settled on their part, as brother Craik and I had thought; we found that the Lord had so graciously ordered this matter for us, that there was not the least objection on the part of these brethren.\par \par June 4. For several days we have been looking about for lodgings, but finding none plain and cheap enough, we were led to make this also a subject of earnest prayer; and now, immediately afterwards, the Lord has given us such as are suitable. They are the plainest and cheapest we can find, but still too good for servants of Jesus, as our Master had not where to lay His head. We pay only 18s. a week for two sitting-rooms and three bedrooms, coals and attendance. It was particularly difficult to find cheap furnished lodgings, having five rooms in the same house, which we need, as brother Craik and we live together. How good is the Lord to have thus appeared for us, in answer to prayer, and what an encouragement to commit every thing to Him in prayer!\par \par June 5. Today we had already a testimony of a sinner having been converted by brother Craik's instrumentality, on the first Lord's day in April, simply through hearing the text read. [This aged sister lived eleven years afterwards, during which time her walk was according to the profession she made. She fell asleep in 1843.] June 7. We have daily fresh encouragements, and fresh proofs that our being here is of God. June 16. We saw another instance of conversion through brother Craik's instrumentality.\par \par June 25. Today it was finally settled to take Bethesda chapel for a twelvemonth, on condition that a brother at once paid the rent, with the understanding, that, if the Lord shall bless our labours in that place, so that believers are gathered together in fellowship, he expects them to help him; but, if not, that he will pay all. This was the only way in which we could take the chapel; for we could not think it to be of God to have had this chapel, though there should have been every prospect of usefulness, if it had made us in any way debtors. We had tried to obtain a cheaper meeting-place, but could find none large enough to accommodate the hearers.\par \par July 6. Today we commenced preaching at Bethesda Chapel. It was a good day. July 13. Today we heard of the first cases of cholera in Bristol. July 16. This evening, from six to nine o'clock, we had appointed for conversing at the vestry, one by one, with individuals, who wished to speak to us about their souls. There were so many, that we were engaged from six till twenty minutes past ten.\par \par These meetings we have continued ever since twice a week, or once a week, or once a fortnight, or once a month, as our strength and time allowed it, or as they seemed needed. We have found them beneficial in the following respects:\par \par 1. Many persons, on account of timidity, would prefer coming at an appointed time to the vestry to converse with us, to calling on us in our own house. 2. The very fact of appointing a time for seeing people, to converse with them in private concerning the things of eternity, has brought some, who, humanly speaking, never would have called on us under other circumstances; yea, it has brought even those who, though they thought they were concerned about the things of God, yet were completely ignorant; and thus we have had an opportunity of speaking to them. 3. These meetings have also been a great encouragement to ourselves in the work, for often, when we thought that such and such expositions of the Word had done no good at all, it was, through these meetings, found to be the reverse; and likewise, when our hands were hanging down, we have been afresh encouraged to go forward in the work of the Lord, and to continue sowing the seed in hope, by seeing at these meetings fresh cases, in which the Lord had condescended to use us as instruments, particularly as in this way instances have sometimes occurred in which individuals have spoken to us about the benefit which they derived from our ministry, not only a few months before, but even as long as two, three, and four years before.\par \par For the above reasons I would particularly recommend to other servants of Christ, especially to those who live in large towns, if they have not already introduced a similar plan, to consider whether it may not be well for them also to set apart such times for seeing inquirers. Those meetings, however, require much prayer, to be enabled to speak aright, to all those who come, according to their different need; and one is led continually to feel that one is not sufficient of one's self for these things, but that our sufficiency can be alone of God. These meetings also have been by far the most wearing out part of all our work, though at the same time the most refreshing.\par \par July 18. Today I spent the whole morning in the vestry, to procure a quiet season. This has now for some time been the only way, on account of the multiplicity of engagements, to make sure of time for prayer, reading the Word and meditation. July 19. I spent from half-past nine till one in the vestry, and had real communion with the Lord. The Lord be praised, who has put it into my mind to use the vestry for a place of retirement!\par \par August 5. When all our money was gone today, the Lord again graciously supplied our wants. August 6. This afternoon, from two till after six, brother Craik and I spent in the vestry, to see the inquirers. We have had again, in seeing several instances of blessing upon our labours, abundant reason brought before us to praise the Lord for having sent us to Bristol.\par \par August 13, 1832. This evening one brother and four sisters united with brother Craik and me in church fellowship at Bethesda, without any rules, desiring only to act as the Lord shall be pleased to give us light through His word.\par \par August 14. This day we set apart for prayer concerning the cholera, and had three meetings.\par \par August 17. This morning, from six to eight, we had a prayer meeting at Gideon, on account of the cholera. Between two and three hundred people were present. [We continued these meetings every morning, as long as the cholera raged in Bristol, and afterwards changed them into prayer meetings for the church at large, so that we had them for about four months.]\par \par August 24. This morning a sister in the Lord, within fifty yards of our lodging, was taken ill in the cholera, and died this afternoon. Her husband, also a believer, has been attacked, and may be near death. The ravages of this disease are becoming daily more and more fearful. We have reason to believe that great numbers die daily in this city. Who may be the next, God alone knows. I have never realised so much the nearness of death. Except the Lord keep us this night, we shall be no more in the land of the living tomorrow. Just now, ten in the evening, the funeral bell is ringing, and has been ringing the greater part of this evening. It rings almost all the day. Into Thine hands, O Lord, I commend myself! Here is Thy poor worthless child! If this night I should be taken in the cholera, my only hope and trust is in the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for the remission of all my many sins. I have been thoroughly washed in it, and the righteousness of God covers me.- As yet there have not been any of the saints, among whom brother Craik and I labour, taken in the cholera. [Only one of them fell asleep afterwards in consequence of this disease. I would observe, that though brother Craik and I visited many cholera cases, by day and by night, yet the Lord most graciously preserved us and our families from it.]\par \par September 17. This morning the Lord, in addition to all His other mercies, has given us a little girl, who, with her mother, are doing well.\par \par September 21. On account of the birth of our little one, and brother Craik's intended marriage, it is needful that we change our lodgings, as they will now be too small for us, because we shall want one room more. Just when we were thinking about this, the house belonging to Gideon chapel, which had been let for three years, was unexpectedly given up by the tenant, and it was now offered to us by the church. We said we could not think of going into it, as we had no furniture, and no money to buy any. The brother who proposed our going into that house, however, replied that the brethren would gladly furnish it for us, to which we objected, fearing it would burthen them. When, however, the matter was repeatedly mentioned, and when it was particularly expressed that it would be a pleasure to the brethren to furnish the house, we began to consider the subject in prayer, and we saw no scriptural objection to accept this kindness, provided the furniture was very plain. This was promised. The house was furnished, yet the love of the brethren had done it more expensively than we wished it.\par \par September 23. Today an individual desired publicly to return thanks to the Lord, for having been supported under the loss of a child, mother, brother, and wife, in the cholera, within one month.\par \par September 25. Last night brother Craik and I were called out of bed to a poor woman ill in the cholera. She was suffering intensely. We never saw a case so distressing. We could hardly say any thing to her on account of her loud cries. I felt as if the cholera was coming upon me. We commended ourselves into the hands of the Lord when we came home, and He mercifully preserved us. The poor woman died today.\par \par Oct. 1. A meeting for inquirers this afternoon from two to five. Many more are convinced of sin through brother Craik's preaching than my own. This circumstance led me to inquire into the reasons, which are probably these :-1. That brother Craik is more spiritually minded than I am. 2. That he prays more earnestly for the conversion of sinners than I do. 3. That he more frequently addresses sinners, as such, in his public ministrations, than I do.-This led me to more frequent and earnest prayer for the conversion of sinners, and to address them more frequently as such. The latter had never been intentionally left undone, but it had not been so frequently brought to my mind as to that of brother Craik. Since then, the cases in which it has pleased the Lord to use me as an instrument of conversion have been quite as many as those in which brother Craik has been used. May the Lord be pleased to use this as a means to lead any of His servants, who may not have acted according to these two last points, to seek to do so, and may He graciously enable me to do so more abundantly!\par \par October 3. This day we set apart as a day of thanksgiving, the cholera having decreased. Oct. 5. Prayer meeting this morning as usual. The cholera is very much decreasing, and the number at our morning prayer meetings likewise.-Hundreds of people were stirred up at that time, but many of them, when the judgment of God had passed away, cared no longer about their souls. Yet a goodly number, who were first led through the instrumentality of the cholera to seek the Lord, are now breaking bread with us, and are walking in the fear of the Lord. How merciful in its results has this heavy judgment been to many!\par \par January 4, 1833. This morning we received letters from Bagdad. The missionary brethren there invite brother Craik and me to come and join them in their labours. The invitation was accompanied by drafts to the amount of \'a3200., for our traveling expenses. What wilt Thou have me to do, gracious Lord ? I do not know what may be the Lord's mind. There are points which ought to be much considered and prayed over: There are German villages not very far from Bagdad, where I might labour; upon our going, that of certain other individuals may depend; the brethren at Bagdad are of one mind respecting our going out; good may be done on the way; the going out without any visible support from a society, simply trusting in the Lord for the supply of our temporal wants, would be a testimony for Him; I have had for years a feeling as if one day I should go out as a missionary to the heathen or Mahomedans; and lastly, the hands of the brethren at Bagdad may be strengthened; these are the points, which must appear of no sufficient weight in comparison with the importance of our work here, before I can determine not to go.\par \par January 5. I considered with brother Craik about going to Bagdad. We see nothing clearly. If the Lord will have me to go, here I am. January 7. I spent again some time in prayer, respecting our going to Bagdad, and examined more fully into it. January 8. I had from half-past five till eight this morning to myself in prayer and reading the Word. I prayed then, and repeatedly besides this day, respecting our going to Bagdad. I wrote also a letter to some believers at and near Barnstaple, to ask their prayers concerning this matter. I do not see more clearly than I did before. January 9. I again asked the Lord concerning Bagdad, but see nothing clearly respecting it. I told the Lord I should stay at my post, unless He Himself should most evidently take me away, and I did not feel afterwards my remaining here to be against His will. January 14. I feel more and more satisfied that it is not of the Lord that I should go to Bagdad. January 19. For some days past I have been reading brother Groves' journal of his residence at Bagdad, both for the sake of information respecting his position there, and also, if it please the Lord, that He may use this as a means to show me clearly wether I should go or stay. Blessed be His name that I have no desire of my own in this matter! [Forty-seven years have since passed away, and I think I may say this day still, according to the best of my knowledge, I had no desire of my own in this matter; but I never saw it to be the Lord's will to leave the work which He Himself had so evidently given me.]\par \par February 9. I read a part of Franke's life. The Lord graciously help me to follow him, as far as he followed Christ. The greater part of the Lord's people whom we know in Bristol are poor, and if the Lord were to give us grace to live more as this dear man of God did, we might draw much more than we have as yet done out of our Heavenly Father's bank, for our poor brethren and sisters.\par \par May 27. Today the two churches, assembling at Gideon and Bethesda, met together at tea.-These meetings we have often repeated, and found them profitable on several accounts. 1. They give a testimony to the world of the love of the brethren, by rich and poor meeting thus together to partake of a meal. 2. Such meetings may be instrumental in uniting the saints more and more together. 3. They give us a sweet foretaste of our meeting together at the marriage supper of the Lamb.-At these meetings we pray and sing together, and any brother has an opportunity to speak what may tend to the edification of the rest.\par \par May 28. This morning, whilst sitting in my room, the distress of several brethren and sisters was brought to my mind, and I said to myself, "Oh that it might please the Lord to give me means to help them!" About an hour afterwards I received \'a360. from a brother, whom up to this day I never saw, and who then lived, as he does still, at a distance of several thousand miles. This shows how the Lord can provide in any way for His people, and that He is not confined to places. Oh that my heart might overflow with gratitude to the Lord! [Since the first edition was printed, I have become personally acquainted with the donor.]\par \par May 29. Review of the last twelve months, since we have been in Bristol, as it regards the fruits of our labours. 1. It has pleased the Lord to gather a church, through our instrumentality, at Bethesda, which is increased to 60 in number, and there have been added to Gideon church 49; therefore the total number of those added to us within the year, has been 109. 2. There have been converted through our instrumentality, so far as we have heard and can judge respecting the individuals, 65. 3. Many backsliders have been reclaimed, and many of the children of God have been encouraged and strengthened in the way of truth. What clear proofs that we were not suffered to be mistaken, as it regards our coming to Bristol\par \par June 12. I felt, this morning, that we might do something for the souls of those poor boys and girls, and grown-up or aged people, to whom we have daily given bread for some time past, in establishing a school for them, reading the Scriptures to them, and speaking to them about the Lord. As far as I see at present, it appears well to me to take a place in the midst of those poor streets near us, to collect the children in the morning about eight, giving them each a piece of bread for breakfast, and then to teach them to read, or to read the Scriptures to them, for about an hour and a half. Afterwards the aged, or grown-up people, may have their appointed time, when bread may be given to them, and the Scriptures read and expounded to them, for, perhaps, half an hour. About similar things I have now and then thought these two years.-There was bread given to about 30 or 40 persons today; and though the number should increase, in the above way, to 200 or more, surely our gracious and rich Lord can give us bread for them also. No sooner had these thoughts arisen, and I communicated them to my dear brother Craik, than I was also directed to a place where the people may be assembled, holding comfortably 150 children. We went about it, and may have it at the rent of 10l., yearly. The Lord directed us, also, to an aged brother as a teacher, and he gladly accepted of our offer. Surely, this matter seems to be of God. Moreover, as I have just now a good deal of money left of the 60l., we have wherewith to begin; and if it be the Lord's will, and if He will accept it, I am willing to lay out at once 20l. of it in this way, yea, all that is left, if He will but speak; and, by the time that this is gone, He can send more. O Lord, if this matter be of Thee, then prosper it! [This desire was not carried out. As far as I remember, the chief obstacle in the way was a pressure of work coming upon brother Craik and me just about that time. Shortly after, the number of the poor who came for bread increased to between 60 and 80 a day, whereby our neighbours were molested, as the beggars were lying about in troops in the streets, on account of which we were obliged to tell them no longer to come for bread. But though, at this time, this matter was not carried out, the thought was, from time to time, revived and strengthened in my mind, and it ultimately issued in the formation of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, and in the establishment of the Orphan-Houses.]\par \par June 22. A brother sent a hat to brother Craik, and one to me, as a token of his love and gratitude, like a thank-offering, as he says. This is now the fourth hat which the Lord has kindly sent me successively, whenever, or even before, I needed one. Between August 19th and 27th was sent to us, by several individuals, a considerable quantity of fruit. How very kind of the Lord, not merely to send us the necessaries of life, but even such things as, on account of the weakness of our bodies, or the want of appetite, we might have desired ! Thus the Lord has sent wine or porter when we required it; or, when there was want of appetite, and, on account of the poverty of our brethren, we should not have considered it right to spend money upon such things, He has kindly sent fowls, game, &c., to suit our appetite. We have, indeed, not served a hard Master. I am quite ashamed when I still, sometimes, find my heart dissatisfied, or, at least, not grateful as it ought to be.\par \par December 17. This evening brother Craik and I took tea with a family, of whom five have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord through our instrumentality. [When we took tea with them again, about a twelvemonth afterwards, the number had increased to seven.] As an encouragement to brethren who may desire to preach the Gospel in a language not their own, I would mention, that the first member of this family who was converted, came merely out of curiosity to hear my foreign accent, some words having been mentioned to her which I did not pronounce properly. Scarcely had she entered the chapel, when she was led to see herself a sinner. Her intention had been, to stay only a few minutes. But she felt herself as if bound to the seat whilst I was speaking, and remained to the close of the meeting. She then went hastily home, instead of pursuing her pleasures, washed the paint off her face, stayed at home that Lord's day, till the meeting began again, and from that day was truly converted. Having found the Lord, she entreated her brothers and sisters to go and hear the Gospel preached, who, in doing so, were likewise converted. May my dear missionary brethren always be mindful that the Lord can bless a few broken sentences, however badly the words are pronounced, as a means in the conversion of sinners!\par \par December 31, 1833. In looking over my journal, I find:- I. That at least 260 persons (according to the number of names we have marked down, but there have been many more,) have come to converse with us about the concerns of their souls. Out of these, 153 have been added to us in fellowship these last eighteen months, 60 of whom have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord through our instrumentality. Besides these 60, five have fallen asleep before they were received into communion. In addition to these, there are many among the inquirers and candidates for fellowship, whom we have reason to believe God has given to us as seals to our ministry in this city. Some also were converted through our instrumentality who are in fellowship with other churches in this city.\par \par II. In looking over the Lord's dealings with me as to temporal things, I find that He has sent me, during the past year,-\par \par 1. In freewill offerings through the boxes, as my part \'a3152 14s. 5 1/4d.\par \par 2. Presents in money given to me \'a325 1s. 3d.\par \par 3. Presents in clothes and provisions worth at least \'a320 0s. 0d.\par \par Altogether from the brethren in Bristol \'a3197 15s. 8 1/4d.\par \par 4. A brother sent me, from a distance of several thousand miles \'a360 0s. 0d.\par \par 5. We live free of rent, which is worth for our part \'a310 0s. 0d.\par \par Totaling \'a3267 15s 8 1/4d.\par \par \par It is just now four years since I first began to trust in the Lord alone for the supply of my temporal wants. My little all I then had, at most worth 100l. a year, I gave up to the Lord, having then nothing left but about 5l. The Lord greatly honoured this little sacrifice, and He gave me, in return, not only as much as I had given up, but considerably more. For during the first year, He sent me already, in one way or other, (including what came to me through family connexion) about 130l. During the second year, 151l. 18s. 8d. During the third year, 195l. 3s. During this year, 267l. 15s. 8 1/4d. The following points require particular notice :- 1. During the last three years and three months I never have asked any one for any thing; but, by the help of the Lord, I have been enabled at all times to bring my wants to Him, and He graciously has supplied them all. And thus, the Lord helping me, I hope to be enabled to go on to the last moment of my life. 2. At the close of each of these four years, though my income has been comparatively great, I have had only a few shillings, or nothing at all left; and thus it is also today, by the help of God. 3. During the last year a considerable part of my income has come from a distance of several thousand miles, from a brother whom I never saw. 4. Since we have been obliged to discontinue the giving away bread to about 50 poor people every day, on account of our neighbours, our income has not been, during the second part of this year, nearly so great, scarcely one-half as much, as during the first part of it; as if the Lord would thereby show us that when the calls upon us are many, He is able to send in accordingly. Observe this!\par \par January 1, 1834. It seemed well to brother Craik and me, to have an especial public meeting for thanksgiving to the Lord, for His many mercies towards us since we have been in Bristol, and for the great success which it has pleased Him to grant to our labours; and also for confession of our sinfulness and unworthiness, and to entreat Him to continue His goodness towards us. Accordingly we met last evening, and continued together from seven o'clock till half-past twelve. About four hundred individuals, or more, met with us on the occasion.\par \par January 3. This evening, from six to a quarter past ten, we conversed with inquirers. After we had seen twelve, we had to send away six. There were several fresh cases of conversion among them. The work of the Lord is still going on among us. One of the individuals, who has lately been brought to the knowledge of the truth, used to say in his unconverted state, when he was tempted not to go to the chapel,-" I will go; the Lord may bless me one day, and soften my hard heart. "-His expectation has not come to nothing.\par \par January 9. Brother Craik and I have preached during these eighteen months, once a month, at Brislington, a village near Bristol, but have not seen any fruit of our labours there. This led me, today, very earnestly to pray to the Lord for the conversion of sinners in that place. I was also, in the chapel, especially led to pray again about this, and asked the Lord in particular that He would be pleased to convert, at least, one soul this evening, that we might have a little encouragement. I preached with much help, and I hope there has been good done this evening. [The Lord did according to my request. There was, that evening, a young man brought to the knowledge of the truth.]\par \par January 13. The Lord verified in our experience the truths which I had preached last evening in speaking on "Hast thou not made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side?" Job i. 10. Thieves attempted to break into Gideon Chapel. They had broken it open, but were either smitten with blindness, so as not to see a certain door which had been left unlocked, or were disturbed before accomplishing their design; for there was nothing missing.\par \par January 14. I was greatly tried by the difficulty of fixing upon a text, from which to preach, on the morning of October 20, and at last preached without enjoyment. Today I heard of a NINTH instance in which this very sermon has been blessed. May my brethren in the ministry of the Word be encouraged by this to go quietly, yet prayerfully, forward in the work of the Lord!\par \par January 31. This evening a Dorcas Society was formed among the sisters in communion with us, but not according to the manner in which we found one when we came to Bristol; for as we have dismissed all teachers from the Sunday School who were not believers, so now believing females only will meet together to make clothes for the poor. The being mixed up with unbelievers had not only proved a barrier to spiritual conversation among the sisters, but must have been also injurious to both parties in several respects. One sister, now united to us in fellowship, acknowledged that the being connected with the Dorcas Society, previous to her conversion, had been, in a measure, the means of keeping her in security; as she thought, that, by helping on such like things, she might gain heaven at last. Oh that the saints in faithful love, according to the word of God, (2 Cor. vi. 14-18) might be more separated, in all spiritual matters, from unbelievers, and not be unequally yoked together with them!\par \par February 12. I prayed little, read little of the Word, and laboured little to day. On the whole an unprofitable day. May the Lord in mercy give me fervency of spirit!\par \par February 19. Brother Craik preached this evening on Mark iv. 30-41, and was enabled to give out precious truths. Oh that I did feed more upon them! For several weeks I have had very little real communion with the Lord. I long for it. I am cold. I have little love to the Lord. But I am not, yea, I cannot be satisfied with such a state of heart. Oh that once more I might be brought to fervency of spirit, and that thus it might continue with me forever! I long to go home that I maybe with the Lord, and that I may love Him with all my heart. I fear that the Lord will chastise me at the time of my dear wife's confinement. Lord Jesus, take Thy miserable sinful servant soon to Thyself, that I may serve Thee better! Within the last week I have repeatedly set out, as it were, afresh; but soon, very soon, all has come again to nothing. The Lord alone can help me. Oh that it might please Him to bring me into a more spiritual state!\par \par February 20. By the mercy of God I was today melted into tears on account of my state of heart. Oh that it might please the Lord to bring me into a more spiritual state! February 21. Through the help of the Lord I am rather in a better state of heart than for some time past. -I was led this morning to form a plan for establishing, upon scriptural principles, an Institution for the spread of the Gospel at home and abroad. I trust this matter is of God.-This evening we had again, from six to half-past ten, a meeting with inquirers. The work of the Lord is going on among us as much as ever. Oh that our hearts might overflow with gratitude! Even after we were worn out to the utmost, we could not see all, but had to send away several individuals.\par \par February 25. The inquiries were so many yesterday, that though we conversed more than four hours with them, we had to appoint another meeting for today, and saw again several from two till five. I was led again this day to pray about the forming of a new Missionary Institution, and felt still more confirmed that we should do so.\par \par [Some readers may ask why we formed a new Institution for the spread of the Gospel, and why we did not unite with some of the religious societies, already in existence, seeing that there are several Missionary - Bible - Tract - and School Societies. I give, therefore, our reasons, in order to show, that nothing but the desire to maintain a good conscience led us to act as we did. For as, by the grace of God, we acknowledged the word of God as the only rule of action for the disciples of the Lord Jesus, we found, in comparing the then existing religious Societies with the word of God, that they departed so far from it, that we could not be united with them, and yet maintain a good conscience. I only mention here the following points.\par \par 1. The end which these religious societies propose to themselves, and which is constantly put before their members, is, that the world will gradually become better and better, and that at last the whole world will be converted. To this end there is constantly reference made to the passage in Habakkuk ii. 14. "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," or the one in Isaiah xi. 9, "For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." But that these passages can have no reference to the present dispensation, but to the one which will commence with the return of the Lord, that in the present dispensation things will not become spiritually better, but rather worse, and that in the present dispensation it is not the whole world that will be converted, but only a people gathered out from among the Gentiles for the Lord, is clear from many passages of the divine testimony, of which I only refer to the following: Matt. xiii. 24-30, and verse 36-43, 2 Tim. iii. 1-13, Acts. xv. 14.\par \par A hearty desire for the conversion of sinners, and earnest prayer for it to the Lord, is quite scriptural; but it is unscriptural to expect the conversion of the whole world. Such an end we could not propose to ourselves in the service of the Lord.\par \par 2. But that which is worse, is the connexion of those religious societies with the world, which is completely contrary to the word of God (2 Cor. vi. 14-18). In temporal things the children of God need, whilst they remain here on earth, to make use of the world; but when the work to be done requires, that those who attend to it should be possessed of spiritual life (of which unbelievers are utterly destitute), the children of God are bound, by their loyalty to their Lord, entirely to refrain from association with the unregenerate. But alas! The connexion with the world is but too marked in these religious societies; for every one who pays a guinea, or, in some societies, half-a-guinea, is considered as a member. Although such an individual may live in sin; although he may manifest to every one that he does not know the Lord Jesus; if only the guinea or the half-guinea be paid, he is considered a member, and has a right as such to vote. Moreover, whoever pays a larger sum, for instance, \'a310. or \'a320. can be, in many societies, a member for life, however openly sinful his life should be for the time, or should became afterwards. Surely, such things aught not to be!\par \par 3. The means which are made use of in these religious societies, to obtain money for the work of the Lord, are also, in other respects, unscriptural; for it is a most common case to ask the unconverted for money, which even Abraham would not have done (Genesis xiv. 21-24): and how much less should we do it, who are not only forbidden to have fellowship with unbelievers in all such matters (2 Cor. vi. 14-18), but who are also in fellowship with the Father and the Son, and can therefore obtain everything from the Lord which we possibly can need in His service, without being obliged to go to the unconverted world! How altogether differently the first disciples acted in this respect, we learn from 3 John 7.\par \par 4. Not merely, however, in these particulars is there a connexion with the world in these religious societies; but it is not a rare thing for even Committee Members (the individuals who manage the affairs of the societies) to be manifestly unconverted persons, if not open enemies to the truth; and this is suffered because they are rich, or of influence, as it is called.\par \par 5. It is a most common thing to endeavour to obtain for patrons and presidents of these societies, and for chairmen at the public meetings, persons of rank or wealth to attract the public. Never once have I known a case of a POOR, but very devoted, wise, and experienced servant of Christ being invited to fill the chair at such public meetings. Surely, the Galilean fishermen, who were apostles, or our Lord Himself, who was called the carpenter, would not have been called to this office, according to these principles. These things ought not so to be among the disciples of the Lord Jesus, who should not judge with reference to a person's fitness for service in the Church of Christ by the position he fills in the world, or by the wealth he possesses!\par \par 6. Almost all these societies contract debts, so that it is a comparatively rare case to read a Report of any of them, without finding that they have expended more than they have received, which, however, is contrary both to the spirit and to the letter of the New Testament. (Rom. xiii. 8).\par \par Now, although brother Craik and I were ready, by the grace of God, heartily to acknowledge that there are not only many true children of God connected with these religious societies, but that the Lord has also blessed their efforts in many respects, notwithstanding the existence of these and other principles and practices which we judged to be unscriptural, yet it appeared to us to be His will, that we should be entirely separate from these societies, (though we should be considered as singular persons, or though it should even appear that we despised other persons, or would elevate ourselves above them), in order that, by the blessing of God, we might direct the attention of the children of God in these societies to their unscriptural practices; and we would rather be entirely unconnected with these societies than act contrary to the Holy Scriptures. We therefore separated entirely from them, although we remained united in brotherly love with individual believers belonging to them; and would by no means judge them for remaining in connexion with them, if they do not see that such things are contrary to Scripture. But seeing them to be so ourselves, we could not with a clear conscience remain. After we had thus gone on for some time, we considered that it would have an injurious tendency upon the brethren among whom we laboured, and also be at variance with the spirit of the Gospel of Christ, if we did nothing at all for Missionary objects, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, Tracts, etc.; and we were therefore led for these and other reasons to do something for the spread of the Gospel at home and abroad, however small the beginning might be. This was the origin of the Institution, of which the following part of my Narrative speaks.]\par \par March 5. This evening, at a public meeting, brother Craik and I stated the principles on which we intend to carry on the institution which we propose to establish for the spread of the Gospel at home and abroad. There was nothing outwardly influential, either in the number of people present, or in our speeches. May the Lord graciously be pleased to grant His blessing upon the institution, which will be called "The Scriptural Knowledge Institution3 for Home and Abroad."\par \par \par I. THE PRINCIPLES OF THE INSTITUTION.\par \par \par 1. We consider every believer bound, in one way or other, to help the cause of Christ, and we have Scriptural warrant for expecting the Lord's blessing upon our work of faith and labour of love: and although, according to Matt. xiii. 24-43, 2 Tim. iii. 1-13, and many other passages, the world will not be converted before the coming of our Lord Jesus, still, while He tarries; all Scriptural means ought to be employed for the ingathering of the elect of God.\par \par 2. The Lord helping us, we do not mean to seek the patronage of the world; i.e., we never intend to ask unconverted persons of rank or wealth to countenance this Institution, because this, we consider, would be dishonourable to the Lord. In the name of our God we set up our banners, Ps. xx. 5; He alone shall be our Patron, and if He helps us we shall prosper, and if He is not on our side, we shall not succeed.\par \par 3. We do not mean, to ask unbelievers for money (2 Cor. vi. 14-18); though we do not feel ourselves warranted to refuse their contributions, if they, of their own accord should offer them. Acts xxviii. 2-10.\par \par 4. We reject altogether the help of unbelievers in managing or carrying on the affairs of the Institution. 2 Cor, vi. 14-18.\par \par 5. We intend never to enlarge the field of labour by contracting debts (Rom. xiii. 8), and afterwards appealing to the Church of Christ for help, because this we consider to be opposed both to the letter and the spirit of the New Testament; but in secret prayer, God helping us, we shall carry the wants of the Institution to the Lord, and act according to the means that God shall give.\par \par 6. We do not mean to reckon the success of the Institution by the amount of money given, or the number of Bibles distributed, &c, but by the Lord's blessing upon the work (Zech. iv. 6); and we expect this, in the proportion in which He shall help us to wait upon Him in prayer.\par \par 7. While we would avoid aiming after needless singularity, we desire to go on simply according to Scripture, without compromising the truth; at the same time thankfully receiving any instruction which experienced Believers, after prayer, upon Scriptural ground, may have to give us concerning the Institution.\par \par \par II. THE OBJECTS OF THE INSTITUTION ARE:\par \par \par 1. To assist Day-Schools, Sunday-Schools, and Adult-Schools, in which instruction is given upon Scriptural principles, and, as far as the Lord may give the means, and supply us with suitable teachers, and in other respects make our path plain, to establish Schools of this kind.\par \par a. By Day-Schools upon Scriptural principles, we understand Day Schools in which the teachers are godly persons,-in which the way of salvation is scripturally pointed out,-and in which no instruction is given opposed to the principles of the gospel.\par \par b. Sunday-Schools, in which all the teachers are believers, and in which the Holy Scriptures alone are the foundation of instruction, -are such only as the Institution assists with the supply of Bibles, Testaments, &c.; for we consider it unscriptural, that any persons, who do not profess to know the Lord themselves, should be allowed to give religious instruction.\par \par c. The Institution does not assist any Adult-Schools with the supply of Bibles, Testaments, Spelling Books, &c., except the teachers are believers.\par \par \par 2. To circulate the Holy Scriptures.\par \par We sell Bibles and Testaments to poor persons at a reduced price. But while we, in general, think it better that the Scriptures should be sold, and not given altogether gratis, still, in cases of extreme poverty, we think it right to give, without payment, a cheap edition.\par \par \par 3. The third object of this Institution is, to aid Missionary efforts.\par \par We desire to assist those Missionaries whose proceedings appear to be most according to the Scriptures. It is proposed to give such a portion of the amount of the donations to each of the fore-mentioned objects, as the Lord may direct; but if none of the objects should claim a more particular assistance, to lay out an equal portion upon each; yet so , that if any donor desires to give for one of the objects exclusively, the money shall be appropriated accordingly.\par \par \par March 7. Today we have only one shilling left. Many times also in Bristol our purse has been either empty or nearly so, though we have not been brought quite so low as it regards provisions, as was sometimes the case at Teignmouth. This evening, when we came home from our work, we found a brother, our tailor, waiting for us, who brought a new suit of clothes both for brother Craik and me, which a brother, whose name was not to be mentioned, had ordered for us. March 8. Our brother brought us this evening also, from the same friend, a new hat for each of us.\par \par March 10. Some time since, a brother who had been brought to the knowledge of the Lord through our instrumentality, having been previously guilty of habitual drunkenness and other open sins, requested with tears our prayers on behalf of his wife, who, like himself formerly, was still given to drinking, and who grew worse and worse. About ten days, after he had spoken to us, it pleased God to begin a work of grace in her heart, in answer to the many prayers of her husband, and this evening she was added to us in fellowship. There have come many instances before us, since we have been in Bristol, in which unbelieving partners have been given to believing ones, in answer to their prayers; yea, even such as had threatened to murder their wives, or leave them, they would still continue to go to our chapels.\par \par March 19. This afternoon at five, my wife was in much pain, which she shortly afterwards considered as the token of her hour being near. I therefore set off to call in a sister, and then I went for the nurse, and my wife's sister, and our servant, who were at Clifton. The Lord having graciously speeded all this, I went to Bethesda Chapel, where I had to preach shortly after. I thought it better to spend the few minutes, which I had before preaching, in prayer for my wife, than to return home again, as I should have had to set off directly afterwards, believing that my mind would be thus more quiet and calm, and that I also might thus help my dearest wife much more effectually. The Lord most graciously kept me from excitement and anxiety, so that I went in peace, preached in peace, and walked home in peace, looking up to Jesus to prepare me for all that might await me, as I remembered but too well the two former times of my wife's confinement. I might have asked brother Craik to preach, and have gone home; but I thought it more honouring the Lord to do His work. In walking home, the following words were a particular refreshment to me:-\par \par Make you His service your delight,\par \par Your wants shall be His care.\par \par \par When I came home, I heard the joyful news, that all was over, and that my dear Mary had been delivered at twenty minutes past eight of a little boy. Observe! 1. The Lord graciously sent the medical attendant and the nurse (the latter nearly three miles off), in the rig ht time. 2. The Lord put it into my heart to honour Him, by preferring the care of His house to that of my own, and thus He lovingly spared me three painful hours. May He be pleased to give me grace more than ever to love and serve Him!\par \par March 31. Today the brethren and sisters in communion at Bethesda dined together, having been invited by a sister; and in the evening the churches of Gideon and Bethesda took tea together. Both times were refreshing seasons. At dinner we were together from one till half past three, at tea from five to nine. Both times we prayed repeatedly, sang hymns, read a little of the Word, and several brethren spoke of the Lord's dealings with them.\par \par April 3. Today I have had again much reason to see how weak I am, and how prone to give way to every sin if I am not kept by God. May He have mercy upon me, and keep me from bringing an open disgrace upon His holy name! O wretched man that I am!!\par \par April 14. Brother and sister Craik and ourselves have been li ving together hitherto; but now, as the Lord has given to them one child, and to us two, and there are but six rooms in our house, so that of late dear brother Craik and I have had repeatedly to go to another house to be uninterrupted: we came at last to the conclusion, that it would be better for our souls and the Lord's work that we should separate. April 15. Today I received from several sisters 25l. towards furnishing a house.\par \par April 23. Yesterday and today I had asked the Lord to send us 20l., that we might be able to procure a larger stock of Bibles and Testaments than our small funds of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution would allow us to purchase; and this evening a sister, unasked, promised to give us that sum, adding that she felt a particular pleasure in circulating the Holy Scriptures, as the simple reading of them had been the means of bringing her to the knowledge of the Lord.\par \par April 26. We have repeatedly conversed about the name which we should give to our babe; but, being unsettled about it, and considering that in all our ways we ought to acknowledge the Lord, I gave myself today to prayer concerning this matter, and the name Elijah, about which I never had thought, was particularly, whilst praying, impressed on my mind, and therefore we intend to name the child Elijah, i. e., my God is Jah, Jehovah. May the Lord in mercy grant Elijah's spirit and Elijah's blessing to our little one!\par \par May 4. Today 15l. more was given to me towards furnishing a house. Thus the Lord has now graciously supplied our need in this particular also. May 13. Today 2l. more was given to us towards furnishing the house, and also some carpet. May 15. Today we moved into our house, having lived nearly two years with brother and sister Craik.\par \par June 4. Today a sister called on me, and I felt irritated at her staying, after having given her to understand that I had but a few minutes time. I sinned thus against the Lord. Help Thou me, blessed Jesus, in future!\par \par June 8. Lord's day. I obtained no text yesterday, notwithstanding repeated prayer and reading of the Word. This morning I awoke with these words :- "My grace is sufficient for thee." As soon as I had dressed myself, I turned to 2 Cor. xii. to consider this passage; but in doing so, after prayer, I was led to think that I had not been directed to this portion for the sake of speaking on it as I at first thought, and I therefore followed my usual practice in such cases, i. e., to read on in the Scriptures where I left off last evening. In doing so, when I came to Heb. xi. 13-16, I felt that this was the text. Having prayed, I was confirmed in it, and in a few minutes the Lord was pleased to open this passage to me. I preached on it with great enjoyment, both at Gideon and at Bethesda, particularly in the evening at Bethesda. This help was evidently from God. May He fill my heart with gratitude, and encourage me by this, to trust in Him for the future ! I now understand why those words, "My grace is sufficient for thee," were brought to my mind when I awoke this morning. -[It pleased God, as I have heard since, greatly to bless what I said on that passage, and at least one soul was brought through it to the Lord.]\par \par June 25. These last three days I have had very little real communion with God, and have therefore been very weak spiritually, and have several times felt irritability of temper. May God in mercy help me to have more secret prayer! -Let none expect to have the mastery over his inward corruption in any degree, without going in his weakness again and again to the Lord for strength. Nor will prayer with others, or conversing with the brethren, make up for secret prayer; for I had been engaged in both repeatedly, during the three previous days, as my journal shows.\par \par June 26. I was enabled, by the grace of God, to rise early, and I had nearly two hours in prayer before breakfast. I feel now this morning more comfortable. May God in mercy help me to walk before Him this day, and to do His work ; and may He keep me from all evil!\par \par July 5. The Lord very mercifully kept us today from a great calamity, the apron of our Christian servant having caught fire; but the fire was extinguished, and she was kept from being burned !\par \par July 11. I have prayed much about a master for a boys' school, to be established in connexion with our little Institution. Eight have applied for the situation, but none seemed to be suitable. Now at last the Lord has given us a brother, who will commence the work. The Lord allowed us to call upon Him many times before He answered, but at last He granted our request.\par \par July 13. Today we finished reading through the Scriptures, at family prayer, the second time since we came to Bristol, which is little more than two years. I mention this circumstance to show how often we may read through the whole of the Scriptures, though we should read but little every day, if we go regularly onward.\par \par August 18. Today brother Craik and I engaged a sister to be governess of another girls' school, which we intend to establish, in dependence upon the Lord for supplies. August 27. I had prayed repeatedly, and had read ten chapters of the Word to get a text, but obtained none, and had to go this evening to the chapel without knowing on what portion of His Holy Word the Lord would have me to speak. At the commencement of the meeting I was directed to Lament. iii. 22-26, on which I spoke with much assistance and enjoyment.\par \par September 18. A brother, a tailor, was sent to measure me for new clothes. My clothes are again getting old, and it is therefore very kind of the Lord to provide thus. September 25. A brother sent me a new hat today.\par \par October 9. Our little institution, established in dependence upon the Lord, and supplied by Him with means, has now been seven months in operation, and through it have been benefited with instruction,-1. In the Sunday-School, about 120 children. 2. In the Adult-School, about 40 Adults. 3. In the two Day-Schools for boys and, the two Day-Schools for girls, 209 children, of whom 54 have been entirely free; the others pay about one-third of the expense. There have been also circulated 482 Bibles, and 520 New Testaments. Lastly, 57l. has been spent to aid missionary exertions. The means which the Lord has sent us, as the fruit of many prayers, during these seven months, amount to 167l. 10s. 0 1/2d.\par \par October 28. This afternoon brother Craik and I took tea with seven brethren and sisters, whom the Lord has brought to a knowledge of Himself through our instrumentality, within the last two years; all but one belonging to the same family. We heard there a most affecting account of a poor little orphan boy, who for some time attended one of our schools, and who seems there, as far as we can judge, to have been brought to a real concern about his soul, through what I said concerning the torments of hell, and who some time ago was taken to the poor-house some miles out of Bristol. He has expressed great sorrow that he can no longer attend our school and ministry. May this, if it be the Lord's will, lead me to do something also for the supply of the temporal wants of poor children, the pressure of which has occasioned this poor boy to be taken away from our school!\par \par November 1. Today, our means being completely gone, we had them supplied in the following manner: - some time since some silver spoons were given to us, which we never used, from the consideration, that for servants of Christ it was better, for the sake of example, to use cheaper ones, and for that reason we had sold our plate at Teignmouth. Yet up to this day those spoons remained unsold. But now, as we wanted money, we disposed of them, considering that the kind giver would not be displeased at our doing so to supply our need.\par \par November 4. I spent the greater part of the morning in reading the Word and in prayer, and asked also for our daily bread, for we have scarcely any money left.-We obtained today two large school-rooms, which we much needed. Thus the Lord graciously helps us concerning the Institution, and gives us faith to go forward in the work, enlarging the field more and more (though we have but little money), yet so that we do not contract debts.\par \par November 5. I spent almost the whole of the day in prayer and reading the Word. I prayed also again for the supply of our own temporal wants, but the Lord has not as yet appeared. Still my eyes are up to Him. November 8. Saturday. The Lord has graciously again supplied our temporal wants during this week, though at the commencement of it we had but little left. I have prayed much this week for money, more than any other week, as far as I remember, since we have been in Bristol. The Lord has not answered our prayers by causing means to be sent in the way of a gift, but has supplied us through our selling what we did not need, or by our being paid what was awed to us.\par \par December 10. Today we found that a departed brother had left both to brother Craik and me 12l. December 31, 1834.-I. Since brother Craik and I have been labouring in Bristol, 227 brethren and sisters have been added to us in fellowship. We found 68 believers in the church at Gideon, so that now the whole number would be 295, had there been no changes, but it is only 257; for twelve have fallen asleep; six have left Bristol; twelve have left the churches during the two years and six months, but are still in Bristol; eight are under church discipline, respecting some of whom, however, we hope that they maybe soon restored to communion. Of those 257, there belong 125 to Bethesda church, and 132 to Gideon church. Out of the 227 who have been added to us, 103 have been converted through our instrumentality, and many have been brought into the liberty of the Gospel, or reclaimed from backsliding. Forty-seven young converts are at Gideon, and fifty-six at Bethesda. Considering that some have fallen asleep who never were in communion with us, and yet converted through our instrumentality; and that some are united to other churches in and out of Bristol; and that many are now standing as candidates for fellowship, of those who have been given to us in this city, as seals to our ministry; the number added may be only one-half, or two-thirds of the real number. May the Lord fill our hearts with gratitude, for having thus condescended to use us! II. The income which the Lord has given me during this year is :-\par \par 1. My part of the freewill offerings through the boxes \'a3135 13s. 2 1/4d.\par \par 2. Money given to me by saints in and out of Bristol \'a392 7s. 6d.\par \par Altogether. . . \'a3228 0s. 8 1/4d.\par \par 3. Besides this, many articles in provisions, clothing, and furniture, worth to us about \'a360 0s. 0d.\par \par \par January 1, 1835. We had last evening an especial prayer-meeting of the two churches, and any other persons hat chose to attend, for the sake of praising the Lord for all His many mercies which we have received during the past year, and to ask Him to continue to us His favour during this year also. It was open to any of the brethren to pray, as they felt disposed, and eighteen did so, as I afterwards reckoned. We continued in prayer and praise, mixed with singing, reading the Word, and exhortation, from seven in the evening till one in the morning. January 13. From ten till one in the first part of the day, and from six to half-past eight this evening, I visited, from house to house, the people living in Orange Street, and saw in this way the families living in nine houses, to ascertain whether any individuals wanted Bibles, whether they could read, whether they wished their children to be put to our Day-Schools or Sunday-School, with the view of helping them accordingly. This afforded opportunities to converse with them about their souls. In this way I sold eight Bibles and two Testaments at reduced prices, and gave away one Testament; engaged one woman as an adult scholar, one boy as a day scholar; and spoke besides this to about thirty people about their souls.-January 15. This morning, from ten till one, I went again from house to house in Orange Street. I visited nine houses, sold a Bible and Testament at reduced prices, and engaged, a few children for the schools, and conversed with fifteen persons about their souls. I should greatly delight in being frequently engaged in such work, for it is a most important one; but our hands are so full with other work, that we can do but little in this way. -January 17. Today brother Groves arrived from the East Indies. One reason of his coming to England is, to go to Germany to obtain missionary brethren for the East Indies, having reason to believe that he will find them there; and he asked me, on account of my acquaintance with the language, to accompany him, that thus, through me, he may be enabled to judge about the state of the brethren, and to communicate to them what he thinks needful for them to know. This is a most important work. May the Lord direct me in this matter, and make me to act according to His will !-I received again today, after prayer respecting the funds, 10l. for the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.- January 21. Received, in answer to prayer, from an unexpected quarter, 5l. for the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. The Lord pours in, whilst we seek to pour out. For during the past week, merely among the poor, in going from house to house, fifty-eight copies of the Scriptures were sold at reduced prices, the going on with which is most important, but it will require much means.\par \par January 28. I have, for these several days, again prayed much to ascertain whether the Lord will have me to go as a missionary to the East Indies, and I am most willing to go, if He will condescend to use me in this way. January 29. I have been greatly stirred up to pray about going to Calcutta as a missionary. May the Lord guide me in this matter! [After all my repeated and earnest prayer in the commencement of 1835, and willingness on my part to go, if it were the Lord's will, still He did not send me.]\par \par February 4. I have been praying repeatedly and earnestly of late respecting my journey to the Continent. I desire to go, or not to go, just as the Lord will have it to be. May He graciously direct me! I feel the same about going to India. As a means to ascertain the Lord's will, I have been reading about the Hindoos, that I may know more clearly the state in which they are. May the Lord in mercy stir me up to care more about their state, whether it be His will that I should labour personally among them, or not!\par \par February 16. I mentioned this evening, before the church at Bethesda, as also on the 13th before the church at Gideon, that I see it the Lord's will to go to the Continent, for the sake of assisting brother Groves by my knowledge of the German language, in conferring with those who may desire to go out as missionaries. There is not one believer amongst us who sees any objection to it, and several have expressed that it seems to be of the Lord, and that thus we could help, as churches, in the going forth of missionaries. This is very comforting to me, as the Lord confirms me still more, through this unanimity, in its being His will that I should go.\par \par February 25. In the name of the Lord, and in dependence upon Him alone for support, we have established a fifth Day-School for poor children, which today has been opened. We have now two boys' schools, and three girls' schools. February 26. This afternoon I left Bristol for the Continent.\par \par February 27. London. This morning I went to the Alien Office for my passport. On entering the office I saw a printed paper, in which it is stated that every alien neglecting to renew, every six months, his certificate of residence which he receives on depositing his passport, subjects himself to a penalty of \'a350, or imprisonment. This law I have ignorantly broken ever since I left London in 1829. It appeared to me much better to confess at once that I had ignorantly done so, than now willfully break it; trusting in the Lord as it regarded the consequences of the step. I did so, and the Lord inclined the heart of the officer with whom I had to do, to pass over my noncompliance with the law, on account of my having broken it ignorantly. Having obtained my passport, I found an unexpected difficulty in the Prussian ambassador refusing to sign it, as it did not contain a description of my person, and therefore I needed to prove that I was the individual spoken of in the passport. This difficulty was not removed for three days, when, after earnest prayer, through a paper signed by same citizens of London, to whom I am known, the ambassador was satisfied. This very difficulty, when once the Lord had removed it, afforded me cause for thanksgiving; for I now obtained a new passport, worded in such a way, that, should I ever need it again, will prevent similar difficulties.\par \par March 3. This evening I preached comfortably in Johnstreet Chapel, for Brother Evans. I never preached in any place where I so much felt that he who statedly ministers was more worthy than myself. This feeling led me to earnest prayer, and the Lord heard and assisted me.\par \par March 7. Dover. Last evening I left London, and arrived here this morning. The Lord enabled me to confess Him before my fellow-passengers. I have had a good deal of prayer and reading the Word in quietness, though staying in an hotel.-March 8. I preached this morning and evening comfortably in one of the chapels at Dover. March 9. All this day too we have been obliged to remain at Dover, the sea being so rough that no packet sails. I spent the day in writing letters, in reading the Word, and in prayer. We depend entirely upon the Lord as it regards our movements. This evening we asked the Lord twice, unitedly, that He would be pleased to calm the wind and the waves, and I now feel quite comfortable in leaving the matter with Him!\par \par March 10. The Lord heard our prayer. We awake early in the morning, and found the wind comparatively calm. We left the hotel before break of day, to go to the packet. All being in great hurry, on our way towards the sea, I was separated from brothers G. and Y. I now lifted up my heart to the Lord, as He generally helps me to do on such occasions, to direct my steps towards the boat which went out to meet the packet, and I found it almost immediately. We had, in answer to prayer, a good passage. At Calais we obtained our passports, luggage out of the custom house, and places in the diligence without difficulty, and left a little after ten in the morning for Paris. What a blessed thing it is, in all such matters, to have a Father to go to for help ! What a different thing, also, to travel in the service of the Lord Jesus, from what it is to travel in the service of the flesh!\par \par March 11. Paris. We arrived here about ten this evening. March 12. Today we went about our passports, and I saw thus a good deal of the best part of Paris. Blessed be God, my heart is above these things! If ten years ago, when my poor foolish heart was full of Paris, I had come here, how should I have been taken up with these palaces, &c.; but now I look at these things, and my heart does not care about them, What a difference grace makes! There were few people, perhaps, more passionately fond of traveling, and seeing fresh places, and new scenes, than myself; but now, since, by the grace of God, I have seen beauty in the Lord Jesus, I have lost my taste for these things.\par \par March 13. We again found difficulty in obtaining our passports, arising, probably, from a mistake of the police officers. May the Lord order this matter so, that it shall be for our real welfare! -March 14. By the help of the Lord we obtained our passports, and brother Groves and I took our places in the Malle Poste for Strasburg, to leave tomorrow evening. Brother Y. intends to remain here a few days, on account of his health.\par \par March 15. This morning I preached in a little chapel in Palais Royal. We left Paris this evening at six.-March 17. From six o'clock in the evenin!g of the 15th, till this afternoon at half-past one, when we arrived at Strasburg, We were continually shut up in the Malle Poste, with the exception of yesterday morning about seven, and last night about eleven, when we were allowed half an hour for our meals. I had refreshing communion with my beloved brother. This quickest of all conveyances in France carries only two passengers, and we were thus able freely to converse and to pray together, which was refreshing indeed. Though we had traveled forty-four hours, yet as we had soon finished our business at Strasburg, we left this evening for Basle, trusting in the Lord for strength for the third night's traveling. A little after we had started, we stuck fast in a new road. I lifted up my heart to the Lord, and we were soon delivered, otherwise the circumstance, in a cold night, and during a fall of snow, would have been trying, as we had to get out of the mail. I now found myself again, after six years, amidst fellow-passengers who spoke my native languag"e; but alas ! they spoke not for Christ.\par \par March 18. This afternoon we arrived at Basle, where we were very kindly received by the brethren.-March 23. Basle. These six days we have received great kindness from the brethren. The Lord has given me an opportunity of bringing before several who are already engaged in the ministry of the Word, and before many who intend to give themselves to this work, many important truths, so that in these opportunities I have been richly repaid for the journey. This morning I conversed also with three brethren, journeymen, who have a desire to give themselves to missionary work; but nothing could be decided now. I awake very faint, but have been mercifully helped through the work. Brother Groves intends to go to Geneva, and I to Tubingen, in order to become acquainted with a brother, a student, who is likely to go out with Brother Groves as a tutor to his sons, and to combine with this, missionary service.\par \par During my stay at Basle I attended one day a mee#ting at which a venerable pious clergyman expounded the Greek New Testament to several brethren, who purposed to give themselves to missionary service. The passage to which this dear aged brother had then come, in the original of the New Testament, was 1 Peter iii. 1, 2, which, in our English translation, reads thus: "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." After this aged brother had expounded the passage, he related a circumstance which had occurred in his own days, and under his own eyes, at Basle, which has appeared to me so encouraging for those children of God who have unbelieving relatives, and especially for sisters in the Lord who have unbelieving husbands; and which, at the same time, is such a beautiful illustration of 1 Peter iii, 1.; that I judge it desirable to insert the narrative of this fact here. I will d$o so as exactly as I remember it. There lived at Basle an opulent citizen, whose wife was a believer, but he himself feared not the Lord. His practice was, to spend his evenings in a wine-house, where he would often tarry till eleven, twelve, or even one o'clock. On such occasions his wife always used to send her servants to bed, and sat up herself; to await the return of her husband. When at last he came, she used to receive him most kindly, never reproach him in the least, either at the time or afterwards, nor complain at all on account of his late hours, by which she was kept from seasonable rest. Moreover, if it should be needful to assist him in undressing himself, when he had drunk to excess, she would do this also in a very kind and meek way. Thus it went on for a long time. One evening, this gentleman was again, as usual, in a wine-house, and having tarried there with his merry companions till midnight, he said to them: "I bet, that if we go to my house, we shall find my wife sitting up and waitin%g for me, and she herself will come to the door and receive us very kindly; and if I ask her to prepare us a supper, she will do it at once without the least murmur, or unkind expression, or look." His companions in sin did not believe his statement. At last, however, after some more conversation about this strange statement, (as it appeared to them,) it was agreed that they would all go, to see this kind wife. Accordingly they went, and, after they had knocked, found the door immediately opened by the lady herself, and they were all courteously and kindly received by her. The party having entered, the master of the house asked his wife to prepare supper for them, which she, in the meekest way, at once agreed to do; and, after awhile, supper was served by herself; without the least sign of dissatisfaction, or murmur, or complaint. Having now prepared all for the company, she retired from the party to her room. When she had left the party, one of the gentlemen said: "What a wicked and cruel man you are, th&us to torment so kind a wife." He then took his hat and stick, and, without touching a morsel of the supper, went away. Another made a similar remark, and left, without touching the supper. Thus one after another left, till they were all gone, without tasting the supper. The master of the house was now left alone, and the Spirit of God brought before him all his dreadful wickedness, and especially his great sins towards his wife; and the party had not left the house half an hour, before he went to his wife's room, requesting her to pray for him, told her that he felt himself a great sinner, and asked her forgiveness for all his behaviour towards her. From that time he became a disciple of the Lord Jesus.\par \par Observe here, dear reader, the following points in particular, which I affectionately commend to your consideration: 1, The wife acted in accordance with 1 Peter iii. 1. She kept her place as being in subjection, and the Lord owned it. 2, She reproached not her husband, but meekly and kindly se'rved him when he used to come home. 3, She did not allow the servants to sit up for their master, but sat up herself; thus honouring him as her head and superior, and concealed also, as far as she was able, her husband's shame from the servants. 4, In all probability a part of those hours, during which she had to sit up, was spent in prayer for her husband, or in reading the word of God, to gather fresh strength for all the trials connected with her position. But whether this was the case or not, it is certain that thus, under similar circumstances, the time might be spent, and it would then indeed be spent profitably. 5, Be not discouraged if you have to suffer from unconverted relatives. Perhaps very shortly the Lord may give you the desire of your heart, and answer your prayer for them; but in the meantime seek to commend the truth, not by reproaching them on account of their behaviour towards you, but by manifesting towards them the meekness, gentleness, and kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ.\par \pa(r March 25. Tubingen in Wirtemberg. The day before yesterday I left Basle in the afternoon. The Lord enabled me to confess Him before a young man and his wife, who were going to Vienna to increase their riches. What a mercy that grace has made me to differ, and that I travel the service of another master! They listened very attentively, and were not at all opposed. They also esteem the people of God, and have been in the habit of meeting with them. Our parting was very affectionate and solemn, after I had charged them to care earnestly about the one thing needful.\par \par I arrived, yesterday morning at six, at Schaffhausen. I found a brother waiting for me at the post office, a gentleman of title, who, having been informed by brethren at Basle of my arrival, kindly took me to his house for the two hours I had to stay in that town, to refresh my body with breakfast, and my soul with communion with the brethren whom he had invited to meet me. I was in this town about ten years ago. I was now again with)in a short distance of the fall of the Rhine, which was then most attractive to me. Now I considered that my time could be spent much more profitably than by going there. The little time that I was at Schaffhausen, I received much information concerning the state of the church in many parts of the Continent, from a believing physician and a clergyman; and I also communicated things which, with God's blessing, may be profitable. After this I continued my journey to Tubingen. It was with peculiar feelings; for all this way I had traversed nearly ten years ago, to gratify my natural desire for travelling, and now I went over the same ground in the service of the Lord Jesus.\par \par I arrived here this morning at nine, having been strengthened to travel two nights and a day and a half, though I left Basle very weak. This morning I saw brother Gundert, the student of divinity, on whose account I am here, and spent about three hours in conversation with him. Afterwards I called on a Christian professor in th*e university, who received me kindly. This evening I had a meeting with the believing students, for whom the Lord gave me a word.\par \par March 26. This morning I drove with brother Gundert to Stuttgart, both for the sake of seeing more of him, and also that we might unitedly talk over the matter with his father, who lives there. I am now staying at the house of brother Gundert senior, where I am kindly lodged. I think brother Gundert junior, will go to the East Indies. His father is not only willing to give him up for the Lord's sake, but seems to consider it an honour to have a son to give to the Lord in this way. This evening I again met several brethren, to whom I spoke about the things of God.\par \par March 30. Halle. From the evening of the 27th till this afternoon, when I arrived here, I have traveled day and night, and have been strengthened by the Lord for it. The whole of this way, several hundred miles, I had gone step by step before. My thoughts were peculiarly affecting, as I retraced t+he mercies which I had experienced at the hands of God.-The Lord enabled me repeatedly to confess His name before my changing fellow-travelers. A student spoke to me about the peculiarly good and cheap wine of Weinheim, near Heidelberg. I told him that when, years ago, as a student like himself, I came through that place, I cared about such things, but that now I knew what was much better than wine.-Yesterday a Frenchman, having heard my testimony for Jesus once or twice, when the last merry companion had left the coach, quitted my society, it being too dull for him, and joined himself to an officer in the army, sitting in the forepart of the coach. (The coach was divided into the forepart and inside.) This gave me a blessed and most refreshing opportunity to pray for about an hour aloud in the coach, which strengthened and refreshed my soul. It was particularly kind of the Lord to give me an opportunity of praying aloud, as, on account of having then already traveled forty-eight hours uninterruptedly, my, body was too tired to allow me to continue for any length of time in mental prayer. - Yesterday afternoon, at Eisenach (situated just under the hill on which stands the decayed castle called the Wartburg, where Luther translated the Holy Scriptures), I saw fearful scenes of profanity. How has the candlestick been removed! -This afternoon I reached Halle, where it pleased the Lord to bring me to the knowledge of Himself, having been graciously preserved hitherto, though a spring was found broken when I got out of the mail. I greatly needed rest, but my heart was too full. I could not sleep. I went first to the house of the brother, where I was first impressed, and afterwards I called on my esteemed tutor, professor Dr. Tholuck, counsellor of the Consistory, who received me, after seven years' separation, with his former kindness and brotherly love. (He made me lodge with him, and gave thereby a testimony that differences of views, concerning certain parts of God's truth, ought not to separate the children- of God; for I had written to him my mind from Bristol two years before.)\par \par March 31. Today I rode with Dr. Tholuck and two young brethren to a believing clergyman, living in the neighbourhood of Halle, where we spent the day. Dr. Tholuck told me many encouraging things, particularly this, that several of my former fellow-students, who, at the time when I was at Halle, knew not the Lord, had been brought to know Him since, and are now labouring in His vineyard. And further, that certain brethren, formerly very weak in the faith, had been established, and are now going on well. May this encourage the heart of the believing reader still to pray for his unconverted friends, and may it strengthen him to hope for better days concerning those of his brethren in the Lord who are now weak in the faith!\par \par April 1. Today I saw a clergyman, in whom I recognized an individual who studied at Halle, whilst I was there, living then in open sin, and who is now, by divine mercy, pointing sinners to the L.amb of God. In the evening I went to the large Orphan-house, built, in dependence on the Lord, by A. H. Franke, to see one of the classical teachers, who is the son of my father's neighbour, and whom I had not seen for about fifteen years. I found him, to the joy of my heart, to be a brother in the Lord. This evening I spent in the same room where it pleased the Lord to begin a work of grace in my heart, with several of the same brethren and sisters with whom I used to meet seven years ago, and told them of the Lord's faithfulness, gentleness, kindness, and forbearance towards me, since I had seen them last. Truly how good has the Lord been to me since!\par \par April 2. This morning I again spent in calling on the brethren and sisters, being enabled, every where, before learned and unlearned, to testify about the blessedness of adhering to the Scriptures as our only guide in spiritual things. I left Halle this afternoon, having received much love from the brethren, and drove fifteen miles further, to a/ beloved brother and old friend, brother Stahlschmidt at Sandersleben, who has shown me much kindness even since I have been in England. I was received with much love by this brother and his dear wife, and his man servant, also a beloved brother. [This brother (the man servant) I met fifty-four years ago at Gnadau, a Moravian settlement, where I several times spent a few days for the refreshment of my soul, to which place he also came, a distance of about forty-five miles, for the same purpose. He was then living with a farmer, ploughing his fields, &c. At that time our hearts were knit together; for I wish it to be understood by any unconverted reader, that, whilst I should at one time have looked with scorn upon such a person, if he had attempted to be familiar with me, now the love of Jesus, in whom we were one, filled my heart with love to him, and these outward distinctions were broken down. In consequence of this acquaintance, he wrote me several letters to Halle, and I wrote to him. Those letters w0ere particularly refreshing and spiritual, and therefore I read them to other brethren, and also to brother Stahlschmidt, a wine merchant. On account of this, he had a great desire to have brother Kroll living in his house. The Lord, after a time, brought it about, and this brother lived with him above forty years, and was a friend, a brother, and a most faithful servant to this merchant, so that his considerable business was in a great measure intrusted to him; and yet he treated his master with all due respect, and kept his place as a servant. This latter point is very important, and brings glory to God. For whilst a believing master should treat a believing servant with all kindness and brotherly love; yet the believing servant should with all obedience, with all faithfulness, and particularly with due respect, treat his believing master or mistress.]\par \par April 3. Sandersleben. Today I saw several brethren and sisters, and among others a brother, who is in about the same state in which he was ei1ght years ago. He has very little enjoyment, and makes no progress in the things of God. The reason is, that, against his conscience, he remains in a calling, which is opposed to the profession of a believer. We are exhorted in Scripture to abide in our calling; but only if we can abide in it "with God." 1 Cor. vii. 24.-This evening a believing clergyman, and the brethren and sisters of this small town and some neighbouring villages, were collected together in brother Stahlschmidt's house, and I spoke to them for two hours about the things of God, particularly about the way in which God has led me, since I saw them, and sought to strengthen their hands in God, and exhorted them to give themselves fully to the Lord. It was a time of refreshing. Indeed, the Lord has greatly refreshed my own soul, at Basle, Tubingen, Stuttgart, Halle, and elsewhere, whenever I have spoken well of His name. The child of God should make it his particular business to encourage sinners to seek after the Lord, and to increase the2 faith and love of the brethren, through speaking well of the name of the Lord.\par \par April 4. I left Sandersleben this morning. My brother and host acted according to 3 John, 5 and 6; for he sent me on ten miles in his carriage.\par \par When I arrived at Aschersleben, to which place brother Stahlschmidt had conveyed me, I had but one station more to my father's house. On the way I asked the driver about a certain individual, with whom I studied at Halle, once a companion with me in open sin. I found that he is still in the same state. What a difference has grace made between him and me! Nothing, nothing but grace has made this difference! I, guilty sinner, might now be still on the same road, and he, in my room, might have been plucked as a brand out of the fire. But it is not so. May the Lord help me to love him much, very much, for His distinguishing grace! -Such feelings I had in particular this afternoon, when I saw the town before me in which my father lives, as there are but two in the whol3e place, as far as I can find out, who love the Lord. How different is everything with me now from what it was when, as a wicked youth, I used to go to this town, at the time of my vacation. How truly happy am I now! How is my heart now raised above all those things in which I sought, and also fancied I found happiness! Truly all these things are like bubbles to me now! My heart is not here; yea, my heart is not even in England. My heart is, at least in a measure, in heaven, though I am still nothing but a poor weak worm. I felt the solemnity and importance of having once more the privilege of seeing my aged father. I also felt the importance of being at the place, where I had spent much of my time in my youth, and where I had been known as living in sin. My desire was, that I might be enabled to walk, the three days I intended to stay there, as it becomes a servant of Christ. For this I had been led to prayer before I left Bristol, and since I have been on the Continent. At last I arrived at my father's 4house. How affecting to meet him once more!\par \par April 5. Heimersleben. This afternoon a friend of my father called-one who knows not the Lord. After a few minutes the Lord gave me an opportunity of setting before him the fundamental truths of the Gospel, and the joy and comfort they afford, and have afforded to me. Thus a way was opened to me of stating the truth more fully than ever I had been able to do before, by word of mouth, in the presence of my father and brother, without saying to them, "Thou art the man." I was assisted by the Lord. May He water the seed sown! This evening I went to the only two brethren in this little town, thus to own them as such. It has appeared well to me to call on none whom I know, else I should be expected to call on all; and as I see it right to spend but three days here, I consider that that little time should be wholly given to my father, as it may be the last time that I shall see him; yet, at the same time, I judged that it was well pleasing in the sight of t5he Lord, that I should call on these brethren to strengthen their hands.\par \par When I saw these brethren last, in February, 1829, two or three more used to meet with them; but since then the reproach of the cross has driven the others back into the world. From that time, these brethren have scarcely seen a believer, and never hear the Gospel preached; it was therefore a great joy to them to see me. They told me that the Lord had blessed my last visit to them; and having been informed of my coming, they were prepared to ask me many questions. One of them, Knabe, about thirty years ago being possessed of property, was persuaded to lay it out in coal mines. He joined with two men who spent his property, and after some time they became bankrupts, so that there was not money enough to pay the workmen and some other creditors, even after all their goods had been sold. This evening brother Knabe asked me what he ought to do about the money which had been left unpaid three and twenty years; whether he was st6ill under an obligation to pay it, if he could. My answer was at once that he was, being in the sight of the Lord still a debtor, though cleared by the laws of men. He then told me, that some years since some property was left to him, and that he also, in the years 1816, 1817, and 1818, when the corn prices were very high, had laid by some money, and that therefore he was fully able to pay the debt. He saw immediately that this was the right way, and said that he would act accordingly. He added that now he saw why he had made so little progress in divine things. I have learned that this brother has lately taken two destitute orphans into his house, whom he entirely supports by the labour of his hands (he earns his bread by thrashing corn), and that the people, though they consider him, on account of his love for the Lord, a weak and foolish person, yet look upon him with respect.\par \par April 6. I spent this morning in answering questions which my father put to me about secular things in England. This7 I did for the following reasons :-1. I had scarcely ever spoken about these things in my letters, indeed so little, that my father told me, he had often intended to ask me whether it was forbidden in England to send letters abroad about such matters, as I never wrote about them. I had refrained from doing so, partly, on account of want of time; and, partly, because I had better things to write about, wishing to direct his mind to the things of God. 2. Now, however, I spoke on these subjects, because I particularly desired to be as kind, affectionate, and obliging as I conscientiously could, considering that this was the testimony I was especially called on to give. Formerly I had much pressed the things of God on him, and not with sufficient tenderness, knowing not then experimentally the helplessness of the creature. After it had pleased the Lord to show me the truth more clearly, in the summer of 1829, I wrote in a different way; but in the commencement of the year 1833 I felt pressed in spirit once mo8re, most fully, not so much as a son, but as a servant of Christ, to write, and to point out to him minutely his state, showing him the danger of his soul, the grounds of which I fully laid before him. When this, as formerly, greatly displeased him, I ceased to speak any more in this way, and from that time I aimed and still aim more and more to show him love in action, as it becomes a believing son, telling him only how happy I am- how I am supported under such and such trials-how I am not caring about certain things as formerly I did-in what an awful state I was once living, and how God brought me out of it; and how any sinner, by forsaking his evil ways, and believing on the Lord Jesus, may be brought to the same joy and happiness, and what a delight it would be to me to meet my father at last in heaven, &c. Since I have corresponded with him in this way, things have been very comfortable, though I have brought as much truth before him as formerly, and though I have never sent a letter without speaking9, comparatively, much about these things. On the same ground I have not on this visit spoken directly to my father about the state of his soul, though he has more than ever heard the truth from my lips. God has indeed been with me, and I believe that I have been led by Him to pursue this course. Different, however, has been the way in which I have dealt with my unconverted brother; for the relationship in which I stand to him is a different one. For this afternoon, I not only pointed out to him his danger, but spoke also respecting his sins, and have done so in my letters, and intend to do so still, if the Lord permit.\par \par This afternoon brother Knabe called on me. He told me that he had already experienced a trial on account of his intention to pay the money, as his wife tried to keep him from it, by endeavouring to persuade him that God does not require him to do such a thing, as he has taken two orphan children into his house. He nevertheless is determined to do it. He saw, however, another diff:iculty, which was, that, when he looked over the papers containing the names of his creditors, it was found that all but three, out of about thirty, were dead, and he did not know what to do concerning them. I told him to go to those places where his creditors used to live, and he might find, perhaps, some needy widows and fatherless children, whom they had left behind; and, if not, he should inquire after the lawful heirs, and pay the money to them. He saw with me, and declared his full intention to do so, whatever it might cost, and seemed truly glad that God at last, through my advice, had delivered him from this burden; for from time to time the matter had pressed on his conscience that he ought to do it.-I spent this evening in relating to my father and brother some of the Lord's dealings with me in England, particularly how He has graciously provided for my temporal wants in answer to prayer, and they both seemed to feel, for the moment at least the blessedness of such a life.\par \par April 7. I ;saw brother Knabe this morning, who is still determined to pay the money, though tried by his wife. I exhorted him to steadfastness. I also saw some persons who called on me to hear about England, for every one of whom the Lord gave me a word without any effort. It was especially so last night. A friend of my father, a Roman Catholic, called, and I was enabled to set the truths of the, gospel before him, with their blessed effects, without entering upon the Roman Catholic controversy. -A part of this morning I spent in walking about with my father to see one of his gardens, and some of his fields, because I knew it would give him pleasure; and I felt that I ought in every way to show him kindness and attention, as far as I conscientiously could. Tomorrow, God willing, I intend to leave, and to return to England. The Lord, in His rich mercy, in answer to my prayer, has enabled me so to walk before my father, and has also impressed what I have said so far upon his heart, as to cause him to say today, "May GI on purpose refrained from praying about it, as I did not know whether it was better for my health to be seasick or not. The sickness continued the whole of yesterday. Today I am well. We have fine and calm weather. I consider it a mercy that the Lord has allowed me to be sea-sick.\par \par April 15. Bristol. Yesterday at one we landed in London. In answer to prayer I soon obtained my things from the Custom-house, and reached my friends in Chancery Lane a little before two, where I found a letter from my wife, stating that brother Craik is ill, having an inflammation in the wind-pipe, and therefore, humanly speaking, will be unable to preach for some time. In consequence of this I started immediately for Bristol, where I arrived this morning. I found brother Craik better than I had expected, though completely unable to attend to the ministry of the Word.\par \par April 16. Today brother Craik and I received 11l. 15s. 9d. each, being a legacy left to us some time since. We said once or twice to one an?other, that perhaps this money might be paid at a time when we much needed it. And so it is just now. May I and all my brethren leave the management of all our affairs entirely to the Lord, who best knows what is good for us; and may it be our concern to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all temporal supplies shall be added to us!\par \par May 1. I went to see brother Craik, and found him better, but heard from his medical attendant that he ought not to preach for several months. May 5. My father-in-law has been for several days very ill. May 15. Mr. Groves continues very ill. May 29. This morning brother Craik went into Devonshire for change of air.\par \par June 3. Today we had a public meeting on account of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for home and abroad. It is now fifteen months, since, in dependence upon the Lord for the supply of means, we have been enabled to provide poor children with schooling, circulate the Holy Scriptures, and aid missionary labours. During t@his time, though the field of labour has been continually enlarged, and though we have now and then been brought low in funds, the Lord has never allowed us to be obliged to stop the work. We have been enabled during this time to establish three day-schools, and to connect with the Institution two other charity day-schools, which, humanly speaking, otherwise would have been closed for want of means. In addition to this, the expenses connected with a Sunday-school and an adult school have been likewise defrayed, making seven schools altogether. The number of the children that have been thus provided with schooling, in the day-schools only, amounts to 439. The number of copies of the Holy Scriptures, which have been circulated, is 795 Bibles and 753 New Testaments. We have also sent, in aid of missionary labours in Canada, in the East Indies, and on the Continent of Europe, 117l. 11s. The whole amount of the free-will offerings put into our hands for carrying on this work, from March 5, 1834, to May 19, 183A5, is 363l. 12s. 0 3/4d.\par \par June 20. Our father is evidently today near his end. June 22. This morning at two our father died. June 23. Both our children are ill. June 24. Our little boy is very ill. June 25. The dear little boy is so ill, that I have no hope of his recovery. The disease is inflammation on the chest. I spoke this evening comfortably at Gideon, on Psalm cxlv. 1-4, thinking it right that neither the death of my father-in-law, nor my dying child should keep me from the Lord's work. The Lord's holy will be done concerning the dear little one. June 26. My prayer last evening was, that God would be pleased to support my dear wife under the trial, should He remove the little one; and to take him soon to Himself, thus sparing him from suffering. I did not pray for the child's recovery. It was but two hours after that the dear little one went home. The eldest and the youngest the Lord has thus removed from our family in the same week. My dear Mary feels her loss much, but yet is greatly suBpported. As to myself, I am so fully enabled to realize that the dear infant is so much better off with the Lord Jesus than with us, that I scarcely feel the loss at all, and when I weep, I weep for joy.\par \par June 27. My dear wife is graciously supported. May the Lord grant that these afflictions may not be lost upon us! June 28. I preached today both times comfortably. June 29. This morning was the funeral. The remains of our father and infant were put into the same grave.\par \par July 3. Our taxes are due, and may be called for any day, and for the first time we have no money to pay them, as we were obliged, on account of our late afflictions, to spend the money which we had put by for them. May the Lord in mercy provide! July 6. I was enabled today, by the free-will offerings through the boxes, and by what I had left, to pay the taxes before they were called for. How kind of the Lord to answer my prayer so soon! July 8. This evening I had 5l. sent from Weston-super-Mare. So the Lord has again Cappeared. May I praise His holy name for this seasonable help, which came when I had scarcely any money left! July 14. Today I had again a suit of new clothes given to me by a brother. My clothes were much worn and old, and our late funeral might have given a second reason for having new ones. But I did not order any, because I had no money to pay for them, and thought it wrong to contract debts.-A fresh paper was brought in today for taxes, which ought to have been asked for many months since. May the Lord give us the means to pay them!\par \par July 15. We had again an especial prayer-meeting for the restoration of brother Craik, who, though well in his general health, is yet unable to preach, or even to converse for any length of time. July 18. I have felt for several days weak in my chest. This weakness has been increasing, and today I have felt it more than ever. I have thought it well to refrain next week from all public speaking. May the Lord grant that I may be brought nearer to Him through thisD, for I am not at all in the state in which I ought to be, and I think sometimes that our late afflictions have been lost upon me, and that the Lord will need to chastise me severely.\par \par July 22. The last mentioned taxes were called for this morning, just after the Lord had sent us 5l., from a distance of about eighty miles. So the Lord has again of late, repeatedly, in answer to prayer, sent help. May this lead us to trust in Him for the future! July 28. Since the 14th I have felt unwell, and though sometimes a little better, on the whole I have been getting worse and worse. This morning I have seen our medical attendant, who thinks that all the disease arises from a disordered stomach.\par \par July 31. Today brother C-r, formerly a minister in the establishment, who came to us a few days since, began, in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, to go from house to house, to spread the truth as a city missionary. [This was a remarkable interposition of God. Brother Craik had beforeE this, for some months, been unable on account of bodily infirmity, to labour in the work of the schools, the circulation of the Scriptures, &c., and my own weakness, shortly after brother C\emdash r's arrival, increased so that I was obliged to give up the work entirely: How gracious, therefore, of the Lord, to send brother C\emdash r, that thus the work might go on! Up to July, 1837, this brother was enabled to continue in his work, and thus this little Institution was in a most important way enlarged as it regards the field of labour.]\par \par August 15. Today dear brother Craik returned from Devonshire, much better in his general health, but not better as it regards his voice.-August 24. I feel very weak, and suffer more than before from the disease. I am in doubt whether to leave Bristol entirely for a time. I have no money to go away for a change of air. I have had an invitation to stay for a week with a sister in the country, and I think of accepting the invitation, and going tomorrow. August 26F. Today I had 5l. given to me for the express purpose of using change of air. Aug. 29. Today I received another 5l. for the same purpose.\par \par August 30. Today, for the first Lord's day since our arrival in Bristol, I have been kept from preaching through illness. How mercifully has the Lord dealt in giving me so much strength for these years! I had another 5l. sent, to aid me in procuring change of air. How kind is the Lord in thus providing me with the means of leaving Bristol! September 2. Went with my family to Portishead. September 3 to 5. I read the lives of the English martyrs at the time of the reformation. My spirit has been greatly refreshed. May the Lord help me to follow these holy men as far as they followed Christ! Of all reading, besides that of the Holy Scriptures, which should be always THE book, THE CHIEF book to us, not merely in theory, but also in practice, such like books seem to me the most useful for the growth of the inner man. Yet one has to be cautious in the choice, and tGo guard against reading too much. At such a time as the present, when my mind and body are too weak for much exertion, as the study of the Word, conversation, writing letters, or walking, &c., I find it most refreshing to read a few pages of this kind, though these last six years I have not read the fifth part, perhaps not the tenth part as much of other books as of the Holy Scriptures.\par \par September 14. We are still at Portishead. I am but little better. I am greatly bowed down today on account of my inward corruptions and carnality of heart. When will God deliver me from this state?! How I long to be more like Him! My present way of living is also a great trial to me. The caring so much about the body; the having for my chief employment eating and drinking, walking, bathing, and taking horse exercise; all this to which I have not been at all accustomed these six years, I find to be very trying. I would much rather be again in the midst of the work in Bristol, if my Lord will condescend to use HisH most unworthy servant.\par \par September 15. As I clearly understood that the person, who lets me his horse, has no license, I saw, that being bound as a believer to act according to the laws of the country, I could use it no longer: and as horse exercise seems most important, humanly speaking, for my restoration, and as this is the only horse, which is to be had in the place, we came to the conclusion to leave Portishead tomorrow. Immediately after, I received a kind letter from a brother and two sisters in the Lord, who lived in the Isle of Wight, which contained a fourth invitation, more pressing than ever, to come and stay with them for some time. In addition to this, they wrote that they had repeatedly prayed about the matter, and were persuaded that I ought to come. This matter has been today a subject for prayer and consideration to us.\par \par September 16. We came this morning to the conclusion to leave Portishead today, and that I should go to the Isle of Wight; but we saw not how my wifeI and child and our servant could accompany me, as we had not sufficient money for traveling expenses; and yet this seemed of importance, as otherwise my wife would be overburdened in my absence, and my mind would not be sufficiently free; and besides this, she also seems to need change of air. The Lord graciously removed the difficulty this evening; for we received most unexpectedly and unasked for 6l. 13s., which was owed to us, and, also, when we had already retired to rest, a letter was brought, containing a present of 2l. How very, very kind, and tender is the Lord!\par \par September 19. This evening we arrived at our friends' in the Isle of Wight, by whom we were most kindly received.-September 21 to 26. Nothing remarkable has occurred. I feel very comfortable in this place, and find my stay here refreshing to my soul. My health is about the same. I am not fit for mental exercise, and am soon fatigued even by conversation. I have read during the last days, with great interest and admiration of theJ goodness of God, and to the refreshment of my soul, the life of John Newton, and the lives of some of the English martyrs at the time of the reformation.\par \par Sept. 27. Today I am thirty years of age. I feel myself an unprofitable servant. How much more might I have lived for God than I have done! May the Lord grant, that, if I am allowed to stay a few days more in this world, they may be spent entirely for Him! September 29. Last evening, when I retired from the family, I had a desire to go to rest at once, for I had prayed a short while before; and feeling weak in body, the coldness of the night was a temptation for me to pray no further. However, the Lord did help me to fall upon my knees; and no sooner had I commenced praying, than He shone into my soul, and gave me such a spirit of prayer, as I had not enjoyed. for many weeks. He graciously once more revived His work in my heart. I enjoyed that nearness to God and fervency in prayer, for more than an hour, for which my soul had been panting foKr many weeks past. For the first time, during this illness, I had now also a spirit of prayer as it regards my health. I could ask the Lord earnestly to restore me again, which had not been the case before. I now long to go back again to the work in Bristol, yet without impatience, and feel assured that the Lord will strengthen me to return to it. I went to bed especially happy and awoke this morning in great peace, rose sooner than usual, and had again, for more than an hour, real communion with the Lord before breakfast. May He in mercy continue this state of heart to His most unworthy child!\par \par October 8. My strength has been during the last days increasing, but I feel still the symptoms of indigestion. I have been able to speak several times at family prayer, and to expound the Scriptures to the school children, without suffering in consequence of it.\par \par October 9. I have many times had thoughts of giving in print some account of the Lord's goodness to me, for the instruction, comfort,L and encouragement of the children of God; and I have been more than ever stirred up to do so since I read Newton's life a few days ago. I have considered, today, all the reasons for and against, and find that there are scarcely any against, and many for it.\par \par October 15. Today we left our dear friends for Bristol. November 15. Brother C\emdash r and I have been praying together, the last five days, that the Lord would be pleased to send us means for the carrying on of the work of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. This evening a brother gave me 6s. 1d., being money which he formerly used to pay towards the support of a trade club, which he has lately given up for the Lord's sake.-November 18. This evening \'a330 was given to me; \'a325. for the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, and \'a35. for myself. This is a most remarkable answer to prayer. Brother C-r and I have prayed repeatedly together during the last week, concerning the work, and especially that the Lord would be pleased to give us tMhe means to continue, and even to enlarge, the field. In addition to this, I have several times asked for a supply for myself, and He has kindly granted both these requests. Oh that I may have grace to trust Him more and more!-November 20. This evening I took tea at a sister's house, where I found Franke's life. I have frequently, for a long time, thought of labouring in a similar way, though it might be on a much smaller scale; not, to imitate Franke, but in reliance upon the Lord. May God make it plain! November 21. Today I have had it very much impressed on my heart, no longer merely to think about the establishment of an Orphan-House, but actually to set about it, and I have been very much in prayer respecting it, in order to ascertain the Lord's mind.-I received this day, from an unexpected quarter, \'a35. for the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, in answer to prayer; and I had also \'a31. 14s. 6d. sent from a distance of one hundred and twenty miles.-November 22. This evening I had sent for the InstNitution \'a31. 4s.-November 23. Today I had \'a310. sent from Ireland for our Institution. Thus the Lord, in answer to prayer, has given me, in a few days, about \'a350. I had asked only for \'a340. This has been a great encouragement to me, and has still more stirred me up to think and pray about the establishment of an Orphan-House.-November 25. I have been again much in prayer yesterday and today about the Orphan-House, and am more and more convinced that it is of God. May He in mercy guide me! The three chief reasons for establishing an Orphan-House are :-1. That God may be glorified, should He be pleased to furnish me with the means, in its being seen that it is not a vain thing to trust in Him; and that thus the faith of His children may be strengthened. 2. The spiritual welfare of fatherless and motherless children. 3. Their temporal welfare.\par \par It may be well to enter somewhat more minutely, than my journal does, upon the reasons which led me to establish an Orphan-House. Through my pastorOal labours among the saints in Bristol, through my considerable correspondence, and through brethren who visited Bristol; I had constantly cases brought before me, which proved, that one of the especial things which the children of God needed in our day, was, to have their faith strengthened. For instance: I might visit a brother, who worked fourteen or even sixteen hours a day at his trade, the necessary result of which was, that not only his body suffered, but his soul was lean, and he had no enjoyment in the things of God. Under such circumstances I might point out to him that he ought to work less, in order that his bodily health might not suffer, and that he might gather strength for his inner man, by reading the word of God, by meditation over it, and by prayer. The reply, however, I generally found to be something like this : "But if I work less, I do not earn enough for the support of my family. Even now, whilst I work so much, I have scarcely enough. The wages are so low, that I must work hard inP order to obtain what I need. There was no trust in God. No real belief in the truth of that word : " Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you." I might reply something like this: "My dear brother, it is not your work which supports your family, but the Lord; and He who has fed you and your family when you could not work at all, on account of illness, would surely provide for you and yours, if for the sake of obtaining food for your inner man, you were to work only for so many hours a day, as would allow you proper time for retirement. And is it not the case now, that you begin the work of the day after having had only a few hurried moments for prayer; and when you leave off your work in the evening, and mean then to read a little of the word of God, are you not too much worn out in body and mind, to enjoy it, and do you not often fall asleep whilst reading the Scriptures, or whilst on your knees in prayer?" The brother would allow it was so; heQ would allow that my advice was good; but still I read in his countenance, even if he should not have actually said so, "How should I get on, if I were to carry out your advice ?" I longed, therefore, to have something to point the brother to, as a visible proof, that our God and Father is the same faithful God as ever He was; as willing as ever to PROVE Himself to be the LIVING GOD, in our day as formerly, to all who put their trust in Him. -Again, 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 poor-house. 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 GodR, 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,S 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 aught 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-HTouse, which I had seen many times with my own eyes. I, therefore, judged myself bound to be the servant of the Church of Christ, 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 inU 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 any one being asked by me or my fellow-labourers, whereby it may be seen, that God is FAITHFUL STILL, and HEARS PRAYER STILL. That I was not mistaken, has been abundantly proved singe November, 1835, both by the conversion of many sinners who have read the accounts, which haveV been published in connexion 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 honour and glory of which not only is due to Him alone, but which I, by His help, am enabled to ascribe to Him.\par \par November 28. I have been, every day this week, very much in prayer concerning the Orphan-House, chiefly entreating the Lord to take away every thought concerning it out of my mind, if the matter be not of Him; and have also repeatedly examined my heart concerning my motives in the matter. But I have been more and more confirmed that it is of God.\par \par December 2. I have again these last days prayed much about the Orphan-House, and have frequently examined my heart, that if it were at all my desire to establish it for the sake of gratifying myself I might find it out. To that end I have also conversed with brother Craik about it, that he might be instrumental in showing me any hidden Wcorruption of my heart concerning the matter, or any other scriptural reason against my engaging in it. The one only reason which ever made me at all doubt as to its being of God, that I should engage in this work, is, the multiplicity of engagements which I have already. But that which has overbalanced this objection in my mind has been :-1. That the matter is of such great importance. 2. That if the matter be of God, He will in due time send suitable individuals, so that comparatively little of my time will be taken up in this service.\par \par This morning I asked the Lord especially, that He would be pleased to teach me through the instrumentality of brother C.; and I went to him, that he might have an opportunity of probing my heart. For as I desire only the Lord's glory, I should be glad to be instructed through the instrumentality of any brother, if the matter be not of Him. But brother C., on the contrary, greatly encouraged me in it. Therefore I have this day taken the first actual step in the Xmatter, in having ordered bills to be printed, announcing a public meeting on December 9th, at which I intend to lay before the brethren my thoughts concerning the Orphan-House, as a means of ascertaining more clearly the Lord's mind concerning the matter. December 4. Brother Craik told me this morning, that his voice is getting a little better. December 5. This evening I was struck, in reading the Scriptures, with these words : "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." Ps. lxxxi. 10. Up to this day I had not prayed at all concerning the means or individuals needed for the Orphan-House. I was now led to apply this scripture to the Orphan-House, and asked the Lord for premises, 1000l., and suitable individuals to take care of the children. December 7. Today I received the first shilling for the Orphan-House. Afterwards I received another shilling from a German brother.\par \par December 9. This afternoon the first piece of furniture was given-a large wardrobe. This afternoon and evening I was low in spiYrit as it regards the Orphan-House, but as soon as I began to speak at the meeting, I received peculiar assistance from God, felt great peace and joy, and the assurance that the work is of God. After the meeting, 10s. was given to me. There was purposely no collection, nor did any one speak besides myself; for it was not in the least intended to work upon the feelings, for I sought to be quite sure concerning the mind of God. After the meeting a sister offered herself for the work. I went home happy in the Lord, and full of confidence that the matter will come to pass, though but 10s. has been given. December 10. This morning I have sent to the press a statement which contains the substance of what I said at the meeting last evening. [For the sake of those who have not read it before, it is given here.]\par \par \par Proposal for the Establishment of an Orphan-House in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad.\par \par \par Since the last Report of the operations of thZe Scriptural Knowledge Institution for home and abroad was published, the Lord has sent us, in answer to prayer, brother John C\emdash r, formerly a minister of the establishment, as a city missionary, who goes from house to house, among the poor of this city, to converse with them about the things of God, to circulate the Scriptures among them, to get them to come to the adult school, if they cannot read, and to advise them to put their children to our schools, provided they go to no other. It was particularly gracious of the Lord to send this brother, nearly five months ago, as my brother and fellow labourer, Henry Craik, has been for these eight months laid aside from the ministry of the Word on account of bodily infirmity, and has therefore been unable to take an active part in this Institution. Thus I have not only found great help, but I have been greatly encouraged to enlarge the field. That to which my mind has been particularly directed, is, to establish an Orphan-House in which destitute fatherl[ess and motherless children may be provided with food and raiment, and scriptural education. Concerning this intended Orphan-House I would say\par \par 1. It is intended to be in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for home and abroad, in so far as it respects the Reports, accounts, superintendence, and the principles on which it is conducted, so that, in one sense, it may be considered as a new object of the Institution, yet with this difference, that only those funds shall be applied to the Orphan-House which are expressly given for it. If, therefore, any believer should prefer to support either those objects which have been hitherto assisted by the funds of this Institution, or the intended Orphan-House, it need only be mentioned, in order that the money may be applied accordingly.\par \par 2. It will only be established if the Lord should provide both the means for it, and suitable persons to conduct it.\par \par As to the means, I would make the following remarks. The reason for\ proposing to enlarge the field, is not because we have of late particularly abounded in means; for we have been rather straitened. The many gracious answers, however, which the Lord had given us concerning this Institution, led brother C\emdash r and me to give ourselves to prayer, asking him to supply us with the means to carry on the work, as we consider it unscriptural to contract debts. During five days, we prayed several times, both unitedly and separately. After that time, the Lord began to answer our prayers, so that, within a few days, about 50l. was given to us. I would further say, that the very gracious and tender dealings of God with me, in having supplied, in answer to prayer, for the last five years, my own temporal wants without any certain income, so that money, provisions and clothes have been sent to me at times when I was greatly straitened, and that not only in small but large quantities; and not merely from individuals living in the same place with me, but at a considerable distance;] and that not merely from intimate friends, but from individuals whom I have never seen: all this, I say, has often led me to think, even as long as four years ago, that the Lord had not given me this simple reliance on Him merely for myself; but also for others. Often, when I saw poor neglected children running about the streets at Teignmouth, I said to myself: "May it not be the will of God, that I should establish schools for these children, asking Him to give me the means?" However, it remained only a thought in my mind for two or three years. About two years and six months since I was particularly stirred up afresh to do something for destitute children, by seeing so many of them begging in the streets of Bristol, and coming to our door. It was not, then, left undone on account of want of trust in the Lord, but through an abundance of other things calling for all the time and strength of my brother Craik and myself; for the Lord had both given faith, and had also shown by the following instance, in a^ddition to very many others, both what He can and what He will do. One morning, whilst sitting in my room, I thought about the distress of certain brethren, and said thus to myself:-" O that it might please the Lord to give me the means to help these poor brethren !" About an hour afterwards I had 60l. sent as a present for myself, from a brother, whom up to this day I have never seen, and who was then, and is still, residing several thousand miles from this. Should not such an experience, together with promises like that one in John xiv. 13, 14, encourage us to ask with all boldness, for ourselves and others, both temporal and spiritual blessings? The Lord, for I cannot but think it was He, again and again, brought the thought about these poor children to my mind, till at last it ended in the establishment of "The Scriptural Knowledge Institution, for Home and Abroad;" since the establishment of which, I have had it in a similar way brought to my mind, first about fourteen months ago, and repeatedly sinc_e, but especially during these last weeks, to establish an Orphan-House. My frequent prayer of late has been, that if it be of God, He would let it come to pass; if not, that He would take from me all thoughts about it. The latter has not been the case, but I have been led more and more to think that the matter may be of Him. Now, if so, He can influence His people in any part of the world, (for I do not look to Bristol, nor even to England, but to the living God, whose is the gold and the silver,) to intrust me and brother C-r, whom the Lord has made willing to help me in this work, with the means. Till we have them, we can do nothing in the way of renting a house, furnishing it, &c. Yet, when once as much as is needed for this has been sent us, as also proper persons to engage in the work, we do not think it needful to wait till we have the Orphan-House endowed, or a number of yearly subscribers for it; but we trust to be enabled by the Lord, who has taught us to ask for our daily bread, to look to Him `for the supply of the daily wants of those children whom He may be pleased to put under our care. Any donations will be received at my house. Should any believers have tables, chairs, bedsteads, bedding, earthenware, or any kind of household furniture to spare, for the furnishing of the house; or remnants or pieces of calico, linen, flannel, cloth, or any materials useful for wearing apparel; or clothes already worn; they will be thankfully received.\par \par Respecting the persons who are needed for carrying on the work, a matter of no less importance than the procuring of funds, I would observe, that we look for them to God Himself, as well as for the funds; and that all who may be engaged as masters, matrons, and assistants, according to the smallness or largeness of the Institution, must be known to us as true believers; and moreover, as far as we may be able to judge, must likewise be qualified for the work.\par \par 3. At present nothing can be said as to the time when the operations are likely ato commence; nor whether the Institution will embrace children of both sexes, or be restricted either to boys or girls exclusively; nor of what age they will be received, and how long they may continue in it; for though we have thought about these things, yet we would rather be guided in these particulars by the amount of the means which the Lord may put into our hands, and by the number of the individuals whom he may provide for conducting the Institution. Should the Lord condescend to use us as instruments, a short printed statement will be issued as soon as something more definite can be said.\par \par 4. It has appeared well to us to receive only such destitute children as have been bereaved of both parents.\par \par 5. The children are intended, if girls, to be brought up for service; if boys, for a trade; and therefore they will be employed, according to their ability and bodily strength, in useful occupations, and thus help to maintain themselves; besides this they are intended to receive a plabin education; but the chief and especial end of the Institution will be to seek, with God's blessing, to bring them to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, by instructing them in the Scriptures.\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par Bristol, Dec. 10th, 1835.\par \par \par December 11. I have been enabled to pray all this week with increased confidence concerning the Orphan-House, as it regards means, a house, suitable individuals to take care of the children, furniture, &c. December 16. Brother C-n, whom the Lord has kindly allowed to stay above two months among us, to supply brother Craik's lack of service, left us today. How very gracious has the Lord been to us in this affliction! Many brethren have been sent to us as helpers for a little while- brother C-t for the greater part of the time, and brother C-n for more than two months. And, in addition to this, when brother Craik and I were both ill, the brethren were kept in peace, and there was a spirit of prayer among them. December 31. This evening we had can especial meeting for prayer and praise. We continued together from seven till after twelve.\par \par \par There have been received into the church at Gideon during the past year - 29\par \par Ditto, Bethesda - 30\par \par Altogether - 59\par \par \par Of these 59, 30 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord through the instrumentality of brother Craik and me. There are now, of those who have been begotten again through us, since we have been in Bristol, at Gideon 63, and at Bethesda 71-altogether 134. Besides this, several have fallen asleep in the faith, who never were in communion with us, and several of our spiritual children have joined other churches, in and out of Bristol, and many are now standing as hopeful characters on the list of candidates for communion. There have been added to the church at Gideon, since we came, 125; to Bethesda, 163 - altogether 288; so that the number of both churches would have been 356 (68 believers we found at Gideon), had there been no changes; but\dpar \par Of Gideon are at present\par \par under church discipline 6, of Bethesda, 7, altogether, 13\par \par Do. have fallen asleep 12 do. 5 do. 17\par \par Do. have left Bristol 10 do. 4 do. 14\par \par Do. have left us, but are\par \par still in Bristol 11 do. 4 do. 15\par \par 39 20 59\par \par So that there are at present in communion with us 297 :-143 at Bethesda, and 154 at Gideon.\par \par \par As it regards the way in which the Lord, in His faithful love, supplied my temporal wants, during the past year, I mention that I received-\par \par \par 1. In free-will offerings, given through the boxes, as my part \'a3130 3s. 7 1/4d.\par \par 2. In free-will offerings given by believers in and out of Bristol, not through the boxes \'a3120 7s. 6d.\par \par 3. Towards the house rent I received from brother Craik, in consideration that he has no rent to pay, for nine months \'a37 10s. 0d.\par \par 4. The presents sent to us in clothes and provisions, &c., were worth to us at leaset \'a327 0s. 0d.\par \par Altogether \'a3285 1s. 1 1/4d.\par \par \par January 3, 1836. This morning brother Craik spoke a little in public for the first time after about nine months.\par \par January 6. Today we had three especial prayer meetings, for the full restoration of brother Craik's voice. We had also, on January 7, 8, 9, and 10, especial prayer meetings for brother Craik's full restoration. January 16. Today I put into the press another statement, containing a further account respecting the Orphan-House. [It is here reprinted.]\par \par \par Further account respecting the Orphan-House, intended to be established in Bristol, in connection with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad.\par \par \par 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 thoughfts 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 ver. 10: "Open thy moguth 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 any thing 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 some one might be led to pay the rent for one, or that one might be given permanently for this object; further, I asked Him for \'a31000; 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 hnatural prospect of obtaining from the brethren whom I know, but which was not too much for the Lord to grant. As I have stated, that I desire to see clearly the Lord's will concerning the Orphan-House, by His providing both the means and suitable individuals for it, I will now mention how He has been dealing with me in these respects.\par \par December 7, 1835.-Anonymously was given 2s. In the paper in which they were enclosed was written " 1s. for the Orphan-House, and 1s. for the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. In the name of the Lord alone lift up your banners, so shall you prosper." 1s. besides was given. December 9. I found 3s. in the box, which I had put up two days before in my room for the Orphan-House, and a large wardrobe given just before the meeting in the evening, when I stated publicly my desire concerning this object before the brethren. After the meeting 10s. was given. Also a sister offered herself at the same time for the work. December 10. This morning I received a letter, in whichi 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 need, &c" In the evening a brother brought from several individuals three dishes, 28 plates, three basins, one jug, four mugs, three salt stands, one grater, four knives, and five forks.\par \par December 12. While I was praying this morning that the Lord would give us a fresh token of His favour concerning the Orphan-House, a brother brought three dishes, 12 plates, one basin, and one blanket. After this had been given, I thanked God, and asked Him to give even this day another encouragement. Shortly after, \'a350. was given, and that by an individual from whom, for several reasons, I could not have expected this sum. Thus the hand of God appeared so mjuch the more clearly. Even then I was led to pray, that this day the Lord would give still more. In the evening, accordingly, there were sent 29 yards of print. Also a sister offered herself for the work. Dec. 13. A brother was influenced this day to give 4s. per week, or 10l. 8s. yearly, as long as the Lord gives the means; 8s. was given by him as two weeks' subscriptions. Today 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.\par \par December 14. Today a sister offered her services for the work. In the evening another sister offered herself for the Institution. December 15. A sister brought from several friends, ten basins, eight mugs, one plate, five dessert spoons, six tea spoons, one skimmer, one toasting fork, one flour dredge, three knives and forks, one sheet, one pillow case, one table cloth; also 1l. In the afternoon were sent 55 yards of sheeting, and 1k2 yards of calico. December 16. I took out of the box in my room 1s. December 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 tomorrow 100l.\par \par December 18. This afternoon the same brother brought from a sister, a counterpane, a flat iron stand, eight cups, and saucers, a sugar basin, a milk jug, a tela cup, 16 thimbles, five knives and forks, six dessert spoons, 12 tea spoons, four combs, and two little graters; from another friend a flat iron and a cup and saucer. At the same time he brought the 100l. above referred to. [Since the publication of the second edition it has pleased the Lord to take to Himself the donor of this 100l., and I therefore give in this present edition some further account of the donation and the donor, as the particulars respecting both, with God's blessing, may tend to edification. Indeed I confess that I am delighted to be at liberty, in consequence of the death of the donor, to give the following short narrative, which, during her lifetime, I should not have considered it wise to publish. A. L., the donor, was known to me almost from the beginning of my coming to Bristol in 1832. She earned her bread by needlework, by which she gained from 2s. to 5s. per week; the average, I suppose, was not more than about 3s. 6d., as she was weak in body. But this dear, humble sister was mcontent with her small earnings, and I do not remember ever to have heard her utter a word of complaint on account of earning so little. Some time, before I had been led to establish an Orphan-House, her father had died, through which event she had come into the possession of 480l., which sum had been left to her (and the same amount to her brother and. two sisters) by her grandmother, but of which her father had had the interest during his lifetime. The father, who had been much given to drinking, died in debt, which debts the children wished to pay; but the rest, besides A. L., did not like to pay the full amount, and offered to the creditors 5s. in the pound, which they gladly accepted, as they had not the least legal claim upon the children. After the debts had been paid according to this agreement, A. L. said to herself; "However sinful my father may have been, yet he was my father, and as I have the means of paying his debts to the full amount, I ought, as a believing child, to do so, seeing that myn brothers and sisters will not do it." She then went to all the creditors secretly, and paid the full amount of the debts, which took 40l. more of her money, besides her share which she had given before. Her brother and two sisters now gave 50l. each of their property to their mother; but A. L. said to herself: "I am a child of God, surely I ought to give my mother twice as much as my brother and sisters." She, therefore, gave her mother 100l. Shortly after this she sent me the 100l. towards the Orphan-House. I was not a little surprised when I received this money from her, for I had always known her as a poor girl, and I had never heard any thing about her having come into the possession of this money, and her dress had never given me the least indication of an alteration in her circumstances. Before, however, accepting this money from her, I had a long conversation with her, in which I sought to probe her as to her motives, and in which I sought to ascertain whether, as I had feared, she might have giveon this money in the feeling of the moment, without having counted the cost. I was the more particular, because, if the money were given, without its being given from Scriptural motives, and there should be regret afterwards, the name of the Lord would be dishonoured. But I had not conversed long with this beloved sister, before I found that she was, in this particular, a quiet, calm, considerate follower of the Lord Jesus, and one who desired, in spite of what human reason might say, to act according to the words of our Lord: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth." Matthew vi. 19. "Sell that ye have, and give alms." Luke xii. 33. When I remonstrated with her, in order that I might see, whether she had counted the cost, she said to me: "The Lord Jesus has given His last drop of blood for me, and. should I not give Him this 100l.?" She likewise said: "Rather than the Orphan-House should not be established, I will give all the money I have." When I saw that she had weighed the matter according to tphe word of God, and that she had counted the cost, I could not but take the money, and admire the way which the Lord took, to use this poor, sickly sister as an instrument, in so considerable a measure, for helping, at its very commencement, this work, which I had set about solely in dependence upon the living God. At that time she would also have me take 5l. for the poor saints in communion with us. I mention here particularly, that this dear sister kept all these things to herself; and did them as much as possible in secret; and during her life-time, I suppose, not six brethren and sisters among us knew that she had ever possessed 480l., or that she had given 100l. towards the Orphan-House. But this is not all. Some time after this 100l. had been given by her, brother C-r, (who was then labouring as a City Missionary in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, and who about that very time happened to visit from house to house in that part of the city where A. L. lived), told me that he had mqet with many cases, in which A. L. had given to one poor woman a bedstead, to another some bedding, to another some clothes, to another food; and thus instance upon instance of acts of love, on the part of our dear sister A. L., had come before him. I relate one instance more. August 4, 1836, seven months and a half after she had given the 100l., she came one morning to me and said: "Last evening I felt myself particularly stirred up to pray about the funds of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution; but whilst praying I thought, what good is it for me to pray for means, if I do not give, when I have the means, and I have therefore brought you this 5l." As I had reason to believe that by this time by far the greater part of her money was gone, I again had a good deal of conversation with her, to see whether she really did count the cost, and whether this donation also was given unto the Lord, or from momentary excitement, in which case it was better not to give the money. However, she was at this time also srteadfast, grounded upon the word of God, and evidently constrained by the love of Christ; and all the effect my conversation had upon her was, that she said: "You must take five shillings in addition to the 5l., as a proof that I give the 5l. cheerfully." And thus she constrained me to take the 5l. 5s. Four things are especially to be noticed about this beloved sister, with reference to all this period of her earthly pilgrimage: 1, She did all these things in secret, avoiding to the utmost all show about them, and thus proved, that she did not desire the praise of man. 2, She remained, as before, of an humble and lowly mind, and she proved thus, that she had done what she did unto the Lord, and not unto man. 3, Her dress remained, during all the time that she had this comparative abundance, the same as before. It was clean, yet as simple and inexpensive as it was at the time when all her income had consisted of 3s. 6d., or at most 5s., per week. There was not the least difference as to her lodging, dress,s manner of life, etc. She remained in every way the poor hand-maid of the Lord, as to all outward appearance. 4, But that which is as lovely as the rest, she continued working at her needle all this time. She earned her 2s. 6d., or 3s., or a little more, a week, by her work, as before: whilst she gave away the money in Sovereigns or Five Pound Notes.-At last all her money was gone, and that some years before she fell sleep , and as her bodily health never had been good, as long as I had known her, and was now much worse, she found herself peculiarly dependent upon the Lord, who never forsook her up to the last moment of her earthly course. The very commencement of her life of simple dependence upon the Lord, was such as greatly to encourage her. She related the facts to me as I give them here. When she was completely without money, and when her little stock of tea and butter was also gone, two sisters in the Lord called on her. After they had been a little while with her, they told her that they had come tto take tea with her. She said to herself; I should not at all mind to go without my tea, but this is a great trial, that I have nothing to set before these sisters; and she gave them therefore to understand, that their staying to tea would not be convenient at that time. The sisters, however, I suppose, not understanding the hint, remained, and presently brought out of a basket tea, sugar, butter and bread, and thus there was all that was requisite for the tea, and the remainder of the provisions was left with her. She told me, that at that time she was not accustomed to trials of faith, as she afterwards was.\par \par Her body became weaker and weaker, in consequence of which she was able to work very little, for many months before she died; but the Lord supplied her with all she needed, though she never asked for anything. For instance, a sister in communion with us sent her for many months all the bread she used.-Her mouth was full of thanksgiving, even in the midst of the greatest bodily sufferingsu. She fell asleep in Jesus in January 1844.-I have related these facts, because they tend to the praise of the Lord, and may be instrumental in stirring up other children of God, to follow this dear departed sister in so far as she followed the Lord Jesus; but, in particular, that I may show in what remarkable ways the Lord proved, from the very beginning, that the Orphan-House was His and not mine. I now go on to narrate further how the Lord provided me with means for it.] This evening a sister sent five small forms. December 20. A sister gave me 5l. December 21. A friend sent 1l. Weekly subscription of 4s. December 22. A sister gave me 1l. and a friend sent 2s. 6d. December 23. A brother gave this evening a piece of blind line and a dozen of blind tassels. About ten in the evening, a gentleman brought me from an individual, whose name he was not to mention, 4l., of which I was allowed to take 2l. for the Orphan-House, and to give the other 2l. to poor believers. December 28. During the last four days I vhad received no offerings, and was rather cast down about it, not knowing why the Lord dealt thus. Yet, in the midst of it, I had a hope, that He was in the mean time working for the Orphan-House, though nothing had been given. I was again stirred up to pray, that the Lord would appear today. A little after, I saw a brother who told me, that ever since he had received the printed proposal for the establishment of an Orphan-House, he had considered the matter, and that he was willing to give for the use of it certain premises, which he built some years since, and which cost him 2,600l., provided there could be raised about 500l., to add to the buildings what may be needed, to fit them for the purpose. There is a piece of ground belonging to the premises, sufficiently large to build thereon what may be required. The buildings are very suitable for an Orphan-House, containing some very large rooms. If, therefore, the Lord should put it into the hearts of His people, who have the means, to give this sum of mowney, the premises will be given. The reason why they are offered under the above-mentioned condition is, that in the state in which they are now, on account of the peculiar purpose for which they were built, they could accommodate only about 15 children, but, by the proposed addition, would be large enough for 50 or 60. For the present, however, the premises are let, and a notice of six months must be given. If this matter should be brought about by the Lord, my prayer concerning a house, which has been repeatedly brought before Him since December 5th, will have been answered. Yet I leave the matter in the hands of Him, who has the power to give us a place, of which we may take immediate possession, or who can put it into the hearts of His children to pay the rent for a house, or to give us the 500l. necessary to complete the building.- Weekly subscription of 4s. December 29. A clergyman gave 10s. December 30. A brother at Sidmouth sent 5l.\par \par January 1, 1836. Through a sister was given 6s., beingx six different donations; also from herself 1l. as a donation, besides 1s. as a monthly subscription. Also a lady sent through her 1l. 1s. as a yearly subscription. Jan. 2. 4 sister sent 5l. Jan. 3. A gentleman sent 5s, Jan. 4. Weekly subscription of 4s. Through a brother from two friends, 1s. The same brother brought also one dish, three plates, two basins, two cups and saucers, and two knives and forks. Jan. 5. 10s., and 12s. 9d., and 2l. were given. This evening some one rang our house bell. When the door was opened, no one was there, but a kitchen fender and a dish were found at the door, which, no doubt, were given for the Orphan-House.\par \par Jan. 7. 10s. was sent. Jan. 8. 2l. was given, also 10s. A sister offered herself for the work. Jan. 9. From E. G. 1l. 5s., and from a brother 6d. Jan. 10. 2s. 6d. was given. In the paper was written, "Two widows' mites for the Orphan-school. In the name of the Lord establish it." Jan. 11. Weekly subscription 4s. Jan. 12. 6d., 6d., 4d., 4d., and 1d. were givyen. Jan. 14. An old great coat was given; 1l. by a brother. A sister in Dublin offered 2l. 12s. yearly. There was sent a deal box, a small looking-glass, a candlestick, a jug, a basin, two plates, two knives and forks, and a tin dish.\par \par All this money, and all these articles have been given, and all these above-mentioned offers have been made, without my asking any individual for anything; moreover, almost all has been sent from individuals concerning whom I had naturally no reason to expect any thing, and some of whom I never saw. Upon the ground of these facts, therefore, I am clearly persuaded, that it is the will of the Lord that I should proceed in the work, and I shall therefore now state something more definite than I could in the former paper.\par \par 1. If the Lord should not provide previous to the middle of February a house in the way of gift, which in a few weeks may be occupied for an Orphan-House, or put it into the heart of some one who loves Him to pay the rent for one, or to lzend us one for this purpose, I intend, God willing, to rent certain suitable premises, which are to be had for about 50l. yearly. I purpose to take them for a twelvemonth, for that time would be required, before the building could be finished, should the Lord provide the above-mentioned 500l.\par \par 2. It is intended, God willing, to open the institution about April 1.\par \par 3. It is purposed to confine the Orphan-house, for the present, to female children. My desire is to help both male and female orphans, and that from their earliest youth; but hitherto the Lord has pointed out only a small commencement. Should it, however, please Him to give me the means, and to increase my faith and light, I shall gladly serve Him more extensively in this way. It has appeared well to me to commence with female children, because they are the more helpless sex, and they need more particularly to be taken care of, that they may not fall a prey to vice. The house which is to had will accommodate about 30 children{, which number I intend to receive at once, should the Lord give me the means to clothe that number, and to furnish the house for so many; but, if not, I purpose, at all events, the Lord willing, to commence the work, though with a smaller number.\par \par 4. It is intended to receive the children from the seventh to the twelfth year, and to let them stay in the house, till they are able to go to service.\par \par 5. As the children will be brought up for service, they will be employed in useful household work.\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par Bristol, Jan. 16, 1836.\par \par \par Jan. 24. Today brother Craik preached once for the first time. Jan. 30. Today I went to meet two sisters, who were expected from London. I sat down in the coach office, took out my Bible, and began to read; and though in the midst of the noise of the city, the Lord most especially refreshed my soul, so much so, that I remember scarcely ever to have had more real communion with Him, which lasted for more than an hour. |It was the love of Christ which led me there. I would gladly have remained at home, to have had time for prayer and reading the Word, especially as I had to leave the house early in the morning. Yet I went for the Lord's sake, and He gave me a blessing: so that, though I had to wait more than two hours, and after all the sisters did not arrive, I was richly repaid. May I but leave myself more and more in His hands! He orders all things well!\par \par February 3. I have been very weak for some days. This evening brother Craik was able to preach instead of me, for the first time at the week meetings. How good is the Lord in restoring him thus far! Feb. 16. Today was a day of thanksgiving on account of brother Craik's restoration. We had three public meetings. Feb. 17. I had been repeatedly praying today far a text, but obtained none. About five minutes before the time of preaching, I was directed to Rev. ii. 19, on which I preached with much assistance and enjoyment to my own soul, without any previous pr}eparation; and the word was felt by many to be a word in season. Feb. 26. This evening both churches met at tea together, with the brethren and sisters who intend to leave us in a few days for missionary work. Feb. 29. This evening we had a meeting on behalf of the missionary brethren and sisters. They were by seven brethren commended to the Lord in prayer.\par \par March 1. This afternoon brother and sister Groves, and the brethren and sisters going with them for missionary purposes, twelve in number, left us for the East Indies. In consequence of the journey to the Continent, at the commencement of last year, four brethren and two sisters have gone out, two brethren in October last, and two brethren and two sisters today. This evening we had again a prayer meeting for the dear missionary party. May the Lord soon give us the privilege of seeing some one of our own number go forth. April 21. This day was set apart for prayer and thanksgiving concerning the Orphan-House, as it is now opened. In the morni~ng several brethren prayed, and brother Craik spoke on the last verses of Psalm xx. In the afternoon I addressed our Day and Sunday-School children, the orphans and other children present. In the evening we had another prayer-meeting. There are now 17 children in the Orphan-House.\par \par May 3. I have now been for many days praying for the supply of our own temporal wants, and for the funds of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution; but, as yet, I have had not only no answers to my prayer, but our income has been less than usual, and we have had also but very little coming in for the funds of the Institution. We have not been able to put by our taxes, and expect them daily to be called for. My clothes also are now worse than any I ever wore, and I have also but one suit. May 6. I have now been for some years, and especially these last few months, more or less thinking and praying respecting publishing a short account of the Lord's dealings with me. Today I have at last settled to do so, and have begun to write.\par \par May 16. For these several weeks our income has been little; and though I had prayed many times that the Lord would enable us to put by the taxes, yet the prayer remained unanswered. In the midst of it all, my comfort was that the Lord would send help by the time it would be needed. One thing particularly has been a trial to us of late, far more than our own temporal circumstances, which is, that we have scarcely in any measure been able to relieve the distress among the poor saints. Today, the Lord at last, after I had many times prayed to Him for these weeks past, answered my prayers, there being 7l. 12s. 0 1/4d. given to me as my part of the free-will offerings through the boxes, two 5l. notes having been put in yesterday, one for brother Craik and one for me. Thus the Lord has again delivered us, and answered our prayers, and that not one single hour too late; for the taxes have not as yet been called for. May He fill my heart with gratitude for this fresh deliverance, and may He be pleased to enable me more and more to trust in Him, and to wait patiently for His help! May He also be pleased to teach me more and more the meaning of that word, with reference to my own circumstances :-" Mine hour is not yet came."\par \par 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, was on May 18th, 1836, sent to the press, and is here reprinted.\par \par \par Opening of the Orphan-House for Destitute Female Children, established in Bristol, in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad; and Proposal for the Establishment of an Infant-Orphan-House.\par \par \par In a previous printed account, a statement has been given of the success with which the Lord has been pleased to crown the prayers of His servant, respecting the establishment of an Orphan-House in this city. The subject of my prayer was, that He would graciously provide a house, either as a loan, or as a gift, or that some one might be led to pay the rent for one; further, that He would give me 1000l. for the object, and likewise suitable individuals to take care of the children. A day or two after, I was led to ask, in addition to the above, that he would put it into the hearts of His people to send me articles of furniture, and some clothes for the children. In answer to these petitions, 184l. 2s. 6d. and many articles of furniture and clothing were sent, a conditional offer of a house, as a gift, was made, and individuals proposed themselves to take care of the children, the particulars of which have been given in the statement already referred to, dated Jan. 16, 1836. I shall now proceed to show how, since that time, the Lord has continued to answer my prayers.\par \par January 16, 1836, there was given 6d., six yards of calico, three plates, a cup and saucer, and a jug. January 18, 4s. Jan. 19, a saucepan and steamer, a tin dish, a teapot, some drugget; also 4d., and 1s. Jan. 21. 1l., also 5s. Jan. 22. 2s. 6d. Jan. 23. A brother gave 5s., the first fruits of the increase of his salary. Jan. 24. 5s.; also 1l., and 1l. Jan. 25. A brother promised to give 50l. within a twelvemonth, with the particular object of thus securing the payment of the rent of a house. Thus the Lord has answered the prayer respecting this point. There were also given 1l., 6d. and 4s. Jan. 27. A form was sent. Jan. 28. A deal table was given, also, anonymously, were sent a coal box and 4s., also a bedstead. Jan. 29. Two little waiters, two candlesticks, two chandeliers, two night shades, a tin kettle, a warmer, a bread basket, a fire guard; also one dozen tin cups, six plates, and 1s. 6d.; also 1s., a water jug, six plates, a sugar basin, a teapot, a tea canister, and a knife. Jan. 30. A frying pan, a tea canister, a metal teapot, a tin dish, a pepper box, a flour scoop, a skimmer, a grater, two tin saucepans, a tin warmer, 55 thimbles, five parcels of hooks and eyes; also 1l. Jan. 31. 5l. 5s.; an old white dress and a fur tippet.\par \par February 1. 4s., 2s. 6d., also a sister in the Lord offered today to make the bonnets for the children gratuitously, if any one would buy the straw, and that her husband would make a bedstead, if any one would buy the wood; she also mentioned that they would gladly give both the straw and the wood, if they had the means. Feb. 2. 6d., 2d and out of the box in my room was taken 3s. Feb. 4. 2s. 6d.,6d.; also a desk and a kitchen table; there was also promised a subscription of 8s. annually. Feb. 5. 1s. 6d. Feb. 6. A brother sent 100l., being induced to do so an having had the former paper read to him. Feb. 7. 1l. 2s., 1s., 6d., 2s. 6d., 5s., 2s. 6d., 5s., 2s. 6d., 3l. 10s. Feb. 8. A table and two chairs, 4s., 5l., also 30l. was sent from Ireland; 10s., 10s., 1l. Feb. 9. 1l., 4s. 1d., 10s., 1s. 1d., 1s. 1d., 1s., 1s., 1s., 1s., 1d., 5s., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 6d., 6d., 6d., 4d., 4d., 1d., 1s. Feb. 11. Three yards of print, 2s. 6d., 5s.; 5s., 10s. Feb. 12. A clothes' horse, a coffee pot, and 1s.; also a washing tub, a coffee mill, a pepper mill, two dozen pieced of bobbin, three dozen stay laces, two dozen thimbles, two dozen bodkins, 300 needles, a gridiron, six pots of blacking paste, a pound of thread, and a large deal table. Feb. 14. 10s., 1l., put anonymously into Bethesda boxes, for the Orphan-House. Feb. 15. Two glass salt cellars, a mustard pot, a vinegar cruet, and a pepper box, also 4s., 4d., 4d., 4d., 4d., 2s. 6d. Feb. 16. 4d. 1s., 4d., Feb. 17. 5s. Feb. 18. A bedstead, and by two poor persons, 2d. Feb. 19. There were sent from London 34 yards of print, six yards of calico, one dozen pocket handkerchiefs, four pairs of stockings, and two New Testaments. Feb. 20. Two salt cellars, two mugs, two plates, also two pocket handkerchiefs. Feb. 21. 1l. Feb. 22. 4s., 1s. Feb. 23. Twelve yards of gingham from two Swiss sisters. Feb. 25. 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d. Feb. 28. 1l. Feb. 29. 1l., 5s., 4s.\par \par March 2. 1l., 1s., 1s. 6d., 1s., 1s., 1s., 1/2d., 2s., 1s., 1s., 2s. 6d.; also out of the box in my room, 1l. 2s. 6d.; two large iron pots were sent anonymously. March 4. 10l., 10s., 3s., 7d., 10s., 2s. 6d., 10s., 10s., 3s.; all these offerings were sent from Clapham; also a desk. March 5. Some fancy worsted and 1s., the produce of the sale of some old map rollers. March 7. 4s., 10s., 5s., 5s., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s., 2s. 6d., 5s.; all these offerings were sent from Cleve, also 5s.; also, from a distance of about 100 miles, was sent the valuable and useful present of five pewter dishes, three dozen pewter plates, three dozen metal spoons, two coral necklaces, a pair of coral earrings, and a large gold brooch-the trinkets to be sold for the benefit of the Orphan-House. Also from the same place was sent 10s. "which had been laid up for a time of need, but which were sent because the donor thought that the time of trust in the Lord in Bristol was her time of need to give."\par \par March 10. 8s., 1s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 6d., 6d., 6d., 1d., 4d., 4d., 4d., 5s., 2s. March 11. 1l., 5s. March 13. A little girl sent, from a distance of more than 200 miles, 2s. 6d. March 14. A brother at Plymouth promised to send 20l., also 4s. were given. March 15. 7d., 10 s., 6d., 1s., 1s., 1d., 6d. March 16. 1s.; anonymously was sent from London 1l., also 2s. 6d. March 18. 10 s. March 19. 3s., 1s., 4d., 4d., 4d., 4d. March 21. 4s. March 22. 1l. March 23. A large deal box, also anonymously six dishes. March 24. 5s. March 25. A ton of coals. March 27. 1l., 1l., 1l., 10s.; these offerings were sent from Trowbridge, also 10s. From the Isle of Wight, 2l., 2l., 1l., 10s., a large piece of green baize, and two metal spoons. March 28. 1l., 4s., 3d., 31., 10 s., 6s., 10 s., 2s. 6d., 5s., 5s., also an iron kettle and some drugget. March 29. 1s. 3d., 1s. 3d., 1s., 1s. 6d. March 31. 2s.\par \par April 2. 1s., 2s. 6d., 6d., 6d., also six blankets, two counterpanes, four sheets, eight bonnets, five frocks, six pinafores, with the promise to send also six chemises (sent since). April 4. 4s., 1s., 1s., 8d., 1s., 1d., 1s., 3d., 6s., 2s. 6d., 1l., 1l., 3s., also 14 tippets, three pinafores, one frock, three chemises (two more promised), six flannel petticoats; also six stuff petticoats; also six flannel petticoats (and six chemises promised), also a sheet. April 5. 2l., 7s., 6d., 6d., 4d., 4d., 1d., 4d., 6d. April 6. One dozen of washing basins and one jug. April 7. 2s. 2d., 3s., 1s., 2s. 2d., 1s. 1d. April 8. 10s., 10s., 6d., 1s., 2s., also a bench. April 9. 4d., 4d., 4d., 4d., 2s., also three knives and forks, also some marking ink. April 10. Two patent locks. April 11. 4s. April 12. 1s., 8d., 2s., a jug, also twelve bonnets and six tippets. April 13. A set of fire irons, a tea kettle, a coal box, a tin saucepan, a tripod, a tea pot, three cups and saucers, a wash-hand basin, three small basins, and two plates. April 15. 10s., 10s. April 16. 5l., also 1l. and 22 Hymn Books. Also anonymously were sent two dozen pocket handkerchiefs, also a hymn, "The Orphan's Hope," in a frame. April 17. A cask, also a hundred weight of treacle, and 36 pounds of moist sugar.\par \par April 18, 4s. April 19. 2s. 6d., 1s. April 20. A new bedstead. From Clapham were sent 21l. and 11l., likewise three flannel petticoats, some print, six frocks, four pinafores, seven tippets, 12 caps, 14 chemises, 24 furnished work bags, 12 pocket handkerchiefs, 16 pairs of stockings, one pair of sleeves; besides this, with an orphan child, was sent from Clapham, a complete new outfit.\par \par April 21. 2l., 2s., 1s., 6d., 6d., 6d., 5s., 2s., also two candlesticks, a pepper box, and a handkerchief. April 22. 1s., 10s., 2s. 6d., 2s. 2 3/4d., also a long handled brush and 6d., also an ironing blanket, and 32 yards of flannel. April 23. 2l., 5s., 10s., a cheese, and 18 pounds of beef. April 25. 1s. and eight plates. April 26. 6d., 6d., 5s. April 27. 10d. April 28. 1s., also two tons of coal, also two patch-work quilts, 15 work bags and pin-cushions, 12 needle cases, three little bags, one tippet, two pairs of stockings, one kettle holder, also six pairs of worsted stockings.\par \par May 2. 8s., 1l., 10 s. May 3. 8d., 2s. 6d., and a pair of shoes. May 4. A gentleman and lady, who saw the Institution, left six chemises, seven pocket handkerchiefs, two flannel petticoats, four pairs of stockings, and four pairs of gloves; there were also sent 18 thimbles, a gross of buttons, a gross of hooks and eyes. May 5. 2s. 6d., 1s. May 6. 15 pairs of worsted stockings. May 7. 5s., 2s. 6d. May 8. 5s., 6d., 2s. 6d. May 9. 4s., 10s., 6d., 4d., 4d., 4d. May 10. 6d., 4d., 6d., 6d., 4d., 1d., 4d., 2s. May 11. 1l., 2s. 6d., 1s. May 13. A bonnet, also a dish, sent by a poor person in an almshouse; a well-wisher sent, for little orphan boys, six frock pinafores, six little shirts, six frocks and trousers. May 14. 9 pounds of soap. May 15. S. S. 2s. 6d. May 16. 4s. May 17. Out of the box in the Orphan-House, 3s. 0 1/2d., also 1s.\par \par \par 1. It may be well to state, that the above results have followed in answer to prayer, without any one having been asked by me for one single thing, from which I have refrained, not on account of want of confidence in the brethren, or because I doubted their love to the Lord, but that I might see the hand of God so much the more clearly. For as the work has been begun without any visible support, in dependence only upon the living God, it was of the utmost importance to be sure of His approbation at the very commencement.\par \par 2. From this statement, and from that contained in the last printed account, it will be seen how the Lord, in a great measure, has already answered the petition of December 5, 1835; for a house has been given, suitable individuals have offered themselves to take care of the children, and much more furniture, and many more articles of clothing have been sent than I ever had expected. The only part of the prayer, which has not been as yet quite fulfilled, is, that which respects the 1000l., which, however, the Lord, I doubt not, will likewise send in His own time. In the meantime, let my brethren help me to praise Him, that He has sent already more than one half of that sum, and therefore more than for the present has been needed.\par \par 3. 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.\par \par 4. The house mentioned in the last printed account, which we had intended to rent, having been let before any applications had been made, and nothing more having been done about the premises offered as a gift, on account of the want of money needed to complete the building, I rented, at least for one year, the house No. 6, Wilson Street, as being, on account of its cheapness and largeness, very suitable, and in which, up to March 25th, I had been living myself. Having furnished it for 30 children, we began an April 11th, 1836, to take them in, and on April 21st the Institution was opened by a day being set apart for prayer and thanksgiving. There are now 26 children in the house, and a few more are expected daily. They are under the care of a matron and governess.\par \par 5. In the last printed account it was mentioned that we intended to take in the children from the seventh to the twelfth year. But after six applications had been made for children between four and six years of age, it became a subject of solemn and prayerful consideration, whether, as long as there were vacancies, such children should not be received, though so young. For it appeared to me, that if it becomes the saints to care in this way, according to their ability, for those whom God has bereaved of both parents, when they become seven years of age, that it becomes them equally so, to take care of them whilst they are under seven years, and therefore completely unable to help themselves. Further, orphan children are often left to themselves, and thus, at the age of 11 or 12 years, have already made much progress in wickedness. Therefore I came at last to the conclusion to take in the little girls under seven years of age, for whom application had been made. Further, there are exceedingly few institutions in the kingdom, in which infant orphans are received, and provided with scriptural education. Further, it has been repeatedly brought before me, how desirable it would be to establish also in this city an orphan-house for male children, and there were even the above-mentioned articles sent for little orphan boys. Partly, then, on account of these reasons; and partly, because the Institution already opened will be quite filled in a few days, and applications continue to be made; and partly, because the Lord has done hitherto far above what I could have expected: I have at last, after repeated prayer, come to the conclusion, in the name of the Lord, and in dependence upon Him alone for support, to propose the establishment of an Infant-Orphan- House. It is intended to open this Institution, as soon as suitable premises and individuals, to take care of the children, &c., have been obtained.\par \par a. It is intended to receive into this Infant-Orphan-House destitute male and female infants bereaved of both parents, from their earliest days up to the seventh year, and to provide them with food, clothing, needful attendance, and Scriptural education.\par \par b. It is intended to let the female children stay up to the seventh year in the Infant-Orphan-House, and then to remove them to the Institution already opened, till they are able to go to service.\par \par c. It is also intended, as far as the Lord may help, to provide for the boys, when they are above seven years, though we cannot at present say in what manner.\par \par In proposing the establishment of this second Orphan-House, I do it in the same simple dependence upon God alone, as in the case of the former. And feeling my own weakness, and knowing that it is not in my power to give faith to myself, I ask the brethren to help me with their prayers, that my faith may not fail.\par \par 6. To avoid misunderstandings, I would expressly state, that both the last mentioned Institution, and the one already opened, are for orphan children living in any part of the United. Kingdom.\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par Bristol, May 18, 1836.\par \par \par June 3. From May 16 up to this day I have been confined to the house, and a part of the time to my bed, on account of a local inflammation, which keeps me from walking. Almost every day during this time I have been able to continue writing a narrative of the Lord's dealings with me, which had been again laid aside after May 7, on account of a number of pressing engagements. It is very remarkable, that the greatest objection against writing it for the press was want of time. Now, through this affliction, which leaves my mind free, and gives me time, on account of confinement to the house, I have been able to write about 100 quarto pages. May the Lord in mercy teach me about this matter!\par \par June 8. I am still getting better. The abscess is now open. This affliction has been, by the mercy of the Lord, an exceedingly light one. Not one day have I had severe pain, and not one day have I been kept altogether from working. June 9. I was able to go again today to the Orphan-House, and to read the Scriptures with the children. This day came three more children, who have made up our number, so that there are now thirty in the house.\par \par June 11. I am, by the mercy of God, still getting better, but, as yet, unable to walk about. All this week I have been again enabled to go on writing for the press. June 12. Today the Lord very kindly allowed me to preach again, and that most undeservedly, and much sooner than I could have expected. June 14. This morning, brother C-r and I prayed unitedly, chiefly about the schools and the circulation of the Scriptures. Besides asking for blessings upon the work, we have also asked the Lord for the means which are needed; for on July 1, 17l. 10s. will be due for the rent of school-rooms, and, besides this, we want at least 40l. more to go on with the circulation of the Scriptures, to pay the salaries of the masters, &c. Towards all this we have only about 7l. I also prayed for the remainder of the 1000l. for the Orphan-House.\par \par June 18. We have had, for many weeks past, generally little money for our personal expenses, which has been a trial to us, not on our own account, but because we have thus been able to do but very little for the poor brethren. Today, Saturday, we have 3s. left, just enough to pay for a fly to take me to and bring me back from Bethesda tomorrow, as I am unable to walk. This money we should not have had, but for our baker, a brother, who refused today to take money for the usual quantity of bread, which we daily take.\par \par June 21. This evening brother C-r and I found, that the Lord has not only been pleased to send us, through the offerings which have come in during the last week, in answer to our prayers, the 17l. 10s. which will be due for the rent of two school-rooms on July 1st, but that we have 5l. more than is needed. Thus the Lord once more has answered our prayers.\par \par June 25. Saturday. We have been again helped through this week, as it regards our personal need, and have 3s. left, though we had many shillings to pay for driving about. Now the Lord has put it into the hearts of some of His children, to provide me with a fly every Lord's-day, as long as I may need it.\par \par July 1. Today a suit of new clothes was given to me, which came very seasonably. May this fresh instance of the Lord's loving-kindness lead me to love Him more; and may He also be pleased richly to reward those brethren, who have thus ministered to my need! July 16. Today a brother sent me a new hat, the seventh which in succession has been given to me.\par \par July 28. For some weeks past we have not been able to pay the salary of the masters and governesses a month in advance, but have been obliged to pay it weekly. Brother C-r and I have lately prayed repeatedly together respecting the funds, but we were now brought so low, that we should not have been able to pay even this weekly salary of the teachers, had not the Lord most remarkably helped us again today. For besides 1l. which was given to us, this evening a brother gave 8l., which sum had been made up by a number of his workmen paying weekly one penny each, of their own accord, towards our funds. The money had been collecting for many months, and, in this our necessity, it had been put into the heart of this brother to bring it. My faith has been greatly strengthened through this circumstance. For before today, though I have never been in the least allowed to doubt the Lord's faithfulness, I did not understand His purpose in His dealings with us of late, in not sending us more than we have needed just to be kept from stopping; and I have sometimes thought, whether it might not be His will, on account of my want of faithfulness in His work, to decrease the field; but now I see, that notwithstanding my unworthiness, His allowing us to pray so frequently, was only that the deliverance might be felt so much the more when it came.\par \par July 29. This evening from six to half-past nine we had again a meeting for inquirers. There came twelve fresh cases before us, and there were six more than we could see. Thus we saw, that the work of the Lord, even as it regards conversion, is still going on among us.\par \par October 1. Today, in dependence upon the Lord alone for means, we engaged a brother as a master for a sixth day school. Last Saturday, for the first time, we were so low in funds, that we needed 1l. more than we had, to pay the salaries a week in advance; but one sister, on account of the death of her father, as we afterwards learned, was kept from calling for her money, and on the next day we received more than was needed to pay her. On account, therefore, of the many deliverances which we have had of late, we have not hesitated. to enlarge the field, as another boys' school was greatly needed, there having been many applications for admission standing these several months past.\par \par October 5. This evening 25l. was given to me for the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. Thus the Lord has already given the means of defraying the expenses of the new boys' school for some months to come.\par \par October 19. Today, after having many times prayed respecting this matter, I have at last engaged a sister as matron for the Infant-Orphan-House, never having been able, up to this day, to meet with an individual who seemed suitable: though there has been money enough in hand for some time past for commencing this work, and there have been also applications made for several infant orphans.\par \par October 25. Today we obtained without, any trouble, through the kind hand of God, very suitable premises for the Infant-Orphan-House. If we had laid out many hundred pounds in building a house, we could scarcely have built one more suitable for the purpose. How evident is the hand of God in all these matters! How important to leave our concerns, great and small, with Him; for He arranges all things well! If our work be His work, we shall prosper in it.\par \par November 30. On account, as I suppose, of many pressing engagements, I had not been led for some time past to pray respecting the funds. But being in great need, I was led yesterday morning, earnestly to ask the Lord, and in answer to this petition a brother gave me last evening 10l. He had had it in his heart for several months past, to give this sum, but had been hitherto kept from it, not having the means. Just now, in this our great necessity, the Lord. furnished him with the means, and we were helped in this way. In addition to this 10l., I received last evening a letter with 5I., from a sister whom I never saw, and who has been several times used by God as an instrument to supply our wants. She writes thus: "It has been so much on my mind lately to send you some money, that I feel as if there must be some need, which the Lord purposes to honour me by making me the instrument of supplying. I therefore enclose you 5l., all I have in the house at this moment; but if you have occasion for it, and will let me know, I will send you as much more." Besides these two donations, I received today 3l. 3s.\par \par December 15. This day was set apart for prayer and thanksgiving respecting the Infant-Orphan-House, which was opened on November 28. In the morning we had a prayer-meeting. In the afternoon, besides prayer and thanksgiving, I addressed the children of our day-schools and the orphans, about 350, on Ecclesiastes xii. 1. In the evening I gave a further account of the Orphan-Houses, commencing from the time when the last printed account had been issued, dated May 18, 1836. The substance of this account was printed, and is reprinted here for the sake of those who are as yet unacquainted with it.\par \par \par Further account of the Orphan-House for Female Orphans above Seven Years of Age; and Opening of the Infant-Orphan-House, for destitute Male and Female Orphans under Seven Years of Age.\par \par \par It is now a twelve-month since the proposal for the establishment of an Orphan-House was first made. Since then the Lord has given me almost all I requested of Him, and in some respects even more. This was in part stated in the last two papers which were printed on this subject dated January 16, and May 18, 1836. Of the 1,000l. which I had asked of God on December 5, 1835, I had actually received on May 18, 1836, 450l. 13s. 6 3/4d.; and besides this, 70l. had been promised by two brethren. As it regards premises, articles of clothing, furniture, &c., I had received even beyond my petition. I have now the pleasure of detailing, still further, how God has continued to answer my prayer since May 18, 1836.\par \par May 19th was given 1l. 23rd 1l. and 4s. There were also sent two buckets and 1s. 24th., 10 s. 6d., 2d., 1s. 6d. 25th, one pound of butter, 2s., 1s., 1s. There was also sent 14s., and in the paper was written: "The history of this money is: A lady was going to purchase a dress. The enclosed sum was the difference between the fashionable one, which took her fancy, and one less fashionable. So she thought, the orphans should profit by this sacrifice of her fancy." May 27th, there was left at my house a sovereign, and in the paper was written: 1 Thess. v. 25." [Pause with me a few moments, dear reader, before going on with the account. In preparing the third edition for the press, I have been struck with the very many cases in which individuals, who are spoken of in this narrative, are no more in the land of the living. So it is with the two donors of the last mentioned sums. The dear sister who would not indulge her fancy in having a more fashionable dress, but who would rather give the fourteen shillings, which thus could be saved, to the orphans, has been with her Lord for more than two years. Will she regret not having indulged her fancy in that instance? Will she now suffer loss on account of it? Surely not!-The dear brother who gave the sovereign, was a gracious devoted clergyman of the City of Bristol. He had written in the paper in which the sovereign was enclosed, "1 Thess. v. 25." (" Brethren, pray for us.") This dear man of God does now no longer need our prayers. He entered into his rest several years ago. Yet a little while, dear believing reader, and, if the coming of the Lord prevent not, we too shall fall asleep in Jesus. Therefore, let us work, "while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." And, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might: for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest." -But how would it be with you, dear reader, if you are unprepared, and should be taken out of the world? Let me beseech you to seek the Lord while He may be found. Jesus died to save sinners. He shed His blood. He fulfilled the law of God, and died the JUST for the UNJUST: and whosoever depends for salvation upon His perfect obedience, and upon His sufferings and death, shall be saved; for God has said it.] May 28th, A fender and two coal scuttles. 29th, 5l. 30th, 4s. Also 2s. 6d., with two gowns and a tippet. The brother who left a sovereign with "1 Thess. v. 25," gave today 10s. more; 2s. 4d. June 1st, from a few sisters in Dublin, nine pocket handkerchiefs, 19 1/2 yards of stuff, and forty-two yards of print. 4th, 5s. 6d., eighteen little books. 5th, 6d., 4d., 4d., 4d. 6th, 4s. 7th, 5s. 1d., 2l. 2s. 6d. 8th, 4d., 1s., 1s., 3s. 9th, six pairs of gentlemen's trousers, two coats, one waistcoat, five pairs of socks, two gowns-all worn. 10th, 1l., also from a friend in Ireland 1l. 12th, S. S. 2s. 6d. 13th, 4s., 5l. 14th, 1s. 1d., 1s., 2s. 6d., 6d., 1s., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 3s. 3d., 1s. 1d., 1s. 1d. 15th, a brother at Plymouth sent 25l., 20l. of which had been previously promised. 18th, 1l., 1d., 6 1/4 pounds of bacon, a form, a chopping knife. 19th, 1l. 1s., 10s.; 12s. by sale of ornaments. 20th, 4s. Also from Teignmouth, 5s., 5s., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 3l., 10s., 2s. 6d., 1s. 1d., 5s., together with a gown, a boy's pinafore, a pair of socks, coloured cotton for three children's frocks, two babies' bed gowns, and five babies' night caps. 21st, 5l. 10s., 6d., 4d., 2d., 4d., 2d., 6d., 6d., twenty pounds of bacon and ten pounds of cheese. 22d, box in the Orphan-House, 2s. 4d. 24th, 2s. 6d., 3s. 8 1/2d. 27th, 4s. 28th, 2s. 6d., 4s., 4d., 6d., 10s., 6s. 6d. 29th, six straw bonnets. 30th, 5s., 2l. July 4th, 6d., 4d., 4d., 4d., 4s. There was also sent from "two orphans" 48l., 1s. 1d., 10s., 8s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 1s. 1d., 1s. 1d., 1s. 1d., 1s. 4d. 5th, 1s., 1s. 2d., 3d., 4s., 4d., 1s. 6th, six new cane chairs. 7th, 2l., 12s., 10s., 2s. 8th, 1s., 2s. 6d., 3s. 10th, 10s., 10s., 1l., 1l. 11th, 8s., 13s. 12th, 13s. 2d. 13th, 12s. 14th, there were sent six chemises, which had been promised on April 14th. Also fourteen pin cushions. 15th, six night caps and 2 petticoats. 20th, 10s., 5s., 1l., 6d., 2d., 6d., 6d., 4d., 6d., 4d., 2d., 4d. 24th, 1l. 25th, 8s., S. S. 5s. Also 25 3/4 yards of print, 12 little shawls and 16 yards of flannel. 26th, box in the Orphan-House 5s. 9d., 4d. 27th, two pairs of shoes. 28th, 3s. 8 1/2d. 29th, 2s. 6d., 6d., 4d., 4d., 4d. August 1st, 4s., 1l. 10., two chemises, three night caps, and ten pocket handkerchiefs; two chemises, three night caps, and six pocket handkerchiefs. 2nd, 8d., 1s., 1s. 3d., 1s. 3d., 1s., 1s., 6d.., 5s., 2s. 6d., 1s., 1d., 1d., one patch work quilt. 5th, 6s. 8th, 4s. 10th, a box, six canisters, and an inkstand, 13th, 5s. 15th, 1l., S. S. 2s. 6d., 4s. 16th, 6d., 6d., 4d., 4d., 4d., 6d., 1s., 1s. 6d. 19th, 1s. 2 1/2d. 23rd, 1s., 10s., 1l., 2s. 6d. September 1st, 1s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s., 1s., 4d., 6d., 4d., 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 1s. 6d., 6d., 6d., 2d., 1l., 1l., twelve chemises, one worn stuff frock, 4d., 4d., a basket of apples, and three pounds of sugar. 3rd, 1l., 5l. 5th, 12s. 7th, 5s., 2s. 6d. 8th, 5s. 13th, 1s., 1s., 1s., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 3d., 1s., 1s. 1d., 1s. 1d., 2d., 6d., 6d., 2s. 6d., 6d. 14th, 1l., 10s., 10s., 14 pinafores, a basket of apples. 19th, 8s., 2s. 6d. Box in the Orphan-House 1l. 6s. 1 1/4d., 10s. 20th, 6d., 6d., 4d., 4d., 1d, 4d. 27th, several numbers of the "Record" were sent to be sold for the benefit of the Orphan-House, 4d., 4d., 2s., 2s. 6d. 30th, 1l. was given as "A Thank-offering for spiritual mercies vouchsafed to a child." Also Mr. B - sen., Surgeon, kindly offered, today, to give his attendance and medicine gratuitously to the orphans. October 1st, 6d., 4d., 4d., 4d. A worn cloak. 3rd, 5s., 3s. 3d., 1s. A gallon of dried peas. 4th, 1l. 3s. 6d. 10th, 4s., 1s. 1d., 1s. 1d., 1s. 1d., 1s. 11th, 10s., 2d., 6d., 3s. 3d. 14th, 4 1/2 gallons of beer. 16th, three tippets, 8d., 4d., 5s., 5s., 5s., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 10s., 10s., 2s., 1s., 1s., 2s. 6d., 5s. 17th, 4s. 18th, 10s., 6d., 6d., 4d., 4d., 6d., 1d., 4d., 1s. 19th, 1l. 24th, 4s. 25th, three frocks, two pinafores, two tippets, three pairs of sleeves, 10s., 10s., 4d., 1s. 27th, three tippets. Anonymously was sent by post, 10s., with the request that prayer should be made for the donor, for divine guidance under circumstances of much doubt and anxiety. 29th, 12 cloth tippets. 31st, 4s. November 2nd, 1s. 3d., 1s. 3d., 1s. 4th, two little cloaks, four quarterns of bread. 5th, two turkeys, 6d., 4d., 4d., 4d. There was also given by a brother \'a3100.~ \'a350. of which was previously promised, to ensure the rent for premises. It is a remarkable fact concerning this donation, that I had, in December of last year, repeatedly asked. the Lord to incline the heart of this brother to give one hundred pounds, and I made a memorandum of this prayer in my journal of December 12, 1835. On January 25th, 1836, fifty pounds was promised by him, and on November 5, fifty pounds besides that sum was given; but it was not till some days after, that I remembered, that the very sum, for which I had asked the Lord, had been given. Thus we often may receive an answer to prayer, and scarcely remember that it is an answer. When it came to my mind that this prayer had been noted down in my journal, and I showed it to the donor, we rejoiced together; he, to have been the instrument in giving, and I to have had, the request granted. November 6th, S. S. 7s. 6d. 7th, anonymously was sent a ton of coals, 4s., one petticoat, two pairs of gloves, two ruffs. 8th, 5l., 2s. 2d., 3s., 2s. 2d., 2s. 2d., 1s. 6d., 2d., 6d., 1s. 6d., 2s. 6d., 2s. 6d. 14th, there was given 20l. for the Orphan-house, and 20l. for the Infant-Orphan-House. Both papers, in which the money was enclosed, contained these words: "If the Lord prolongs the life of the unworthy giver of the enclosed, the same sum will be given at Christmas."-It has been more than once observed to me that I could not expect to continue to receive large sums; for that persons, when first such an institution is established, might be stirred up to give liberally, but that afterwards one had to look to a number of regular subscribers, and that, if those were lacking, it was not likely that such a work could go on. On such occasions, I have said but little; but I have had the fullest assurance, that it is a small matter for the Lord to incline donors to give liberally, a second or third time, if it were for our real welfare. And accordingly the donor, above referred to, added to the first 50l. another 50l., and the last mentioned benefactor, to the 50l., given on a former occasion, added the just mentioned 40l., with the promise to give another 40l. at Christmas. I would only add on this subject, that there are some subscribers, and even some who give considerably; yet I would state, for the Lord's glory, that if they were twenty times as many, I should desire that my eyes might not be directed to them, but to the Lord alone, and that I might be enabled to take the payment of every subscription as a donation from HIM. On the other hand, if there were no subscribers at all, yet the Lord, who heareth prayer, is rich to give according to our need.-There was given also today, "A widow's mite," 10s.-also 4d. November 14th, 4s., also four ducks. For the Infant-Orphan-House, five frocks, four shirts, four chemises, a bed gown, two petticoats; three quarterns bread. 15th 6d., 6d., 4d., 6d., 4d. 16th, by sale of trinkets, 1l. 5s., 4s. 18th, anonymously were sent a boy's cap, a bonnet, a small piece of print. 19th, four quarterns of bread. 21st, 4s., 2s. 6d. 22nd, 4d., 6d., 6d. 23rd, three frocks, a tippet, six pairs of sheets, three pairs of blankets. 25th, 12 hymn books, a worn cloak, a new tent bedstead. 27th, anonymously put into Bethesda boxes 5s. 28th, 4s. 29th, two turkeys. 30th, 10s., five yards of blanketing, a worn shawl. December 1st, a patch-work quilt and five yards of print, 3d., 10s. 4th, 5l. 5s. 5th, 4s., 1l. 5s. 6th, 6d., 2d., a worn cloak, a petticoat, a piece of linen for window curtains. 8th, box in the Orphan-House 2l. 4s. 1 1/2d. 9th, 1l. Also 1l. with "Mark ix. 36, 37," written on the paper. A most encouraging passage for this work, the force of which I had never felt before.-About a hundred weight of treacle.\par \par I. From this statement it appears, that 770l. 0s. 9 1/2d. has been actually given, and that 40l. is promised. All the money, and all the articles of furniture, clothing, provision, &c., have been given, without one individual having been asked by me for anything, from which I have still refrained, that the Lord's own hand might be clearly seen in the matter, and that the whole might clearly appear as an answer to prayer.\par \par II. After frequent prayer, that, if it were the will of God, He would be pleased to send us a Matron and Governess for the Infant-Orphan-House, this petition also has been answered. In addition to this we obtained a convenient house for the purpose, No. 1, Wilson Street, together with a piece of ground for a play-ground; and we therefore began to furnish it on November 21st, and on November 28th we took in the first children.\par \par III. Of late it has appeared well to us to employ some of the strongest and eldest girls of the Orphan-House in the work of the Infant-Orphan-House, under the direction of the Matron and Governess. From this plan it appeared the following advantages would result. 1st. Thus the wages which we should have to pay to assistants would be saved. 2nd. Without any further expense to the Institution, we should in this way be able to support five or six orphans more. 3rd. If thus the bigger girls of the Orphan-House pass through the Infant-Orphan-House, before they are sent into service, they will be accustomed to nursery work, which is so important for young servants. 4th. This plan would allow us to have the bigger girls longer under our care, as we should have full employment for them.\par \par [In the original paper follow eight other paragraphs, containing the audited account and various other points of information respecting the two Orphan-Houses, which, at the time when this Report was issued, were of importance to the donors, but are left out now, as it seems desirable to make this edition of the Narrative as concise as may be. This plan has also been adopted concerning the three previous papers, and will be further adhered to.]\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par Bristol, Dec. 20, 1836.\par \par \par December 31. We had this evening a prayer-meeting to praise the Lord for His goodness during the past year, and to ask Him for a continuance of His favours during the coming year. We continued together till half-past eleven. During the past year there have been received into the church of Gideon, 23 brethren and sisters, and into that of Bethesda, 29-altogether 52. Of these 52, 31 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord through the instrumentality of brother Craik and me. There have now been admitted into Gideon Church, 79 brethren and sisters who have been converted through our instrumentality, and 86 into the Church of Bethesda: 165 seals to our ministry in Bristol. Besides this, several have fallen asleep in the faith who never were in communion with us; several of our spiritual children are connected with other churches in and out of Bristol; and many are now standing as hopeful characters on the list of candidates for fellowship. There have been added to the church of Gideon, since we came to Bristol, 154; to the church at Bethesda, 193-altogether 347; so that the number of both churches would be 415 (68 believers we found at Gideon), had there been no changes; but: Of Gideon church are\par \par under church discipline 5; of Bethesda 8; altogether 13\par \par Do. have fallen asleep 15 do. 7 do. 22\par \par Do. have left Bristol 12 do. 6 do. 18\par \par Do. have left us, but are\par \par still in Bristol . . 9 do. 4 do. 13\par \par 41 25 66\par \par \par There are, therefore, at present, in fellowship with us at Gideon 181, and at Bethesda 168-altogether 349.\par \par The Lord has been pleased to give me during the past\par \par year, as it regards my temporal supplies:-\par \par \par 1. In offerings through the boxes \'a3133 8s. 9d.\par \par 2. In presents of money, from brethren in and out of Bristol \'a356 13s. 0d.\par \par 3. Through family connexion \'a35 0s. 0d.\par \par 4. Besides this have been sent to us clothes, provisions, &c., which were worth to us at least \'a330 0s. 0d.\par \par 5. We have been living half free of rent during the last nine months, whereby we have saved at least \'a37 10s. 0d.\par \par Altogether \'a3232 11s. 9d.\par \par \par January 2, 1837. This evening the two churches had again an especial prayer-meeting, which was continued till half-past ten.\par \par January 5. Today a sister called and told me about the conversion of her father, who, in his eightieth year, after having for many years lived openly in sin, is at last brought to the knowledge of the Lord. May this encourage the children of God to continue to pray for their aged parents and other persons; for this sister had long prayed for the conversion of her father, and at last, though only after twenty years, the Lord gave her the desire of her heart. It was an especial refreshment to my spirit to hear the particulars of this case, as I had known so much of the sinful life of this aged sinner.\par \par January 31, and February 2. These two days we have had especial meetings for prayer and humiliation, on account of the influenza, to acknowledge the hand of God in this chastisement, as the disease is so prevalent in Bristol.\par \par April 8. There are now 60 Children in the two Orphan-Houses, 30 in each.\par \par April 22. The Lord has mercifully stayed the typhus fever in the Orphan-House, in answer to prayer. There were only two cases, and the children are recovering.\par \par April 24. This evening we had a comfortable meeting with 30 brethren and sisters over the Word. (Of late brother Craik and I have frequently set apart an evening, generally once a week, to meet with ten, twenty or thirty brethren and sisters, to take tea with them, and to spend the rest of the evening in prayer and meditation over the Scriptures. We began these meetings chiefly on account of having thus an opportunity of seeing more of the saints, as the greatness of the number of those in communion with us makes it impossible to see them as often in their houses, as it might be profitable, or as often as we desire. We commenced these meetings in our own houses, choosing those in particular, of whom we had seen little. After we had had several meetings in our own houses, we were invited by the brethren and sisters, and they have asked others to meet us. Sometimes also we have proposed those for invitation whom we see but seldom. These meetings we have found both for ourselves and others very useful, and they will, no doubt, continue to be a blessing, as long as the Lord shall enable us to precede and follow them with prayer. They are also particularly important as a means of the brethren becoming acquainted with each other, and of uniting their hearts.)\par \par May 13. Today I have had again much reason to mourn over my corrupt nature, particularly on account of want of gratitude for the many temporal mercies by which I am surrounded. I was so sinful as to be dissatisfied on account of the dinner, because I thought it would not agree with me, instead of thanking God for the rich provision, and asking heartily the Lord's blessing upon it, and remembering the many dear children of God who would have been glad of such a meal. I rejoice in the prospect of that day when, in seeing Jesus as He is, I shall be like Him. May 14. Lord's-day. The Lord, instead of chastising me today for the ingratitude and discontent, of yesterday, by leaving me to my own strength in preaching, and bringing temporal want upon me, has given me a good day. I have preached with much assistance and comfort, and the Lord has given me rich temporal supplies: for besides the freewill offerings of 2l. 8s. 10d., a 5l. note was put into my hand for the supply of any want I may have. Thus the Lord melted the heart by love, and made me still more see the baseness of my conduct yesterday. Thanks be to God, the day is coming, when Satan will triumph no more!\par \par May 18. There are now 64 children in the two Orphan-Houses, and two more are expected, which will fill the two houses.\par \par May 28. The narrative of some of the Lord's dealings with me is now near being published, which has led me again most earnestly this day week, and repeatedly since, to ask the Lord that He would be pleased to give me what is wanting of the 1000l., for which sum I have asked Him on behalf of the orphans; for though, in my own mind, the thing is as good as done, so much so, that I have repeatedly been able to thank God, that He will surely give me every shilling of that sum, yet to others this would not be enough. As the whole matter, then, about the Orphan-House had been commenced for the glory of God, that in this way before the world and the church there might be another visible proof, that the Lord delights in answering prayer; and as there was yet a part of the 1000l. wanting; and, as I earnestly desired, the book might not leave the press, before every shilling of that sum had been given, in answer to prayer, without one single individual having been asked by me for any thing, that thus I might have the sweet privilege of bearing my testimony for God in this book :-for these reasons, I say, I have given myself earnestly to prayer about this matter since May 21. On May 22 came in 7l. 10s., and on May 23, 3l. On May 24 a lady, whom I never saw before, called on me and gave me 40l. This circumstance has greatly encouraged me; for the Lord showed me thereby afresh His willingness to continue to send us large sums, and that they can even come from individuals whom we have never seen before. On May 26th 3l. 6s. was sent, from two unexpected quarters. On May 27 was sent anonymously, a parcel of worn clothes from London and a sovereign. Today (May 28) I received again 4l. 3s. 6d.; and also a parcel was sent from a considerable distance, containing seven pairs of socks, and the following trinkets, to be sold for the support of the orphans : 1 gold pin with an Irish pearl, 15 Irish pearls, 2 pine, 2 brooches, 2 lockets, 1 seal, 2 studs, 11 rings, 1 chain, and 1 bracelet, all of gold.\par \par June 15. Today I gave myself once more earnestly to prayer respecting the remainder of the 1000l. This evening 5l. 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 any thing. The reason why I have refrained altogether from soliciting any one for help is, that the hand of God evidently might be seen in the matter, that thus my fellow-believers might be encouraged more and more to trust in Him, and that also those who know not the Lord, may have a fresh proof that, indeed, it is not a vain thing to pray to God. As the Lord then has con-descended most fully, and. even above my expectations, to answer my prayers, arid to Fill my mouth (Psalm lxxxi. 10,) will you help me, brethren and sisters beloved in the Lord, to praise Him for His condescension. It is a wonderful thing that such a worthless, faithless servant as I am, should have power with God. Take courage from this for yourselves, brethren. Surely, if such a one as I am, so little conformed to the mind of Jesus, has his prayers answered, may not you also, at last, have your requests granted to you. During eighteen months and ten days this petition has been brought before God almost daily. From the moment I asked it, till the Lord granted it fully, I had never been allowed to doubt that He would give every shilling of that sum. Often have I praised Him beforehand in the assurance, that he would grant my request. The thing after which we have especially to seek in prayer is, that we believe that we receive, according to Mark xi. 24. "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." But this I often find lacking in my prayers. Whenever, however, I have been enabled to believe that I receive, the Lord has dealt with me according to my faith. This moment while I am writing (June 28, 1837), I am waiting on the Lord for 17l. 10s., the rent for two school-rooms, which will be due in three days, and I have but 3l. towards that sum. I believe God can give; I believe God is willing to give it, if it be for our real welfare; I also have repeatedly asked God for it; but as yet I cannot in the triumph of faith praise Him beforehand, that He will assuredly give me this small sum. I am waiting at every delivery of letters, at every ring at the bell, for help; I am truly waiting on God, and God alone for it; but as yet I do not feel as sure of being able to pay the rent of those school rooms, as I should, if I had the money already in my pocket.\par \par As the Lord has so greatly condescended to listen to my prayers, and as I consider it one of the particular talents which He has intrusted to me, to exercise faith upon His promises regarding my own temporal wants and those of others; and as an Orphan-House for boys above seven years of age seems greatly needed in this city; and as also, without it, we know not how to provide for the little boys, in the Infant-Orphan-House when they are above seven years of age; I purpose to establish an Orphan-House for about forty boys above seven years of age. But there are three difficulties in the way, which must first be removed, before I could take any further step in this work. 1. My hands are more than filled already through the work arising from the ministry of the Word, the attending to the ordering of church affairs, and the oversight of 370 brethren and sisters. And yet, in addition to this, I have also the work which comes upon me in connexion with the six day-schools, a Sunday-school, an adult-school, the two Orphan-Houses, and the circulation of the Scriptures. (This latter part of the work is more and more increasing; for merely within the last seven months 836 copies of the Scriptures have been circulated). For these reasons, then, I could not in any degree enlarge the field of labour, except the Lord should be pleased to send us a brother, who, as steward, could take from me the work which arises from keeping the accounts, obtaining and circulating the Scriptures, giving advice in ordinary matters respecting the Orphan-Houses, attending to the applications for admission of children in the Orphan-Houses, &c. But whether there is an Orphan-House for boys established or not, such a brother is greatly needed, even as the extent of the work is now, and I therefore lay it on the hearts of the believers who may read this, to help me with their prayers, that such a brother may be found. 2. In addition to this, it would be needful, before I could take any further step, to obtain a truly pious master for the boys, add other suitable individuals who may be needed to take care of the children. 3. The third thing by which I desire to be assured, that it is the will of God that I should go forward in the Orphan-House is, that He provide the means for such an enlargement of the work. Whilst, on the one hand I would confess to the praise of God, that He has been pleased to give me faith to trust in Him; yet, on the other hand, I desire to be kept from presumption and enthusiasm. I do not intend to wait till thousands are raised, or till the Institution is endowed; but I must have such a sum given to me as is needed to furnish a house for forty boys, and to clothe that number, and to have a little to begin with: without such a sum I should not consider it to be the will of God to enlarge the field. What I ask then from the brethren who may feel interested in seeing an Orphan-House for boys established in Bristol is, that they would help me with their prayers, that if it be the will of God, He Himself would be pleased to remove these three difficulties out of the way.\par \par [Whilst the preceding pages of the first edition of this Narrative were in the press, and before the reception of the last proof sheet for correction, the same friend who gave me on May 24, 1837, Forty Pounds for the orphans, and whom up to that time I had never seen, gave on July 12, 1837, Four Hundred and Sixty Pounds more, being altogether Five Hundred Pounds.]\par \par \par REVIEW OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE TIME THAT I HAVE\par \par LABOURED IN BRISTOL WITH BROTHER CRAIK.\par \par \par JULY, 1837.\par \par \par I. Some of the mercies which the Lord has granted to us during this period.\par \par Concerning all this time I have most especially to say, that goodness and mercy have followed me every day. My blessings have been many and great, my trials few and small. To the praise of God I will mention a few of the many mercies which He has bestowed on me.\par \par 1. I consider it one of the especial mercies that, amidst so many engagements I have been kept in the ways of God, and that this day I have as much desire as ever, yea more than ever, to live alone for Him, who has done so much for me. My greatest grief is that I love Him so little. I desire many things concerning myself; but I desire nothing so much, as to have a heart filled with love to the Lord. I long for a warm personal attachment to Him.\par \par 2. I consider it likewise a great mercy, for which I can never sufficiently praise God, that, whilst during these last five years so many of His children have fallen into great errors, and even those who once ran well, I, who am so faithless to Him, should have been kept from them. There is scarcely one point of importance, comparatively speaking, respecting which I have had scriptural reason to alter my views, since I have come to Bristol. My views concerning the fundamental truths of the gospel are the same as they were at the end of the year 1829 though I have been more and more established in them during these last five years, and have seen more minutely the mind of God concerning many truths. My relish for the study of the word of God has not decreased.\par \par 3. I consider it further an exceeding great mercy, that I have been kept in uninterrupted love and union with my brother, friend, and fellow-labourer, Henry Craik. Very few of the blessings that the Lord has bestowed on him, on me, and on the two churches, whose servants we are, are of greater importance. There is not one point of importance, as it regards the truth, on which we differ. In judgment, as to matters connected with the welfare of the saints among whom we labour, we have been almost invariably at once of one mind. (Lord, to Thee is the praise due for this!!!) We are as much, or more than ever united in spirit; and if the Lord permit, we desire to labour together till He come. Who that knows the proneness in man to seek his own, and to get glory to himself; who that knows that the heart naturally is full of envy; who that is acquainted with the position which we both hold in the church, and the occasions thereby occurring for the flesh to feel offended :-who that considers these things will not ascribe our union, our uninterrupted union and love, entirely to the Lord? Let the brethren among whom we labour praise God much for it! Let the brethren everywhere, who may read this, praise God for it! This union has glorified God! This union has sprung from God! But, for this union we depend now as much as ever upon God, and therefore let the brethren pray, that God in mercy would give us grace, to put aside every thing that might hinder it.\par \par 4. We have had much joy on account of the scriptural conduct of many of the children of God among whom we labour. The two churches have on the whole shown, in some measure, that even in our day there can be love among the brethren. I do not mean that we have been without trials on account of the behaviour of the saints under our care; nor do I mean to say, that either we or they have followed Christ as we might or ought to have done; but only, that we have been mercifully kept hitherto from great divisions; that the cases in which acts of discipline were needed (as the list at the end of the last two years shows) were so few; that we have had much more joy than sorrow on account of the brethren and sisters :-these are matters, worthy to be noticed among the special blessings which God has bestowed on us during the last five years.\par \par 5. Another mercy I mention is, that it has pleased God to keep us from some most awful characters, who either actually had proposed themselves for fellowship, or desired to do so, and who, so far as the testimony by word of mouth went, could fully satisfy us. From several such individuals who lived in open sin, we have been kept, by the Spirit constraining them to confess, and that, perhaps, even against their own will, their wicked deeds, which they were practicing; in other instances we suspected them, and, on making inquiry, found out their sins.\par \par 6. Another mercy which the Lord has kindly bestowed on us is, that though neither Brother Craik nor I am strong in body, yet we have been helped through much work; and, at the time when we were laid aside, the Lord made up our lack of service, either by sending help from without, or by putting into exercise the gifts of the brethren among us. At those seasons disunion might so easily have sprung up among the brethren; but the good shepherd of the sheep watched so graciously over the flock, that they were kept together in much love and union, whereby also a testimony was given for God, that their faith stood not in the power of man.\par \par 7. Sometimes, when particular trials were laid on us, and things appeared very dark, the Lord most mercifully not only supported us under those trials, but also unexpectedly delivered us much sooner out of them, than we could have at all anticipated. May this especially encourage brethren who labour in word and doctrine, or who rule in the church, to trust in the Lord in Seasons of peculiar trial!\par \par 8. My temporal wants have all these five years been most richly supplied, so that not once have I lacked the necessaries of life, and generally I have abounded; and all this without having one shilling of regular income. I am not tired of this way of living, nor have I even for once been allowed to regret having begun to live in this way.\par \par \par II. The work of the Lord in our hands.\par \par 1. It has pleased the Lord to continue to bless the word preached by us to the conversion of many sinners, and there seems to have been no period during these five years, in which this work has been stopped by Him. There have come again several cases before us lately, in which individuals have been recently brought to apprehend their lost state by nature, and to see that Jesus of Nazareth alone can save them. The whole number of those who have been converted through our instrumentality in Bristol, and who have been received into fellowship with us is 178; besides this, the Lord has given us many seals to our ministry in this city, but the individuals are now either only standing on the list of candidates for fellowship, or are united to other churches in and out of Bristol, or have fallen asleep before they were united to us.\par \par 2. The whole number of the brethren and sisters, now in fellowship with us, is 370: 189 at Gideon, 181 at Bethesda.\par \par 3. It is now three years and four months since brother Craik and I began, in dependence upon the Lord for funds, to seek to help the spread of the Gospel through the instrumentality of schools, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and by aiding Missionary exertions. Since then there have been circulated through our instrumentality 4030 copies of the Scriptures; four Day-Schools for poor children have been established by us; 1119 children have been instructed in the six Day-Schools, and 353 children are now in those six Day-Schools. Besides this, a Sunday-School, and an Adult-School have been supplied with all they needed, and Missionary exertions in the East Indies, in Upper Canada, and on the Continent of Europe, have been aided. In addition to this the word of God has been preached from house to house among the poor, in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, by brother C\emdash r, within the last two years.\par \par 4. There have been received into the Orphan-Houses 74 orphans, and there are now 64 in them.\par \par \par And now, in conclusion, I would say that the reason, why I have spoken so plainly about the sins of my unconverted days, is, that I may magnify the riches of the grace of God, which has been bestowed on me, a guilty wretch. I have weighed much whether I should do so or not, knowing well what contempt it may bring on me; but it appeared to me, after much prayer, that as the object of this little work is to speak well of the Lord, I should say in a few words what I once was, in order that it might be seen so much the more clearly, what He has done for me. I also judged that, in doing so, some, who live at present in sin, might see through my example the misery into which sin leads, even as it regards the present life, and the happiness which is connected with the ways of God; and that they also might be encouraged through what God has done for me, to turn to Him. I have made myself therefore a fool, and degraded myself in the eyes of the inhabitants of Bristol, that you, my dear unconverted fellow sinners, who may read this, may, with God\rquote s blessing, be made wise. The love of Christ has constrained me to speak about my former lies, thefts, fraud, &c., that you might be benefited. Do not think that I am a fool, and therefore I have told out my heart in my folly; but I have made myself a fool for the benefit of your souls. May God in mercy, for His dear Son's sake, grant that these pages may be a savour of life unto life to you!\par \par The reason why I have spoken so plainly about some of the sins and errors into which I have fallen since my conversion, and about my answers to prayer, and the supplies of my temporal wants, and some of my family concerns, and the success which God has given to our labours, -is not, because I do not know that it is contrary to worldly custom, and against the interests of my worldly reputation; nor is it, as if I made light of my falls; nor as if I would boast in having had my prayers so often answered, and having been in such a variety of ways used as an instrument in doing the Lord's work; but, I have written what I have written for the benefit of my brethren. I have mentioned some of my sins and errors, that through my loss the brethren who may read this may gain. I have mentioned the answers of prayer, that through them they may be encouraged to make known their requests unto God. I have spoken about my temporal supplies, that through seeing how richly God has supplied my temporal wants, since the commencement of 1830, when I left London, they may be stirred up "to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," resting assured, that, in doing so, He will give them what is needful for the life that now is. I have alluded to some family circumstances, that children of God may be encouraged to cast their family burdens upon the Lord, in order that, in doing so, they may find Him carrying the burdens for them. And lastly, I have written about the success which God has been pleased to grant us in His work, that it may be seen, that, in acting on scriptural principles, we have the Lord on our side, and that our mode of preaching is honoured by Him. If in anything which I have written I have been mistaken (and what human work is there which is free from error), I have been mistaken after much prayer. Whilst writing I have often asked help of God. Whilst revising the work, I have still again and again bowed my knees. I have also frequently entreated the Lord to bless this feeble effort of mine to speak to His praise, and I have not the slightest hesitation in saying, that, from the earnestness and comfort which I have enjoyed in prayer, and from the sincere self-examination of my heart, I know that God will bless this little work. May I ask you then, my brethren and sisters, who have been benefited in reading this book, to help me with your prayers, that it may be blessed to others. May I also ask you, my brethren and sisters, who think I ought not to have published it, to ask God to bless that which you yourselves consider good and scriptural in it.\par \par And, now last of all, brethren beloved in the Lord, remember me in your prayers.\par \par END OF THE FIRST PART\par } v/O00 George Mueller{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang3082\f0\fs22 George Mueller\par \par 01.01 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 1\par 01.02 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 2\par 01.03 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 3\par 01.04 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 4\par 01.05 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 5\par 01.06 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with George M\'fceller Part 6\par \lang1033\par Taken from \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "http://www.praize.com/classics/preacher.php?preacher=82"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf2 http://www.praize.com/classics/preacher.php?preacher=82}}}\cf1\f0\fs22\par } Em-01.02 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with Müeller{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang3082\f0\fs22 Narrative of the Lord's Dealings with George Muller. Part II\par \par PREFACE TO THE\par \par FIRST EDITION OF THE SECOND PART.\par \par THROUGH grace I am, in some measure, conscious of my many weaknesses and deficiencies; but, with all this, I know that I am a member of the body of›mU01.01 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with Müeller{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang3082\f0\fs22 Narrative of the Lord's Dealings with George M Christ, and that, as such, I have a place of service in the body. The realization of this has laid upon me the responsibility of serving the church in the particular way for which the Lord has fitted me, and this has led me to write this second little volume, if by any means those of my fellow-saints, who have not yet learned the importance and preciousness of dealing with God Himself under all circumstances, may be helped in learning this lesson. Nor did I think that the first part of this Narrative rendered the second part needless, because that contains more especially the Lord's dealings with me as an individual, whilst this gives, more particularly, an account of the remarkable way in which the Lord has helped me in reference to His work in my hands. For this second part carries on the account of the Orphan-Houses, etc., which are under my care, and contains the substance of the Reports previously published, so that any one who wishes to have the account from the beginning up to the end of last year, may be able to obtain it. This latter point alone made it needful for me to think about publishing this second part, as of the Reports for 1838 and 1839, which still almost daily are inquired after, there are only a few copies left, though 2,500 of the one and 3,000 of the other were published and of the Report for 1840 there are also only about 500, out of 4,000, remaining. The being thus able to put the whole account of the work into the hands of an inquiring individual, affords such a one a fairer opportunity of seeing the working of those scriptural principles on which the Institution is established. And, lastly, the Lord's continued blessing upon the first part of the Narrative and the Reports, both to believers and unbelievers, has induced me to publish this second volume, which I now affectionately commend to the prayers of the saints, requesting at the same time their prayers for myself.\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par Bristol, June 14, 1841.\par \par \par \par SECOND PART.\par \par In publishing the continuation of the Narrative of some of the Lord's dealings with me, I have thought it well to give it in the same form in which the larger portion of the former part is written. I therefore proceed to give extracts from my journal making here and there such remarks as occasion may seem to require. The first, part of the Narrative was carried on to the beginning of July 1837, from which period the Continuation commences.\par \par July 18, 1837. Four trials came upon me this morning, without my having previously had opportunity for secret prayer. I had been prevented from rising early, on account of having to spend part of the night in a sick chamber; but this circumstance shows, how important it is to rise early, when we are able, in order that we may be prepared, by communion with the Lord, to meet the trials of the day.\par \par Aug. 15. Today the first 500 copies of my Narrative arrived, and I had, once more, some conflict of mind whether, after all, I had not been mistaken in this matter. A sort of trembling came over me, and a wish to be able to retrace the step. Judging, however, from the most searching self-examination, through which I had caused my heart to pass again and again, as to my motives, before I began writing, and whilst I was writing; and judging, moreover, from the earnestness in prayer with which I had sought to ascertain the mind of God in the matter, and from the subsequent full assurance which I had had of its being according to His will, that in this way I should serve the Church ;-I was almost immediately led to consider this uncomfortable and trying feeling as a temptation, and I therefore went to the box, opened it, brought out some copies, and soon after gave away one, so that the step could not be retraced. [This was the last temptation or struggle I have had of that kind; for, though, very many times since, I have had abundant reason for praising the Lord that He put such an honour upon me, in allowing me to speak well of His name in so public a manner, I have never since, even for one minute, been allowed to regret publishing the Narrative; and almost daily have I been more and more confirmed in the conviction, that the giving such like publications to the church, making known the Lord's dealings with me, is one part of my service towards the saints.]\par \par Aug. 17. Today two more children were received into the Infant Orphan-House, which makes up our full number, 66 in the Girls' and infant-Orphan-Houses.\par \par Aug. 28. When brother Craik and I began to labour in Bristol, and consequently some believers united with us in fellowship, assembling together at Bethesda, we began meeting together on the basis of the written Word only, without having any church rules whatever. From the commencement it was understood, that, as the Lord should help us, we would try everything by the word of God, and introduce and hold fast that only which could be proved by Scripture. When we came to this determination on Aug. 13, 1832, it was indeed in weakness, but it was in uprightness of heart. -On account of this it was, that, as we ourselves were not fully settled as to whether those only who had been baptized after they had believed, or whether all who believed in the Lord Jesus, irrespective of baptism, should be received into fellowship nothing was determined about this point. We felt free to break bread and be in communion with those who were not baptized, and therefore could with a good conscience labour at Gideon, where the greater part of the saints, at least at first, were unbaptized; but, at the same time, we had a secret wish that none but believers who were baptized might be united with us at Bethesda. Our reason for this was, that we had witnessed in Devonshire much painful disunion, resulting, as we thought, from baptized and unbaptized believers being in fellowship. Without, then, making it a rule, that Bethesda Church was to be one of close communion, we nevertheless took care that those who applied for fellowship should be instructed about baptism. For many months there occurred no difficulty, as none applied for communion but such as had either been already baptized, or wished to be, or who became convinced of the Scriptural character of believers' baptism, after we had conversed with them; afterwards, however, three sisters applied for fellowship, none of whom had been baptized; nor were their views altered, after we had conversed with them. As, nevertheless, brother Craik and I considered them true believers, and we ourselves were not fully convinced what was the mind of the Lord in such a case, we thought it right that these sisters should be received; yet so that it might be unanimously, as all our church acts then were done; but we knew by that time, that there were several in fellowship with us, who could not conscientiously receive unbaptized believers. We mentioned, therefore, the names of these three sisters to the church, stating that they did not see believers' baptism to be scriptural, and that, if any brother saw, on that account, a reason why they should not be received, he should let us know. The result was, that several objected, and two or three meetings were held, at which we heard the objections of the brethren, and sought for ourselves to obtain acquaintance with the mind of God on the point. Whilst several days thus passed away before the matter was decided, one of those three sisters came and thanked us, that we had not received her, before being baptized, for she now saw that it was only shame and the fear of man which had kept her back, and that the Lord had now made her willing to be baptized. By this circumstance those brethren, who considered it scriptural that all ought to be baptized before being received into fellowship, were confirmed in their views; and as to brother Craik and me, it made us, at least, still more question, whether, those brethren might not be right; and we felt therefore, that in such a state of mind we could not oppose them. The one sister, therefore, who wished to be baptized, was received into fellowship, but the two others not. Our consciences were the less affected by this, because all, though not baptized, might take the Lord's supper with us, at Bethesda, though not be received into full fellowship; and because at Gideon, where there were baptized and unbaptized believers, they might even be received into full fellowship; for we had not then clearly seen that there is no scriptural distinction between being in fellowship with individuals and breaking bread with them. Thus matters stood for many months, i.e. believers were received to the breaking of bread even at Bethesda, though not baptized, but they were not received to all the privileges of fellowship.-In August of 1836 I had a conversation with brother H. C. on the subject of receiving the unbaptized into communion, a subject about which, for years, my mind had been more or less exercised. This brother put the matter thus before me: either unbaptized believers come under the class of persons who walk disorderly, and, in that case, we ought to withdraw from them (2 Thess. iii. 6); or they do not walk disorderly. If a believer be walking disorderly, we are not merely to withdraw from him at the Lord's table, but our behaviour towards him ought to be decidedly different from what it would be were he not walking disorderly, on all occasions when we may have intercourse with him, or come in any way into contact with him, Now this is evidently not the case in the conduct of baptized believers towards their unbaptized fellow-believers. The Spirit does not suffer it to be so, but He witnesses that their not having been baptized does not necessarily imply that they are walking disorderly; and hence there may be the most precious communion between baptized and unbaptized believers. The Spirit does not suffer us to refuse fellowship with them in prayer, in reading and searching the Scriptures, in social and intimate intercourse, and in the Lord's work; and. yet this ought to be the case, were they walking disorderly.-This passage, 2 Thess. iii. 6, to which brother R. C. referred, was the means of showing me the mind of the Lord on the subject, which is, that we ought to receive all whom Christ has received (Rom. xv. 7), irrespective of the measure of grace or knowledge which they have attained unto.-Some time after this conversation, in May 1837, an opportunity occurred, when we (for brother Craik had seen the same truth) were called upon to put into practice the light which the Lord had been pleased to give us. A sister, who neither had been baptized, nor considered herself under any obligation to be baptized, applied for fellowship. We conversed with her on this as on other subjects, and proposed her for fellowship, though our conversation had not convinced her that she ought to be baptized. This led the church again to the consideration of the point. We gave our reasons, from Scripture, for considering it right to receive this unbaptized sister to all the privileges of the children of God; but a considerable number, one-third perhaps, expressed conscientious difficulty in receiving her. The example of the Apostles in baptizing the first believers upon a profession of faith, was especially urged, which indeed would be an insurmountable difficulty, had not the truth been mingled with error for so long a time, so that it does not prove willful disobedience, if any one in our day should refuse to be baptized after believing. The Lord, however, gave us much help in pointing out the truth to the brethren, so that the number of those, who considered that only baptized believers should be in communion, decreased almost daily. At last, only fourteen brethren and sisters out of above 180, thought it right, this Aug. 28, 1837, to separate from us, after we had had much intercourse with them. [I am glad to be able to add, that, even of these 14, the greater part afterwards saw their error, and came back again to us, and that the receiving of all who love our Lord Jesus into full communion, irrespective of baptism, has never been the source of disunion among us, though more than forty-four years have passed away since.]\par \par Sept. 2. I have been looking about for a house for the Orphan Boys, these last three days. Every thing else has been provided. The Lord has given suitable individuals to take care of the children, money, &c. In His own time He will give a house also.\par \par Sept. 6. This morning I accompanied a sister, who had been staying a night with us, to the steamer. In answer to prayer I awoke at the right time, the fly came at half-past five, her trunk was got from the vessel in which she came yesterday, and we arrived before the steamer had left. In all these four points I felt my dependence upon the Lord, and He, having put prayer into my heart, answered it in each of these four particulars.\par \par Sept. 15. This evening we had a meeting for inquirers and applicants for fellowship. There were more than we could see within three hours; and when all strength was gone, we had to send away four. Among those whom we saw was E. W., who had been kept for some time from applying for fellowship, on account of not seeing believers' baptism to be scriptural. She wished to be taught, but could not see it. She felt grieved that on that account she could not attend to the breaking of bread, which she did see to be scriptural. As soon as open communion was brought about at Bethesda, she wished to offer herself for fellowship, but was twice prevented by circumstances from doing so. Last Wednesday evening she came to the baptizing, when once more, after the lapse of more than two years, I preached on baptism, which fully convinced her of its being scriptural, and she desires now to be baptized. Her difficulty was, that she thought she had been baptized with the Spirit, and therefore needed no water baptism, which now, from Acts x. 44-47, she sees to be an unscriptural objection.-Though it is only one month this day since my Narrative was published, I have already heard of many instances in which the Lord has been pleased to bless it.\par \par This morning we received a parcel with clothes and some money for the Orphans, from a sister at a distance. Among the donations in money was a little legacy, amounting to 6s. 6 1/2d. from a dear boy, the nephew of the sister who sent the things, who died in the faith. This dear child had had given to him, in his last illness, some new shillings, sixpences, and other smaller silver coins, amounting to the above-mentioned little sum. Shortly before he fell asleep, he requested that this his little treasure might be sent to the Orphans. This precious little legacy is the first we have had.\par \par Sept. 19. Two things were today particularly impressed upon my heart, and may the Lord deepen the impression. 1. That I ought to seek for more retirement, though the work should apparently suffer ever so much. 2. That arrangements should be made, whereby I may be able to visit the brethren more, as an unvisited church will sooner or later become an unhealthy church. Pastors, as fellow-labourers, are greatly needed among us.\par \par Sept. 28, I have for a long time been too much outwardly engaged. Yesterday morning I spent about three hours in the vestry of Gideon, to be able to have more time for retirement. I meant to do the same in the afternoon, but before I could leave the house I was called on, and thus one person after the other came, till I had to go out. Thus it has been again today.\par \par Oct. 16. For a long time past brother Craik and I have felt the importance of more pastoral visiting, and it has been one of our greatest trials, that we have been unable to give more time to it. This evening we had purposely a meeting of the two Churches, at which brother Craik and I spoke on; I. The importance of pastoral visiting. II. The particular obstacles which hindered us in attending to it. III. The question whether there was any way of removing some of the obstacles.\par \par I. As to the importance of pastoral visiting, the following points were mentioned: 1. Watching over the saints, by means of visiting them, to prevent coldness, or to recover them from backsliding. 2. To counsel and advise them in family affairs, in their business, and in spiritual matters. 3. To keep up that loving familiar intercourse, which is so desirable between the saints and those who have the oversight of them.-These visits should be, if possible, frequent; but in our case there have been several obstacles in the way.\par \par II. The particular obstacles in our case are: 1. The largeness of the number who are in communion with us. One hundred would be quite as many as we have strength to visit regularly, and as often as would be desirable; but there are nearly 400 in fellowship with us. 2. The distance of the houses of the saints from our own dwellings, as many live more than two miles of. 3. The Lord's blessing upon our labours. Not one year has passed away, since we have been in Bristol, without more than fifty having been added to our number, each of whom, in general, needed several times to be conversed with before being admitted into fellowship. 4. That brother Craik and I have each of us the care of two churches. At the first sight it appears as if the work is thus divided, but the double number of meetings, &c., nearly double the work. 5. The mere ruling, and taking care, in general, of a large body of believers, irrespective of the other work, takes much more time, and requires much more strength, than the taking care of a small body of believers, as we, by grace, desire not to allow known sin among us. 6. The position which we have in the church at large brings many brethren to us who travel through Bristol, who call on us, or lodge with us, and to whom, according to the Lord's will, we have to give some time. 7. In my own case an extensive needful correspondence. 8. The weakness of body on the part of both of us. When the preaching is done, -when the strangers who lodge with us are gone, -when the calls at our house are over, -when the needful letters, however briefly, are written, -when the necessary church business is settled;-our minds are often so worn out, that we are glad to be quiet. 9. But suppose we have bodily strength remaining after the above things have been attended to, yet the frame of mind is not always so, as that one could visit. After having been particularly tried by church matters, which in so large a body does not rarely occur, or being cast down in one's own soul, one may be fit for the closet, but not for visiting the saints. 10. Lastly, in my own case, no small part of my time is taken up by attending to the affairs of the Orphan-Houses, Schools, the circulation of the Scriptures, the aiding Missionary efforts, and other work connected with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.\par \par III. What is to be done under these circumstances? 1. In the days of the Apostles there would have been more brethren to take the oversight of so large a body as we are. The Lord has not laid upon us a burden which is too heavy for us; He is not a hard master. It is evident that He does not mean us even to attempt to visit all the saints as much as is absolutely needful, and much less as frequently as it would be desirable. We mention this, to prevent uncomfortable feelings on the part of the dear saints under our pastoral care, who find themselves not as much visited as they used to be when we came to Bristol, when the number of them was not 70, and now it is about 400, and when in many other respects the work in our hands was not half so much, as it is now, and when we had much more bodily strength. 2. it is therefore evident that there are other pastors needed; not nominal pastors, but such as the Lord has called, to whom He has given a pastor's heart, and pastoral gifts. 3. Such may be raised up by the Lord from our own number, or the Lord may send them from elsewhere. 4. But in the meantime we should at least see whether there are not helpers among us. 5. As to the work itself, in order that time may be saved, it appears desirable that the two churches, Bethesda and Gideon, should be united into one, that the breaking of bread should be alternately, and that the number of weekly meetings should be reduced.\par \par Oct. 21. A few weeks since I had rented a very large and a very cheap house for the Boys' Orphan-House; but as the persons who lived in that neighbourhood threatened the landlord with an action, on account of letting his house for a charitable institution, I, at once, gave up all claim. That which led me to do so, was the word of the Lord; "As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." I was quite sure when I gave up the agreement, that the Lord would provide other premises. On the same morning when this took place, Oct. 5, the Lord, to show His continued approbation of the work, sent 50l. by a sister, who is far from being rich, for the furnishing of the Boys' Orphan-House. Now, today, the Lord has given me another house for the Orphan-Boys, in the same street, in which the other two Orphan-Houses are. Thus, in His own time, He has sent help in this particular also. Indeed in everything, in which I have had to deal with Him alone in this work, I have never been disappointed.\par \par Oct. 23. Today two young sisters were received into fellowship who have been in our Sunday-School. Thus we begin now to reap fruit in respect of our schools.\par \par Nov. 1. Our Bible-School and Missionary funds having been for some time very low, I had been led repeatedly to ask the Lord for a rich supply, and mentioned several times, though with submission to His will, the sum of 100l. before Him. However, He seemed not to regard the prayer respecting the 100l., but gave to us by little and little what was needed. Yesterday I received a donation of 80l., and today one of 20l., and thus He has kindly given the 100l. By this means we are able to increase our stock of Bibles, which has been much reduced of late.\par \par Nov. 5. Last night I awoke with a great weakness in my head, which kept me a good while awake. I at last got to sleep by tying a handkerchief round my head, and by thus pressing it. Today, however, though weak, I was able to preach, and that with much enjoyment, especially in the evening at Bethesda.\par \par Nov. 6. I feel very weak in my head. This evening it was settled at a meeting of the two churches, assembling at Bethesda and Gideon Chapels, that, for the reasons before given, the two churches should be henceforth united as one.\par \par Nov. 7. My head is so weak, that I see it absolutely needful to give up the work for some time. After I had come this morning to the conclusion to leave Bristol for a while for the purpose of quietness, I received an anonymous letter from Ireland with 5l. for my own personal expenses, and thus the Lord has kindly supplied me with the means for doing so.\emdash I can work no longer, my head being in such a weak stated from continual exertion, so that I feel now comfortable in going, though scarcely any time could have been, humanly speaking, more unsuitable. The Orphan-House for the Boys is on the point of being opened, the labourers therefore are to be introduced into the work ;\emdash most important church matters have been entered upon and are yet unsettled ;\emdash but the Lord knows better, and cares for His work more than I do or can. Therefore I desire to leave the matter with Him, and He graciously helps me to do so, and thus, in the quiet submission to His will, and the willingness to leave the work in His own hands, I have the testimony that I have not been engaged in my own work but in His.\par \par Nov. 8. This morning I left Bristol. When I left my house, I knew not what place to go to. All I knew was, that I must leave Bristol. A Bath coach was the first one I could get, and I took it. My intention was, not to go to brethren, as I needed perfect quietness; but I felt so uncomfortable at the hotel, on account of the worldliness of the place, that I went to see a brother, who with his aunts kindly pressed me to stay with them. \emdash This evening has been a very trying season to me. My head has been very weak; I have greatly feared lest I should become insane; but amidst it all, through grace, my soul is quietly resting upon the Lord.\par \par Nov. 12. Lord\rquote s day. I am still staying in Bath. The weakness of my head allowed me to attend but one meeting, and even that distressed my head much.\par \par Nov. 13. I was greatly distressed this evening on account of my head. I prayed earnestly to be kept from insanity.\par \par Nov. 14. I am rather better in my head today.\par \par Nov. 15. I left Bath, and went back to Bristol, as I felt I needed more quietness than I can have in the house of any friends, being continually drawn into conversation, which my head cannot bear.\par \par Nov. 16. Today I went to Weston Super Mare, to take lodgings for myself and family. A sister sent me this morning 5l., by which the Lord has provided me with the means for removing my family.\par \par Nov. 17. Weston Super Mare. This evening my wife and child, and our servant arrived here. Yesterday a sister secretly put two sovereigns in my wife\rquote s pocket book. How kind is the Lord in thus providing us with means according to our need! How kind also in having just now sent brother T. to take the work arising from the Schools, Orphan-Houses, &c., just as brother C\emdash r was sent two years ago, shortly before I was completely laid aside !\emdash Today a brother sent me information, that he had ordered one hundred pairs of blankets to be sent to me, for distribution among the poor.\par \par Nov. 23. My general health is pretty good; my head, however, is no better, but rather worse. This evening I was led, through the affliction in my head, to great irritability of temper. Of late I have had afresh painfully to experience in myself two things: 1. that affliction in itself does not lead nearer to God. 2. That we may have a good deal of leisure time and yet fail in profitably improving it. Often had I wished within the last months that I might have more time. Now the Lord has given it to me, but alas! how little of it is improved for prayer. I find it a difficult thing, whilst caring for the body, not to neglect the soul. It seems to me much easier to go on altogether regardless of the body, in the service of the Lord, than to take care of the body, in the time of sickness, and not to neglect the soul, especially in an affliction like my present one, when the head allows but little reading or thinking.\emdash What a blessed prospect to be delivered from this wretched evil nature! I can say nothing respecting this day, and this evening in particular, but that I am a wretched man.\par \par Nov. 24. I am now quite sure that I want more than mere quiet and change of air, even medical advice. My general health seems improved through my stay at Weston, but the disease in my head is increased. I have had many distressing moments since I have been at Weston, on account of fearing that my disease may be the forerunner of insanity; yet God has in mercy sustained me, and enabled me, in some small measure, notwithstanding my great sinfulness, to realize the blessing of being in Christ, and therefore secure for ever.\par \par Nov. 25. We returned to Bristol. I was at peace, being able to cast myself upon the Lord respecting the calamity which I feared. This evening I saw a kind physician and surgeon, who told me that the disease is either a tendency of blood to the head, or that the nerves of the head are in a disordered state. They also told me that I had not the least reason to fear insanity. How little grateful is my soul for this!\par \par Nov. 29. I am no better. A sister sent me today 5l. also a pickled tongue, fowls, cakes, and beautiful grapes were sent to me. My cup, as to temporal mercies, runs over.\emdash One of the Orphan children died while I was at Weston Super Mare. There is reason to believe that she died in the faith.\par \par Nov. 30. I am not any better. I have written to my father, perhaps, for the last time. All is well, all will be well, all cannot but be well; because I am in Christ. How precious that now, in this my sickness, I have not to seek after the Lord, but have already found Him.\par \par Dec. 1. By the mercy of God my head is somewhat relieved. My liver is in a most inactive state, which, as my kind medical attendants tell me, has created the pressure on the top of the head, and through the inactivity of the liver, the whole system having been weakened, and my mental exertions having been continued, the nerves of the head have greatly suffered in consequence. \emdash This evening was sent to me, anonymously, from a distance, 5l. for my own present necessities. The letter was only signed F. W.\emdash A sister, a stranger, gave to my wife 1l. Thus the Lord remembers our increased expenditure in consequence of my affliction, and sends to us accordingly.\par \par Dec. 4. Yesterday I met with the brethren for the breaking of bread. Today I am not so well. Every time that I meet with them, the nerves of my head are excited, and I am worse afterwards. A sister from Barnstaple sent us 1l. l5s.\par \par Dec. 8. My head is not so well as at the end of last week. I find it difficult to be in Bristol and not to exert my mind. Prayer and the reading of the Word I can bear better than any thing. May the Lord give me grace to pray more! I see as yet scarcely a single reason, so far as I myself am concerned, why the Lord should remove this affliction from me. I do not find myself more conformed to the mind of Jesus by it.\par \par Dec. 9. Two years ago this day, I stated my intention of establishing an Orphan-House, if God should permit. What has God wrought since! 75 orphans are now under our care, and 21 more we can receive. Several more are daily expected. During the last twelvemonth the expenses have been about 740l., and the income about 840l. In addition to this, about 400l. has been expended upon the Schools, the circulation of the Scriptures, and in aiding Missionary purposes. More than 1100l. therefore we have needed during the past year, and our good Lord has supplied all, without one single person having been asked for any thing.\par \par Dec. 12. Today the hundred pairs of blankets arrived. How kind of the Lord to give us the privilege of being instrumental in providing, in this respect, for some of the poor, both among the saints and in the world! This donation came in most seasonably, as, on inquiring into the circumstances of some of the poor, most affecting cases of distress were discovered, on account of the want of blankets. May the Lord give me grace to deny myself, in order to provide for the necessities of the poor! How much may be done even by a little self-denial! Lord, help me! \emdash The blankets were of a very good quality. It is a Christlike spirit in supplying the necessities of the poor, not to ask how little will do for them, but how richly may I possibly supply their need.\par \par Dec. 14. A sister, who a short time since had given me 5l. for my own personal expenses, gave me another 5l. today. How very kind is the Lord in providing so abundantly for us, and giving us far more than we need!\par \par Dec. 16. My head is not at all better, but rather worse. My medical attendants have today changed the medicine. But however kind and skillful they are, however nourishing the food which I take, however much I seek to refrain from over-exertion, and however much I take exercise in the air :\emdash till Thou, my great Physician, Thou, Creator of the Universe, Lord Jesus, dost restore me, I shall be laid aside!\emdash I have been working a little during the last fortnight, but only a little.\par \par Dec. 17.\emdash Lord\rquote s day. This morning I saw the 32 orphan girls, who are above seven years old, pass under my window, to go to the chapel. When I saw these dear children in their clean dresses, and their comfortable warm cloaks; and when I saw them walking orderly under the care of a sister to the chapel; I felt grateful to God that I had been made the instrument of providing for them, seeing that they are all better off, both as it regards temporal and spiritual things, than if they were at the places from whence they were taken. I felt, that, to bring about such a sight, was worth the labour not only of many days, but of many months, or years. I felt that it answered all the arguments of some of my friends who say "you do too much."\par \par Dec. 24. This is the seventh Lord\rquote s day that I have been laid aside.\emdash This day I determine, by the help of God, no more to send letters in parcels, because I now clearly see that it is against the laws of the country, and it becomes me, as a disciple of\emdash Jesus, in every respect to submit myself to the Government, in so far as I am not called upon to do any thing contrary to the word of God.\par \par Dec. 26. Today the same brother who sent me the hundred pairs of blankets, sent me 100l. to purchase as many more blankets as I can satisfactorily distribute.\par \par Dec. 29. Applications for the admission of orphans become more and more numerous. Almost daily fresh cases are brought before us. There are already as many applications for Orphan-Girls above seven years as would fill another house. There are also many more Infant-Orphans applied for than we can take in. Truly this is a large field of labour!\par \par Dec. 31. This is the eighth Lord\rquote s day since I have been kept from ministering in the Word, nor did I think it well, on account of my head, to go to any of the meetings today. Whether I am really getting better I know not, yet I hope I am. My head is yet much affected, though my liver seems somewhat more active.\emdash This morning I greatly dishonoured the Lord by irritability, manifested towards my dear wife, and that almost immediately after I had been on my knees before God, praising Him for having given me such a wife.\par \par \par \par REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1837.\par \par \par \par I. There are now 81 children in the three Orphan-Houses, and nine brethren and sisters who have the care of them. Ninety, therefore, daily sit down to table. Lord look on the necessities of Thy servant!\par \par II. The schools require as much help as before; nay, more, particularly the Sunday School, in which there are at present about 320 children, and in the Day Schools about 350.\emdash Lord, Thy servant is a poor man; but he has trusted in Thee, and made his boast in Thee, before the sons of men; therefore let him not be confounded! Let it not be said, all this is enthusiasm, and therefore it is come to nought.\par \par III. My temporal supplies have been :\emdash\par \par 1. By the Freewill Offerings through the boxes \'a3149 18s. 6 1/2d.\par \par 2. By Presents in money, from believers in and out of Bristol \'a377 4s. 0d.\par \par 3. By Presents in clothes, provisions, &c., which were worth to us at least \'a325 0s. 0d.\par \par 4. By Money through family connexion \'a345 0s. 0d.\par \par 5. We have been living half free of rent, whereby we have saved at least \'a310 0s. 0d.\par \par Altogether \'a3307 2s. 6 1/2d.\par \par \par \par I have purposely given here again, as at the close of the former years, a statement of the supplies which the Lord has been pleased to send me during this year, because I delight in showing, both to the world and to the church, how kind a Master I have served even as to temporal blessings, and how so plainly in my ease the Lord has displayed the truth of that word "Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be confounded," not merely by providing the means for His work in my hands, but also by providing for the necessities of myself and family.\par \par \par \par January 1, 1838. Through the good hand of our God upon me, I have been brought to the beginning of an other year. May He in mercy grant that it may be spent more in His service than any previous year! May I, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, be more conformed to the image of His Son, than has been the case hitherto !\emdash Last night the brethren had a prayer meeting at Gideon, after the preaching was over, and continued till half-past twelve in prayer; but I was unable to be present.\par \par Jan. 2. During the last night thieves broke into our house, and into the school-room of Gideon Chapel. Being stopped by a second strong door, in my house, or rather being prevented from going any further by our loving Father, who did not allow the hedge which He has set round about us, at this time, to be broken through, nothing was missing, except some cold meat, which they took out of the house.\emdash They broke open several boxes in Gideon school-room, but took nothing. They left some of the bones, the meat being cut off, in one of the boxes in Gideon school-room, and hung up another in a tree in our garden. So depraved is man naturally when left to himself, that he not only steals his fellowman\rquote s property, but also makes sport of the sin! How merciful that God has protected us! My mind was peaceful when I heard the news this morning, thanking God from my heart for preservation, and considering it as an answer to prayer, which had been many times put up to Him, during these last years, respecting thieves.\par \par Jan. 6. I feel very little better in my head, though my general health seems improved; but my kind physician says I am much better, and advises me now change of air. I am most reluctant to go, though on two former occasions when I used change of air, in August 1829 at Exmouth, and in 1835 at Niton in the Isle of Wight, the Lord abundantly blessed me in doing so, both bodily and spiritually. This evening a sister who resides about fifty miles from hence, and who is therefore quite unacquainted with the medical advice given to me this morning, sent me 15l. for the express purpose of change of air, and wrote that she felt assured, from having been similarly afflicted, that nothing would do me so much good, humanly speaking, as quiet and change of air. How wonderfully does God work! I have thus the means of carrying into effect my physician\rquote s advice.\emdash Today I heard of a most remarkable case of conversion through the instrumentality of my Narrative.\par \par Jan. 7. This is the ninth Lord\rquote s day that I have been kept from ministering in the Word. My head is in a distressing state, and, as far as I can judge, as bad as ever. It seems to me more and more clear that the nerves are affected. My affliction is connected with a great tendency to irritability of temper; yea, with some satanic feeling, foreign to me even naturally. O Lord, mercifully keep Thy servant from openly dishonouring Thy name! Rather take me soon home to Thyself!\par \par Jan. 10. Today I went with my family to Trowbridge.\par \par Jan. 12. Trowbridge. This evening I commenced reading Whitfield\rquote s life, written by Mr. Philip.\par \par Jan. 13. I have already received blessings through Whitfield\rquote s life. His great success in preaching the Gospel is evidently to be ascribed, instrumentally, to his great prayerfulness, and his reading the Bible on his knees. I have known the importance of this for years; I have practiced it a little, but far too little. I have had more communion with God today than I have had, at least generally, for some time past.\par \par Jan. 14. Lord\rquote s day. I have, continued reading Whitfield\rquote s life. God has again blessed it to my soul. I have spent several hours in prayer today, and read on my knees, and prayed for two hours over Psalm lxiii. God has blessed my soul much today. I have been fighting together with the armies of Jesus, though this is the tenth Lord\rquote s day since I have been kept from preaching, and though I have not assembled with the brethren here, on account of my head. My soul is now brought into that state, that I delight myself in the will of God, as it regards my health. Yea, I can now say, from my heart, I would not have this disease removed till God, through it, has bestowed the blessing for which it was sent. He has drawn out my soul much yesterday and today. Lord, continue Thy goodness, and fill me with love! I long, more fully to glorify God; not so much by outward activity, as by inward conformity to the image of Jesus. What hinders God, to make of one, so vile as I am, another Whitfield? Surely, God could bestow as much grace upon me, as He did upon him. O, my Lord, draw me closer and closer to Thyself, that I may run after Thee !\emdash I desire, if God should restore me again for the ministry of the Word (and this I believe He will do soon, judging from the state in which He has now brought my soul, though I have been worse in health the last eight days, than for several weeks previously), that my preaching may be more than ever the result of earnest prayer and much meditation, and that I may so walk with God, that "out of my belly may flow rivers of living water." But alas! if the grace of God prevent not, one day more, and the rich blessings, which He has bestowed upon my soul yesterday and today, will all vanish; but again, if He favours me (and oh! may He do it), I shall go from strength to strength, and I and the saints in Bristol shall have abundant reason to praise God for this my illness.\par \par Jan. 15. I have had since yesterday afternoon less suffering in my head than for the last eight days! though it is even now far from being well. I have still an inward assurance, on account of the spiritual blessings which the Lord has granted to me, that through this affliction He is only purifying me for His blessed service, and that I shall be soon restored to the work.\emdash Today, also, God has continued. to me fervency of spirit, which I have now enjoyed for three days following. He has today, also, drawn out my soul into much real communion with Himself, and into holy desires to be more conformed to His dear Son. When God gives a spirit of prayer, how easy then to pray! Nevertheless it was given to me in the use of the means, as I fell on my knees last Saturday, to read His Word with meditation, and to turn it into prayer. Today I spent about three hours in prayer over Ps. lxiv. and lxv. In reference to that precious word ! "O thou that hearest prayer," (Ps. lxv. 2.) I asked the Lord the following petitions, and entreated Him to record them in heaven and to answer them.\par \par 1. That He would give me grace to glorify Him by a submissive and patient spirit under my affliction.\par \par 2. That, as I was enabled now, and only now from my heart, to praise God for this affliction, He would not remove His hand from me, until He had qualified me for His work more than I have been hitherto.\par \par 3. That He would be pleased to grant, that the work of conversion, through the instrumentality of brother Craik and myself, might not cease, but go on as much now as when we first came to Bristol, yea, more abundantly than even then.\par \par 4. That He would be pleased to give more real spiritual prosperity to the church under our care, than ever we have as yet enjoyed.\par \par 5. Having praised Him for the sale of so many copies of my Narrative in so short a time, I entreated Him to cause every copy to be disposed of.\par \par 6. I asked Him to continue to let His rich blessing rest upon this little work, and more abundantly, so that many may be converted through it, and many of the children of God truly benefited by it; and that thus I might now be speaking through it, though laid aside from active service.\par \par 7. I asked Him for His blessing, in the way of conversion, to rest upon the Orphans, and upon the Sunday and Day-School children under our care.\par \par 8. I asked Him for means to carry on these Institutions, and to enlarge them.\par \par These are some of the petitions which I have asked of my God this evening in connexion with this His own word. I believe He has heard me. I believe He will make it manifest, in His own good time, that He has heard me; and I have recorded these my petitions this 14th day of January, 1838, that, when God has answered them, He may get, through this, glory to His name.\emdash [Whilst writing this second part, I add to the praise of the Lord, and for the encouragement of the children of God, that petitions 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, have been fully answered, and the other petitions, likewise, in part.]\par \par Jan. 16, Tuesday. A blessed day. How very good is the Lord! Fervency of spirit, through His grace, is continued to me, though this morning, but for the help of God, I should have lost it again. The weather has been very cold for several days; but today I suffered much, either because it was colder than before, or because I felt it more, owing to the weakness of my body, and having taken so much medicine. I arose from my knees, and stirred the fire; but I still remained very cold. I was a little irritated by this. I moved to another part of the room, but felt the cold still more. At last, having prayed for some time, I was obliged to rise up, and take a walk to promote circulation. I now entreated the Lord on my walk, that this circumstance might not be permitted to rob me of the precious communion which I have had with Him the last three days; for this was the object at which Satan aimed. I confessed also my sin of irritability on account of the cold, and sought to have my conscience cleansed through the blood of Jesus. He had mercy upon me, my peace was restored; and when I returned I sought the Lord again in prayer, and had uninterrupted communion with Him. [I have purposely mentioned the above circumstance, in detail, in order to show, how the most trivial causes may operate in suddenly robbing one of the enjoyment of most blessed communion with God.] I have been enabled to pray for several hours this day. The subject of my meditation has been Psalm lxvi.\emdash Verses 10, 11, and 12, are particularly applicable to my present circumstances. God has already, through the instrumentality of this my affliction, brought me into a "wealthy place," and I believe He will bless my soul yet more and more.\emdash I do not remember any time, when I have had more fervency of spirit in connexion with such a desire to overcome every thing that is hateful in the sight of God, and with such an earnestness to be fully conformed to the image of Jesus. Truly, I have reason to apply to myself verse 16, and "tell what God has done for my soul. "\emdash Verse 18 also I can take to myself. I do not regard iniquity in my heart, but it is upright before Him, through His grace, and therefore God does hear my prayers.\emdash What has God done for me, in comparing this 16th of January 1838 with the 16th of January 1820, the day on which my dear mother died.\emdash I have also resolved this day, if the Lord should restore me again, to have an especial meeting at the chapel once a week, or once a fortnight, with the Orphan and Day-School children, for the purpose of reading the Scriptures with them.\emdash My heart has been drawn out in prayer for many things, especially that the Lord would create in me a holy earnestness to win souls, and a greater compassion for ruined sinners. For this I have been quickened through reading onward in Whitfield\rquote s life.\par \par Jan. 17. The Lord is yet merciful to me. I enjoy fervency of spirit. My soul has been again repeatedly led out in prayer this day, and that for a considerable time.\emdash I have read on my knees, with prayer and meditation, Psalm lxviii.\emdash Verse 5 "A Father of the fatherless," one of the titles of Jehovah, has been an especial blessing to me, with reference to the Orphans. The truth, which is contained in this, I never realized so much as today. By the help of God, this shall be my argument before Him, respecting the Orphans, in the hour of need. He is their Father, and therefore has pledged Himself, as it were, to provide for them, and to care for them; and I have only to remind Him of the need of these poor children, in order to have it supplied. My soul is still more enlarged respecting Orphans. This word "a Father of the fatherless," contains enough encouragement to cast thousands of Orphans, with all their need, upon the loving heart of God.\emdash My head has been again in a distressing state today; my soul, however, is in peace. May God in mercy continue to me fervency of spirit!\par \par January 18 to February 2. During this time I continued still at Trowbridge. I was, on the whole, very happy, and habitually at peace, and had repeatedly much communion with God; but still I had not the same earnestness in prayer, nor did I, in other respects, enjoy the same degree of fervency of spirit, with which the Lord had favoured me for several days previous to this period. While the considerable degree of fervency of spirit, which I had had, was altogether the gift of God, still I have to ascribe to myself the loss of it. It is remarkable, that the same book, Whitfield\rquote s Life, which was instrumental in stirring me up to seek after such a frame of heart, was also instrumental in depriving me of it, in some measure, afterwards. I once or twice read that book when I ought to have read the Bible on my knees, and thus was robbed of a blessing. Nevertheless, on the whole, even this period was a good season.\emdash My health being not at all improved, it seemed best that I should give up all medicine for a while, and take a tour; on which account I left Trowbridge today and went to Bath, with the object of going from thence to Oxford. I had grace today to confess the Lord Jesus on my way from Trowbridge to Bath, as also twice, lately, in going from Trowbridge to Bristol; but I was also twice silent. Oh that my heart may be filled with the love of Jesus, in order that it maybe filled with love for perishing sinners!\par \par Feb. 3. I left Bath this morning, and arrived in the evening at Oxford, where I was very kindly received by brother and sister \emdash\emdash , and the sisters \emdash\emdash .\par \par Feb. 7. Oxford. I had been praying repeatedly yesterday and the day before, that the Lord would be pleased to guide me, whether I should leave this place or not; but could not see it clearly to be His will that I should do so, and therefore determined to stay. Now, as I am able to have a quiet horse, I shall try horse exercise, if it may please the Lord to bless that to the benefit of my health.\par \par Feb. 10. I have had horse exercise for the last three days, but the horse is now ill. "Mine hour is not yet come," is the Lord\rquote s voice to me in this little circumstance.\par \par Feb. 11. This morning I was directed to read Proverbs iii. 5-12, having just a few minutes to fill up before breakfast. I was particularly struck with those words: "Neither be weary of His correction." I have not been allowed to despise the chastening of the Lord, but I begin, now and then, to feel somewhat weary of His correction. O Lord, have mercy upon Thy poor unworthy servant! Thou knowest, that, after the inner man, I desire patiently to bear this affliction, and not to have it removed till it has done its work in me, and yielded the peaceable fruits of righteousness. But Thou knowest also what a trial it is to me to continue the life I am now living. Help, Lord, according to my need!\par \par On Feb. 8th I sent a letter to the church in Bristol, which, having been preserved, I give here in print, as it shows the way in which the Lord dealt with me during and through the instrumentality of the affliction, and which, with His blessing, may lead one or other of the children of God who are in trial, quietly to wait for the end, and to look out for blessings to be bestowed upon them through the instrumentality of the trial.\par \par \par \par To the Saints, united together in Fellowship, and assembling at Bethesda and Gideon Chapels, Bristol.\par \par \par \par Trowbridge, Feb. 1, 1838.\par \par Dear Brethren,\par \par Twelve weeks have passed away, since I last ministered among you. I should have written to you repeatedly, during that period, had I not thought it better to put aside every mental occupation which could be deferred, as my head is unfit for mental exertion; but I would now rather write a few lines, than appear unmindful of you. You are dear to me; yea, so dear, that I desire to live and die with you, if our Lord permit; and why should I not tell you so by letter? I will write, then, as a token of brotherly remembrance and of love towards you; and may it be a means of quickening you to prayer on my behalf.\par \par In looking back upon my past life, I know not where to begin, and where to end, in making mention of the Lord\rquote s mercies. His long-suffering towards me in the days of my unregeneracy cannot be described. You know a little of my sinful life, before I was brought to the Lord; still you know but very little. If, however, I have much reason to praise God for His mercies towards me in those days, I have more abundant reason to admire His gentleness, long-suffering, and faithfulness towards me since I have known Him. He has step by step led me on, and He has not broken the bruised reed. His gentleness towards me has been great indeed, very great. (Brethren, let us follow God, in dealing gently with each other!) He has borne with my coldness, half-heartedness, and backsliding. In the midst of it all, He has treated me as His child. How can I sufficiently praise Him for this long-suffering? (Brethren, let us imitate our Father, let us bear long, and suffer long with each other!) He has been always the same gracious, kind, loving Father, Friend, Supporter, Teacher, Comforter, and all in all to me, as He was at the beginning. No variableness has been found in Him towards me, though I have again and again provoked Him. I say this to my shame. (Brethren, let us seek to be faithful, in the Lord, towards each other! Let us seek to love each other in the truth, and for the truth\rquote s sake, without variableness! It is easy, comparatively, to begin to love; but it requires much watchfulness, not to grow weary in love, when little or no love is returned; yea, when we are unkindly treated, instead of being loved. But as our gracious, faithful God, notwithstanding all our variableness, loves us without change, so should we, His children, love each other. Lord, help us so to do!)\par \par Besides this gentleness, long-suffering, and faithfulness, which the Lord has manifested towards me, and which I have experienced in common with you all, the Lord has bestowed upon me peculiar blessings and privileges. One of the chief is, that He has condescended to call me for the ministry of His word. How can I praise Him sufficiently for this! One who was such a sinner, such a servant of Satan, so fit for hell, so deserving of everlasting destruction, was not merely cleansed from sin and made a child of God through faith in the Lord Jesus, and thus fitted for heaven, and did not merely receive the sure promise that he should have eternal glory; but was also called unto, and, in a measure, qualified for the expounding of the word of God. I magnify Him for this honour!\emdash But more than this. More than eleven years, with very little interruption, have I been allowed, more or less, to preach the Word. My soul does magnify the Lord for this! More still. The Lord has condescended to use me as an instrument in converting many sinners, and, in a measure at least, in benefiting many of His children. For this honour I do now praise God, and shall praise Him not merely as long as I live, but as long as I have a being. But I do not stop here. I have many other reasons to speak well of the Lord, but I would only mention one. It is my present affliction. Yes, my present affliction is among the many things, for which I have very much reason to praise God; and I do praise Him for it. Before you, before the whole church of Christ, and before the world would I confess that God has dealt in very kindness towards me in this affliction. I own, I have not borne it without impatience and fretfulness; I own, I have been several times overcome by irritability of temper on account of it; but nevertheless, after the inner man, I praise God for the affliction, and I do desire from my heart, that it may truly benefit me, and that it may not be removed till the end has been answered, for which it has been sent. God has blessed me in this trial, and is still blessing me.\emdash As I know you love me, (unworthy as I am of it), and feel interested about me, I mention a few of the many mercies with which God has favoured me during these twelve weeks. 1. At the commencement of my illness, when my head was affected in a manner quite new to me, and when thus it continued day after day, I feared lest I should lose my reason.\emdash This created more real internal suffering than ever I had known before. But our gracious Lord supported me. His precious gospel was full of comfort to me. All, all will be well, was invariably the conclusion, the conclusion grounded upon Scripture, to which I came; yea, all will be well with me eternally, though the heaviest of all earthly trials should coins upon me, even that of dying in a state of insanity.\emdash I was once near death, as I then thought, nearly nine years ago: I was full of comfort at that time; but to be comfortable,\emdash to be able quietly to repose upon God, with the prospect of an affliction before one, such as I have now mentioned,\emdash is more than to be comfortable in the prospect of death, at least for a believer.\emdash Now, is it not well to be afflicted, in order to obtain such an experience? And have I not reason, therefore, to thank God for this affliction?\par \par \par \par Oxford, Feb. 6, 1838.\par \par When I began to write the foregoing lines, beloved brethren, I intended to write but very briefly; but as I love you, and as I have abundant reason to magnify the Lord, my pen ran on, till my head would follow no longer.\emdash I go on now to mention some other mercies which the Lord has bestowed upon me, through my present affliction.\par \par 2. Through being deprived for so long a time of the privilege of preaching the Word to sinners and saints, the Lord has been pleased to create in me a longing for this blessed work, and to give me at the same time to feel the importance of it, in a degree in which I never had experienced it before. Thus the Lord has fitted me somewhat more for His work, by laying me aside from it. Good therefore is the Lord, and kind indeed, in disabling me from preaching. Great has been my trial, after the self-willed old nature, not to be able to preach; and long ere this, unfit as I was for it, I should have resumed the work, had I followed my own will; but hitherto have I considered it most for the glory of God, quietly to refrain from outward service, in order to glorify Him by patient submission, till my Lord shall be pleased to condescend to call His servant forth again for active engagements. And then, I know, He will give me grace, cheerfully to go back to the delightful service of pointing sinners to the Lamb of God, and of feeding the church.\par \par 3. Through this affliction I have known experimentally in a higher degree than I knew it before, how, if obliged to refrain from active service, one can nevertheless as really and truly help the armies of Jesus, through secret prayer, as if one were actively engaged in the proclamation of the truth.\emdash This point brings to my mind a truth, of which we all need to be reminded frequently, even this, that at all times, and under all circumstances, we may really and truly serve the Lord, and fight for His kingdom, by seeking to manifest His mind, and by giving ourselves to prayer.\par \par 4. Through the instrumentality of this affliction the Lord has been pleased to show me, how I may lay out myself more fully for His service in the proclamation of His truth; and, by His grace, if ever restored for active service, I purpose to practice what He has shown me.\par \par 5. Through being deprived so much from meeting with the brethren as I have been these thirteen weeks, I have learned somewhat more to value this privilege than I did before. For as my head has been much affected, even through one meeting on the Lord\rquote s day, I have seen how highly I ought to have prized the days, when twice or thrice I could meet with the saints, without suffering from it.\emdash Bear with me, brethren, when I beseech you, highly to esteem the opportunities of assembling yourselves together. Precede them with prayer; for only in as much as you do so, have you a right to expect a blessing from them. Seek to treasure up, not merely in your memory, but in your heart, the truths which you hear; for soon you may be deprived of these privileges, and. soon you may be called upon to practice what you hear. Brethren, let us not learn the greatness of our privileges, by being deprived of them.\emdash\par \par I also delight in mentioning some of the particulars in which the Lord\rquote s kindness to me has appeared in this affliction, and whereby He has shown, that He does not lay more on us, than is absolutely needful.\par \par 1. You know, that since May, 1836, I was able to walk but little. This infirmity the Lord entirely removed, just before I became afflicted in my head. This was exceedingly kind; for air and exercise are the only means, which almost immediately relieve my head. How much greater would have been the affliction, had I not been able to walk about in the air !\emdash Truly, "He stayeth His rough wind, in the day of His east wind." I delight in pointing out the gentleness of the stroke.\par \par Oxford, Feb. 7, 1838.\par \par 2. The Lord might have chosen to confine me to my bed, and kept me there in much pain these thirteen weeks, for the sake of teaching me the lessons which He purposes me to learn through this affliction; instead of this, the pain in my head has been so slight, that it would not be worth mentioning, were it not connected with a weakness of the mental faculties, which allows of but little exertion.\par \par 3. Further, it might have pleased the Lord to incapacitate me altogether for active service, but instead of this, He has still allowed me, in some small measure, to help by my judgment in some church matters, to write some letters in His service, to speak now and then a word to believers for the furtherance of their faith, and to confess His name repeatedly before unconverted persons, with whom I have met on my journeys. Besides all this, I have had strength for other work connected with the kingdom of Jesus Christ.\par \par 4. In one other point the Lord has been especially gracious to me, in that, while I have been unable to preach, unable to write or read much, or even to converse for any length of time with the brethren, He has allowed me always sufficient strength for as much secret prayer as I desired. Even praying with others has been often trying to my head; but prayer in secret has not only never tried my head, but has been habitually (I mean the act of prayer) a relief to my head. Oh! how can I sufficiently praise God for this. How comparatively slight are any trials to a child of God, as long as under them he is enabled to converse freely with his Father! And so sweet has been this communion with my Father, a few times, and so have I been enabled to pour out my heart before Him, that whilst those favoured seasons have lasted, I not only felt the affliction to be no affliction, and could call it, from my heart, sweet affliction; but I was almost unwilling soon to go back to the multiplicity of engagements in Bristol, lest I should not have leisure to continue so much in prayer, meditation, and the study of His word. Shall I not then praise my Father for such dealings with me? Do I not even now see this affliction working for my good? I say, therefore, after the inward man: Father, continue Thy hand upon me, as long as it shall seem good in Thy sight, only bless my soul! \emdash But, brethren, do not mistake me, as if I meant that I prayed habitually with much earnestness. O no! I pray a little habitually, I pray now and then much; but I pray by no means as much as my strength and present time allow me. Therefore ask God on my behalf, that grace may be given me, habitually to pray much; and you will surely be profited by it.\emdash But I could not help alluding to this point, as the Lord\rquote s kindness is so particularly seen in this matter.\par \par 5. Lastly, I cannot omit mentioning the kindness of the Lord, in opening the houses of some of His children at Bath, Trowbridge, and Oxford for me, during this my affliction. These dear saints have shown me much kindness. But while I would be grateful to them for it, I discern the hand of God in influencing their hearts. Moreover, I have had kind medical attendants. And you, my dear brethren, though I have been unable to minister among you, have continued to supply my temporal wants, for which I thank you, and in all of which I see the gracious, loving hand of my Father, who through all this, as by a voice from heaven, tells me: "My child, even bodily health and strength would I give, were it good for thee." I therefore desire to wait for the good pleasure of my God concerning this point.\par \par Your love will naturally ask, how I now am in body. My disease, as my kind medical friends tell me, is an inactive liver, which causes the pain in the head, and the inability of exerting my mind for any length of time. In addition to this, the nerves of the head seem to have suffered through over-exertion. As medicine had been tried for about ten weeks, and had not given relief, it appeared well, that I should give it up for a time, and simply travel about for the benefit of the air. My own experience teaches me, that this means is beneficial; for it gives almost immediate relief. In consequence of this, I left Trowbridge last Friday, and arrived on Saturday evening at Oxford, where I am staying with dear brother and sister B. I have here all that brotherly love can do for me, and am in every way comfortable. It is now a week since I have given up medicine, and I am at least not worse, if not better; but I think I am a little better. I wait on the Lord to show me His will, as to the place to which I should go next.\par \par As to my inner man, I am in peace, generally in peace, and long for more conformity to the mind of Christ. My chief desire is, that if it shall ever please the Lord to restore me again, to be sent back to active service with increased humility, greater earnestness in the work, greater love for perishing sinners, and a heart habitually influenced by the truths which I preach. \emdash\emdash Whether I shall ever be restored for the work, I cannot say with certainty; but, if I may judge from the Lord\rquote s dealings with me in former times, I have reason to believe, that I shall yet be allowed to labour again.\par \par In conclusion, dear brethren, pray for my dear brother and fellow-labourer. Esteem him highly in the Lord; for He is worthy of all honour.\emdash I would write more, for I have much more to speak of; but as I purpose, if God allows me the pleasure, to write again soon, I leave it till then. Farewell.\par \par Your affectionate brother and servant in the Lord,\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par \par \par Feb. 13. These ten days I have been staying in Oxford, though I came only for one or two; but I have stayed to see the Lord\rquote s hand leading me away from hence. I have now been led to decide on going to Lutterworth to see brother \emdash , to converse with him about accompanying him on a journey to the Continent, with reference to Missionary objects. When I had come to this decision, I took another ride, the horse being well again; but now this formerly quiet horse was self-willed and shy, which does not at all suit me in the weak state of my nervous system. As horse exercise had kept me here longer than I had intended to stay, and as I cannot now ride on this horse which before suited me so well, I see, even in this, in itself, trifling circumstance, a confirmation that I had been right in my decision to leave Oxford.\par \par Feb. 16. Lutterworth. I arrived here on the evening of the 14th. I have been decidedly worse since I have been here, and was obliged again to have recourse to medicine. A brother having strongly recommended me, whilst in Oxford, to go to Leamington on account of my health, and having at the same time offered to pay my expenses during my stay there, and being now so very unwell again, and so near Leamington, I decided to-night upon accepting his kindness, provided that my kind physician in Bristol had no objection.\par \par Feb. 17. Leamington. I left Lutterworth this morning, where I have received much kindness. There was no inside place, and I was very unwell; but the fear of being quite laid up at Lutterworth, and becoming burthensome to those dear saints who had received me into their house though a stranger to them; and having still no desirable medical advice; and the remembrance that the Lord had graciously enabled me, even lately, to travel outside in cold weather; induced me to get on the coach, and I rode off in a heavy fall of snow. But God had mercy. After eight miles ride, at Rugby, I obtained an inside place. The rest of the way was crowned with mercies. I had a room to myself at Southam, found a suitable dinner just ready, had an inside place to Leamington, and was preserved by the way, though the coachman was quite intoxicated, and drove furiously.\emdash I had asked the Lord to let me find a suitable and cheap lodging at Leamington, and the first lodging I saw I took, for which I pay only ten shillings weekly. Thus, a few minutes after my arrival, I sat comfortably at my own fireside. How very kind of the Lord!\par \par Feb. 26. Yesterday and today I have suffered again in my head, though I have been on the whole better since I have taken the Leamington waters. But far more trying has been the internal conflict which I have had. Grace fought against evil suggestions of one kind and another, and prevailed; but it was a very trying season. This was much increased by receiving neither yesterday nor today a letter from my dear wife. Grace sought out for reasons why she had not written; nevertheless it was a very trying season. Today I earnestly prayed to God to send my wife to me, as I feel that by being alone, and afflicted as I am in my bead, and thus fit for little mental employment, Satan gets an advantage over me.\par \par Feb. 27. God has had merc y upon me. The sore and sharp trial, the very bitter conflict is over.\emdash This morning also I received a letter, which ought to have come yesterday, and which showed me that my dear wife had not been remiss in writing. She announced her purpose of coming today, and God, in mercy to me, brought her safely.\par \par March 3. My head has been on the whole better these two weeks, than it has been for several months; but still I am not well. I have walked every day, for the last thirteen days, between three and four hours a day, and by the mercy of God am able to do so, without much fatigue.\par \par March 11. My health is much the same. I am pretty well, but have no mental energy. \emdash I have read during the last weeks once more, with as much or more interest than ever, I. and II. of Samuel, and I. and II. of Kings.\emdash I have now, after repeated prayer, come to the conclusion, (if brother Craik, to whom I have written, sees no objection, and if my physician thinks it would be beneficial to my h ealth,) to accompany brother \emdash to Germany, that thus; 1, I might aid him by my advice in reference to the object of his journey; 2, that thus, if the Lord will, through the journey and the benefit of my native air, my health might be benefited; and 3, that I might once more have an opportunity of setting the truth before my father and brother.\par \par March 12. I feel quite comfortable in the prospect of going to Germany. I trust it will prove to be as much of God, as it was shown to have been the last time.\par \par March 13. I had a letter today from brother Craik, who thinks it desirable that I should go to Germany, but my physician says that I should not go for a month or two, for that my mind ought not to be burdened. I am in peace, and from this I see that the Lord has made me willing to do His and not my own will. I wrote to brother \emdash\emdash the result of today, and have now left it with him, whether he will wait, or go on the 21st, as he purposes.\par \par March 14\emdash 20.  During these days, as before, I have continued to read the Scriptures with prayer, i. e. turning what I read into prayer, chiefly with a reference to myself. My days generally pass away in peace. It is a trial to me, to have to care so much about my body; but, on the whole, the Lord gives me grace to submit patiently, yet not always. Today I saw again my medical adviser, who wishes me to stay another week.\par \par March 23, Today I received a letter from brother \emdash\emdash . He is not gone, and will wait for me. I have increased assurance that I shall go to Berlin, and have comfort in the thought.\par \par March 24. A few days ago I had particular comfort in meditating on the Lord\rquote s prayer in Luke (which came in the course of my meditation), after having been tempted to pass it over, as it had been the subject of my meditation a short time before.\emdash Within the last fortnight I have read with meditation and prayer from the 4th to the 12th chapter of the Gospel by Luke.\par \par April 2. For some time I have been getting weary of my stay here. Yesterday I pleaded especially that word Psalm ciii. 13: "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him." I begged God to pity me, and to release me from the necessity of staying any longer at Leamington, if it might be. Today I saw my physician, and he has allowed me to leave. Thus the Lord has granted my request.\par \par April 3. My dear Mary left for Bristol, and I for London, on my way to Germany. I was led to read, this morning, Psalm cxxi. with my dear wife before we separated, which we both felt to be very appropriate to our circumstances.\par \par April 6. This evening I went on board the steamer for Hamburg.\par \par April 7. All the day ill from sea sickness.\par \par April 8. Lord\rquote s day. I was able to get up this morning, and to take my meals.\emdash Last night I was led to praise God for having made me His child, considering that I was most likely the only one on board that knew Him. Th is morning, however, I found a sister in the Lord among the passengers, with whom I had much conversation.\emdash At dinner she manifested more grace, in testifying against evil, than I did. At tea time I had grace, in some measure, to speak of Jesus before the company, and to confess Him as my Lord.\par \par April 9. We arrived at Hamburg about one in the morning, having had a most favourable passage of about 48 hours, and at seven I went on shore. It had been repeatedly my prayer, that I might soon find out brother \emdash\emdash , who had gone three days before me to Hamburg; and immediately after my arrival, in answer to prayer, without any difficulty, I found out where he lodged.\par \par April 14. Berlin. We arrived here the evening before last. Having been yesterday and this morning seeking for lodgings, without being able to obtain any that were suitable, I at last became irritated. Surely there was lack of earnest prayer on my part in this matter, and want of patience in waiting the Lord\rquote s own time, and want of openness, in not telling brother \emdash that I was tired, and that, on account of my weakness, I was unable thus to go about from place to place. At last the Lord directed us to two suitable rooms, and I feel now again comfortable, in my quiet retirement, after having confessed my sin of irritability to the Lord and to brother \emdash .\par \par April 15\emdash 21. We met several times during this week with certain brethren who desire to give themselves to Missionary service, and prayed and read the Scriptures with them, and made such remarks as seemed to be important in connexion with the work. In addition to this we saw the brethren privately at our lodgings, two, three, or four at a time. But I have still felt the great weakness of my mental powers, and have been only able to attend to this work about three hours a day.\emdash Since my arrival here I have had two letters from my dear Mary. Harriet Culliford, one of the Orphans, and formerly one of the most unpromising children, has been removed. She died as a true believer, several of the brethren who saw her being quite satisfied about her state. Surely this pays for much trouble and for much expense! My wife also mentions some fresh instances of the Lord\rquote s blessing resting upon my Narrative.\emdash I am now, after prayer, this day, April 21, quite sure that I should leave Berlin, and go to my father at once, as the work here is too much for my head.\par \par April 22nd. Confirmation-day of the children in Berlin. The son of the person with whom we lodge was confirmed, and in the evening they had the violin and dancing. How awful, !\emdash A few days since I heard that a brother in the Lord, an old friend of mine, and one of the two alluded to in the first part of this Narrative, page 15, was in prison on account of his religious views. This brought afresh before me the privileges which the children of God enjoy in England.\emdash I saw a few days since another brother in prison, who, as an unconverted young man, in the university, was once at a political club, and had his name enrolled, in consequence of this, in the list of the political students. Shortly afterwards he was converted, and gave up all connexion with these political students. He finished his university course and afterwards became a tutor to the sons of a baron. In that family he had been for a considerable time, when one night he was fetched by the police out of his bed and taken to prison, on the ground of this his connexion with the political club three or four years before. [The result was that he was for many months in prison. Now he is a Missionary in the East Indies. I have related this circumstance to remind the reader afresh, that though the Lord freely and fully forgives us all our sins at once when we believe, yet He may allow us to suffer the consequences of them in a greater or less degree.]\par \par April 24. Left Berlin last evening for Magdeburg, Had a long conversation with two deists in the mail. God helped me to make a full confession of His dear Son, in answer to prayer for grace to be enabled to do so. This afternoon I arrived at Heimersleben, the small town where my father lives. Once more then I have met with my dear aged parent, who is evidently fast hastening to the grave, and seems to me not likely to live through the next winter. I arrived just at the time when, the Fair was held in the town. How great, how exceedingly great, the difference in me, as to my feelings respecting such things now, from what they were formerly!\par \par April 25\emdash 28. Stay at Heimersleben. The Lord has given me both an opportunity and grace to speak more fully, more simply, and more to the heart of my father about the things of God, and in particular about the plan of salvation, than I had ever done before. I trust that, in judgment at least, he is convinced that there is something lacking in him. All the time of my stay here he has been most affectionate. I spoke also fully again to my poor brother, who is now completely living in open sin. Oh to grace what a debtor am I !\emdash Brother Knabe, who was the only believer in Heimersleben, as far as I have been able to learn, died about eighteen months since.\par \par April 28. Today I left for Magdeburg. My father accompanied me about eight miles. Both of us, I think, felt, when about to separate, that we were parting from each other, never again to meet on earth. How would it have cheered the separation on both sides, were my dear father a believer! But it made my heart indeed sad to see him, in all human probability, for the last time, without having Scriptural ground for hope respecting his soul.\emdash I arrived in the afternoon at Magdeburg, and went to a brother, a musician in one of the regiments of that fortress, who is on the point of leaving the army to go to the East Indies as a Missionary. In his lodgings I saw another brother, a private soldier, who lives in the barracks, who told me, on my enquiring, that he goes into the sand cellar, which is perfectly dark, in order to obtain opportunity for secret prayer. How great the privileges of those who may freely have both time and place for retirement; but how great, at the same time, our obligation to improve these opportunities !\emdash This evening at eight I went on board an Elbe-steamer for Hamburg.\par \par April 30. This morning at seven I arrived at Hamburg. Nothing particular happened during the passage, except that we stuck fast, in a shallow part of the river, through the carelessness of one of the sailors; but the Lord heard prayer, and after a little while the steamer could ply again.\par \par May 1. Yesterday and today I spent in an hotel at Hamburg in writing letters. I had also, though staying at an hotel, much real communion with God in reading the Scriptures and in prayer. This evening I embarked for London.\par \par May 4. London. Left Hamburg on the 2nd. Had a fine passage. I have, by the mercy of God, been kept from light and trifling conversation; but I have not confessed the Lord Jesus as plainly as I ought to have done. This afternoon I arrived at the house of my dear friends in London, who received me with their usual kindness. After prayer I see it my duty to leave tomorrow for Leamington, to see my physician there once more, and then to go as soon as I can to Bristol.\par \par May 5. Leamington. Through the mercy of the Lord the journey to Germany, concerning which I had prayed so often, is now over, and I am safely brought back again to this place.\emdash It has been a wet and cold day, but God has in mercy preserved me from injury, though I got wet. I had some conversation with a clergyman on the coach; I confessed the Lord Christ a little, but not plainly enough.\emdash I had asked the Lord to give me a quiet and cheap resting place in my former lodgings, if it might be, and accordingly they were unlet.\par \par May 7. This morning I left Leamington for Bristol. I had grace to confess the Lord Jesus the last part of the way before several merry passengers, and had the honour of being ridiculed for His sake. There are few things in which I feel more entirely dependant upon the Lord, than in confessing Him on such occasions. Sometimes I have, by grace, had much real boldness; but often I have manifested the greatest weakness, doing no more than refraining entirely from unholy conversation, without, however, speaking a single word for Him who toiled beyond measure for me. No other remedy do I know for myself and any of my fellow-saints who are weak, like myself, in this particular, than to seek to have the heart so full of Jesus, and to live so in the realization of what He has done for us, that, without any effort, out of the full heart, we may speak for Him.\emdash I found my dear family in peace.\par \par May 8. This evening I went to the prayer meeting at Gideon. I read Psalm ciii, and was able to thank the Lord publicly for my late affliction. This is the first time that I have taken any part in the public meetings of the brethren, since November 6th, 1837.\par \par May 13. Today I was much helped in expounding the Scriptures publicly. When I began I knew not how the Lord would deal with me, whether I should be able to speak or not, as my head is still very weak. But the Lord helped me. I did not feel any loss of mental power. How gracious of the Lord to allow me again to commence serving Him in the ministry of His word.\emdash [For several months after this I preached, on the whole, with much more enjoyment, and with much more earnestness and prayerfulness, than I did before I was taken ill. I also felt more the solemnity of the work.]\par \par June 11. A stranger called on me, and told me, that, many years ago, he had defrauded two gentlemen of a small sum, and that he wished to restore the same with interest. He also stated that he had read my Narrative, and, feeling confidence in me, he requested me to convey this money to those gentlemen, giving me, at the same time, their names and place of abode. He intrusted me with four sovereigns for each of them. At the same time he gave me one sovereign for myself, as a token of Christian love. I never saw the individual before, nor do I up to this moment know his name. I conveyed this money, however, not by post, as he wished but through two bank orders, in order that thus I might be able to show, should it be needful, that I actually did send the money; for in all such matters it becomes one to act with particular caution.\emdash It may be that this fact will be read by some who have, like this stranger, before their conversion, defrauded certain individuals. If so, let them like him, or like Zaccheus of old, restore what they took, and, if they have the means, with interest, or compound interest.\par \par June 13. Last evening my dear wife was taken ill. Often had I prayed respecting her hour, and now was the time to look out for the answer. She continued in most severe sufferings from a little after nine until midnight. Thus hour after hour passed away, until eleven this morning. Another medical attendant was then called in, at the desire of the one who attended her. At three in the afternoon she was delivered of a still-born child.\emdash The whole of the night I was in prayer, as far as my strength allowed me. I cried at last for MERCY, and. God heard.\par \par June 14. My dearest wife is alive, but I am depending upon God for her life every moment. She is in much peace. A sister gave me this evening 5l. on account of dear Mary\rquote s illness. \emdash [Again we had not thought it well to make pecuniary provision for this time, though at no period. of my life had I more abundant means of doing so than during the last few months; but our gracious Father helped us abundantly in this and in other instances, as I shall mention below.]\par \par June 22. Today there was sent to us anonymously, by post, 5l. for our own personal expenses, at this the time of our affliction, when our expenses are so great. The donor accompanied the 5l. note with an affectionate letter to my wife and myself.\par \par July 6. My dear wife, who for more than a fortnight after her delivery was so ill, that the two medical attendants came twice or three times daily, seems now, humanly speaking, likely to recover, and to be given back to me as from the dead. Lord, help me so to receive her!\par \par July 12. From the commencement of the establishment of the Orphan-houses, up to the end of June 1838, the hand of the Lord was seen in the abundance with which He was pleased to supply me with the means for maintaining nearly 100 persons. Now, however, the time is come when "the Father of the fatherless" will show His especial care over them in another way.\emdash The funds, which were this day twelvemonth about 780l., are now reduced to about 20l.; but, thanks be to the Lord, my faith is as strong, or stronger, than it was when we had the larger sum in hand; nor has He at any time, from the commencement of the work, allowed me to distrust Him. Nevertheless, as our Lord will be inquired of, and as real faith is manifested as such by leading to prayer, I gave myself to prayer with brother T\emdash of the Boy\rquote s Orphan-House, who had called on me, and who, besides my wife, and brother Craik, is the only individual to whom I speak about the state of the funds. While we were praying, an orphan child from Frome was brought, and some believers at Frome, having collected among them 5l., sent this money with the child. Thus we received the first answer at a time of need. We have given notice for seven children to come in, and purpose to give notice for five more, though our funds are so low, hoping that God will look on our necessities. [Observe how gently the Lord dealt with us, in that, when want approached, He helped at once, in immediate answer to prayer, in order thus to increase our confidence in Him; but, at the same time, to prepare us for sharper trials of our faith.]\par \par June 17 and 18. These two days we have had two especial prayer meetings, from 6 to 9 in the evening, to commend publicly to the Lord the Boys\rquote Orphan-House. The meetings had been deferred until now, on account of my illness. In the morning of the 18th I expounded, with especial reference to children, 1 Samuel iii., before above 550 children, being our Orphan and Day-School children, and, as many as could come, of those belonging to the Sunday-School. What a great work ! What an honour to be allowed to provide Scriptural instruction for so many little ones. Lord, help me to make use of my talents for the benefit of the rising generation, and let me serve my generation according to Thy will !\emdash Our funds for the Orphans are now very low. There are about 20l. in hand, and in a few days 30l. at least will be needed; but I purposely avoided saying any thing about our present necessities, and spoke only, to the praise of God, about the abundance with which our gracious Father, "The Father of the fatherless," has hitherto supplied us. This was done in order that the hand of God, in sending help, may be so much the more clearly seen.\par \par July 22. This evening I was walking in our little garden, meditating on Heb. xiii. 8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." Whilst meditating on His unchangeable love, power, wisdom, &c.\emdash 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 :\emdash all at once the present need of the Orphan-Houses 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 realizing thus the unchangeableness of our adorable Lord. About one minute after, a letter was brought me, enclosing a bill for 20l. 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 today; and it is for today\rquote s exigencies, that, ordinarily, the Lord provides. Tomorrow, as it brings its demands, will find its supply, etc." [Of this 20l. I took 10l. for the Orphan fund, and 10l. for the other objects, and was thus enabled to meet the expenses of about 34l. which, in connection with the Orphan-Houses, came upon me within four days afterwards, and which I knew beforehand would come.]\par \par On July 26 sailed from Liverpool for the East Indies, for Missionary service, twelve German brethren and three sisters, as the result of the journey of brother \emdash and myself to the Continent, in April last.\par \par July 27. Yesterday the funds for the Orphans were reduced to 5l. Blessed be God, my confidence in Him was unshaken! I received yesterday 2l. 13s. Today I was going with my family for change of air to Durdham Down, and thought it well, therefore, to take out any money which there might be in the Orphan-Box in my house. When I opened it, I found a ten pound note and three half crowns. I had been waiting on God for means, both yesterday and today, and thus He has again shown how willing He is to help.\par \par Aug. 6. During this week I shall have to pay again at least 35l. for the Orphans, and have but about 19l. towards it. My eyes are up to the "Father of the fatherless." I believe He will help, though I knew not how.\par \par Aug. 7. How graciously has the Lord again appeared, and that in so short a time! How has he sent help, from altogether unexpected quarters ! I have been praying yesterday and today earnestly, beseeching the Lord now to appear, and show His power, that the enemies might not say, "Where is now thy God ?" I reminded Him especially, that I had commenced the work that it might be seen, that He, even in our day, is willing to answer prayer, and. that the provision for our Orphans might be a visible proof to all around us of this truth. And now observe! Last evening brother Craik told me that 10l. had been given him for the work in our hands; 5l. for the Orphans, and 5l. for the School\emdash Bible\emdash and Missionary fund. Today, having to pay 25l., and not having quite enough, when I went to brother T \emdash for the money which he might have received, as I knew that 25s. had been given to him, I took with me the keys of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, to see whether the Lord had sent in a little. I opened the box in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, and found 1l. 7s. 5 \'bdd. Immediately after I received from brother T\emdash 13l. 19s. 10d., the greater part of which, as he told me, had come in within the last few days. Thus our adorable Lord has once more delivered; for I have now even more than enough to meet the current expenses of this week.\par \par Aug. 16. When today the account books of the Boys\rquote -Orphan-H ouse were brought, several days sooner than I had expected them, it was found that there was 1l. 6s. 6d. due to the matron. Besides this, money was to be advanced for house-keeping, and there was only 13s. 5 1/2d. in hand. To this one of those connected with the work added 2l. This 2l. 13s. 5 1/2d. was sent to the matron, whilst we were waiting upon God to send more help. In the evening the boxes at the Girls\rquote and Infant-Orphan-Houses were opened, and in them was found 3l. 7s. 5 1/2d. Thus the Lord has kindly helped us again for two or three days.\par \par Aug. 18. I have not one penny in hand for the Orphans. In a day or two again many pounds will be needed. My eyes are up to the Lord. Evening. Before this day is over, I have received from a sister 5l. She had some time since put away her trinkets, to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans. This morning, whilst in prayer, it came to her mind, I have this 5l., and owe no man any thing, therefore it would be better to give this money at once, as i!t may be some time, before I can dispose of the trinkets. She therefore brought it, little knowing that there was not a penny in hand, and that I had been able to advance only 4l. l5s. 5d. for housekeeping in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, instead of the usual 10l.; little knowing also, that within a few days many pounds more will be needed. May my soul be greatly encouraged by this fresh token of my gracious Lord\rquote s faithfulness!\par \par Aug. 20. The 5l. which I had received on the 18th, had been given for house-keeping, so that today 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 13l., if not above 20l. Today I received 12l. 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.\par \par Aug. 23. Today I was again without one single penny, when 3l. was sent from Clapham, with a box of new clothe"s for the Orphans.\par \par Aug. 29. Today sixteen believers were baptized. Of all the baptisms which we have had, this was, perhaps, the most remarkable. Among those who were baptized was an aged brother of above 84 years, and one above 70. For the latter his believing wife had prayed 38 years, and at last the Lord answered her prayers in his conversion. Should any believer who may read this, be on the point of growing weary in prayer for his unconverted relatives, because of the answer being delayed, the above fact may be instrumental in stirring up such a one to give himself to prayer with renewed earnestness and strengthened expectation. "In due season we shall reap, if we faint not." There were also amongst those who were baptized a blind brother and sister, and two very young persons.\par \par Aug. 31. I have been waiting on the Lord for means, as the matron\rquote s books from the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House have been brought, and there is no money in hand to advance for house-keeping. But as ye#t the Lord has not been pleased to send help. As the matron called today for money, one of the labourers gave 2l. of his own, for the present necessities.\par \par Sept. 1. The Lord in His wisdom and love has not yet sent help. Whence it is to come, need not be my care. But I believe God will, in due time, send help. His hour is not yet come. As there was money needed in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House also, the same brother, just alluded to, gave 2l. for that also. Thus we were delivered at this time likewise. But now his means are gone. This is the most trying hour that as yet I have had in the work, as it regards means; but I know that I shall yet praise the Lord for His help. I have mentioned my arguments before Him, and my gracious Lord, "the Father of the fatherless," will send help.\par \par Sept. 3. This morning the Lord again helped by 2l., which another labourer connected with the work gave. This 2l., together with sixpence which had been given anonymously, was sent off to the Girls\rquote -Or$phan-House, where all the money must be gone. There came in further 1l. 14s. 8d. in the course of the day, which was given to the matron of the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House.\par \par Sept. 5. Our hour of trial continues still. The Lord mercifully has given enough to supply our daily necessities; but He gives by the day now, and almost by the hour, as we need it. Nothing came in yesterday. I have besought the Lord again and again, both yesterday and today. It is as if the Lord said: "Mine hour is not yet come." But I have faith in God. I believe that He surely will send help, though I know not whence it is to come. Many pounds are needed within a few days, and there is not a penny in hand. This morning 2l. was given for the present necessities, by one of the labourers in the work.\emdash Evening: This very day the Lord sent again some help to encourage me to continue to wait on Him, and to trust in Him. As I was praying this afternoon respecting the matter, I felt fully assured that the Lord would send help%, and praised Him beforehand for His help, and asked Him to encourage our hearts through it. I have been also led yesterday and today to ask the Lord especially, that He would not allow my faith to fail. A few minutes after I had prayed, brother T\emdash came and brought 4l. 1s. 5d., which had come in, in several small donations. He told me, at the same time, that tomorrow the books will be brought from the Infant-Orphan-House, when money must be advanced for housekeeping. I thought for a moment, it might be well to keep 3l. of this money for that purpose. But it occurred to me immediately, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." The Lord can provide, by tomorrow, much more than I need, and. I therefore sent 3l. to one of the sisters, whose quarterly salary was due, and the remaining 1l. 1s. 5d. to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House for housekeeping. Thus I am still penniless. My hope is in God: He will provide.\par \par Sept. 6. This morning the books were brought from the Infant-Orphan-House, and t&he matron sent to ask when she should fetch them, implying, when they would have been looked over, and when money would be advanced for housekeeping. I said "tomorrow," though I had not a single penny in hand. About an hour after, brother T\emdash sent me a note, to say that he had received 1l. this morning, and that last evening a brother had sent 29lbs. of salt, 44 dozen of onions, and 26lbs. of groats.\par \par Sept. 7. The time had come that I had to send money to the Infant-Orphan-House, but the Lord had not sent any more. I gave, therefore, the 1l. which had come in yesterday, and 2s. 2d. which had been put into the box in my house, trusting to the good Lord to send in more.\par \par Sept. 8. Saturday evening. I am still in the hour of probation. It has not pleased my gracious Lord to send me help as yet.\emdash The evening before last I heard brother Craik preach on Genesis xii., about Abraham\rquote s faith. He showed how all went on well, as long as Abraham acted in faith, and walked accordi'ng to the will of God; and how all failed when he distrusted God. Two points I felt particularly important in my case. 1. That I may not go any by-ways, or ways of my own, for deliverance. I have about 220l. in the bank, which, for other purposes in the Lord\rquote s work, has been entrusted to me by a brother and a sister. I might take of this money, and say but to the sister\emdash and write but to the brother, that I have taken, in these my straits, 20l., 50l., or 100l., for the Orphans, and they would be quite satisfied (for both of them have liberally given for the Orphans, and the brother has more than once told me, only to let him know when I wanted money;) but this would be a deliverance of my own, not God\rquote s deliverance. Besides, it would be no small barrier to the exercise of faith, in the next hour of trial. 2. I was particularly reminded afresh, in hearing brother Craik, of the danger of dishonouring the Lord in that very way in which I have, through His grace, in some small measure brou(ght glory to Him, even by trusting in Him.\emdash Yesterday and today I have been pleading with God eleven arguments, why He would be graciously pleased to send. help. My mind has been in peace respecting the matter. Yesterday the peace amounted even to joy in the Holy Ghost But this I must say, that the burden of my prayer, during the last days, has been chiefly, that the Lord in mercy would keep my faith from failing. My eyes are up to Him. He can help soon. One thing I am sure of: In His own way, and in His own time He will help. The arguments which I plead with God are:\par \par 1. That I set about the work for the glory of God, i e. that there might be a visible proof, by God supplying, in answer to prayer only, the necessities of the Orphans, that He is the living God, and most willing, even in our day, to answer prayer; and that, therefore, He would be pleased to send supplies.\par \par 2. That God is the "Father of the fatherless," and that He, therefore, as their Father, would be pleased to p)rovide. Psalm lxviii. 5.\par \par 3. That I have received the children in the name of Jesus, and that, therefore, He, in these children, has been received, and is fed, and is clothed; and that, therefore, He would be pleased to consider this. Mark ix. 36, 37.\par \par 4. That the faith of many of the children of God has been strengthened by this work hitherto, and that, if God were to withhold the means for the future, those who are weak in faith would be staggered; whilst by a continuance of means, their faith might still further be strengthened.\par \par 5. That many enemies would laugh, were the Lord to withhold supplies, and say, did we not foretell that this enthusiasm would come to nothing?\par \par 6. That many of the children of God, who are uninstructed, or in a carnal state, would feel themselves justified to continue their alliance with the world in the work of God, and to go on as heretofore, in their unscriptural proceedings respecting similar institutions, so far as the obtaining of *means is concerned, if He were not to help me.\par \par 7. That the Lord would remember that I am His child, and that He would graciously pity me, and remember that I cannot provide for these children, and that therefore He would not allow this burden to lie upon me long without sending help.\par \par 8. That He would remember likewise my fellow-labourers in the work, who trust in Him, but who would be tried were He to withhold supplies.\par \par 9. That He would remember that I should have to dismiss the children from under our Scriptural instruction to their former companions.\par \par 10. That He would show, that those were mistaken who said, that, at the first, supplies might be expected, while the thing was new, but not afterwards.\par \par 11. That I should not know, were He to withhold means, what construction I should put upon all the many most remarkable answers to prayer, which He had given me heretofore in connexion with this work, and which most fully have shown to me that it is of G+od.\par \par In some small measure I now understand, experimentally, the meaning of that word "how long," which so frequently occurs in the prayers of the Psalms. But even now, by the grace of God, my eyes are up unto Him only, and I believe that He will send help.\par \par Sept. 10. 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\emdash , 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 clothin,g; 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.\emdash About half-past nine six-pence 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 2l., and\par \par 1l. 0s. 6d. to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, and 1l. to the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House.\par \par Brother Craik left Bristol today for a few days in company with another brother. I should have gone with them for the sake of obtaining some quiet for my head; but I must remain, to pass with my dear Orphans through the trial; though these dear little ones know nothing about it, because their tables are as well supplied as when there was 800l. in the bank, and they have lack of nothing.\par \par Today I saw a young brother who, as well as one of his sisters, had been brought to the knowledge of the Lord through my Narrative.\par \par Sept. 11. The good Lord, in His wisdom, still sees it needful to keep us very low. But this afternoon brother T\emdash called, and told me that one of our fellow-labourers had sold his .metal watch, and two gold pins, for 1l. 1s., that 9s. 6d. had come in, and that two of our fellow-labourers had sent two lots of books of their own, 19 and 21 in number, to be sold for the Orphans. What an abundant blessing, that in such a season of trial I have such fellow-labourers! This 1l. 10s. 6d. was given to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House.\par \par Sept. 12. Still the trial continues. Only 9s. came in today, given by one of the labourers. In the midst of this great trial of faith the Lord still mercifully keeps me in great peace. He also allows me to see, that our labour is not in vain; for yesterday died Leah Culliford, one of the orphans, about 9 years old, truly converted, and brought to the faith some months before her departure.\par \par Sept. 13. No help has come yet. This morning found it was absolutely needful to tell the brethren and sisters about the state of the funds, and to give necessary directions as to not going into debt, etc. We prayed together, and had a very happy meeting. Th/ey all seemed comfortable 12s. 6d. was taken out of the boxes in the three houses, 12s. one of the labourers gave, and 1l. 1s. had come in for needlework done by the children.\par \par One of the sisters, who is engaged in the work, sent a message after me, not to trouble myself about her salary, for she should not want any for a twelvemonth. What a blessing to have such fellow-labourers!\par \par Sept. 14. I met again this morning with the brethren and sisters for prayer, as the Lord has not yet sent help. After prayer one of the labourers gave me all the money he had, 16s., saying that it would not be upright to pray, if he were not to give what he had. One of the sisters told me, that in six days she would give 6l., which she had in the Savings\rquote Bank for such a time of need. God be praised for such fellow-labourers !\emdash Up to this day the matrons of the three houses had been in the habit of paying the bakers and the milkman weekly, because they had preferred to receive the payments in th0is way, and sometimes it had thus been also with the butcher and grocer. But now, as the Lord deals out to us by the day, we considered it would be wrong to go on any longer in this way, as the week\rquote s payment might become due, and we have no money to meet it; and thus those with whom we deal might be inconvenienced by us, and we be found acting against the commandment of the Lord, "Owe no man anything." Rom. xiii. 8. From this day, and hence-forward, whilst the Lord gives to us our supplies by the day, we purpose therefore to pay at once for every article as it is purchased, and never to buy anything except we can pay for it at once, however much it may seem to be needed, and however much those with whom we deal may wish to be paid only by the week. The little which was owed was paid off this day. \emdash When I came home I found a large parcel of new clothes, which had been sent from Dublin for the Orphans, a proof that tire Lord remembers us still. We met again in the evening for prayer. We were 1of good cheer, and still BELIEVE that the Lord will supply our need.\par \par Sept. 15. Saturday. We met again this morning for prayer. God comforts our hearts. We are looking for help. I found that there were provisions enough for today and tomorrow, but there was no money in hand to take in bread as usual, in order that the children might not have newly baked bread. This afternoon one of the labourers, who had been absent for several days from Bristol, returned, and gave 1l. This evening we met again for prayer, when I found that 10s. 6d. more had come in since the morning. With this 1l. 10s. 6d. we were able to buy, even this Saturday evening, the usual quantity of bread, (as it might be difficult to get stale bread on Monday morning,) and have some money left. God be praised, who gave us grace to come to the decision not to take any bread today, as usual, nor to buy any thing for which we cannot pay at once. We were very comfortable, thankfully taking this money out of our Father\rquote s hands, as 2a proof that He still cares for us, and that, in His own time, He will send us larger sums.\par \par Today, a brother kindly paid the bill for medical attendance on my dear wife during her confinement. The same brother also had paid, some weeks since, the second medical attendant, who was called in. Thus the Lord, in various ways, sends help to us, showing continually His fatherly care over us.\par \par Sept. 16. Lord\rquote s day afternoon. We met again for prayer respecting supplies for the Orphans. We are in peace, and our hope is in God, that He graciously will appear, though but one shilling has come in since last evening.\par \par Sept. 17. 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 mo3ney 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 tried 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.\par \par Sept. 18. Brother T. had 25s. in hand, and I had 3s. This 1l. 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, but 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 l4ittle money, have given as long as they had any left.\emdash 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\rquote Orphan-House. This afternoon she herself kindly brought me the money, amounting to 3l. 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 recei5ved 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 tomorrow.\par \par Sept. 20. Morning. The Lord has again kindly sent in a little. Last evening was given to me 1s. 6d., and this morning 1l. 3s. Evening. This evening the Lord sent still further supplies; 8l. 11s. 2 1/2d. came in, as a further proof that the Lord is not unmindful of us. There was in the box of the Girls\rquote Orphan-House 1l. 1s., and in that of the Boys\rquote Orphan-House 1l. 7s. 2 1/2d. One of the labourers, in accordance with her promise this day week, gave 6l. 3s. About eighteen months ago she saw it right no longer to have money for herself in the Savings\rquote Bank, and she therefore, in her heart, gave the money which she had there to the Orphan-Houses, intending to draw it in a time of need. Some time since (she told me this evening) she drew a part of it6 to buy several useful articles for the Orphan-Houses; now the sum was reduced to 6l. When she found out the present need, she went this day week to the Savings\rquote Bank, and gave notice that she wished to draw her money today. Truly, as long as God shall be pleased to give me such fellow-labourers, His blessing will rest upon the work! This 8l. 11s. 2 1/2d. was divided this evening to supply the three houses, and we thanked God, unitedly, for His help.\par \par Sept. 22. Both yesterday and today we have again assembled for prayer and praise. We are in no immediate want, but on the 29th 19l. 10s. will be due for the rent of the three Orphan-Houses.\emdash Today there was only 4s. 7d. in hand for the other objects of the Institution, though it was the pay-day for some of the teachers. My comfort was the living God. During this week He had helped me so repeatedly and in such a remarkable way, as it regards the Orphan-Houses, that it would have been doubly sinful not to have trusted in Him for help und7er this fresh difficulty. No money came in this morning. About two, the usual time when the teachers are paid, a sovereign was given, with which I went immediately to brother T. (who attends to this part of the work), to pay at least in part, the weekly salaries. I found that he had received a sovereign in the morning. By means of this sovereign, together with the one which I had received just at the moment when it was needed, we were helped through this day.\par \par Sept. 25. Yesterday and the previous days we have continued to assemble for prayer. In four days the rent for the Orphan-Houses will be due, and we have nothing towards it; also, the housekeeping money in the three houses is now again gone. May the Lord have compassion on us, and continue to send us help! A little came in this morning: there was found 9s. 6d. in the box in my house.\par \par Sept. 27. The 9s. 6d. which came in the day before yesterday, was given to the Infant-Orphan-House. Thus we were helped through that day and. yester8day. There was every thing that was needed in the three houses; I had made particular enquiry; there was meat even for today. We met yesterday again for prayer. Today I was not able to go, on account of indisposition; I sent, therefore, to brother T. to request him to divide the l8s. 6d., (10s. of which had come in last evening, and 8s. 6d. of which we had in hand), between the three matrons. This afternoon I hear of a fresh deliverance which the Lord has wrought. About five weeks ago, a farmer applied for the admission of an orphan-girl, his grand-daughter. As I knew, however, that he had the means of providing for her, and as our Institution is only for destitute orphans, I informed him that the child could only be received, on condition of his paying 10l. a year for her support, (which is about the average expense for the younger girls), and this, quarterly, in advance.4 This morning he came, brought the child, and paid 2l. 10s. in advance, and gave 1l. besides. Thus the Lord has again most seasonably 9helped us in this our time of need. May He keep the memory of these deliverances alive in our souls, and increase our confidence in Him by every fresh one! In less than two days we have to pay 19l. 10s. for rent! May the Lord keep us looking to Him, and mercifully send help!\par \par Sept. 29. Saturday evening. Prayer has been made for several days past respecting the rent, which is due this day. I have been looking out for it, though I knew not whence a shilling was to come. This morning brother T. called on me, and, as no money had come in, we prayed together, and continued in supplication from ten till a quarter to twelve. Twelve o\rquote clock struck (the time when the rent ought to have been paid), but no money had been sent. For some days past I have repeatedly had a misgiving, whether the Lord might not disappoint us, in order that we might be led to provide by the week, or the day, for the rent. This is the second, and only the second, complete failure as to answers of prayer in the work, during: the past four years and six months. The first was about the half-yearly rent of Castle-Green school-room, due July 1, 1837, which had come in only in part by that time. I am now fully convinced that the rent ought to be put by daily or weekly, as God may prosper us, in order that the work, even as to this point, may be a testimony. May the Lord, then, help us to act accordingly; and may He now mercifully send in the means to pay the rent !\emdash Whilst in this matter our prayers have failed, either to humble us, or to show us how weak our faith is still, or to teach us, (which seems to me the most probable,) that we ought to provide the rent beforehand; the Lord has given us again fresh proofs, even this day, that He is mindful of us. There was not money enough in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House to take in bread, (we give the bread to the children on the third day after it is baked); but before the baker came, a lady called who had had some needlework done by the children, and paid 3s. 11d., and thus the; matron was able to take in bread as usual. I found this morning 2s. in the box in my house, our extremity having led me to look into it. One of the labourers gave 13s. This 15s. was divided amongst the three matrons. Thanks to the Lord, there is all which is needed for today and tomorrow.\par \par Sept. 30. We are not only poor as regards the Orphan-fund, but also the funds for the other objects bring us again and again to the Lord for fresh supplies. Today, when we had not a single penny in hand, 5l. was given for the other objects.\par \par Oct. 2. Tuesday evening. The Lord\rquote s holy name be praised! He hath dealt most bountifully with us during the last three days ! The day before yesterday 5l. came in for the Orphans. Of this I gave to each house 10s. which supplied them before the provisions were consumed. Oh! how kind is the Lord. Always, before there has been actual want, He has sent help. Yesterday came in 1l. 10s. more. This 1l. 10s., with 4s. 2d. in hand, was divided for present necessime to my mind that there were some new blankets in the Orphan-Houses, which had been given some time since, but which are not needed, and might therefore be sold. I was confirmed in this by finding that the moth had got into one pair. I therefore sold ten pairs, having a good opportunity to do so. Thus the Lord not only supplied again our present need for the three houses, but I was also able to put by the rent for this week and the next, acting out the light which He had given us this day week. There came in 9s. 6d., besides 7l. for the blankets. The School fund, also, was again completely exhausted, when today and yesterday came in so much, that not only the weekly salaries could be paid today, but also above 1l. could be put by for rent.\par \par Oct. 9. Through the last-mentioned supplies for the Orphans we were helped up to this day; but today we were brought lower than ever. The provisions would have lasted out only today, and the money for milk in one of the houses could only be made up by one of? the labourers selling one of his books. The matron in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House had this morning two shillings left. When in doubt whether to buy bread with it, or more meat, to make up the dinner with the meat which she had in the house, the baker called, and left three quarterns of bread as a present. In this great need, some money having been given to one of the labourers, he gave 2l. of it, by which we were able to buy meat, bread, and other provisions. Nevertheless even this day, low as we had been brought, before this 2l. was given, there had been all in the house that was needed.\par \par Oct. 10. The Lord had sent in so much since yesterday afternoon, that we were able at our meeting this morning to divide 2l. 0s. 2d. between the three matrons, whereby we are helped through this day. But now the coals in the Infant-Orphan-House are out, and nearly so in the other two houses. Also the treacle casks in all the three houses are nearly empty. On this account we have asked the Lord for fresh sup@plies.\par \par Oct. 11. The "Father of the fatherless" has again shown his care over us. An Orphan from Devonshire arrived last evening. With her was sent 2l. 5s. 6d. The sister who brought her gave also a silver tea-pot, sugar-basin, and cream jug (of the weight of 48 oz.), having found true riches in Christ. There was also in the boxes 9s. One of the labourers paid for a ton of coals. We obtained 16l. 16s. for the silver articles.\emdash Thus we were helped through the heavy expenses of the following days.\par \par Oct. 12. Today seven brethren and sisters were added to us in fellowship, and eight were proposed. May the Lord send helpers for the work!\par \par Oct. 13. For three months past the Orphan fund has been low, yet hitherto we have lacked nothing!\par \par Oct. 15. I knew that there would be money needed this morning, for many things in the Orphan-Houses, and my heart was therefore lifted up to the Lord. Just when I was going to meet my fellow labourers for prayer, I received from TrowAbridge 4l. There had come in also at the Orphan-Houses 7s. 3d. To this one of the labourers added 1l. Thus I was enabled abundantly to supply all that was wanted, and to pay for a cask of treacle and a ton of coals. We are now, however, cast again on the love of our Lord for further supplies, as there is neither any thing in hand, nor have the labourers any more of their own to give.\par \par Oct. 16. The day commenced with mercies. I was looking up to the Lord for help, early this morning, when, almost immediately afterwards, brother T. came, and brought two silver table-spoons, and six tea-spoons, which had been left, anonymously, yesterday afternoon, at the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House. This afternoon I received 12l. from Staffordshire. On the seal of the letter, which enclosed the money, was "Ebenezer." How true in our case! Surely this instance is a fresh "Ebenezer" to us; for hitherto the Lord has helped us.\emdash There was also found a half sovereign in the box at my house. Also a lady left 5s. atB the door of the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, with about 200 pears for the children; and a brother sent 2s., the first fruits of the increase of his wages. Thus I was able to give a larger supply than usual to the matrons.\par \par Oct. 22. Today our funds were again quite low. In the Infant-Orphan-House only 2d. was left, and very little in the other two houses. But the Lord most manifestly again answered prayer. A gentleman from London, who is greatly interested about destitute and neglected children, came over from Bath with two of his sisters to see the Orphan-Houses. He gave 1l. There was 2s. 6d. put into the box at my house, and 6d. anonymously into the box at Gideon Chapel. With this 1l. 3s. I went directly to the Orphan-Houses to relieve the present need. Whilst I was there, the Lord gave still further supplies; for being informed that in the morning some ladies had seen the houses, and put money into the boxes, I opened them and found 3l. 0s. ld. Thus the Lord, by means of this 4l. 3s. 1d., helpCed us through the necessities of this day.\par \par Oct. 23. The Lord again sent above 2l., which supplied this day\rquote s necessities.\par \par Oct. 24. Today the Lord sent from a most unexpected quarter 5l. The money was given by a relative of two children in the Boys\rquote - Orphan-House. Thus we are helped for two days, and are able to put by the rent for this week.\par \par Oct. 27. Saturday. This day we have been again mercifully helped, though our need has been almost greater than ever. But, thanks to our adorable Lord! this day also we have not been confounded; for there was 6s. in the box at the Infant-Orphan-House, and 6s. came in for things which had been given to be sold. To this one of the labourers added 18s. By means of this 1l. 10s. we have been able to meet all pressing demands, and to procure provisions for today and tomorrow.\par \par Oct. 29. Monday. The Lord has again given us this day our daily bread, though, in the morning, there was not the least natural prospect of obtaDining supplies. One of the labourers, who had received some money for his own personal expenses, gave 2l. Some things also, which had been given for sale, had been sold for 18s.; and 6d. had been put into the box at Gideon Chapel This 2l. 18s. 6d. enabled us to meet the expenses of this day. There were also many articles of worn clothes sent.\par \par Oct. 30. This has been again a day of peculiar mercies in reference to the funds. Whilst I was in prayer respecting them, a brother brought 2 1/4 yards of cloth. He had bought it for himself, but, afterwards considering that he had sufficient clothes, he gave it to be sold for the Orphans. This evening a sister gave me 20l., ten of which were for the Orphans, and ten for the other objects. Thus we are helped for this week.\par \par Nov. 4. Lord\rquote s day. There was given, by a stranger, last Wednesday evening, at Bethesda Chapel, to one of the sisters, a sovereign for the Orphans, which I received today. Thus the Lord has again begun the week with merEcy, and His love surely will help us through it, though again many pounds will be needed.\par \par Nov. 5. Monday. By means of the sovereign which had come in yesterday, and several small donations today and on the past days, together with 2l. 10s. which one of the labourers added of his own, 6l. 2s. 6d. was divided this day between the three matrons, which will supply their need for two days at least.\par \par Nov. 7. The funds are now again completely exhausted. Today I divided 1l. 3s. 8d., which had come in yesterday; thus the necessary wants were supplied. The Lord be praised who has helped us hitherto! One of the Orphans was sent today to service, and the Lord enabled us to give her a suitable outfit.\par \par Nov. 8. Last evening 1l. 4s. came in, which, being divided between the three houses, helped us through this day.\par \par Nov. 10. Saturday. All seemed to be dark, so far as regards natural appearances, at the commencement of this day. But through this day also the Lord has helped us, aFnd enabled us to meet all demands. In the course of the day came in 1l. 8s. 6d. To this two of the labourers added 10s. each, and thus we were brought to the close of one more week, having been able to supply the necessities of 97 persons in the Orphan-Houses, without owing any thing.\par \par Nov. 12. Monday. Sixpence came in this morning, to which one of the labourers added 10s. 6d., to meet the most pressing necessities. This evening I found the 1l. was not enough to take in bread for the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House. The Lord gave us, however, before the day was over, enough to buy the usual quantity of bread; for there was found in the boxes 5s. 9d. and a pair of small gold earrings.\par \par Nov. 13. This morning our want was again great. I have 20l. in hand which has been put by for rent, but, for the Lord\rquote s honour, I would not take of it. Nothing had come in, and the labourers had scarcely any thing to give. I went, however, to the Orphan-Houses, to pray with my fellow labourers, and, if iGt might be, to comfort them, and see what could be done. When I came there, I found that 19s. 6d. had come in this morning. On enquiry I heard that only 2s. 6d. more was needed to carry us through the day. This one of the labourers was able to add of his own. Thus the Lord has again helped us out of our difficulty. One of the labourers gave some things which he could do without, and another gave a workbox to be sold for the Orphans.\emdash Before this day has come to an end, the Lord has sent in 1l. 2s. 4d. more, so that we have also a little for tomorrow.\par \par Nov. 15. The money which had come in the day before yesterday, supplied the necessities of yesterday also; but today we were brought again very low. I went to the Orphan-Houses, to pray with my fellow-labourers, not without hope that the Lord might have appeared, and sent a little help. When I arrived I found that one of the labourers had sold a few of his books, together with two which had been given by another labourer on the 13th, for whicHh he had received 7s. To this one of the labourers added 7s. 9d. This 14s. 9d. supplied the most pressing necessities. When I came home I found 1s. in the box at my house, and soon after received 5s. for a pair of fire screens, which had been given for sale. There were also three baskets of potatoes sent to the three different houses. A sack of potatoes had been ordered, but the brother, who had been desired to bring them, could not conveniently do so today, and thought, as this present had been ordered from him, there would be no immediate need of them; and Oh! how kind of the Lord to order it thus: for had he brought them, the payment would have taken away the money which was intended for the usual quantity of bread. But before the day was over, the Lord helped still further. In the afternoon a gentleman from Bath called at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, and gave a cheque for 3l. There was also 1s. given; 2s. 6d. came in for needle-work, and 5s. 6d. for things sold. Thus altogether 4l. 4s. 9d. has been Isent by the Lord this day.\par \par Nov. 17. Saturday. Today above 3l. was needed, and as only 15s. 6d. had come in, we found it needful to determine to dispose of a few articles of furniture which we conveniently could do without. One of the labourers gave a good watch to be sold, which she had bought some months since, there being then no time-piece in one of the houses. In consideration of these articles to be sold, I took, for the present necessities of the Orphans, 2l. 10s. of the money which had been put by for the rent, to be replaced when these articles could be sold at a suitable opportunity. Thus we were helped to the close of one more week.\par \par Nov. 19. Today we were again in great need. There had come in only 7s. 6d. for needle-work. The Lord had, however, given to one of the labourers a little money, of which he gave 15s., by means of which we were helped through this day also.\par \par Nov. 20. Today our need was exceedingly great, but the Lord\rquote s help was great also. I wentJ to meet with the brethren and sisters as usual. I found that 1l. would be needed to supply the necessities of today, but 3s. only had come in. Just when we were going to pray, one of the labourers came in, who, after prayer, gave 10s. Whilst we were praying, another labourer came in, who had received 1l. Thus we had 1l. 13s.; even more, therefore, than was absolutely needed.\par \par Nov. 21. Never were we so reduced in funds as today. 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\rquote clock, after prayer, I told them that we must wait for help, and see how the Lord would deliver us at this time. I was sure of help, but we were indeed straitened. When I came to Kingsdown, I felt that I needed mKore exercise, being very cold; wherefore I went not the nearest way home, but round by Clarenceplace. About twenty yards from my house, I met a brother who walked back with me, and after a little conversation gave me 10l. to be handed over to the brethren, the deacons, towards providing the poor saints with coals, blankets and warm clothing; also 5l. for the Orphans, and 5l. 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 5l. immediately to the matrons.\par \par Nov. 23. The above-mentioned 5l., with an addition of 11s. 6d. which had also come in, helped us through the expenses of yesterday and today.\par \par Nov. 24. This again has been a very remarkable day. We had as little in hand this morning as at any time, and yet several pounds were needed. But God, who is rich in Lmercy, and whose word so positively declares that none who trust in Him shall be confounded, has helped us through this day also. While I was in prayer, about ten in the morning, respecting the funds, I was informed that a gentleman had called to see me. He came to inform me that a lady had ordered three sacks of potatoes to be sent to the Orphan Houses. Never could they have come more seasonably. This was an encouragement to me, to continue to expect help. When I came to the prayer meeting about 12 o\rquote clock, I heard that 2s. had come in, also 1l. for a guitar, which had been given for sale. The payment for this guitar had been expected for many weeks. It had been mentioned among us, repeatedly, that it might come just at a time, when we most needed it: and oh! how true. Also the watch which had been given was sold for 2l. 10s. But with all this we could not have put by the rents for this week, amounting to 30s. One of the labourers, therefore, gave his watch to the Orphan-fund under this condition,M that should the Lord not enable us before Dec. 21st to make up this deficiency, it should be sold, but not otherwise, as he needs it in the Lord\rquote s service.\emdash [A few days after the Lord gave the means to put by the 30s., and 30s. besides for the next week\rquote s rent.] Thus the Lord helped us through this day, and with it brought us to the close of one more week.\par \par Nov. 25. Lord\rquote s-day. The Lord kindly remembers us before there is absolute need. A sister who is going to leave Bristol, called on me to bid me farewell, and gave me, in parting, 1l. 10s. for the Orphans. It is remarkable, that almost every donation given within the last four months and thirteen days, since our funds have been low, has come from unexpected quarters, to make the hand of God so much the more manifest,\par \par Nov. 26. Though there had come in yesterday 1l. 10s., yet that was scarcely the half of what was needed this day. But the Lord knew our circumstances, and, as He is wont to do, most unworthy Nas we are of it, remembered our need. There was given 1l. this morning, and 1s. had been put anonymously into the box at Gideon Chapel; and a lamp, which had been given some time since, had been sold for 10s. Also 1s. 2d. came in for needlework. By means of these several little sums we could meet all the demands of this day.\par \par Nov. 27. Yesterday afternoon came in 10s., and this morning, by the disposal of some articles, which had been given for sale, 12s. This furnished us with means to procure, for this day also, the necessary supplies.\par \par Nov. 28. This is, perhaps, of all days the most remarkable as yet, so far as it regards the funds. When I was in prayer this morning respecting them, I was enabled firmly to believe that the Lord would send help, though all seemed dark as to natural appearances. At 12 o\rquote clock I met as usual with the brethren and sisters for prayer. There had come in only 1s., which was left last evening anonymously, at the Infant Orphan-House, and which, except O2d., had already been spent, on account of the great need. I heard also that an individual had gratuitously cleaned the time-piece in the Infant Orphan-House, and had offered to keep the timepieces m the three houses in repair. Thus the Lord gave even in this a little encouragement, and a proof that He is still mindful of us. On inquiry I found that there was every thing needful for the dinner in all the three houses; but neither in the Infant nor Boys\rquote Orphan-Houses was there bread enough for tea, nor money to buy milk. Lower we had never been, and, perhaps, never so low. We gave ourselves now unitedly to prayer, laying the case in simplicity before the Lord. Whilst in prayer there was a knock at the door, and one of the sisters went out. After the two brethren, who labour in the Orphan-Houses, and I had prayed aloud, we continued for a while silently in prayer. As to myself, I was lifting up my heart to the Lord to make a way for our escape, and in order to know, if there were any other thing whiPch I could do with a good conscience, besides waiting on Him, so that we might have food for the children. At last we rose from our knees. I said, "God will surely send help." The words had not quite passed over my lips, when I perceived a letter lying on the table, which had been brought whilst we were in prayer. It was from my wife, containing another letter from a brother with 10l. for the Orphans. The evening before last I was asked by a brother whether the balance in hand for the Orphans would be as great this time, when the accounts would be made up, as the last time. My answer was, that it would be as great as the Lord pleased. The next morning this brother was moved to remember the Orphans, and to send today 10l., which arrived after I had left my house, and which on account of our need was forwarded immediately to me. Thus I was enabled to give 6l. 10s. for housekeeping, and to put by 3l. 10s. for rent.\par \par The brother who sent the 10l. for the Orphans, sent likewise 10l. to be divided betQween brother Craik and me, with the object of purchasing new clothes for ourselves.\par \par Nov. 29. The Lord has greatly blessed our meetings for prayer. They have been instrumental in leading us to much prayer for the children in the Orphan-Houses, in the Day-Schools, and in the Sunday-School. They have led us to prayer for ourselves, for the Day-School Teachers, and for the Sunday-School Teachers, that grace may be given to us so to walk before the children, and so to deal with them, as that the Lord may be glorified by us. We have also often been led to intercede for the believers with whom we are in fellowship, and for the Church at large. We have especially prayed, that our work may lead the church generally to a more simple confidence and trust in the Lord. That these meetings have not been in vain, as regards the procuring of funds, has been already sufficiently seen by the many instances which have been recorded in the foregoing pages. Today, however, we have had another particular proof of thRis. When we met I found that 10s. had come in yesterday afternoon. When I returned home I found 1l. had come in, and shortly after I received another 1l. In the evening I received 50l., which was sent from Suffolk by a sister who had often expressed how gladly she would contribute more largely to the work which is in our hands, had she the means, and who just now, in this our time of need, has obtained the means to carry out the desire of her heart. I rejoice in the last donation particularly, not because of the largeness of the sum, but because it enables me to pay to my brethren and sisters in the Orphan-Houses the salary which is due to them. For though they are willing to labour without any remuneration, nevertheless "the labourer is worthy of his reward." This donation also proves, that the Lord is willing even now, as formerly, to send large sums. But I expect still larger. The same sister who sent the 50l. for the Orphans, sent, at the same time, 30l. to be divided between brother Craik and. me forS our personal expenses. How abundantly does the Lord care for us! Truly we serve a kind Master!\par \par Dec. 5. Today there were again a few shillings needed, in the Boys\rquote Orphan-House. That which remained of the \'a350l. had been divided for housekeeping in the three houses, and was now all spent in the Boys\rquote Orphan-House, and nearly also in the other two houses. The few shillings which were needed in the Boys\rquote Orphan-House, the Lord, however, had previously provided by the little which had come in on December 3 and 4.\par \par Dec. 6. This day our need was again as great as ever, but the deliverance of the Lord was also as manifest as ever. No money had come in, and I knew there would be some needed this morning in all the three houses. That which was required to buy provisions for today, was about 1l. ; but there were also coals needed in two houses, and two of the treacle-casks were empty. We gave ourselves, as usual, to prayer. After prayer one of the labourers gave 1l. of tThe salary which she had received a few days ago; another gave 6s., and 4s. 6d. was taken out of the boxes. Thus we had 1l. 10s. 6d. to divide, and therefore more than was absolutely needed; also one of the labourers had ordered half a ton of coals to be sent to the Boys\rquote Orphan-House, for which he paid himself.\par \par This afternoon I received 100l. from a sister; 50l. for the Orphans, and 50l. for the School\emdash Bible\emdash and Missionary-Fund. This same sister, who earns her bread with her own hands, had given, on October 5, 1837, 50l. towards the Boys\rquote Orphan-House, and gave for the necessities of the poor saints, in August, 1838, 100l. more; for she had been made willing to act out those precious exhortations: "Having food and raiment let us be therewith content." "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth." "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon eUarth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Respecting the 50l. which has been given of this sum for the School\emdash Bible\emdash and Missionary-Fund, it is worthy of remark, that we would not order Reference Bibles till we had the means. We had repeatedly prayed respecting this want of Bibles, and particularly again this morning. It had been also much laid on our hearts today, to request that the Lord would enable us to have the Report printed, which we could not do, unless He first sent the means. Lastly, we had also repeatedly asked Him to supply us so largely, if it were His will, as that at the time of the public meetings we might be able to speak again of abundance. For though for some months past the time has been fixed for the public meetings, without any reference to the state of the funds, nevertheless, it might have Vhad the appearance, that we had convened the brethren for the sake of telling them about our poverty, and thus to induce them to give.\par \par Dec. 8, 1838. The Lord closes the third year of this part of the work with blessings. Yesterday was sent 24 yards of flannel, and today were taken out of the box in the Boys\rquote Orphan-House a 5l. note and 3d. Also 2s. was given, and 1l. besides.\par \par Dec. 11, 12, and 13. On the evenings of these three days there were public meetings, at which I gave an account of the Lord\rquote s dealing with us in reference to the Orphan-Houses and the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. As the work, and particularly that of the Orphan-Houses, was begun for the benefit of the church at large, it appeared well to us, that from time to time it should be publicly stated how the Lord had dealt with us in reference to it; and as on Dec. 9th the third year had been completed, since the commencement of the Orphan work, this seemed to be a suitable time fWor having these meetings.\par \par Should any one suppose, in reading the plain details of the trials through which we passed during the four months previous to Dec. 9, 1838, respecting the Orphan-Houses, that I have been disappointed as it regards my expectations, as far as the funds are concerned: my answer is, that the reverse is the case. For straits were expected. Long before the trials came, I had more than once stated publicly, that answers to prayer, in the time of need,\emdash the manifestation of the hand of God, stretched out for our help,\emdash was just the very end for which the Institution was established.\par \par I further state, that the Orphans have never lacked any thing. Had I had thousands of pounds in hand, they would have fared no better than they have; for they have always had good nourishing food, the necessary articles of clothing, etc.\par \par It is now (namely on Dec. 10, 1838) four years and nine months since brother Craik and I established the Scriptural Knowledge InXstitution. The reasons which we had for doing so were, that thus a testimony might be borne that the children of God need not to go to unbelievers to ask them for money; nor require the patronage of the great men of this world in the Lord\rquote s work; and that, further, believers generally might be stirred up, to renounce their alliance with the world in the management and promotion of religious objects, and that, lastly, it might be seen, that, without contracting debts, such objects can be carried on.\par \par Painful as it was, and as it still is, to us, to be obliged to differ from so many of our brethren, in these particulars, nevertheless we were called upon to work without them, if we could not conscientiously work with them. May the Lord grant, that the eyes of many of His children may be opened, so that they may seek, in all spiritual things, to be separated. from unbelievers, (2 Cor. vi. 14\emdash 18), and to do God\rquote s work according to God\rquote s mind!\par \par I notice briefly tYhe following particulars respecting the first three objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. 1. There is at present (in December, 1838) a Sunday School supported by it, which contains four hundred and sixty-three children. This part of the work calls for particular thanksgiving; for during these last eighteen months the number of the children has been nearly three times as great as it used to be. Five of the scholars have been converted within the last two years, and are now in fellowship with the church, and three of them are teachers in the school. 2. There is in connection with the Institution an Adult-school, in which, since the commencement of the work, above 120 adults have been instructed, and in which at present twelve are taught to read. 3. The Institution has entirely supported, since its commencement, several Day-schools for poor children, and within the last two years six of such: three for boys, and three for girls.\emdash The number of all the children that have had schooling in the ZDay-schools through the medium of the Institution, since its formation, amounts to 1534; the number of those at present in the six Day. Schools is 342. 4. During the last two years there have been circulated, 1884 copies of the Scriptures in connexion with the Institution, and since the beginning of the work, March 5, 1834, five thousand and seventy-eight copies. 5. For Missionary purposes have been laid out \'a374. 18s. 4d. 6. The total of the income for the first three objects, during the last two years, was \'a31129. 13s. 1d. The total of the expenses \'a31111. 13s. 7 1/2d.\par \par There are, at present, 86 Orphans in the three houses, i. e. 31 in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, 31 in the Infant-Orphan-House, and 24 in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House.\par \par The whole number of Orphans, who have been under our care, from April 11, 1836, to Dec. 9, 1838, amounts to 110.\par \par God\rquote s blessing has most manifestly rested upon this part of the work. For, 1. Without any one having been asked [for any thing by us, the sum of \'a32111 5s. 4 1/2d. has been given to us, entirely as the result of prayer to God.\par \par 2. Besides this, also, many articles of clothing, furniture, provisions, etc. 3. Without our solicitation three medical gentlemen, (one for each house), have, up to Dec. 9, 1838, kindly given their attendance and medicines gratuitously.\par \par 4. The children have been, on the whole, in good health, and many of them have greatly improved as to their health, since they have been with us. 5. Though most of them had been brought up in a very different manner from what one could desire, yet God has constrained them, on the whole, to behave exceedingly well, so much so that it has attracted the attention of all observers. This can be ascribed only to the good hand of God. 6. There are a few among them, respecting whom we have a comfortable assurance that they care about their souls. 7. There is not one of those who have died, of whom we are without hope, as it regards their eternal\ welfare; but respecting two of them we have especial reason to rejoice. The elder of the two, Harriet Culliford, about twelve years of age when she died, had been for many months wasting away in consumption. She was, almost during the whole time of her illness, completely careless about the things of God; nothing seemed to make any impression upon her, though a well behaved child in other respects. About a fortnight before her departure, she was brought to know the Lord, gave the fullest evidence, that could be given in her circumstances, of a real change of heart, and departed full of joy at the prospect of being with the Lord, though previously she had been very desirous to be restored again. The younger, Leah Culliford, (both of them of a very consumptive family), fell asleep in Jesus on Sept. 11, 1838. She was but little more than eight years of age; but many weeks before her death she gave evidence to those who were placed over her of a change of heart, and of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.\par \p]ar The total of the income for the Orphans, from Dec. 9, 1836, to Dec. 9, 1838, has amounted to \'a31341. 4s. 7d. the total of\rquote the expenses to \'a31664. 4s. 0 3/4d. There was two years ago a balance of \'a3373. 4s. 8 1/4d. in hand, and now the balance is \'a350. 5s. 3d.\par \par Dec. 16. There was a paper anonymously put into the box at Bethesda Chapel, containing 4l. 10s. In the paper was written "For the Rent of the Orphan-Houses, from Dec. 10 to Dec. 31, 1838. \lquote O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him !" In order that the reader may be able to enter into the value of this donation, I would request him to read over once more, what I wrote under "Sept. 29 of this year." [The individual who gave this 4l. 10s. for the rent of the Orphan-Houses for the first three weeks after the public meetings, at which the matter about the rent, for the instruction of the brethren, was fully stated, continued for three years, up to Dec. 10, 1841, to give regularly, ^but anonymously, 1l. 10s. a week for the same purpose, which was exactly the sum required every week for the rent of those three houses. Thus the Lord rewarded our faithfulness, in carrying out the light which He had given us. But the chief blessing, resulting from this circumstance, I consider to be this, that several brethren, who earn their bread by the labour of their hands, have learned through this circumstance, that it is the will of the Lord they should lay by their rent weekly. I beseech those brethren who are not pursuing this course, to do so, and they will soon prove by experience the benefit of acting on Scriptural principles even as it regards this life.]\par \par Dec. 17. Today eleven brethren and sisters were proposed for fellowship. The Lord still uses us as instruments. Truly, our labour in the Lord is not in vain!\par \par Dec. 20. As the expenses for the Orphans have been above 47l. within the last six days, and as but little above 13l. has come in, and as the money for printing th_e Report had to be kept back, in order that we might not be in debt, we were again today very low in funds, though it is but six days since the public meetings. As I knew that tomorrow several pounds would be needed to supply the matrons, I gave myself this morning to prayer. About a quarter of an hour afterwards I received 3l., the payment of a legacy, left by a sister, who fell asleep in Jesus several months since, in Ireland. Besides this I received from the brother, through whom the legacy was paid, 2l. 10s. for the Orphan-Fund. With this 5l. 10s. I hope to be able to meet the expenses of tomorrow.\par \par I observe here that it might have been naturally supposed that every heart would be touched, through what was publicly stated about the remarkable manner in which the Lord had provided for us for nearly 150 days, and that consequently an abundance of means would have come in. To this is to be added, that 50l. 5s. 3d. was in hand on Dec. 10, and that therefore it seemed not likely that we should b`e in need; and yet, by Dec. 20, we were again so poor, that there was nothing to meet the expenses of the next day, as has just been related. All this came not unawares upon me and my fellow-labourers; for we had been taught to look off from all creature expectations to the living God. It was on this account that, many times in our prayer meetings during November and the beginning of December, we were led to ask the Lord, not to allow us to expect an influx of means because, for the benefit of the Church, our circumstances would be made known at the public meetings. And how kind was it of the Lord to give us prayer about this, and thus to prepare us beforehand; for had we leaned upon natural expectations, we should have been surely disappointed, as only six days after the meetings we were as poor as ever. By the grace of God we are so acquainted with the heart of our Father, that we speak not about these things to excite the compassion of our fellow saints, for we have learned to lean upon God only; but wae make known His dealings with us, that others may be led "to taste and see that the Lord is good," and to put their trust in Him.\par \par The sister who left the 3l. for the Orphans, as just alluded to, also left 3l. for the funds of the other objects, 20l. to be divided between brother Craik and me, and 3l. for the poor saints.\par \par Dec. 22. A solemn day. I received today the information from my father that my brother died on October 7th. When I saw him in April this year, he was living in open sin, and in disunion with my father. I cannot learn that his end was different from his life, so that I have no comfort in his death.\emdash Of all the trials that can befall a believer, the death of an unconverted near relative seems to me one of the greatest. "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" must be the stay of the believer at such a time, and, by grace, it is my stay now. I know that the Lord is glorified in my brother, whatever his end has been: whether in his last hours, like the thibef, on the cross, he was saved, or whether be died in sin and unbelief; yet I do, as to myself, desire from my heart to adore that grace which plucked me as a brand out of the burning, many years ago.\emdash May the Lord make this event a lasting blessing to me, especially in leading me to earnestness in prayer for my father!\par \par Dec. 26. From the 21st to this day several small donations had come in for the Orphans, so that we were supplied as we needed. Today there was ten-pence left, after the day\rquote s expenses had been met. One hour after the Lord kindly appeared again. 5l. was sent by Q. Q. This money came, just after I had prayed for means.\par \par Dec. 27. Today came in 2l. 12s. 6d., whereby the Lord has again helped us to meet the probable expenses of tomorrow.\par \par Dec. 28. This evening the Lord kindly sent further help, when we were again destitute of the means of providing for tomorrow. I received 20l. (half for the Orphan-Fund, and half for the other funds), with Ecclesiastecs ix. 10: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."\par \par Dec. 29. A sister, having felt herself particularly stirred up about the Orphans, as she writes, sent this evening 7l. five pounds from herself, and 2l. which had been sent from the EAST INDIES. To the Lord this is to be ascribed, who, in answer to our prayers, makes these impressions on the hearts of His children.\par \par \par \par REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1838.\par \par \par \par 1. As to the church.\par \par 68 brethren and sisters we found in fellowship, when brother Craik and I came to Bristol.\par \par 458 have been admitted into fellowship since, so that the total number would be\par \par 526 had there been no changes. But,\par \par 31 have fallen asleep.\par \par 28 are under church discipline, which is the total number of all the cases of separation from communion within these six years and seven months.\par \pdar 36 have left Bristol\par \par 26 have left us, but are still in Bristol. Only 26 within six years and seven months!\par \par Total 121. There are therefore only 405 at present in fellowship with us. 61 have been added during the last year, of whom 36 have been brought among us to the knowledge of the truth.\par \par II. As to my temporal supplies\par \par The Lord has been pleased to give me during the past year:\par \par 1. By the Freewill Offerings through the boxes \'a3151 6s. 8d.\par \par 2. By presents in money from believers in and out of Bristol \'a3141 18s. 0d.\par \par 3. By money, through family connexion \'a340 0s. 0d.\par \par 4. By presents in clothes, provisions, etc., which were worth to me, at least \'a312 0s. 0d.\par \par We have been living for six months, half free of rent whereby we have saved at least \'a35 0s. 0d.\par \par Altogether \'a3350 4s. 8d.\par \par \par \par During no period of my life had I such need of means, on account of my own long illness aend that of my dear wife, and on account of\rquote the many and particular calls for means as during the past year; but also during no period of my life has the Lord so richly supplied me. Truly, it must be manifest to all that I have served a most kind Master, during this year also, and that, even for this life, it is by far the best thing to seek to act according to the mind of the Lord, as to temporal things\par \par January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 1830. We have had three especial church prayer meetings these three days. The year commenced with mercies. In the first hour of the year there came in for the Orphans 2l. 7s., which was given after our usual prayer meeting on December 31, which this time lasted from seven in the evening till after midnight.\par \par Jan. 11. Since December 20, came in several donations for the Orphans, so that we were supplied, before that which we had in hand was quite gone. On the seventh, however, all our money was again expended, when a brother, from the neighbourhood of fLondon, who, is staying here, gave me 10l. Today, when this 10l. was given out, I received from London 3l. 7s., and 4s. besides. Thus the Lord, as our need is, sends help, and all in answer to prayer, without our asking any one.\par \par Jan. 17. Since the 11th 22 small donations have again come in, by which we have been helped thus far. This afternoon all which was in hand was given for housekeeping, and I was again penniless. The Lord, however, was mindful of this, and in the evening two sovereigns were left anonymously at my house. In the paper was written: "The enclosed are for the use of the Orphan-Houses, from J. H., who thinks he ought to do something for the Institution." J. H. will have in this a proof that the Lord touched his heart to give the money, because there was not a penny in hand for those who are the especial care of Him who is the "Father of the fatherless."\par \par Jan. 20. Ten small donations have come in since the 17th, which have enabled us to provide what was needed for the glast three days, and also for today.\emdash For some time past it has appeared to me that the words "Ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good," which the Lord spoke to His discip1es, who were themselves very poor, imply that the children of God, as such, have power with God to bring temporal blessings upon poor saints or poor unbelievers, through the instrumentality of prayer. Accordingly I have been led to ask the Lord for means to assist poor saints; and at different times He has stirred up His children to intrust me with sums both large and small, for that especial object; or has, by some means or other, put money at my disposal, which I might so use. In like manner I had been asking again for means a few days since, to be able more extensively to assist the poor saints in communion with us, as just now many of them are not merely tried by the usual temporal difficulties arising from its being winter, but especially from the high price of bread. And now this evening hthe Lord has given me the answer to my prayer. When I came home from the meeting, I found a brother at my house who offered to give me 10l. a week, for twelve weeks, towards providing the poor saints with coals and needful articles of clothing, but chiefly with bread. [Accordingly this brother sent me two days afterwards 120l., -whereby very many, especially poor widows, were greatly assisted, chiefly with flour and bread. This money just lasted till the price of bread was reduced from 9 1/2d. to 7 1/2d. Thus, for several weeks, about 150 quarterns of bread were distributed weekly, besides what was given in flour, coals, and clothes. I have mentioned this circumstance as an encouragement to those who either have little or nothing at all to give to poor persons, and who yet have a desire to give; and to those who have means, but whose means are not adequate to relieve all the demands made upon them. Had we more grace to plead the words of our Lord, above referred to, we should receive far more from Him to imeet the necessities around us.]\par \par Jan. 22. A brother formerly an officer in the navy, Who for Jesus\rquote sake has given up his rank and pay, gave three silver table spoons, three silver forks, and two teaspoons, to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans. The produce of them, with 1l. 5s. which has come in besides, enabled us to meet the expenses of today and tomorrow,\par \par Jan. 26. Saturday. The need of the 24th, 25th, and of today was supplied, partly, by the little that had been left on the 23rd; and partly, by five small donations, by 9s. for the children\rquote s needlework, and by 12s. which had come in by the sale of two old silk dresses, which had been given for sale. Now, when we were again penniless, 6s. was given me, just after I had been praying for means.\par \par Jan. 28. Monday morning. We are now quite reduced as to means for the Orphans. The little which is in hand has been put by for rent. How the Lord will help us through this day, I know not; but I have faith in Godj. He will help us, though I know not how. By God\rquote s help I purpose not to take a single penny of what is in hand, because it is due for rent.\emdash This morning and afternoon came in from one individual 4s. 6d., and from a sister, who earns her bread by needlework, 1l. There was also 1l. 0s. 10d. taken out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, which our need had led us to open. Thus we were helped through the day, and have 1l. left for tomorrow.\par \par Jan. 29. The 1l. which was left helped us through this day; but in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House were no means to take in bread. In the evening eight small loaves were sent by a sister who could not possibly know our need, and thus we were supplied.\par \par Jan, 30. A little while after I had been in prayer this morning for means for the Orphans, brother T. brought a silver watch and 5s., which had been given last evening. Also, still further, came in this morning five yards of Indian muslin, a zephyr scarf, a muslin dress, and a gold locket, to kbe sold. About two hours afterwards was sent 1l.\par \par The individual who last evening gave the silver watch and 5s. for the Orphans, called on me today. She is a servant, who in the house of her master found the first part of this Narrative soon after the publication of the first edition, which the Lord used as the means of her conversion. [She fell asleep in Jesus, after having been 36 years in fellowship with us.]\par \par Jan. 31. There came in this morning 2s. 6d. for the Orphans. This, with 1l. in hand, and 10s. which one of the labourers contributed, was sufficient for this day\rquote s necessities.\par \par Feb. 1. There is no money in hand for the Orphans. I am waiting on God. Just when Brother T. had come to tell me that the need for this day would be 19s. 6d., one of the labourers in the work came and gave me 1l.\par \par Feb. 2. There are again no means in hand. One of the labourers gave 1l., but I know not whether 1l. will be sufficient for the necessities of this day. This I do knlow, however, that the Lord will supply us with more, should more be needed. When I met with the brethren and sisters for prayer, one of the labourers gave his watch, under the condition that 1l., which was needed besides that which we had in hand, should be taken from the rent money which had been put by, till it could be replaced; and, if otherwise, that the watch should be sold at the end of the quarter. Just as we had separated, a sovereign was brought to me, which had been sent to my house since I had left it. This was taken instead of the one which had been advanced upon the watch, and thus a speedy answer was granted to our prayers. We have now been brought to the close of one more week.\par \par Feb. 3. Lord\rquote s day. A sister sent from her sick bed this evening 2l. for the Orphans, with Ecclesiastes ix. 10. Thus the Lord has supplied our need for tomorrow.\par \par Feb. 4. This afternoon came in two pounds more from the grandmother of two of the Orphans, in answer to prayer, and very seasomnably, as the coals in one house are quite out, and nearly so in the other two.\par \par Feb. 5. Today came in 12s., which supplied the necessities of this day.\par \par Feb. 6. Only 10s. 6d. was needed for today, which one of the labourers gave.\par \par Feb. 7. This day has been one of the most remarkable days as it regards the Funds. There was no money in hand, I was waiting upon God. I had asked him repeatedly, but no supplies came. Brother T. called between 11 and 12 o\rquote clock, to tell me that about 1l. 2s. would be needed, to take in bread for the three houses, and to meet the other expenses; but we had only 2s. 9d., which yesterday had been taken out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses. He went to Clifton to make arrangements for the reception of the three orphans of our sister Loader, who fell asleep on the 4th; for though we have no funds in hand, the work goes on, and our confidence is not diminished. I therefore requested him to call on his way back from Clifton, to see whether the Lornd might have sent any money in the mean time. When he came I had received nothing, but one of the labourers, having 5s. of his own, gave it. It was now four o\rquote clock. I knew not how the sisters had got through the day. Just before I went out to preach, 5s. was brought to my house, which I took as a token for good. I had been asking the Lord for a passage of the Word to speak from this evening, and at last was directed to Matt. vi. 19-34, a subject most applicable to our circumstances. After the meeting was over, I went to the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, to meet with the brethren for prayer, and to give the 5s. which I had received, and to see what could be done. When I arrived there, I found that a box had come for me from Barnstaple. The carriage was paid, else there would have been no money to pay for it. (See how the Lord\rquote s hand is in the smallest matters!) The box was opened, and it contained, in a letter from a sister, 10l., of which 8l. was for the Orphans, and 2l. for the Bible Fund; forom brethren at Barnstaple, 2l. 11s. 2d.; and from another brother 5s. Besides this, there were in the box 4 yards of merino, 3 pairs of new shoes, 2 pairs of new socks: also six books for sale. Likewise a gold pencil-case, 2 gold rings, 2 gold drops of ear-rings, a necklace, and a silver pencil-case. On inquiry, how the sisters had been carried through the day, I found it thus: everything was in the houses which was needed for dinner. After dinner a lady from Thornbury came and bought one of my Narratives and one of the Reports, and gave 3s. besides. About five minutes afterwards the baker came to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House. The matron of the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House seeing him, went immediately with the 6s. 6d. which she had just received, (to prevent his being sent away, as there was no money in hand at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House,) and bought bread to the amount of 4s. 6d. The two remaining shillings, with the little which was in hand, served to buy bread for the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House. By pthe donations sent in the box, I was enabled to give a rich supply to the matrons before the close of the day.\par \par How sweet to see our Father thus caring for us! To a person who has spiritual eyes, what a proof is one such day of the most particular providence of God! And we have had many such days.\par \par Feb. 8. Today the Lord sent still further help, which is remarkable for two reasons in particular. First, we had decided yesterday upon receiving the three little Loaders, though we were so low as to funds. Thus the Lord sent means on their behalf. Secondly, we were brought so low yesterday, and our faith was so much tried, in order that now again the abundance of supplies out of our loving Father\rquote s hand, might be so much the sweeter. A sister in the neighbourhood of London sent today in money 1l. 5s., and the following articles for sale; 3 purses, 1 mourning brooch, 1 amber ditto, 1 amethyst stud, 1 cameo ditto, I pair of coral ear rings, 1 coral cross, 1 ring set with a diamond and qsix rubies, 1 ditto pearl and garnet, 1 ditto garnet, 1 ruby cross, 4 necklaces, and 148 pamphlets and tracts. Also several articles of clothing for the children.\par \par Feb. 13. Since the 8th, five donations, amounting to 9l. 9s., had come in. This afternoon I paid out the last money which we had in hand, and in giving it to brother T. said, we have now again to look to the Lord for further supplies. This evening 5l. was given to me, which had come in under the folio wing circumstances:-\par \par A gentleman and lady visited the Orphan-Houses, and met at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House two ladies who were likewise visiting. One of the ladies said to the matron of the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House: "Of course, you cannot carry on these institutions without a good stock of funds." The gentleman, turning to the matron, said, "Have you a good stock?" She replied : "Our funds are deposited in a bank which cannot break." The tears came into the eyes of the inquiring lady. The gentleman, on leaving, gave to ther master of the boys 5l., which came in when I had not a penny in hand.\par \par Feb. 16. Yesterday came in 17s. 6d. for the Orphans, which, with what was taken out of the boxes today, helped us through; and thus we have been brought to the close of one more week.\par \par March 5. Up to this day, since Feb. 16, the supplies for the Orphans have come in so seasonably, that we were able comfortably to meet all the demands. Today, however, I knew that there would be again several pounds required, as, besides the daily provisions, there were coals needed, the treacle-casks in two houses were empty, and there was but 5s. in hand. I gave myself therefore to prayer this morning. WHILST I WAS IN PRAYER, Q. Q. sent a cheque for 7l. 10s. Thus the Lord has again most seasonably helped us out of our difficulty. There came in still further this day, 1l. 19s. 2d., by the sale of some articles, which had been given for the benefit of the Orphans.\par \par March 6. For some time past the minds of several brethren asmong us, as well as that of brother Craik and my own, had been much exercised respecting certain questions connected with points of church order and discipline, on account of which brother Craik and I were absent from Bristol during the last two weeks, to give ourselves to prayer and consideration respecting those points. Since our return we have had, these last three evenings, meetings with the saints, before whom we stated the result to which we had been led, after prayer and examination of the Scriptures. The following is an abstract of what was stated at those meetings, which I give here, as this matter forms an important period in my experience about church matters; but the abstract will be of little use, except the reader consider carefully the passages to which reference is made.\par \par \par \par I.\emdash QUESTIONS RESPECTING THE ELDERSHIP.\par \par \par \par (1) How does it appear to be the mind of God, that, in every Church, there should be recognized Elders ?\par \par Ans. From the tfollowing passages compared together, Matth. xxiv. 45, Luke xii. 42. From these passages we learn that some are set by the Lord Himself in the office of Rulers and Teachers, and that this office (in spite of the fallen state of the Church) should be in being even down to the close of the present dispensation. Accordingly, we find from Acts xiv. 23, xx. 17, Tit. i. 5, and 1 Pet. v. 1, that soon after the saints had been converted, and had associated together in a Church character, Elders were appointed to take the rule over them and to fulfil the office of under-shepherds.\par \par This must not be understood as implying, that, when believers are associated in Church fellowship, they ought to elect Elders according to their own will, whether the Lord may have qualified persons or not; but rather that such should wait upon God, that He Himself would be pleased to raise up such as may be qualified for teaching and ruling in His church.\par \par (2) How do such come into office?\par \par Ans. By the appuointment of the Holy Ghost, Acts xx. 28.\par \par (3) How may this appointment be made known to the individuals called to the office, and to those amongst whom they may be called to labour?\par \par Ans. By the secret call of the Spirit, 1 Tim. iii. 1, confirmed by the possession of the requisite qualifications, 1 Tim. iii. 2-7, Tit. i. 6-9, and by the Lord\rquote s blessing resting upon their labours, 1 Cor. ix. 2.\par \par In 1 Cor. ix. 2, Paul condescends to the weakness of some, who were in danger of being led away by those factious persons who questioned his authority. As an Apostle\emdash appointed by the express word of the Lord\emdash he needed not such outward confirmation. But if he used his success as an argument in confirmation of his call, how much more may ordinary servants of the Lord Jesus employ such an argument, seeing that the way, in which they are called for the work, is such as to require some outward confirmation.\par \par (4) Is it incumbent upon the saints to acknowledge vsuch and to submit to them in the Lord?\par \par Ans. Yes. See 1 Cor. xvi. 15, 16, 1 Thess. v. 12, 13, Heb. xiii. 7, 17, and 1 Tim. v. 17. In these passages obedience to pastoral authority is clearly enjoined.\par \par II.\emdash Ought matters of discipline to be finally settled by the Elders in private, or in the presence of the Church, and as the act of the whole body?\par \par Ans. (1) Such matters are to be finally settled in the presence of the Church. This appears from Matth. xviii. 17, 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 2 Cor. ii. 6-8, 1 Tim. v. 20. (2) Such matters are to be finally settled as the act of the whole body, Matth. xviii. 17, 18. In this passage the act of exclusion is spoken of as the act of the whole body. 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 7, 12, 13. In this passage Paul gives the direction, respecting the exercise of discipline, in such a way as to render the whole body responsible: verse 7, "Purge out the old leaven, that ye maybe a new lump;" and verse 13, "Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked pwerson." From 2 Cor. ii. 6-8, we learn that the act of exclusion was not the act of the Elders only, but of the Church. "Sufficient to such a man is this punishment (rather, public censure) which was inflicted of many." From verse 8 we learn that the act of restoration was to be a public act of the brethren: "Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm (rather ratify by a public act) your love towards him."\par \par As to the reception of brethren into fellowship, this is an act of simple obedience to the Lord, both on the part of the Elders and the whole Church. We are bound and privileged to receive all those who make a credible profession of faith in Christ, according to that Scripture, "Receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God." Rom. xv. 7.\par \par III.\emdash When should Church acts (such as acts of reception, restoration, exclusion, &c.) be attended to?\par \par Ans. It cannot be expressly proved from Scripture, whether such acts were attended to at the meetingx for the breaking of bread, or at any other meeting; therefore this is a point on which, if different churches differ, mutual forbearance ought to be exercised. The way in which such matters have hitherto been managed amongst us has been by the Church coming together on a week-evening. Before we came to Bristol we had been accustomed to this mode, and, finding nothing in Scripture against it, we continued the practice. But, after prayer, and more careful consideration of this point, it has appeared well to us that such acts should be attended to on the Lord\rquote s days, when the saints meet together for the breaking of bread. We have been induced to make this alteration by the following reasons :\emdash\par \par (1) This latter mode prevents matters from being delayed. There not being a sufficiency of matter for a meeting on purpose every week, it has sometimes happened, that, what would better have been stated to the Church at once, has been kept back from the body for some weeks. Now, it is importanyt that what concerns the whole Church, should be made known as soon as possible to those who are in fellowship, that they may act accordingly. Delay, moreover, seems inconsistent with the pilgrim-character of the people of God.\par \par (2) More believers can be present on the Lord\rquote s days than can attend on week evenings. The importance of this reason will appear from considering how everything which concerns the Church should be known to as many as possible. For how can the saints pray for those who may have to be excluded,\emdash how can they sympathize in cases of peculiar trial,\emdash and how can they rejoice and give thanks on account of those who may be received or restored, unless they are made acquainted with the facts connected with such cases?\par \par (3) A testimony is thus given that all who break bread are Church members. By attending to Church acts in the meeting for breaking of bread, we show that we make no difference between receiving into fellowship at the Lord\rquote s suppzer, and into Church membership; but that the individual who is admitted to the Lord\rquote s table is therewith also received to all the privileges, trials, and responsibilities of Church membership.\par \par (4) There is a peculiar propriety in acts of reception, restoration and exclusion being attended to when the saints meet together for the breaking of bread, as, in that ordinance especially, we show forth our fellowship with each other.\par \par Objections answered.\par \par (1) This alteration has the appearance of changeableness.\par \par Reply. Such an objection would apply to any case in which increased light led to any improvement, and is, therefore, not to be regarded. It would be an evil thing if there were any change respecting the foundation truths of the Gospel; but the point in question is only a matter of Church order.\par \par (2) More time may thus be required than it would be well to give to such a purpose on the Lord\rquote s day.\par \par Reply. As, according to this plan{, Church business will be attended to every Lord\rquote s day, it is more than probable that the meetings will be thereby prolonged for a few minutes only; but should circumstance required it, a special meeting may still be appointed during the week, for all who break bread with us. This, however, would only be needful, provided the matters to be brought before the brethren were to require more time than could be given to them at the breaking of bread.\par \par N.B. (1) Should any persons be present who do not break bread with us, they may be requested to withdraw, whenever such points require to be stated, as it would not be well to speak of in the presence of unbelievers.\par \par (2) As there are two places in which the saints meet for the breaking of bread, the matters connected with Church acts must be brought out at each place.\par \par \par \par IV.\emdash QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO THE LORD\rquote S SUPPER.\par \par \par \par (1) How frequently ought the breaking of bread to be attended to?|\par \par Ans. Although we have no express command respecting the frequency of its observance, yet the example of the apostles and of the first disciples would lead us to observe this ordinance every Lord\rquote s day. Acts xx. 7.\par \par (2) What ought to be the character of the meeting at which the saints are assembled for the breaking of bread?\par \par Ans. As in this ordinance we show forth our common participation in all the benefits of our Lord\rquote s death, and our union to Him and to each other (1 Cor. x. 16, 17,) opportunity ought to be given for the exercise of the gifts of teaching or exhortation, and communion in prayer and praise. Rom. xii. 4\emdash 8, Eph. iv. 11\emdash 16. The manifestation of our common participation in each other\rquote s gifts cannot be fully given at such meetings, if the whole meeting is, necessarily, conducted by one individual. This mode of meeting does not however take off from those, who have the gifts of teaching or exhortation, the responsibility of edi}fying the church, as opportunity may be offered.\par \par (3) Is it desirable that the bread should be broken at the Lord\rquote s Supper by one of the Elders, or should each individual of the body break it for himself?\par \par Ans. Neither way can be so decidedly proved from Scripture, that we are warranted in objecting to the other as positively unscriptural, yet\emdash\par \par (1) The letter of Scripture seems rather in favour of its being done by each brother and sister, 1 Cor. x. 16, 17. "The bread which we break,"\par \par (2) Its being done by each of the disciples, is more fitted to express that we all, by our sins, have broken the body of our Lord.\par \par (3) By attending to the ordinance in this way, we manifest our freedom from the common error that the Lord\rquote s supper must be administered by some particular individual, possessed of what is called a ministerial character, instead of being an act of social worship and obedience.\par \par [Before brother Craik and I left Bris~tol for the consideration of the above points, things wore a gloomy appearance. A separation in the church seemed to be unavoidable. But God had mercy, and pitied us. He was pleased to give us not merely increased light, but showed us also how to act, and gave us a measure of wisdom, grace and spiritual courage for acting. The clouds were dispelled, and peace was restored in the church.]\par \par While I was away from Bristol, Samuel Loader, a little orphan boy, died, after a fortnight\rquote s residence in the house, and only three weeks after his mother\rquote s death. The brethren in the Boys-Orphan-House consider him to have died in the faith.\par \par March 16. Saturday. By the good hand of the Lord we are brought to the close of one more week. I have been able to meet all the current expenses for the Orphans, and to pay, besides this, 10l. for salaries. Thus a part of what has been due for several weeks to my dear fellow-labourers is defrayed. I have especially prayed within the last ten days that the Lord would be pleased to give me the means for this. 2s. 8 1/2d. I have left.\par \par March 18. Monday. Last evening 5l. came in with Eccles. ix. 10. Thus we were again enabled to supply all the necessities of this day.\par \par Pause a few moments, dear reader ! Consider how seasonably the Lord sends the supplies! Not once does He forget us! Not once is our need only half supplied! Not once do His supplies come too late! Dear reader, if you have not the like experience of the Lord\rquote s watchful care, Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!\par \par March 20. The need of the 18th and 19th was supplied by the 5l. which had come in on the 18th. Today we were again poor and needy, therefore the Lord thought on us, and sent us 3l. l6s. 1 1/2d.\par \par March 22. Some trinkets which had been given, and 12s. which was in hand, supplied the need of today. Yesterday were sent six sacks of potatoes. We were not able to lay in a stock last autumn (as we had done the two previous autumns) on account of want of means, but in no previous year have we had so many sent.\par \par March 23. Today I received a letter from brother T., who is on account of his health in Devonshire, to inform me that a heavy gold chain, a ring set with ten brilliants, a pair of gold bracelets, and 2l. have been given to him. He gave a Report to a brother, who, having read it, was thereby stirred up to prayer, and knowing that his believing sister possessed these trinkets, he asked the Lord to incline her heart to give them up for the benefit of our Orphans, which she soon after did. By means of these donations I am able both to meet the remaining expenses of this week, and also to pay 15l., which still remains due on account of the salaries. My fellow-labourers not only never ask me for any thing, but are willing to part with money, or any thing else in the hour of need; nevertheless, I had asked the Lord about this point frequently, and He has now given me my request, whereof I am glad. I received also this afternoon 5l. 10s., besides a number of things to be disposed of for the Orphans.\par \par March 24. The Lord has again kindly opened His liberal hand today, and given us 6l. 10s. Thus we have wherewith to meet the necessities of tomorrow in the Orphan-Houses.\par \par From March 24 to April 7, came in about sixty small donations. This, with the produce of the sale of the trinkets, supplied all our need for the Orphans.\par \par April 7. Our funds were now again spent, except 15s., though three days ago above 30l. had come in; therefore the Lord has sent in again this day several contributions, altogether 6l. 5s.\par \par April 8. The money which came in yesterday was sent off today for housekeeping in the three different houses, and when I was now again left penniless, there came in 2l. 6s. 10d.\par \par April 9. The 2l. 6s. 10d. was given out today for housekeeping, and I am once more penniless.\emdash A few hours after I had written this, there was given to me by a brother 2l. 10s. When I received this money, I was at the same time informed of the death of one of our sisters, a widow, whose child we can receive.\par \par April 10. Today was sent anonymously from the country 5l. In the evening I received still further 1l. l6s. 6d.\par \par April 11. It is three years today since the first Orphans were received. Good indeed has the Lord been to us during these three years! We have lacked nothing! Again He has sent this day, in a remarkable manner, 5l., with the following letter, addressed to a brother\par \par "My dear Friend, enclosed are 5l. for the Orphan-Asylum, the history of which is rather interesting. We have a servant who lived some years ago as kitchen-maid in a noble family (i. e. the master a wealthy member of Parliament, the mistress an Earl\rquote s daughter.) No perquisites were allowed; but the individual in question acted on the same principle as her fellow-servants, and sold kitchen-stuff for her own benefit, which she thinks might amount to 4l. ; and therefore she believes that 5l. would fully repay principal and interest. This money is of course due to her former master and mistress, with whom I have had several interviews on the subject. They were disposed that the money should be given to some charity; and in consequence of reading one of the Reports you kindly sent me, the young woman had a great desire that her own repentance might yield fruit to that work of faith and love. Her wishes have been sanctioned by her former mistress. It is rather remarkable that our truly Christian servant had been converted a year and a half, before this individual sin, calling for pecuniary restitution, had come into her remembrance."\par \par April 13. I conversed with another of the Orphans, who seems to have been truly converted, and who has walked consistently for many months. Tomorrow she will be united with the saints in communion. She will be the third in fellowship with us, and several have died in the faith. How has the Lord owned the work, even in this respect!\par \par April 14. Today 5l. 0s. 8d. came in for the Orphans, 1l. of which is one of the most remarkable gifts that we have ever had. A poor brother, with a large family, and small wages (there are eight in the family, and he had 15s. wages till lately, when they were raised to 18s.) put by this money by little and little of what was given him by his master for beer. This brother, who was converted about five years ago, was before that time a notorious drunkard.\par \par April 30. Today our dear young brother, John Short, only a little more than 14 years old, fell asleep, after having been for several years ill. He had been for several years converted. He was one of our Sunday-School children before his illness. When, many months since, he lost one of his limbs by amputation, he glorified the Lord not merely by the way in which he sustained the severe suffering attending the operation, but also by confessing the Lord, as his strength, in the hour of trial. He was a sweet youth!\par \par July 2. Today was given me, when there was not one shilling in hand, 50l. for the School\emdash Bible\emdash and Missionary-Fund.\par \par July 15. Monday. Today 2l. 7s. 3d. was needed for the Orphans, but we had nothing. How to obtain the means for a dinner, and for what else was needed, I knew not. My heart was perfectly at peace, and unusually sure of help, though I knew not in the least whence it was to come. Before brother T. came, I received a letter from India, written in May, with an order for 50l. for the Orphans. I had said last Saturday to brother T., that it would be desirable to have 50l., as the salaries of all my fellow-labourers are due, the three treacle-casks empty, all the provision stores exhausted, several articles of clothing needed, and worsted for the boys to go on with their knitting. Now the Lord has sent exactly 50l. Moreover this money comes very seasonably, as in three days I shall have to leave Bristol for some days, and can now go comfortably, as it regards leaving means behind.\par \par [In the afternoon of this same day I met at a brother\rquote s house with several believers, when a sister said that she had often thought about the care and burden I must have on my mind, as it regards obtaining the necessary supplies for so many persons. As this may not be a solitary instance, I would state, that, by the grace of God, this is no cause of anxiety to me. The children I have years ago cast upon the Lord. The whole work is His, and it becomes me to be without carefulness. In whatever points I am lacking, in this point I am able, by the grace of God, to roll the burden upon my heavenly Father. Though now (July 1845) for about seven years our funds have been so exhausted, that it has been comparatively a rare case that there have been means in hand to meet the necessities of the Orphans for three days together; yet have I been only once tried in spirit, and that was on Sept. 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 since that time, but I have not even been cast down when in the deepest poverty. Nevertheless, in this respect also am I now, as much as ever, dependant on the Lord; and I earnestly beseech for myself and my fellow-labourers the prayers of all those, to whom the glory of God is dear. How great would be the dishonour to the name of God, if we, who have so publicly made our boast in Him, should so fall as to act in these very points as the world does! Help us then, brethren, with your prayers, that we may trust in God to the end. We can expect nothing but that our faith will yet be tried, and it may be more than ever; and we shall fall, if the Lord does not uphold us.]\par \par July 16 and 17. These two days we have had two especial prayer meetings, to commend to the Lord five German brethren who for some weeks have been sojourning among us, and who purpose to leave tomorrow for Liverpool, to sail from thence to the East Indies.\par \par July 18. I left this morning with the German brethren, to accompany them to Liverpool.\par \par July 21. Liverpool. This afternoon I preached in the open air on the docks. Truly, it must be a sweet privilege to be permitted frequently to proclaim the glad tidings of the Gospel in the open air, which the Lord does not bestow upon me, as, under ordinary circumstances, I have no strength for this work.\emdash The people were attentive. There was but one who mocked.\par \par July 22. Preached again out of doors.\par \par July 23. I accompanied the five brethren on board this afternoon.\par \par July 27. Today I had another remarkable proof of the importance of the children of God opening their hearts to each other, especially when they are getting into a cold state, or are under the power of a certain sin, or are in especial difficulty. An individual called on me, who I trust is a brother, with whom I had conversed once before, but felt uncomfortable respecting him. When he called again today, it appeared to me that there was something upon his heart, which, if I could but know, I might be instrumental in benefiting him. I pressed him affectionately to open his heart, assuring him at the same time that the matter which he might speak of should remain in my own bosom. At last I succeeded. [The result of this conversation was, that the advice which I gave him, led him, after three days, to leave for America, where he ought to have been, instead of being in England; and if he has followed my advice, in one other point, the matter which for years had burdened his conscience, and which, no doubt had been the means of keeping him in a low spiritual state, will have no more power over him. Should this fall into the hands of any children of God who have a particular trial or burden, or a guilty conscience, on account of a particular thing, or a besetting sin, etc., on account of which it would be beneficial to open their hearts to another child of God, in whose love, spiritual judgment, etc., they have confidence, I would advise them to do so. I know from my own experience, how often the snare of the devil has been broken, when under the power of sin; how often the heart has been comforted, when nigh to be overwhelmed; how often advice, under great perplexity, has been obtained,\emdash by opening my heart to a brother in whom I had confidence. We are children of the same family, and ought therefore to be helpers one of another.]\par \par Aug. 3. \'a33. 5s. was required to meet the necessities of the Orphan-Houses this day. The Lord enabled us to meet this demand, partly, by the sale of some Indian muslin, which had been given some months since, but which was only now disposed of; partly, by a few small donations; and partly, by what one of the labourers added of his own. [We have often found that the money for articles, which were put out to be sold, has come in most seasonably. At this time it happened so that a brother, into whose hands the muslin had been put, felt himself stirred up to go and ask the individual who had it for sale whether she had disposed of it. This brother knew nothing about our need at that time.]\par \par Aug. 5. Monday. On Saturday and yesterday morning I had repeatedly asked the Lord to send us help, as there was not a penny in hand for the need of today. Yesterday morning a brother gave me two sovereigns, and in the evening I received two more. Besides this, there was 4l. 10s. anonymously given for three weeks\rquote rent for the Orphan-Houses, also 10s. by a brother, and 9s. came in for needlework of the children; so that altogether 9l. 9s. came in yesterday.\par \par This evening I took tea with a sister who purposes to leave Bristol tomorrow for Van Diemen\rquote s Land. [For the comfort of any saints, who may be similarly situated, I mention the following circumstance. The son of this sister was transported many years since. In the course of time he obtained a business of his own in Van Diemen\rquote s Land, and wished his mother to come to him. The mother went, and had, in answer to the prayers of the saints, a prosperous voyage. When she arrived, she found her son truly converted. What a joy for the long and deeply afflicted mother! What remarkable means the Lord uses to bestow blessings ! Moreover, to mark that the Lord had sent her to her son, she found that a month before her arrival his wife had died, and that she therefore reached him just at the right time, both on account of his children and his business.]\par \par Aug. 7. Today again about 3l. was needed for housekeeping at the Orphan-Houses, which the Lord had sent in since the day before yesterday, so that we were able to meet all the demands.\par \par Aug. 8. Today 1l. 3s. was needed, but only 3s. had come in. The deficiency was supplied by one of the labourers giving a sovereign of his own. Though there is no money in hand, yet are we so little discouraged, that we have received today one orphan boy, and have given notice for the admission of six other children, which will bring the number up to 98 altogether.\par \par Aug. 9. Only 10s. had come in since yesterday, and as 30s. were needed, one of the labourers gave a sovereign.\par \par Aug. 10. Saturday. The need of today is 2l. 10s. but only 10s, has been given since yesterday. One of the labourers, having 2l., gave it, and thus our need was supplied.\par \par Aug. 12. Monday. The Lord has again kindly sent 11l. Of this sum 10l. came in from Q. Q., when again there was not one penny in hand. We have now supplies for about four days.\par \par Aug. 14. Today was very seasonably sent a whole piece of calico and a piece of print.\par \par Aug. 16. All our money is now again gone. Today 1l. 3s. was needed, but only 3s. was in hand. One of the labourers was able to add a sovereign, and thus we were helped.\par \par Aug. 17. Saturday. 5l. was needed today, but only 7s. 6d. had come in. The remaining 2l. l2s. 6d. one of the labourers gave. Thus we were helped to the close of another week.\par \par Aug. 19. Monday. This has been again a day in which our faith has been particularly tried; but even this day we have not been confounded. Not one penny was in hand when the day began. We had therefore now, for more than one hundred persons, again to look to the Lord. But this I must say, to the praise of the Lord, my soul was perfectly at peace. I meant to have gone very early to the Orphan-Houses to meet with my fellow-labourers for prayer; but, as one person after the other called upon me, I was kept from it the whole morning. When brother T. called upon me between 12 and 1 o\rquote clock for money, I had none to give. In the afternoon at four I was able to meet with the brethren and sisters. When I came to the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, I found that one of those children, for the reception of whom we had given notice, had been brought from Bath, and with him was sent 1l. 5s. After the meeting was over, one of the labourers gave 10s. By means of this 1l. 15s. we were able for this day also to provide every thing needful.\par \par Aug. 20. When we met together this morning for prayer, only one shilling had come in since yesterday, and 2l. at least was needed to meet the expenses of this day. After prayer, one of the labourers gave 10s., and 1s. l 1/2d. was taken out of one of the boxes. This 12s. l 1/2d. was divided to meet the momentary need. About an hour afterwards, 1l. 14s. came in, being the payment, in part, of articles which had been sold several months since.\par \par Aug. 21. Nothing had come in since yesterday. 13s. would have been needed to have taken in the usual quantity of bread. After we had prayed, the same labourer who had contributed yesterday and the day before, gave today 5s. more. This helped us to buy milk; but in one of the houses the usual quantity of bread could not be taken in. I have further to notice respecting this time of trial, that I had purposed to have gone yesterday to Bath, to meet today and tomorrow with several brethren, who are met there from various parts of the country, to unite in prayer for the present spiritual necessities of the church at large. However, on account of our present need in the Orphan-Houses, I could not go yesterday, as I did not think it right to let my fellow-labourers bear the trial alone. Today also I have been kept here, as our poverty is greater than ever. Yet (the Lord be praised!) neither have the children in the least lacked this day, nor has my mind been in any degree disturbed. My fellow-labourers also seem quite in peace. We are waiting for deliverance, and we are sure that the Lord, in His own time, will send it.\par \par Aug. 22. In my morning walk, when I was reminding the Lord of our need, I felt assured that He would send help this day. My assurance sprang from our need; for there seemed no way to get through the day, without help being sent. After breakfast I considered whether there was any thing which might be turned into money for the dear children. Among other things, there came under my hands a number of religious pamphlets which had been given for the benefit of the Orphans; but all seemed not nearly enough, to meet the necessities of the day, In this our deep poverty, after I had gathered together the few things for sale, a sister, who earns her bread by the labour of her hands, brought 82l. This sister had seen it to be binding upon believers in our Lord Jesus to act out His commandments: "Sell that ye have (sell your possessions) and give alms," Luke xii. 33; and "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," Matt. vi. 19. Accordingly she had drawn her money out of the bank and stocks, being 250l., and had brought it to me at three different times for the benefit of the Orphans, the Bible\emdash Missionary\emdash and School-Fund, and the poor saints, About two months ago she brought me 100l. more, being the produce of some other possession which she had sold, the half of which was to be used for the School\emdash Bible \emdash and Missionary Fund; and the other half for the poor saints. This 82l. which she had brought today, is the produce of the sale of her last earthly possession.\emdash [At the time I am preparing the seventh edition for the press, more than twenty-nine years have passed away, and this sister has never expressed the least regret as to the step she took, but goes on, quietly labouring with her hands, to earn her bread.]\emdash But even now, when this money was given, I left it in the hands of the Lord, whether any part of it should be applied for the Orphans. I asked the sister, therefore, whether she wished the money to be spent in any particular way, as she had expressed her wish about the former sums. This time she left it with me, to lay out the money as I thought best. I took, therefore, half of it for the Orphans, and half for the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. I have thus been enabled to come to Bath, (after I had sent a more than usual supply to the matrons), to meet, at least for the remaining time, with the brethren who are assembled here for prayer. Before the day is over, I have received 10l. more, while at Bath, from one of the brethren who are assembled here; so that our deep poverty, in the morning, has been turned into a comparative abundance.\par \par Aug. 23. The Lord has sent still further supplies. Another of the brethren gave me this morning 1l., and a third, with whom I drove back to Bristol, 5l.\par \par From Aug. 25 to Sept. 1, there came in above 17l. more.\par \par Sept. 4. I have been led to pray whether it is the Lord\rquote s will that I should leave Bristol for a season, as I have for the last fortnight been suffering from indigestion, by which my whole system is weakened, and thus the nerves of my head are more than usually affected. There are, however, two hindrances in the way, want of means for the Orphans, and want of means for my own personal expenses.\emdash Today I have received a cheque from Q. Q. for 7l. 10s. for the Orphans, which came, therefore, very seasonably. Also 4l. besides has came in since the day\par \par before yesterday.\par \par Sept. 5. Today a sister sent me 5l. for myself, to be used for the benefit of my health. She had heard that my health is again failing. I do not lay by money for such purposes; but whenever I really need means, whether for myself or others, the Lord sends them, in answer to prayer; for He had in this case again given me prayer respecting means for myself and for the Orphans, that my way might be made plain as to leaving Bristol for a season.\par \par Sept. 6. My body is now so weak, and my head again so affected in consequence of it, and I have found it needful to give up the work at once. I left today for Trowbridge, for three days, intending afterwards to go with my wife into Devonshire, if the Lord permit.\par \par Sept. 7. Trowbridge. This has been a very good day. I have had much communion with the Lord. How kind to take me from the work at Bristol for a season, to give me more communion with Himself. I remembered the Lord\rquote s especial goodness to me in this place, at the commencement of last year. How kind has He also been since! I prayed much for myself, for the Church at large, for the saints here and in Bristol, for my unconverted relatives, for my dear wife, and that the Lord would supply my own temporal necessities and those of the Orphans :\emdash and I know that He has heard me.\emdash I am surrounded with kind friends in the dear saints, under whose roof I am, and feel quite at home. My room is far better than I need; yet an easy chair, in this my weak state of body, to kneel before in prayer, would have added to my comfort. In the afternoon, without having given a hint about it, I found an easy chair put into my room. I was struck with the kindness, the especial kindness of my heavenly Father, in being mindful of the smallest wants and comforts of His child.\emdash Having had more prayer than usual, I found that my intercourse with the saints at tea was with unction, and more than usually profitable. But this very fact reminds me of my sad deficiencies, and of my great lack of real fervency of spirit. May the Lord carry on His work with power in my soul! Today I had 1l. given to me, half for the Orphans, and half for the other funds. Thus the Lord has begun to answer my prayers; for I expect far more.\par \par Sept. 8. Lord\rquote s day. I assembled with a few saints at Trowbridge, and spoke to them in the morning and evening with much assistance. The afternoon I spent at home over the Word and in prayer. God has evidently blessed the Word. He had a purpose in sending me here, both for blessing to myself and to others.\par \par Sept. 9. This morning I conversed with a poor aged sister in the Lord, who for 47 years has been a believer, but who, from want of settling by the written Word only, whether she is a believer or not, has often had doubts about her state before God. However, I brought the Scriptures only before her. [My pressing the Scriptures alone upon her heart, was made such a blessing, that I hear she has not doubted in the same way since.] This aged sister told me she often prays for the Orphans, and for the continuance of means. How many helpers has the Christian in the conflict; yet all are strengthened by ONE who is ALWAYS for us!\par \par This evening I returned to Bristol, to go from hence tomorrow to Exeter, if the Lord permit, on account of my health. I had been earnestly asking the Lord, while I was staying at Trowbridge, that He would be pleased to send in supplies for the Orphans, before I go into Devonshire, and I had the fullest assurance that means would come in before I left Bristol. I therefore asked my wife, on my return, how much had come in, and found that it was only 8l. 9s. 7 3/4d. This was not nearly as much as I had expected, and would not answer the end for which I had particularly asked means, i. e. that I might be able to leave enough for several days. My reply therefore was, according to the faith given to me, and judging from the earnestness and confidence of my prayer, that the Lord would send more before I left. About an hour after, brother Craik brought me 10l., which he had received this evening with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, and also a letter from a brother at Ilfracombe, in which the arrival of a large box, full of articles, to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans, is announced. Thus the Lord has dealt with me according to my faith.\par \par Sept. 10. This morning before I left Bristol came in still further 1l. l6s. 7d., so that I had about 20l. to leave behind for the present need. I found also, on opening the box which has arrived, 65 books, a brace of valuable pistols, and a great many articles of East India linen. How kind of the Lord to send these supplies just now!\par \par After my departure from Bristol I continued to help my fellow-labourers by my prayers. I had the fullest assurance that the Lord would help them, and my hope was not ashamed, as will appear from the following part of the journal.\emdash In the evening of Sept. 10th, we arrived in Exeter, where we were lodged by a brother, who on the following day left for Plymouth. The love of this brother constrained us to remain for five days at his house, though he was absent, leaving us all the house with a sister, as a servant, to ourselves. Though at another time I should have preferred the opportunity of having intercourse with this brother, yet now, in this my weak state of body, the being left alone was the very thing which suited me. I could not but trace the kind hand of God in this circumstance. I was able to speak twice publicly while in Exeter. I rejoiced at what I saw there of the work of God. This city was in the year 1830 especially laid on my heart, when I used frequently to preach there; but then there was a great spiritual deadness.\par \par From Sept. 16th to Sept. 28th we were at Teignmouth my former field of labour. I had not seen the brethren, among whom I used to labour, since May, 1833. The Lord gave me strength, many times to minister in the Word among them, during the time of my stay there. At Teignmouth also, I had, in some respects, reason to be glad, particularly in that I saw some of those truths practised, and that more fully and intelligently, which, though in much weakness and indistinctly, I had sought to set forth whilst labouring there. At Teignmouth also, as well as in Exeter, the saints showed us much love. A brother and sister lodged us during the whole of our stay. May the Lord reward them for their love!\emdash While I was at Teignmouth I received on Sept. 18th, the following letter from brother T., in reference to the work in Bristol:-\par \par Bristol, Sept. 16, 1839.\par \par My dear Brother, I have delayed writing until now, that, as I hoped, I might have additional news to tell you after the Lord\rquote s day. And now that my hope has been made good, I rejoice to do so. The Lord has dealt most graciously with us since your departure. The children, brother B. and the sisters are well, and the wants of the Orphans have been abundantly supplied. There has come in altogether 24l. 8s. 6d., &c.\par \par On Sept. 24th, I received another letter from brother T., dated Bristol, Sept. 23rd, in which he writes: "It rejoices me that I have still nothing but the goodness of the Lord to tell you of. That little word \lquote Ebenezer\rquote is at once our encouragement and our daily song, of which we are not weary. I have received since the last information you had from me 5l. l7s. 4 1/4d., besides 1l. 10s. for the rent of the Orphan-Houses."\par \par On Sept. 28th, while I was at Teignmouth, a brother asked me about the funds for the Orphans, being willing to help, and I had reason to believe considerably, if they were in need. Though I knew not for a certainty that there was one shilling in hand in Bristol, yet for the Lord\rquote s sake I declined telling him any thing about the funds, in order that the work might evidently be carried on by dealing with the Lord Himself.\par \par On Sept. 28th we left Teignmouth for Plymouth, being taken by the love of a brother from Teignmouth to Newton Bushel in his own little carriage. At Plymouth we found again a kind brother waiting at the coach office, to receive us. He took us to his house and lodged us till our departure, on Oct. 6th. During my stay at Plymouth, I was stirred up afresh to early rising, a blessing, the results of which I have not lost since. That which led me to it was the example of the brother in whose house I was staying, and a remark which he made in speaking on the sacrifices in Leviticus, "That as not the refuse of the animals was to be offered up, so the best part of our time should be especially given to communion with the Lord." I had been, on the whole, rather an early riser during former years. But since the nerves of my head had been so weak, I thought, that, as the day was long enough for my strength, it would be best for me not to rise early, in order that thus the nerves of my head might have the longer quiet. On this account I rose only between six and seven, and sometimes after seven. For the same reason also I brought myself purposely into the habit of sleeping a quarter of an hour, or half an hour, after dinner: as I thought I found benefit from it, in quieting the nerves of my head. In this way, however, my soul had suffered more or less every day, and sometimes considerably, as now and then unavoidable work came upon me before I had had sufficient time for prayer and reading the Word. After I had heard the remark to which I have alluded, I determined, that whatever my body might suffer, I would no longer let the most precious part of the day pass away while I was in bed. By the grace of God I was enabled to begin the very next day to rise earlier, and have continued to rise early since that time. I allow myself now about seven hours\rquote sleep, which, though I am far from being strong, and have much to tire me mentally, I find is quite sufficient to refresh me. In addition to this I gave up the sleeping after dinner. The result has been that I have thus been able to procure long and precious seasons for prayer and meditation before breakfast; and, as to my body, and the state of the nervous system in particular, I have been much better since. Indeed I believe that the very worst thing I could have done for my weak nerves was, to have lain an hour or more longer in bed than I used to do before my illness; for it was the very way to keep them weak.\emdash As this may fall into the hands of some children of God who are not in the habit of rising early, I make a few more remarks on the subject.\par \par I. It might be asked, how much time shall I allow myself for rest ? The answer is, that no rule of universal application can be given, as all persons do not require the same measure of sleep, and also the same persons, at different times, according to the strength or weakness of their body, may require more or less. Females also, being generally weaker in body, require more sleep than males. Yet, from what I can learn, it is the opinion of medical persons, that men in health do not require more than between six and seven hours sleep, and females no more than between seven and eight hours; so that it would be rather an exception, for a man to require more than seven and a woman more than eight hours. But my decided advice, at the same time, is, that children of God should be careful not to allow themselves too little sleep, as there are few men who can do with less than six hours sleep, and yet be well in body and mind, and few females who can do with less than seven hours. Certain it is that for a long time, as a young man before I went to the university, I went to bed regularly at ten and rose at four, studied hard, and was in good health; and certain also, that since I have allowed myself only about seven hours, from the time of my visit at Plymouth in Oct. 1839, I have been much better in body, and in my nerves in particular, than when I was eight or eight hours and a half in bed.\par \par II. If it be asked, but why should I rise early? The reply is, to remain too long in bed is 1. waste of time, which is unbecoming a saint, who is bought by the precious blood of Jesus, with his time and all he has, to be used for the Lord. If we sleep more than is needful for the refreshment of the body, it is wasting the time with which the Lord has intrusted us as a talent, to be used for His glory, for our own benefit, and the benefit of the saints and the unbelievers around us. 2. To remain too long in bed injures the body. Just as when we take too much food, we are injured thereby, so as it regards sleep. Medical persons would readily allow, that, the lying longer in bed than is needful for the strengthening of the body, does weaken it. 3. It injures the soul. The lying too long in bed, not merely keeps us from giving the most precious part of the day to prayer and meditation, but this sloth leads also to many other evils.\emdash Any one need but make the experiment of spending one, two, or three hours in prayer and meditation before breakfast, either in his room, or with his Bible in his hand in the fields, and he will soon find out the beneficial effect which early rising has upon the outward and inward man. I beseech all my brethren and sisters into whose hand this may fall, and who are not in the habit of rising early, to make the trial, and they will praise the Lord for having done so.\par \par III. It may lastly be said, but how shall I set about rising early? My advice is, 1. Commence at once, delay it not. Tomorrow begin to rise. 2. But do not depend upon your own strength. This may be the reason why, before this, you may have begun to rise early, but have given it up. As surely as you depend upon your own strength in this matter, it will come to nothing. In every good work we depend upon the Lord, and in this thing we shall feel especially how weak we are. If any one rises that he may give the time which he takes from sleep, to prayer and meditation, let him be sure that Satan will try to put obstacles in the way. 3. Do trust in the Lord for help, You will honour Him, if you expect help from Him in this matter. Give yourself to prayer for help, expect help, and you will have it. 4. Use, however, in addition to this, the following means: a, Go early to bed. If you stay up late, you cannot rise early. Let no society and no pressure of engagements keep you from going habitually early to bed. If you fail in this, you neither can nor ought to get up early, as your body requires rest. Keep also particularly in mind, that neither for the body nor the soul is it the same thing, whether you go to bed late and rise late, or whether you go to bed early and rise early. Even medical persons will tell you how injurious it is to sit up late, and to spend the morning hours in bed; but how much more important still is it to retire early and to rise early, in order to make sure of time for prayer and meditation before the business of the day commences, and to devote to those exercises that part of our time, when the mind and the body are most fresh, in order thus to obtain spiritual strength for the conflict, the trials, and the work of the day. b, Let some one call you, if possible, at the time which you have determined before God that you will rise; or procure, what is still better, an alarum, by which you may regulate almost to a minute the time when you wish to rise. For about 12s. a little German clock, with an alarum, may be bought almost in every town. Though I have very many times been awakened by the Lord, in answer to prayer, almost to the minute when I desired to rise; yet I thought it well to procure an alarum, to assist me in my purpose of rising early: not indeed as if it could give the least help, without the Lord\rquote s blessing, for I should remain in bed, notwithstanding the noise of the alarum, were He not to give me grace to rise; but simply looking upon it as a means. c, Rise at once when you are awake. Remain not a minute longer in bed, else you are likely to fall asleep again. d, Be not discouraged by feeling drowsy and tired in consequence of your rising early. This will soon wear off. You will after a few days feel yourself stronger and fresher than when you used to lie an hour or two longer than you needed. e, Allow yourself always the same hours for sleep. Make no change, except sickness oblige you. .\par \par Plymouth, Oct. 1. Today my soul was again especially drawn out in prayer for the dear Orphans. I not merely asked the Lord that He would still continue to supply their need, but I was so fully assured that He had sent the necessary means since I last heard, that I was enabled to praise Him for having done so. Immediately after I had praised Him, but while I was yet on my knees, came another letter from brother T., dated Bristol, Sept. 29, in which he writes thus:\par \par "The Lord\rquote s help has been graciously continued to us since I wrote last. Ever since your absence, the supplies have come in so seasonably, that I have not had occasion, until now, of opening the boxes in the Orphan-Houses. There came in, since my last account, from a sister 2s. 6d., with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, 1l.. 1s. 6d., through Mr. C. of Bath, 2l. 3s. 4d., from the boxes 14s. 6 1/2d., from A. M. B. 5s. Some apples besides have been given, some old clothes, and a large bath to be sold or used. I gave on Thursday to the sisters 10l., and today for the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House 1l. 10s. After this I have in hand 1l. 3s. 8 3/4d., to be multiplied as the Lord wills. I had written thus far, and was on the point of writing that we expected sister E. home this evening, when the door-bell rang, and sister E. came in, bringing a little packet of money, directed to you, from Hereford, enclosing a letter and ten sovereigns "for your labours of faith and love;" so that the remainder of the barrel of meal has been multiplied somewhat already. It is most seasonable help! It rejoices me that it has come in time, for you to have the intelligence with this letter. I have in hand l9s. for the other funds, therefore it seems well to me, if it should be needed before I hear from you, to take only 5l. for the Orphans; but, if it pleases the Lord to enable us to do without, I shall leave it untouched until you write. In addition to what I have written, I have just received 10s. and 1l. 9s. 3d. How gracious!"\par \par The time from October 6th to the 17th I spent among the brethren at Bideford and Barnstaple, with great refreshment to my own soul, and was also allowed by the Lord to minister to them. The whole of my stay among the children of God in Devonshire has been very profitable to me. May my soul not lose the blessing of it! How the Lord uses our infirmity of body for the blessing of our souls! In my case also it was instrumental in communicating blessing to others. I was able to speak more frequently in public, while absent from Bristol, than I should have done under ordinary circumstances, had I remained in Bristol.\par \par Barnstaple, Oct. 10. The day before yesterday I had 10s. given to me here for the Orphans; and yesterday 3l., which came in most seasonably, as will appear from the following letter which I received this evening from brother T.\par \par Bristol, Oct. 8th, 1839.\par \par "My dear Brother, we have continued to enjoy the gracious help of the Lord since I last wrote to you. Nearly up to that time the supplies had come in so seasonably, that the previous disbursements had scarcely ever been expended, before I was again able to make a fresh one. Since then, however, we have been twice a little straitened. On Friday evening we were in prospect of Saturday\rquote s necessities, and had nothing to meet them, except the money about which I was in doubt from not having received directions from you. I had already used 5l. out of the 10l. which had been sent, and now, after waiting till it was actually needed, we thought it an indication, as none had been sent, that this should all go to the Orphan-Houses. On Monday again more money was needed than I had in hand, but we were in expectation of help. After dinner, as nothing had come in, I thought it well to open the boxes, thinking, that, although I had opened them so recently, I had no right to presume that the Lord had not had time to pour into them. The expectation was not in vain; for in the box at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House I found 1l. 0s. 1 1/2d., in the box at the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House 7s. 1d. At the latter place I met sister A. who gave me 3s. for things that she had sold. Thus we were most graciously helped through Monday. Then, in the evening, at the meeting I received from sister B. 2s., and through sister C. 11s. I had opened the box at the Infant-Orphan-House on Monday, and found it empty. But today, finding the 13s. insufficient, and being told that something had been put in, I opened it, and found 3s. 6d., which nicely helped us through. And we are now looking to the Lord for more. In the mean time I shall this morning attend to the sale of whatever has been given to be sold. It comforts us to know you are praying for us," &c.\par \par The money which I had received yesterday and the day before yesterday here, at Barnstaple, and two weeks ago at Teignmouth, enabled me now to send off at once 5l.\par \par On Oct. 17th I returned to Bristol, with renewed strength, for active service.\par \par Oct. 17. Bristol. The Lord has been again very gracious as it regards the funds; for during the last three days, while I was at Barnstaple, I received from a sister 5s., two rings, and a brooch. From another sister a gold watch, to be sold for the Orphans. From a brother a seal, two ear-rings, and a brooch. From a third sister sixteen books to be sold; also 4l., the produce of a veil. From a fourth sister 2l. 10s., and from a fifth 1l., and from five others 8s. 9d. In addition to this I found when I came home, that though my fellow-labourers had been greatly tried a few days previous to my return, so much so, that, when the 5l. arrived which I sent from Barnstaple, they were in greater poverty than they ever had been; yet, within the last days, several pounds had come in, and yesterday, over and above all this, arrived 15l. from London for some articles which had been sent there to be sold. What can we render unto the Lord for all His benefits!\par \par Oct. 19. The Lord is still pouring in bountifully! This morning 10l. was sent from Worcester, and a sister brought 7l., being the produce of the sale of ladies\rquote baskets, which she and some other sisters are making for the benefit of the Orphans. This last case shows what various means the Lord uses to provide for our need; yet all comes without one single individual being asked to give help; for to the Lord alone we speak about our need. We are now again comparatively rich, i. e. we have means in hand to meet the current expenses of about eight days, which has been only two or three times the case during the last fifteen months.\par \par Oct. 30. A little boy brought me a letter, given to him by a gentleman and lady in the street, as he said, to take to my house. The letter contained these words with a five pound note: "The enclosed 5l. accept for the benefit of the Orphans, in the name of the Lord Jesus."\par \par Nov. 5. Today an Orphan was brought from Bath, and a lady sent by her servant, the aunt of the child, a sovereign for the Orphans, when there was but 3s. 11d. in hand. It has been thus repeatedly, that when orphans have been brought, and we had no money, or scarcely any, that the Lord sent a little with these poor children. It never is with us any question, whether there is much or little money in hand, so far as it regards the reception of children; but only, whether there is room.\par \par Nov. 8. We are now again quite poor. The Lord gave us to know more than usually from Oct. 17th to Oct. 31st what it is to abound, and now we know again what it is to be poor. It would have been desirable to have had 3l. today, but on]y 1l. 3s. 11d, was in hand, which I sent off. In our need we were led to open the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, which had not been done for some weeks, and in them was found 16s. 2 1/2d. To this one of the labourers added 9s. By this 2l. 9s. 1 1/2d. we could meet those expenses which needed to be met, and we were thus helped through the day.\par \par Nov. 9. Saturday. 3l. 0s. 6d. was required today, in order comfortably to meet the present demands, but not one penny was in hand. Between ten and eleven I went to the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, to meet with my fellow-labourers for prayer. Only 2s. had come in. This was all I could leave. There was every thing in the houses which was required for the moment, and I proposed that we should meet again for prayer in the afternoon at four. When we did so, one of the labourers gave 8s. 6d., another 10s., another 5s. 6d., so that I had as much to give to the matrons as would provide comfortably all the necessaries for the children till Monday morning; only the usual quantity of bread could not be taken in. About half an hour, after we had separated, came in 1l. 10s., the produce of the sale of a shawl, which a sister from Devonshire had given for that purpose some days since. Thus we had altogether 2l. 16s., whereas when the day commenced we had no natural prospect of any thing. This is a new sweet encouragement. Besides this, our Father has given us another proof of His continued care, in that twenty sacks of potatoes and a small barrel of herrings have been sent for the Orphans.\par \par Nov. 11. Monday morning. Yesterday, when, as just related, there was not a penny in hand, there was given to me, with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, ten shillings. This morning came in 1l. 10s, more, Soon afterwards a note was sent to me from the Orphan-Houses, to say that the need of today would be 3l. JUST WHILE I WAS READING THE NOTE I received another, including a sovereign, which a sister from Devonshire had given to one of the brethren for the Orphans. Thus I had just the 3l. which was needed. A few minutes after came in 1s. more.\par \par Nov. 12. The need of today was 2l. As only 1s. had been left in hand yesterday, and no more than 6s. had come in, we were again in a strait. But I was not looking at the little in hand, but at the fulness of God. I sent off the little which I had. In the afternoon we met for prayer. I then found that 2s. 6d. had been taken out of the box in the Infant-Orphan-House, and that 4s. more had come in by the sale of some old books. To this one of the labourers added 2s. 3d., all she had of her own. After prayer came in 2s. 6d., which had been given while we were in prayer. In the evening we met again for prayer, when another labourer gave 3s. 4d. Thus, in our deep poverty, we got together this day 1l. 0s. 7d., which supplied our absolute necessities. We were this afternoon so reduced, till the Lord sent a little help, that there were no means to provide breakfast for tomorrow, for the children in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House.\par \par Nov. 13. Nothing has come in. Our need is even greater today than yesterday, on account of our not having been able yesterday to take in the usual quantity of provisions. In this our need I packed up the books, which had been intended for sale on Aug. 22, when the Lord sent such a rich, supply, before they were actually disposed of. To them one of the labourers added some of his own, and a few other articles. Also some old jackets, which had been sent, were packed up to be disposed of. At twelve I met with my fellow-labourers for prayer.\par \par There was every thing in the houses which was needed for dinner, but there were no means to get milk for tea. (The children have milk and water at tea time.) Three of my helpers went out to dispose of the articles. At four in the afternoon I received the information that 14s. had come in, for some of the things which were disposed of. One of my fellow-labourers had besides disposed of an article of his own for 1l. 5s. This 1l. 19s. enabled us to take in bread as usual, and to defray the other necessary expenses. We had never been lower in means than yesterday and today. Yet my soul, thanks to the Lord! was also yesterday and today in perfect peace. My helpers seem also quite in peace. This evening I received 2s. 6d., and 11s. with Ecclesiastes ix. 10. This little money is as precious, as at other times 100l. would have been, because it is a fresh proof that our Father still cares for us. The money was given to me just after I had been speaking on these words: "But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me." Whilst speaking I was able, in a measure, to realize the preciousness of the truth contained in those words, and after speaking my Father gave me a fresh proof that He is thinking upon me.\par \par Nov. 14. I took the 13s. 6d. which was given last evening, early this morning, to the Orphan-Houses, where I found that 10s. 6d. had come in by the sale of a Hebrew Old and a Greek New Testament, which a brother had given who had more than one copy; and 1s. 6d. for another book. This 1l. 5s. 6d. has been divided, in the hope that our kind Father will remember us before the day is over, and send in more. This afternoon, when we met for prayer, I found that 18s. more had come in for some articles which had been sold. We have had thus 2l. 3s. 6d. this day to divide for housekeeping. By the good hand of the Lord upon us, there has been every thing really needful. May the Lord look upon us, and help us further! Surely, He will do it!\par \par Nov. 15. We are still in deep poverty. Nothing had come in by four o\rquote clock in the afternoon, when I went to meet with my fellow-labourers for prayer. I did not go in the morning, because I knew that there was every thing which was needed till the afternoon. When I came I found that a sister had given 2s. 6d.; a new Bible which one of the labourers had given, who had more than one old copy, had been sold for 10s.; also 2s. had come in, and 1s. 4d. for some other articles which had been sold. This 15s. 10d. supplied that which was absolutely needed for today. We are still of good courage. We are sure that the Lord, in His own time, will deliver us out of the trial; for were our poverty more than a trial of faith, had the Lord in anger shut up His hands, we should not receive any thing at all. But this is not the case. For even this very day two sacks of potatoes were sent by the same brother who sent twenty sacks a few days since, with the promise to send still more. We have no means to lay in a stock for the winter, else we should have bought, perhaps, fifty or sixty sacks; but our kind Father does it for us. There has been also a toy chest of drawers promised for sale.\par \par Nov. 16. Our prayer was last evening, in particular, respecting the necessities of today, as two days\rquote provisions would be needed, it being Saturday. Besides this, about 2l. 10s. was needed to pay the weekly salaries of the brethren and sisters who labour in the Day-Schools. For all these demands there was nothing in hand, nor have we any more needless articles to dispose of; and useful ones we do not consider it right to sell, as our Father knows our need. When we met about twelve o\rquote clock this morning, I found that last evening there had been Bibles unexpectedly sold to the amount of 1l. 11s. 6d., and about 10s. had been given besides. Thus we had nearly enough for the School-Fund. Moreover, 15s. had come in for the Orphan-Fund. A large sea-chest was given by a brother several months since, for the benefit of the Orphans, which had never been disposed of, and which, in this our great need, was sold for 15s. Yet this 15s. was needed to pay what was due for washing; and, therefore, we had still nothing to take in provisions with. It occurred to one of the labourers, that there might be a little advanced on his watch, of the money which had been laid by for rent, as had once or twice before been done; and that the watch might be sold at quarter-day, in case there should not come in enough to make up the deficiency. Yet even this plan we did not any longer think to be quite Scriptural, as he needs the watch in the Lord\rquote s service, and as our Lord is so kind, that He would otherwise send us means, were it well for us. In short, it appeared to us quite clear, that while we ought, in such a strait, to dispose of things which we do not need, nothing ought to be disposed of which is needed, in order that the Lord\rquote s own deliverance might be so much the more manifest. All we could think of for sale was five pewter dishes, which had been given nearly four years ago, but which were never used, as they were not convenient. These we agreed should be sold. About four o\rquote clock this afternoon I received 2l. 2s., which a brother and sister had brought from Leicestershire. With this I went joyfully to the Orphan-Houses. There I found that 9s. 6d. had come in for the pewter dishes; one of the labourers had given 10s. for the Orphans, and 10s. for the School-Fund. (There had come in 2s. more for the other funds. All demands were met, and there was 1s. 6d. over.) Besides this, one of the labourers had sold a book of his own for 4s., and another labourer gave two pairs of new gloves, and four gentlemen\rquote s stocks. One pair of the gloves had been sold. Thus altogether had come in 4l. 2s. 3d., and therefore about 1l. 10s. more than was needed. We are now brought to the close of one more week. This has been, perhaps, of all the weeks the most trying. So much prayer, and so little coming in, I never knew. Yet, by the grace of God, I was sure that help would come, after the trial of faith was over. During the whole of this week, greatly as we have been tried, and though twice no stock of bread could be taken in, yet there has been nourishing food at every meal, and neither the children nor any other person can have perceived our poverty. About 13l. has been spent even this week for housekeeping in the three Orphan-Houses.\par \par Nov. 18. Monday. The Lord has kindly sent in since Saturday evening 3l. 18s. 3 1/4d., and thus our need for today is supplied. On Saturday evening the produce of an orphan-box, 5s. 1 1/4d., was given; and last evening a sister gave two sovereigns to brother Craik, waiting for him a long time in the chapel, till she could see him. She might have delayed giving it till another time, as she had to wait so long; but the Lord knew our need. There were also sent eight sack of potatoes, by the same brother who had sent twenty-two sacks before.\par \par Nov. 19. As there was not enough money in hand for the necessities of today, we were again as poor as on Saturday. Between three and four in the afternoon the milk is generally taken in; but in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House there was not money enough to meet this small expense. However, the Lord knew our need, and sent us at two o\rquote clock 13s., which helped us comfortably through the day. A sister had purposed in her heart to give 3d. a week for the Orphans, and she felt herself stirred up to bring the yearly amount now, in this our extremity.\par \par Nov. 20. This has been a day of deep poverty. Nothing but the 13s., above referred to, came in yesterday, which was scarcely enough to meet yesterday\rquote s usual need. My mind, by the grace of God, was not at all cast down; but I felt it rather trying, that the abundance of my other engagements had not allowed me to meet with my fellow-labourers, either yesterday or today, for prayer. This evening I had a note from the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, to state that a lady had sent two dozen of boys\rquote shirts, which she had made herself, with which she sent 5s. to get them washed. This 5s, enabled us to meet that which was absolutely needful. [I mention here, that while our usual current expenses are about 2l. 10s. daily for housekeeping in the three houses; yet we might, in case of need, do for one or two days with as little as yesterday and today, as there are generally potatoes and meat in the house, and a stock of bread for two days, in order that the children may eat stale bread.] Without this 5s. we should have been unable to procure all that was absolutely needed. This our kind Father knew, and therefore He sent it. There were also given two quarterns of bread by one of the bakers, which made up the usual quantity. Moreover five and a half sacks of potatoes were sent by the brother who sent the others, making in all 35 1/2 sacks.\par \par Nov. 21. This morning one of the labourers gave 7s., in order that there might be means to take in milk. Between ten and eleven o\rquote clock we met for prayer, and I found that 10s. had come in for a toy chest of drawers, which in this our great need had been sent for sale. Besides this 6d. had been taken out of the box in the Infant-Orphan-House. This 17s. 6d. enabled us to provide the dinner, and to take in a little bread in two houses, even as much as would be enough for breakfast tomorrow; but there was 4s. 6d. needed to buy bread for the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, as there was only enough for today. When we met again this afternoon, 3s. had come in, as one of the labourers had sold a few old books. Another labourer gave 1s. 6d., and thus we had also the 4s. 6d., which was needed for bread. After prayer, it was mentioned that a sister, a servant, who is out of a situation, had been this afternoon to see the Orphan-Houses, and had put something into the box at the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House. The box was opened, and half-a-crown was found in it. This money was, in our deep poverty, as acceptable as 50l. at other times might have been. We rejoiced when we saw it, for it was a fresh proof to us, that, not in anger, but only for the trial of our faith, we are so poor. This 2s. 6d. provides us with the means to take in milk tomorrow morning, so that we shall have everything which is needed till after breakfast tomorrow, but then there is neither bread, nor meat, etc. remaining for dinner. Our comfort, however, is: "The morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matt. vi. 34. We separated very happy in God, though very poor, and our faith much tried.\par \par Nov. 22. Our poverty had now become very great. Greater it had never been. Yet, the Lord be praised! I was as comfortable as ever; for I was sure we were only for the trial of our faith in this state. Had the Lord shut up His hand iii anger, He would not have continued to give us, even during this week, from time to time, tokens of His care over us. I said this morning: "Man\rquote s necessity is God\rquote s opportunity" is a proverb of the world, and how much more may we, His children, now look to Him in our great need. I knew we must have help in some way, as now it had come to the greatest extremity, there being in none of the houses anything for dinner, except potatoes, of which we have an abundance. At ten this morning I was informed that a large box, bearing my address, had arrived at one of the Orphan-Houses. I set off immediately, and found it was from the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton. It contained 12l. for the Orphans, 1l. 11s. 10d. for the other Funds, 4 yards of flannel, 9 yards of calico, 12 yards of print, 4 1/2 yards of coloured cotton, 4 yards of stuff, 2 pairs of stockings, and 3 1/4 yards of brown holland. Besides this, there were in it the following articles for sale: 2 decanters and stands, 4 glass salt cellars, 3 scent bottles, a set of cruets and stand, 5 beer glasses, 7 chimney ornaments, 3 tortoise-shell combs, 3 fans, 2 silver vinaigrettes, 2 silver shoe-buckles, 2 waist buckles, 2 silver salt-cellars, 1 pair of knives and forks with silver handles, a small silver toasting fork, 9 silver coins, three gold rings, 4 pairs of ear-rings, 3 brooches, a cornelian heart, a silver seal, 1 pair of silver studs, 1 gold watch key, 1 silver pencil case, 5 pairs of bracelets, 5 necklaces and 1 urn rug. The joy which I and my fellowlabourers had when all these things lay before us, cannot be described; it must be experienced in order that it may be known. It was two hours and a half before the dinner time, when the help was granted. The Lord knew that the Orphans had no dinner, and, therefore, did He now send help.\emdash This morning also a brother sent to the Girls\rquote Orphan-House to ask whether the treacle-cask was empty, and if so, to send it by the messenger, that it might be filled.\par \par Nov. 24. Today 5l. came in again with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, besides 1l. 10s. for the rents.\par \par Nov. 27. Today again some money was needed for housekeeping. But as a little had come in. yesterday and today, we had enough.\par \par Nov. 28. Last evening 10s. came in, which was just enough to supply this day\rquote s need. We are now again penniless.\par \par Nov. 29. A great part of the articles, which were sent this day week from the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton, have now been disposed of for 5l. 11s.; we are, therefore, supplied for today and tomorrow.\par \par Dec. 2. Since the last money has been given out for housekeeping, only 1l. 12s. has come in but as 1l. 10s. of this had been given for the rents, I had only 2s. in hand, when brother B., the master at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, came this morning, and told me that the need of today would be at least 2l. I gave him the 2s. which I had, and proposed that we should pray together for more means. WHILE WE WERE IN PRAYER, a brother called. After prayer brother B. left me, and the brother who had come gave me 5l. As soon as he had left, I went joyfully with the money to the Orphan-Houses, to prevent the bakers being sent away. This evening I received still further 2l. Thus the Lord has richly supplied our need for today and tomorrow.\par \par Dec. 3. The Lord has remembered again our need for tomorrow. I received today from Liverpool 15s.; and from a brother in the neighbourhood of London, who had been staying here for a season, 5l.; also 1l. by the sale of some articles.\par \par Dec. 4. It has been repeatedly our prayer during the last month and in the beginning of this, that the Lord would be pleased to give us again so much means, before the time of the public meetings, which are fixed for the 10th, 11th, and 12th, of this month, that, when we speak about His dealings with us during this year, we might also respecting the close of it have again to speak, to His praise, of the abundance which we had in hand. At the end of last year we made the same request, and the Lord granted it. Now today, as an answer to this our often repeated request, I received from the East Indies 100l., to be laid out for the Orphans, or the other objects of the Institution. Respecting this money it is to be noticed: 1. The great distance from whence it is sent. 2. That it comes just now, and thus enables us to speak at the meetings of this rich supply after our trials. 3. It furnishes us with means to order Bibles, as one half of the money will be taken for the other funds; there having been a great inquiry for Bibles lately, and we have not been able to meet the demand, for want of means. Respecting this point also we have prayed repeatedly, and now the Lord has answered our petition. How very precious it is to wait on the Lord! What an abundant proof have we in this donation, that all our late straits, as it regards means, were only allowed for the trial of our faith! This evening came in still further 1l. 5s.\par \par Dec. 9. Since Dec. 4 several small donations have come in, so that unto the last day of this fourth year of the Orphan-work the Lord has continued His kindness to us.\par \par On Dec. 10, 11, and 12 we had public meetings, at which the account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with us in reference to the Orphan-Houses and the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution was given. During the whole of the past year, as formerly, the labourers who are engaged in the work had kept their trials and their joys of faith to themselves; but now we considered the time to have come, when, for the benefit of the church at large, and to the glory of our Lord, we should make our boast in Him.\emdash It is now (i. e. on Dec. 10, 1839) five years and nine months since the Scriptural Knowledge Institution has been in operation. In addition to what has been said about the Lord\rquote s dealings with us, more especially in regard to the funds, I make a few more remarks, with reference to His kindness to us, in other respects, during the last year. 1. During the last year also we have been enabled to continue to provide all the needful expenses connected with the six Day-Schools, three for boys and three for girls. The number of the children, who are at present in them, amounts to 286. The number of all the children that have had schooling in the Day Schools, through the medium of the Institution, since its formation, amounts to 1795. 2. There are at present 226 children in the Sunday School. 3. There are 14 taught to read in the Adult School, and there have been about 130 adults instructed in that School, since the formation of the Institution. 4. There have been circulated during the last year 514 copies of the Scriptures, and 5592 since March 5, 1834. 5. There has been laid out during the last year 91l. 6s. for Missionary purposes. 6. There have been received into the three Orphan-Houses from Dec. 9, 1838, to Dec. 9, 1839, 16 orphans. There are at present 96 orphans in the three houses. The number of all the orphans, who have been under our care from April 11, 1836, to Dec. 9, 1839, amounts to 126.\par \par I notice further the following points in connexion with the Orphan-Houses.\par \par 1. Without any one having been asked for any thing by us, the sum of 3,067l. 8s. 9 1/4d. has been given to us, entirely as the result of prayer to God, from the commencement of the work up to Dec. 9, 1839. 2. Besides this, there have also been sent many articles of clothing, furniture, and provisions, for the use of the Orphans. 3. Without our solicitation, three medical gentlemen (one for each house), have up to this time, kindly given their attendance and medicines gratuitously. 4. The hand of God is most manifest in that we have had so little sickness, considering that so many persons during this autumn have been suffering from fever, etc. Even in this particular I desire publicly to acknowledge the Lord\rquote s peculiar kindness to us. 5. Though most of the children have been brought up in a very different manner from what we could desire, yet the Lord has constrained them, on the whole, during this year also, to behave exceedingly well, so much so that it has continued to attract the attention of all observers. 6. That, however, which gives us the chief ground for thankfulness, so far as the children are concerned, is, that in eight of them we perceive decided proofs of a real change of heart and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, so that they have been received into church fellowship. We are not surprised that these children, who are from 9 years old and upwards, have been converted; for the conversion of the orphans under our care has been a frequent subject of prayer among us, and that of late more than ever; so that we fully expect, if the Lord shall continue to give prayer for them, that soon many more will be brought to believe in the Lord Jesus.\par \par The total of the expenses, connected with the objects of the Institution, exclusive of the Orphan-Houses, from Nov. 19, 1838, to Nov. 19, 1839, is 542l. 13s. The balance in hand on Nov. 19, 1839, was 18s. 5d. The total of the expenses connected with the three Orphan-Houses, from Dec. 9, 1838, to Dec. 9, 1839, is 960l. 9s. 2 3/4d. The balance in hand on Dec 9, 1839, was 46l. 8s. ld.\par \par Dec. 24. This morning we wanted again more money for the Orphans than there was in hand. It is only eight days since the last public meeting, when there was a balance of 46l. 8s. ld. in hand. On this account we disposed of some silver articles and books which had been sent within the last days for the benefit of the Orphans, by which means we have enough for today and tomorrow.\par \par Dec. 31. My health is much better than for years. My mental powers also are as good as they have been at any time during the last three years. I ascribe this to God\rquote s blessing, through the instrumentality of early rising, and plunging my head into cold water when I rise.\par \par \par \par REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1839.\par \par \par \par I. As to the church\emdash 68 brethren and sisters brother Craik and I found in fellowship when we came to Bristol.\par \par 573 have been admitted to fellowship since we came to Bristol.\par \par 641 would be, therefore, the total number of those in fellowship with us, had there been no changes. But\par \par 40 have fallen asleep;\par \par 33 are under church discipline\par \par 55 saints have left Bristol;\par \par 38 have left us, but are still in Bristol;\par \par 166 are therefore to be deducted from 641, so that there are only 475 at present in fellowship with us.\par \par \par \par During the last year have been added 115, of whom 34 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord among us.\par \par \par \par II. As to my temporal supplies.\par \par The Lord has been pleased to give me during the past year\par \par 1. By the Freewill Offerings through the boxes \'a3137 4s. 5d.\par \par 2. By Presents in money, from saints residing in and out of Bristol \'a3121 18s. 0d.\par \par 3. By Money through family connexion \'a342 0s. 0d.\par \par 4. By Presents in clothes, provisions, &c., which were worth to us at least . \'a312 0s. 0d.\par \par Altogether \'a3313 2s. 5d.\par \par \par \par January 1, 1840. Our usual meeting last night was most precious! We continued together from seven till half-past twelve. Of all the similar meetings which we have had, it was, according to my judgment, by far the best. Not more than five prayed; but there was much more real prayer than at former meetings.\emdash This morning, about one hour after midnight, when our prayer meeting was over, I received a paper with some money sealed up in it for the Orphans. A few minutes afterwards I remembered that the individual who gave it was in debt, and I was aware she had been repeatedly asked by her creditors for payment; I resolved therefore, with out opening the paper, to return it, as no one has a right to give whilst in debt. This was done when I knew that there was not enough in hand to meet the expences of the day. About eight this morning a brother brought 5l., which he had received just then from his mother, for the Orphans. Observe, the brother is led to bring it at once! The Lord knew our need, and therefore this brother could not delay bringing the money. A few hours after I received 5l. more, and 8s. 5d., also 2s. 6d., so that we are now again supplied for three or four days.\par \par Jan. 5. Besides the 10l. 10s. 11d, which came in on New-year\rquote s day, there came in on the 2nd and 4th 3l. 0s. 7d. But when now we were again without a penny, there came in 5s., and 6d., and 1s. Also 2l. with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, and 1l. 10s. for rent.\par \par Jan. 7. Today, when there were again only a few shillings in hand, as since the 5th had come in only 3s., I gave myself to prayer, when, just after I had risen from my knees, a sister came and brought 1l., as a thank-offering to the Lord for the many mercies of the past year. There came in still further today, by ten different donations and the sale of two Reports, 2l. 17s.\par \par Jan. 8. There were only a few shillings more in hand than was needed for housekeeping today. Nevertheless our kind Father remembered us before the day was over. A sister, a servant, gave me 15s.; also with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, came in 5l. 5s., from two sisters 6s, ld., and by sale of Reports 3s.\par \par Jan. 22. I have repeatedly asked the Lord for means to be able to order more Bibles, as two sorts were again exhausted. There is moreover scarcely enough money in hand to pay the teachers next Saturday. This afternoon I received from a sister 14l. 2s. 7d., which she had had in the Savings\rquote Bank. She considered that this money would be better used in the Lord\rquote s work, than left in the Savings\rquote Bank. Thus I was enabled to order some Bibles.\par \par From Jan. 8th to 22nd came in 34l. 9s. 5d. for the Orphans, and the donations were so seasonable, that always either something was given, or articles which had been given for sale could be disposed of, before the last money had been expended. But as there was today again only very little in hand, I was led to open the orphan-box in my house, in which I found two papers, the one containing 10s., the other a 5l. note. In both papers was written Eccles. ix. 10. There came in today still further above 5l. Thus our Lord has sent us what we are likely to need for three or four days to come.\par \par Jan. 25. I have been much in prayer this week about going to Germany: 1, To see certain brethren who purpose to go as Missionaries to the East Indies; and 2, To see my father once more. I am led to go just now, instead of delaying it, because my health is again so failing, that it seems desirable I should leave Bristol at all events, and thus I could continue to serve in the work of the Lord, and yet attend to the benefit of my health at the same time. Lord, keep me from making a mistake in this matter!\par \par Jan, 31, Since Jan. 22 several small donations came in for the Orphans, and several pounds by the sale of silver articles, trinkets, &c. But as I have had to pay out today 11l. 13s., we are now again very poor. For many days past we have been so helped, that money has always come in, before all was spent. Now there is only 1s. 5d. in hand. The Lord will provide! I feel quite comfortable, though in three days I shall have to leave the work for several week.\emdash About three hours after I had written the above, came in 1l. 14s. l 1/2d. In the afternoon I received still further from Tottenham for the Orphans 10l., and in the evening from Hereford 30l., of which latter sum there was 6l. for the Orphans, and 24l. for the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. Thus the Lord will kindly allow me to leave a little money behind on my departure, and I have also a still further answer to my prayer for means to purchase Bibles, for which I have asked the Lord repeatedly, and which he began to answer by the donation which I received on the 22nd. I have received 5l. besides for the other objects.\par \par Feb. 1. I have now felt quite sure for several days past, that I should leave Bristol for a season, and go to Germany. If the Lord permit, I shall leave the day after tomorrow.\par \par Feb. 2. Today and yesterday has come in still further, before my departure, nearly 9l. for the Orphans. How kind of the Lord to send this money just now, on the eve of my leaving home!\par \par Feb. 3. Today I left Bristol for Berlin.\par \par On Feb. 5th I left London in the steamer for Hamburg. Though it had been so very stormy for several weeks past, the Lord gate us a very favourable passage; the first, as the captain said, which they had had for several weeks. We landed at Hamburg on the 7th at five in the afternoon. The porter who carried my things led me, as I afterwards found out, some by-way, either to save a long distance, or to get me into the city with my luggage, though it was after the custom-house hours. I did not understand this at first; but, when we were about to enter the city, he told me that that was not the proper way, but that if I would give to the custom-house officer, whom I should presently see at the entrance into the city, a small fee, he would let me pass. My reply was that I did not wish to do what was unlawful, nor should I give a fee to encourage what was unlawful, and that I would rather go a long way round, than get by such means into the city. Presently we arrived at the place at which the custom-house officer stood, who, on my telling him plainly that I had not the least wish to pass that way, if it were unlawful, saw that I was only a passenger, and that I had no wish to get into the city with goods which are not duty free, and therefore let me pass. This little circumstance proves afresh in how many little things the children of God may act differently from the world, to the glory of their Father, and how in going the Lord\rquote s way, we find it to be, even as far as this life is concerned, the easiest path.\emdash About half an hour after, when I arrived at the hotel, a little circumstance served afresh to remind me, that the Christian, like the bee, might suck honey out of every flower. I saw upon a snuffer-stand in bas-relief, "A heart, a cross under it, and roses under both." The meaning was obviously this, that the heart which bears the cross for a time meets with roses afterwards. I applied it to myself, and this little event greatly cheered my heart in this place, where I was without the fellowship of a single believer.\par \par I left Hamburg in the evening of Feb. 8th, travelled all night, all day, and the whole of the second night, and reached Berlin on the morning of the 10th. I confessed not the Lord Jesus on this long journey, which I record here to my shame; nor did I give any other testimony for Jesus in the steamer, than merely refraining from the light and trifling conversation of the party, and all this after I had had on my way from Bristol to London a fresh encouragement in conversing with a gay traveller addicted to drinking, who evidently listened with a measure of attention, and with a desire of having his chains broken.\par \par From Feb. 10th to 20th I was in Berlin. I think it is likely that eight or nine brethren and sisters will go from hence to the East Indies.\emdash After having been greatly helped by the Lord in my work, the first and special object of my journey to the Continent; mercifully kept by Him in the narrow path and in great peace, whilst surrounded with temptations on every side; and after having also seen afresh abundant reason to praise the Lord for all the way in which He had led me since I lived here in 1828 and 1829; I left Berlin on the evening of Feb. 20th for Magdeburg, which I reached on the morning of the 21st, and on the same evening I arrived at my father\rquote s house.\emdash In all human probability I now see my dear father the last time. He is evidently much weaker than he was two years ago, and coughs much more. What has the Lord done for me since I lived in the house where I am now! The two rooms where I am now most in prayer, reading the Word, and confessing His name, were those very rooms in which I sinned most, whilst living here many years ago. I have had again opportunity, most fully to bring out the truth about the work of the Lord Jesus before my father, whilst conversing a long time with a woman in his hearing, to whom I showed from the Scriptures, that we are to be saved, not by our own works, but simply by faith in the Lord Jesus, who bore the punishment instead of us, and who fulfilled the law in our room.\par \par Feb. 24 and 25. I am still at Heimersleben. My dear father is very weak.\par \par Feb. 26. This morning I left Heimersleben. I took leave of my father most probably for the last time. It has been a great pleasure to me, and I consider it a great privilege, to have been permitted by the Lord once more to see my father, once more personally to show him filial love and regard, and once more to set the truth before him. He has been again during the whole of this my stay most affectionate to me, as he was during my two former visits to him since I left the Continent to reside in England. How cheerfully should I have left him this morning, did I know him to be safe in Jesus! But, alas! he as yet is not resting upon Christ, though he is so far religious as to read prayers and the Bible.\emdash After I had left him I went to my faithful and beloved friend, brother Stahlschmidt, at Sandersleben, but found him absent from home.\par \par Brother Kroll, the servant of brother Stahlschmidt, [whom I have mentioned in the first part of my Narrative,] received me with much affection. When this brother first came to Sandersleben in 1829, there was scarcely a single true Christian besides his master in the little town. Soon afterwards he began to hold meetings, which were attended by the two or three who loved the Lord Jesus. These meetings were for a long time suffered to go on quietly; but when the Lord blessed them, and others were stirred up to care about their souls, brother Kroll had to appear before the magistrates, and was forbidden to hold them. When this was of no effect, (as he considered that he ought only to obey earthly rulers in things in which he could do so with a good conscience,) and they continued still to meet together, the police came into one of their meetings, and forced them to discontinue it. When even this availed nothing, the brethren were finally threatened that every one who attended these meetings should pay three thalers, and every one who read or spoke at them should pay five, which is a large sum in Germany for poor people. But notwithstanding all these obstacles, the few poor saints continue their meetings, but in secret, to be unmolested by the police. They have now neither a stated place nor a fixed time for their meetings. On the second and third evenings, whilst I was at Sandersleben, I met with them. On the second evening we were in the room of a poor weaver. The dear brethren would have me sit on the only chair which was in the room. It was a very small room, perhaps twice as large as the loom, which was in it. There were about twenty-five or thirty persons present, many of whom had seated themselves in and under the loom, and the rest sat on two or three little forms. These meetings were very precious. The very fact of going to them with the feeling of having to pay the fine, or to suffer an adequate imprisonment, should one be found there, makes them to be doubly valued; and I believe that the Lord\rquote s double blessing rests upon them. I spoke long both times; indeed, as long as I had strength, and the dear people seemed to eat the Word.\emdash I have so circumstantially related these facts, that thereby the children of God in Great Britain may be led more highly to value their religious privileges, and to make good use of them whilst they are continued.\par \par It is worthy of remark, that while the meeting at Sandersleben were permitted to continue, there was no believing clergyman in the little town; but about the time that they were forbidden, the Lord sent a brother who truly preaches the gospel. I had for some hours refeshing and most affectionate brotherly intercourse with Him. May the Lord let His blessing rest upon him, and help him to be a faithful witness for God in that dark neighbourhood!\par \par I had travelled so fast, and stayed so short a time in the places where I had been, that I was obliged to leave Heimersleben without having received the letter which I had expected from my wife there, a matter of no small trial (as those who have been for some time at a great distance from home, know it to be); especially in my case, as, on account of the Orphans and the other work, besides my family, it was of so much importance for me to hear from time to time. I had arranged with my father to have the letter sent to me to Sandersleben, by an express messenger, who could be obtained for a small remuneration. However, hour after hour passed away, on the 27th, and the messenger did not arrive. At last the time was gone by, as it was getting dark, and the person ought to have come at noon. I now lifted up my heart to the Lord, beseeching Him to give me grace to give up my own will in this thing. No sooner had I been brought into such a state, as to be TRULY content and satisfied with the will of the Lord in this matter, than the expected letter was handed over to me. The woman who brought it had lost her way in the morning, on account of a dense fog, which made her so late. I have frequently found, under similar circumstances, that after I had been brought into such a state as to be willing to give up my own will, whereby I was fitted to bear the blessing, the Lord gave me the desire of my heart, according to the truth of that word: "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm xxxvii. 4.\par \par Feb. 29. This morning I left Sandersleben. Towards the evening I reached Halberstadt, the town where I was from Easter 1816 to June 1821, at the Cathedral Classical School. I went to a certain small inn, known to me from the time that I lived at Halberstadt, both for the sake of quietness and to save expense, as I knew it to be more like a private boarding-house than an inn. After having had my supper, the innkeeper, who seemed to me a quiet and unassuming person, came into the room where I was, and began conversation with me. After a few moments I recognised in him a former schoolfellow of mine. The Lord now enabled me to tell him of my gay life, my conversion, my subsequent going to England, and of some of the Lord\rquote s dealings with me there. He listened with great attention, and was evidently affected by what I said. May the Lord bless to him my testimony for Jesus! I was thus afresh reminded of what grace has done for me. How kind of the Lord to direct me to that place!\par \par March 1. This morning I saw an old friend of mine, a missionary to the Jews at Halberstadt. When first he went there he held meetings, which the few Christians of the town attended; but of late he has been obliged by the police to give them up. In that town of about 15,000 inhabitants, with, I think, seven large Protestant churches, there is not one converted clergyman, as this brother told me; and the few Christians that are there are not permitted to assemble themselves together. Brethren, you who live in Great Britain, be thankful for your religious liberty, and make use of it while the days of outward peace last!\emdash About twelve this morning I left by the mail for Brunswick. The Lord enabled me to preach Christ to a young man, a painter, who, for the sake of improvement in his art, had travelled far and wide, and was now returning home from Vienna to his parents. He listened very attentively, in which I had a fresh proof that one never ought to look at natural appearances in proclaiming the truth; for I judged, before I began to speak to him, from his gay appearance, that he would quite laugh at what I might tell him about Jesus.\emdash I saw again this afternoon, at Wolfenbuttel the inn from whence I ran away, when in debt, in the year 1821, and praised the Lord for His goodness to me since that time. Now, this evening, I am at Brunswick, and shall have again, through the Lord\rquote s kindness, rest during the night, as the mail does not leave for Hamburg until nine tomorrow morning.\par \par March 8. London. I left Brunswick on the 2nd, and arrived at Hamburg in 24 hours. As there was ice in the Elbe, the London steamer could not get up to Hamburg, and I had therefore to go alone, in a hired carriage to Cuxhaven, about eighty miles, the most expensive journey that ever I made in my life, for it cost above 3l. 10s. Thus I had to travel three days and two nights, with the interruption of only five hours at Hamburg. I reached Cuxhaven at half-past eight in the evening on March 4th.\emdash The fact of having thus to travel from Hamburg to Cuxhaven, that being the only way in which I could have got there in my circumstances, without losing the steamer, showed me afresh how one is step by step cast upon the Lord. A month since the Elbe was cleared of ice, and now, contrary to the expectation of all, the cold had returned to such a degree, that it was a second time innavigable.\par \par March 3. I embarked this morning for London. I had conversation with two Russian Jews, who listened with great interest to all I said to them; but I did not tell them plainly that I believed Jesus of Nazareth to be the Messiah, as I fully purposed to do at the next conversation. After I had left them, they conversed with each other, and I could see from their countenances, that they either took me for a baptized Jew, or for a missionary to the Jews, on account of the peculiar way in which I had conversed with them. Presently one of them came and asked me what I thought of that Jesus. No sooner had I owned Him as the true Messiah and as my Lord and my God, than he began to blaspheme; and from that time, as long as we were on board, they shunned me; and I also felt that all I had to do was to show kindness to them by actions, but no more to converse with them about the Messiah, in order to keep them from blaspheming that holy name which is dear to my heart. My conversation with them had, however, an unexpected effect in another way. At the dinner table I was asked by one of the passengers about those Jews, who they were, etc., as my long conversation with them on the deck had been noticed. This led me, (in order that the conversation might be turned to profitable subjects, and that I might discover whether there was a Christian at the table), to throw out the remark, "how remarkable it is that the Jews, in all parts of the world, can be recognised as such; and are not mixed with other nations," etc. Immediately the captain replied, "this can only be explained by the Scriptures, and shows the Bible to be true," or something to that effect. I now, in agreeing with the captain, followed up the subject, and both after dinner and repeatedly during the passage had long and most interesting conversations with the captain, whom I found to be a true brother in the Lord, and from whom I separated most affectionately on our arrival in London.\par \par On March 7th I landed in London, where I found two letters from my dear wife, from which I saw that up to the last the Lord had been dealing with her, as well as with me, in the greatest kindness, and had given also an abundance for the Orphans during the whole time of my absence.\par \par March 9. I left London this morning, arrived this evening in peace in Bristol, and found my dearest Mary and all in peace. Truly, the Lord has abundantly blessed me and them while I have been from home!\par \par During the whole time of my absence the Lord not only supplied all the need of the Orphans, but on my return I found more in hand than there was when I left. The donations, which came in during my absence, amount to between 80l. and 90l.\par \par March 11. Today I received 19l. 19s., being a legacy left to me by a brother who fell asleep the beginning of last December. How richly does the Lord supply all my own temporal necessities!\par \par March 22. Today, when there was not a penny in hand for the Orphans, I received the following donations: 3l. as the produce of the sale of ladies\rquote baskets, an old crown piece, an old half-crown piece, and a Spanish dollar. Also\par \par 1s. With Eccles. ix. 10, was given 2l. 10s.\par \par March 23. Today came in still further 1l. 2s. 6d.\par \par March 25. All money was now again given out, when today came in by the sale of Reports 8s. 9d., and in small donations 1l. 5s. 11d.\par \par March 26. On the 17th of this month 1 received the following letter, from a brother who several times had been used by the Lord as an instrument in supplying our need, and who also two months since sent 30l.\par \par "I have received a little money from \emdash\emdash . Have you any present need for the Institution under your care ? I know you do not ask, except indeed of Him whose work you are doing; but to answer when asked seems another thing, and a right thing. I have a reason for desiring to know the present state of your means towards the objects you are labouring to serve: viz, should you not have need, other departments of the Lord\rquote s work or other people of the Lord may have need. Kindly then inform me, and to what amount, i. e. what amount you at this present time need, or can profitably lay out."\par \par At the time when this letter came, we were indeed in need, or at least it was desirable, as far as I had light, to have means, as I was just on the point of establishing an Infant-School, and as again some sorts of Bibles were needed in order to go on with the circulation of the Scriptures. Also in the Orphan-Fund there was only 2s. 3 1/2d. Nevertheless I considered that, as I have hitherto acted, (i. e. telling the Lord alone about our need), I ought to continue to do, as otherwise the principal object of the work, to be a help to the saints generally, by seeking to lead them to increased dependence upon God alone, through this Institution, would be frustrated. I answered therefore the letter, in substance, as follows:\par \par "Whilst I thank you for your love, and whilst I agree with you, that, in general, there is a difference between asking for money, and answering when asked, nevertheless in our case I feel not at liberty to speak about the state of our funds, as the primary object of the work in my hands is, to lead those who are weak in faith to see that there is reality in dealing with God alone."\par \par After having sent off the answer, I was again and again led to pray to the Lord in this way: "Lord, thou knowest that for Thy sake I did not tell this brother about our need. Now, Lord, show afresh that there is reality in speaking to Thee only about our need, and speak therefore to this brother, so that he may help us."\par \par Today, in answer to this my request, this brother sent 100l., of which sum I shall take 20l. for the Orphans, and 20l.. for each of the other objects. Thus I have means for establishing the Infant-School, and for ordering more Bibles. Also the Orphans are again supplied for a week; for when the money came in there was not one penny in hand for them.\par \par April 7. This evening I received information from my little half brother that my dear father died on March 30th. He was taken worse a few days after I left him. How kind of the Lord to have allowed me once more to see him ! Had I gone to Germany at the time I first intended, he would most likely not have been alive to see me.\emdash As I know not of one believer in the whole town where he lived, I cannot for a certainty ascertain any thing about his state before his death; but that which I do know gives me no proof of his having died in the faith of Christ. As to myself, I am sure of this, that it becomes me to adore that wonderful grace which plucked me as a brand out of the burning, and to say in reference to my dear departed father: "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right ?" and in submission to the will of God to be satisfied with His dealings. This, through grace, I am able to do. Every true believer who has unconverted parents, for whose spiritual welfare he is concerned, can understand what joy it would have been to me to have heard a satisfactory account of a true change of heart in my dear father before his end; but as it has been otherwise, I know nevertheless that God will be eternally glorified even in this dispensation. During no period did I pray more frequently or more earnestly for the conversion of my dear aged parent, than during the last year of his life; but, at all events, it did not please the Lord to let me see the answer to my prayers.\par \par April 9. Through the 20l. which came in on March 26, and a number of smaller and larger donations since then, we have had for the last twelve days more than usual. But now today our means were again reduced to 7s. 10d., when the Lord sent in 5l. through a brother in Bristol, who during this year also, as at former times, has been the instrument in the hands of God of repeatedly supplying our need when we were very poor.\par \par We are on the point of sending some money to the East Indies for Missionary objects. Whilst I was on my knees respecting this object, 5l. was brought for it.\par \par April 10. Today came in still further for the Orphans, with Eccles. ix. 10, 5l.; also 2l.\par \par April 19. For several months past it had appeared to brother Craik and me, and to several other brethren who help us in the work of caring for the saints, that a part of the church meeting together at Gideon Chapel was a hinderance to our giving that clear and distinct testimony respecting the principles on which we meet, which we desire to give to the world and to the church at large in this city. As the Lord, however, had so abundantly blessed our labours in that place, in the conversion of sinners, and also in the building up of many saints, we felt that we ought to act in this matter with the greatest prayerfulness and consideration; and we had therefore many meetings for prayer and deliberation with several brethren. On this account it was likewise, that though we came as early as the 17th of January to the conclusion that it would be better to relinquish Gideon as a meeting place, we still deferred the matter for two months and a half longer, before we even mentioned our difficulties publicly. At last, on March 30th, we assembled with all the saints, and brother Craik and I stated to them our difficulties. The following is the substance of what was stated at the meeting.\par \par \par \par Brief statement of certain difficulties connected with our continuing to retain the occupancy of Gideon Chapel, Newfoundland Street, Bristol.\par \par \par \par In order to enter into the force of the following particulars, it is necessary to keep in mind the position which, as a body of saints, we seem called upon to maintain, in this city, before the church and the world. We meet simply as believers in Christ, without reference to any sectarian distinction, maintaining the Scriptures as our only rule of doctrine and discipline, and affording freedom for the exercise of any spiritual gift which the Lord may be pleased to bestow. We thus hold out a gathering place for all who believe in the Lord Jesus, and desire to confess His name, by obedience to His authority. Whatever impedes us, in this our great work, can only be suffered to continue, if the Lord Himself lays it upon us as a burden or chastisement. Nothing but necessity can justify our putting any obstacles in the way of the saints in this city, who, feeling the obligation of separating from every sectarian bond of union, would desire to meet with us.\par \par \par \par I.\par \par \par \par 1. There seems no sufficient reason for holding our Lord\rquote s day morning meetings, for the breaking of bread, in two different places. See 1 Cor. xi. 20. The number is not too large to assemble in one place, and the extent of locality is not so great as to prevent it, except in the ease of invalids or of very aged persons: and the disadvantages of two meeting places are very serious. In this way of meeting the gifts are needlessly divided, as the gifted brethren are in two places instead of one; discipline is rendered very difficult to be executed, as it can scarcely be ascertained who absent themselves, etc.; and impediments are thrown in the way of mutual intercourse and acquaintance, as the saints sometimes go to the one place, and sometimes to the other.\par \par 2. There are only four ways in which we can so arrange as to assemble every Lord\rquote s day morning, as a church, together. a, Bethesda may be given up, and the meeting of the saints maybe at Gideon. b, The meetings maybe alternately at each place. c, The meetings may be held at a third place intermediate, in respect of locality, between the two. d, Gideon may be given up, and Bethesda alone become the place of meeting for breaking of bread.\par \par \emdash In regard to the first two of these four arrangements, the size of Gideon puts a complete obstacle in the way, as there would not be sufficient room, were the saints and others, who would still attend, to meet together in that place. The third plan appears to be freest from all objections, could it be accomplished; but there is no one other place to be obtained sufficiently large for our purpose, and therefore, if it be granted that the profit of the saints and the glory of Christ seem to require our having one gathering place, till the number of the saints and the extent of locality on which they reside shall force us to have more than one: the only way in which, for the present, this can be accomplished is by our relinquishing Gideon, and having Bethesda as our only place of meeting.6\par \par \par \par II.\par \par \par \par But the above are not the only reasons why we should no longer continue to retain Gideon as a meeting place for the church.\emdash We have reason to believe that several of our dear brethren, who have been in the habit of assembling there for worship, do not see with us in reference to the great leading principles on which we professedly meet. Ever since the removal of any restraint upon the exercise of whatever gift the Spirit may bestow, in connexion with the practice of weekly communion at Gideon, there has been dissatisfaction on the part of some. A few have left and gone to other places, some have been in the habit of remaining only as long as there is teaching or exhortation, and then leaving without breaking bread. We have reason to believe that several do not, in heart, acknowledge us as taught of God in regard to the changes, which we have introduced; or, if they feel unwilling to say so, yet they are inclined to retain their old way. Now, spiritual rule can only be continued over those who yield willing subjection: an unwilling submission on the part of those who are in the place "of the ruled," we deem no true subjection at all. Therefore, those who do not believe that matters are conducted amongst us in a Scriptural way, cannot comfortably continue in fellowship with us: and by yielding up to them the use of the Chapel, we take away all just cause of complaint. \emdash On account of these reasons there would be no need of leaving a meeting place under other circumstances; but as, when brother Craik and I came to Gideon Chapel, we found saints there assembled together in fellowship who had contributed towards the purchasing and fitting up of the Chapel, and who had been in the habit of meeting together on different principles, it seems not Christlike either to force our light upon them, or to constrain them to leave us; but to give up the Chapel to them, as they do not, in heart, go along with us. It cannot be expected that, for the sake of pleasing even those whom we love in Christ, we should shrink back from carrying out any truth which the Lord may lead us into; and, therefore, if our brethren cannot heartily go along with us, it is better that nothing should be imposed upon them contrary to their convictions. If it should be said that for the sake of a few we thus separate from many: our reply is, that we separate from none of the saints; we only withdraw from a building, because it appears to us a hinderance to the manifesting of the truth, and, at the same time hold out a gathering place for all who feel that it would be for the edification of their souls, and the glory of God, that they should continue to meet with us. We invite all those who conscientiously can submit to the order which obtains amongst us, to continue in fellowship with us; and we purpose to provide a place of meeting to suit the convenience of the feeble and aged who would feel the distance of Bethesda to be an obstacle to their meeting habitually with the saints there.\par \par \par \par III.\par \par \par \par But in addition to those already mentioned, there is a third class of difficulties connected with retaining Gideon. The present character of the meeting for the breaking of bread there, is very far from fully exhibiting the principles on which we meet together. Unbelievers sitting among the saints, hinders our appearing to meet for the breaking of bread, and renders it necessary that a disturbing pause should intervene between the act of breaking bread and the other part of the meeting. We cannot have the breaking of bread at the commencement of the meeting, because of the confusion occasioned by the intermixture of those who are not in fellowship with us. To alter this, and to request all who are not in fellowship with us (except those belonging to the families of the saints) to sit by themselves, as is the case at Bethesda, would, we fear, produce increased dissatisfaction. Such a request moreover would not be Christlike, as long as from the construction of the building no comfortable sittings were reserved for any besides the saints themselves. Thus, by retaining Gideon, we are under the necessity of either marring our testimony to the church at large, or of deepening the dissatisfaction prevalent among several who are already in fellowship with us.\emdash Again, the very construction of the place renders it unsuitable for a meeting of saints. Part of the sittings being pews, necessarily tends to give the appearance of a distinction between the very poor and the more respectable class. This distinction would need to be done away, and we have every reason to fear that some might feel personally aggrieved by the pews being taken away and replaced with benches. We have only of late understood that some of the pews are looked upon as private property. This is such a violation of the statement that the sittings are all free, that it could no longer be permitted. To require these unscriptural practices to be renounced, we have reason to apprehend, would be considered as an arbitrary act of rule, and might alienate the minds of those of our dear brethren who are still, in heart, attached to that to which they hare been accustomed in former years.\par \par If it can be shown that the above difficulties are capable of being removed, or that any greater evil would attend the yielding up of Gideon than the evils which necessarily accompany our retaining it, then we are bound not to give it up. But, according to our present light, we see no way of reconciling the two objects, viz. : the retaining of Gideon, and the exhibiting a full, unhindered testimony to the truth of God. We repeat it, that we do not separate from any single individual in fellowship with us, we only leave the walls of a building, and invite those who feel called upon to separate from every sectarian system, and to meet where free exercise is afforded for every spiritual gift, to assemble with us at Bethesda.\par \par In the case of those who are in ordinary health, the inconvenience attending the locality of Bethesda is a matter of very little consequence. Half an hour\rquote s earlier rising on the morning of the Lord\rquote s day, would be sufficient, in most cases, fully to meet the difficulty; and the consciousness, that the glory of Jesus and the true welfare of His church were thereby promoted, would far more than compensate for the amount of self-denial which the inconvenience arising from the distance would impose.\emdash In reference to the weak, the sickly, and the very aged, who reside in the neigbourhood of Gideon, we trust, in the strength of the Lord, to make such ample provision for their comfort on the Lord\rquote s day, that they may have no reason to regret that Gideon has been relinquished. Lastly, as it regards the opportunities which will be lost, by giving up Gideon, of proclaiming the truth among believers, as well as preaching the gospel to the world, we intend, according to our ability and the measure of gift amongst us, to open places for those purposes in different parts of the city.\par \par \par \par After we had fully stated our minds respecting our difficulties in continuing to meet, as a church, at Gideon Chapel, we were still quite willing to continue to occupy it as a preaching place, provided the brethren whose property the Chapel was (because of their having contributed towards the purchase and fitting up of the building,) were perfectly satisfied with our doing so. If this had been the case, all the difference would have been, that on Lord\rquote s day mornings Gideon Chapel would have been shut, and all the church would have met at Bethesda; but we should have been willing not only to preach in Gideon on the Lord\rquote s day evenings, and once or twice in the week, but also on the Lord\rquote s day afternoons instead of the morning meeting: so that even the unconverted, or the believers of that neighbourhood, who are not in communion with us, should have been no losers.\emdash Whilst nothing was stated by any one, that showed us we had been mistaken in the conclusion to which we had come, a point was mentioned which soon brought the matter to a final decision. It was said that the giving up of one of the principal meetings on the Lord\rquote s day would be against the spirit of the trust deeds, as the Chapel was particularly intended to be a preaching place. Now, though we did not see it to be thus, as we meant to preach .the Word, as before, at Gideon, if it could be done in perfect harmony with the owners of it; yet it seemed beyond a question that we could not retain the Chapel, whilst we appeared, even in the least to alienate the property from the use for which it was said to have been intended. We, therefore, were confirmed by this in our conclusion to give up the Chapel at once, and that entirely. [In order that the aged and infirm, and invalids who live in the neighbourhood of Gideon, might not be losers by the change, cars were provided, at the expense of the church, to convey them to the meeting for the breaking of bread at Bethesda; and a Chapel was rented in Callow-hill Street, near Gideon, in which, on the Lord\rquote s day and Thursday evenings the Word was ministered, It was very kind of the Lord to order it so that this chapel was at once to be had ! Two years and a half afterwards, in October, 1842, we rented a still more suitable Chapel, in the heart of the City. On April 19th, 1840, we preached for the last time at Gideon, after having laboured there, with abundant blessing, for about eight years. Only three saints, as far as I know, out of about 250, who used to meet with us at Gideon, remained there. Nor has the Lord ceased to bless our labours since we left.]\par \par April 27. Monday. The Lord knew that we were penniless, and should be in need of fresh supplies today for the Orphans, therefore He moved the hearts of some of His children to remember us, in answer to our prayer. Yesterday I received with Eccles. ix. 10, 5l., and 10s. from a sister who had lent this sum to some one, but never expected it again; and now, having unexpectedly received it, gave it to the Lord for the Orphans. 1l. 10s. was given for the rent of the Orphan-Houses. There was 2s. 6d. put anonymously into the box at Bethesda, and also 1l. This morning I was informed that 5l. had been sent to the Infant-Orphan-House. Thus the Lord has given for our need 13l. 2s. 6d.\par \par Let us pause here a few moments, beloved reader! Let us adore the Lord\rquote s kindness! See how seasonably the Lord sends the help. As our need is, so He remembers us. It is not now and then that He is mindful of us, but continually. As surely as we stand in need of any thing, He sends it; be it money, provisions, clothes, or any thing else. We may be allowed to be poor, yea, very poor; we may have to pray again and again to our Father before the answer comes; we may be reduced so as to have from mal to meal to wait upon Him; yea, according to all outward appearance, the Lord may seem to have forgotten us :\emdash but, amidst it all, as surely as we really need any thing, in His own time and way does He send help. Perhaps you may say; "But how would you do, in case there were a mealtime to come and you had no provisions for the children, or they really wanted clothes, and you had no money to procure them?" Our answer is, such a thing is impossible as long as the Lord shall give us grace to trust in Him, (for "whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed,") and as long as He shall enable us to carry on the work in uprightness of heart. But should we be ever so left to ourselves as to forsake the Lord and trust in an arm of flesh, or should we regard iniquity in our heart i. e. wilfully and habitually do any thing, either in connexion with the work or otherwise, which is against the will of God, then we may pray and utter many words before Him, but He will not hear us, as it is written: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Psalm lxvi. 18. I, therefore, beseech all who love our Lord Jesus and who may read this, to entreat Him on behalf of all of us who are engaged in this work, that He would be pleased to continue to give us faith, and that He would keep us from living in sin.\par \par May 2. Nothing having come in for five days, we were today again penniless. In answer to prayer 5s. 6d. came in, and some trinkets were sent, the names of which the donor does not wish to be known. Thus we were helped through this day.\emdash Observe here, how the Lord allowed five days to pass away without influencing the hearts of any to send us supplies; but the moment there is real need, the stream runs again.\par \par May 3. Today the Lord sent in again some money for the Orphans. He knew we were penniless, and therefore answered our requests. Besides 1l. 10s. for rent, there came in 1l. 1s. from London, and 2l. from the Isle of Wight.\par \par May 4. By what came in yesterday, we were supplied for today; but the Lord sent today still more, as that which came in yesterday was only enough for today. There was given in money 7l., of which 3l. was the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote baskets, which are made by some sisters in the Lord for the benefit of the Orphans.\par \par Last evening a brother was baptized, who on the first Lord\rquote s day of this year came with his intended wife to Bethesda Chapel. Both were in an unconverted state. They both were at the same meeting, through what brother Craik said, made to feel the power of the truth, and, in consequence, were led to Jesus and found peace in Him, and are now both in communion with us.\emdash The Lord still condescends to use us as instruments. Today we conversed with seven persons about fellowship, and had to send away five, being worn out after we had seen the seven, one after the other. Only since April 1st, forty-one persons have come to us to speak about their souls. May the Lord in mercy give us helpers in the work, for truly the harvest is great; and may not our ingratitude for His abundant blessing upon our labours oblige Him to shut up His hands from continuing to use us!\par \par May 6th. This evening I received 10l. for the Orphans, and 10l. for the Infant-School, which we are on the point of opening. Before our little stock is quite exhausted, (for there is yet 2l. left for the Orphans) the Lord has thus kindly sent a fresh supply. Thus also my prayer is answered in being able to give to two of the sisters in the Orphan-Houses some money for their personal expenses.\par \par May 8. There are four believers staying at my house, and today we had only a few shillings of our own money left. I gave myself, therefore, to prayer for means for our own personal expenses. In answer to my request, I received this morning 5l.\par \par May 10. Today five of the Orphans were received into fellowship and baptized. There are now fourteen of them in fellowship.\par \par May 16. The need of today, as we were again penniless, led us to open the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, in which 2l. 0s. 2d. was found. There was given 5s. besides. In the evening came in still further a sovereign from a sister, a servant, with the following lines: The Lord has put it into my heart to send a sovereign to the Orphans. He indeed put it into my heart, which was once at enmity with God and would have said, lay it by, you may want it when you are old; but then I could not look towards heaven and say, I know my Heavenly Father will supply all my need; neither could I say, \lquote Abba, Father,\rquote for I knew Him not."\par \par May 17. Today the Lord has sent a little more, so that we have enough to meet the demands of tomorrow. There came in altogether 3l. 9s. 6d.\par \par May 22. Several small donations enabled us to supply the necessities of the last four days. When this day commenced, however, there was again not a penny in hand. But my eyes were directed to the Lord, and therefore my heart was at peace; I was fully assured that He would help this day also. About eleven I was informed that there was 19s. 3d. in hand, being the produce of the boys\rquote knitting, and that also some old clothes, given for sale, had been sold for 3s. 6d., and one Report besides for 3d. To this one of the labourers added 4s. of his own, and gave a book besides for sale. Thus we had 1l. 7s., which was enough to meet the demands of this day.\par \par May 26. By the sale of 166 little books which had been given to be disposed of, by a few shillings which came in for the children\rquote s needlework, by 4s. which had been taken out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, by a little money given by one of the labourers, by 10s. which came anonymously in a letter, and by the sale of some Reports\emdash we were able to meet the demands since the 22nd. Today there was 1l. 2s. 8d. left in hand, but this was not quite enough for the need of the day. In the afternoon came in for needlework 11s. 6d., and there was 5s. left at the Infant-Orphan House. Thus we had enough, and a few shillings left for tomorrow.\par \par May 26. Nothing had come in. My engagements kept me from going to the Orphan-Houses till seven in the evening, when the labourers met together for prayer. When we met I found that one of them had given l7s., which had been divided between the three houses. This, with the little which had been left yesterday, had procured all necessary articles. We are now very poor.\par \par May 27. We met for prayer, at eleven this morning. No money had come in, but there was enough for dinner in all the houses. This morning the LAST COALS were used in the Infant-Orphan-House, and in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House there were ONLY ENOUGH FOR TODAY, and there was no money in hand to buy more. In this our need T.P.C. sent a load of coals. How kind of the Lord! A plain proof that not in displeasure, but only for the trial of our faith we are allowed to be so poor. We purpose to meet again at four this afternoon. May the Lord graciously be pleased to send help in the mean time!\par \par Evening. The Lord has had mercy! A person bought some days since several articles, which had been given to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans, and owed 6l. 15s. This morning I asked the Lord to incline his heart to bring the money, or a part of it, as we were in such need. Just as I was going to meet for prayer with my fellow-labourers this afternoon, he came and brought 4l. But our kind Father showed us still further today, that only for the trial of our faith He had for a season withheld supplies; for there was given this evening with Eccles. ix. 10, 5l. There came in also 9s. for articles which had been put into the hand of a sister, who has taken on her the service of disposing of articles which are given for sale. Besides this, there were sent two boxes of new clothes, and some materials for clothes, from sisters in the Lord, residing in Dublin, which articles are worth several pounds. Thus the day, which had begun with prayer, ended in praise. But there is one thing more to be recorded respecting this day, as precious or more so than what has been said: I was today informed that the Lord has begun to stir up several of the boys to care about their souls.\par \par May 28. The Lord has kindly sent in further supplies. A clergyman gave 2l.; and 5s. came in for Reports.\par \par May 29. Today has come in still further 1l. 3s. 2d., and several trinkets which were sent from Barnstaple.\par \par May 30. I took 1l. out of the box in my house.\par \par May 31. When there was again not a penny in hand, the Lord sent in 2l. 2s.\par \par June 6. This is Saturday. Several pounds were needed, as usual, for the Orphans; but there was not a penny in hand. In this our great need F. W., who often has been instrumental in supplying our need, and who lives many miles from Bristol, sent 5l. There came in 5s. besides. Thus we are helped to the close of one more week, in which our faith has been repeatedly tried. In the evening came in further, by sale of articles, 2l., and a donation of 10s.\par \par June 7. Lord\rquote s day. Today came in 7l. 1s. 3d., to enable us to meet the necessities of tomorrow.\par \par June 8. This evening eight German Missionary brethren and sisters, whom I have been for some time expecting, arrived in Bristol, on their way to the East Indies.\par \par June 9. Again, when only 2s. 3d. was in hand for the Orphans, there came in from a considerable distance 2l.\par \par June 10 and 11. These two days came in 1l. 0s. 4d., which was enough, with the little which had been left, to procure what was needed.\par \par June 12. When there was nothing in hand, several articles of gentlemen\rquote s clothing, all worn, were sent for sale, which, being disposed of for 1l. 17s., we were helped through this day.\par \par June 13. Today\rquote s need was met by a box of clothes coming from Worcester, which contained also 3l. 0s. 2d. There was also 11s. taken out of the box in my house.\par \par June 15. 2l. 5s. 3d. came in yesterday and today, by which we were able to meet the necessary demands, and have 5s. left.\par \par June 16. Some articles were sold for 11s., which had been given for sale. This, with the remaining 5s., met the necessities of the day.\par \par June 17. Only 4s. has come in by children\rquote s needlework. This is all we have, to meet the need of today, except 2s. 6d., which I found in the box in my house, which our poverty led me to open. Evening. The Lord has had mercy upon us. A sister, to whom some time since some money was left, and whom the Lord has made willing to lay it all out in His service, having received a small part of what is coming to her, brought 5l. 10s. 6d. of it, this afternoon, for the Orphans. There came in still further this evening 2l.\par \par For several days past I had been very poor in reference to my own temporal necessities, as well as in reference to the Orphans. Today we were especially poor, in both respects; but our kind Father remembered not merely the need of the dear Orphans, but gave me also some money for my own personal expenses. The same sister just referred to, who brought 5l. 10s. 6d. for the Orphans, brought me also 7l. for myself.\par \par June 18. Today a new coat and waistcoat were given to me, for which I had repeatedly asked the Lord, as my clothes are now very old. As surely as I really need any thing, be it in money, or in any other way, my kind Father supplies the need.\par \par June 19. The Lord has poured in still more abundantly today. A brother gave me 10l. for myself. Thus, after a season of more than usual poverty, the Lord sends a more than usual supply. How kind a Master do I serve!\par \par June 21. Again, when there was not one penny in hand, came in today 6l. 10s. for the Orphans.\par \par June 22. Tomorrow, the Lord willing, I purpose, with my wife, to accompany the three German brethren and the five German sisters to Liverpool who purpose to sail from thence. Under these circumstances it is desirable to leave at least a little money behind. This desire of my heart the Lord has granted; for this morning D. C. gave me 5l., and there came in by sale of articles 10s. 5d. In the evening a sister, who has left Bristol today, sent me by her mother 5l., having particularly requested her to let me have the money today, as she knew that I was going away tomorrow.\par \par This evening we had an especial Missionary prayer meeting, at which the brethren and sisters were commended to the Lord.\par \par June 23. This morning we left for Liverpool, where we safely arrived in the evening.\par \par The following extracts give the account of the Lord\rquote s goodness in supplying the necessities of the Orphans, while I was away from Bristol.\par \par On June 25, whilst at Liverpool, I received a letter from brother R. B., master at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, dated Bristol, June 24th, in which he writes thus :\emdash The money which you left behind, with 1s. 6d. which came in for Reports, supplied the necessities of yesterday and today; but there is nothing in hand to meet the necessities of tomorrow. Our hope is in God, assuredly believing that He will, as in former times, help us in His own time and manner."\emdash\par \par Two days afterwards the following letter came.\par \par "Bristol, June 26, 1840.\par \par "Dear Brother,\emdash Since I wrote to you we have very sweetly proved the mercy and truth of our heavenly Father, When my letter left Bristol, we had not one penny in hand. On the same evening sister gave me a parcel containing 1l. 1s., the produce of the sale of an article. This was sufficient for yesterday. But after this we were again penniless. I went to the meeting in the evening, where brother J. B. gave me a list of names of persons who had given to him for the Orphans, to the amount of 1l. 4s. 1d. I afterwards sold one of your books, one of brother Craik\rquote s Renderings, and a Report. I also remembered that a few days before 2s. 6d. had been given to me which I had forgotten to use. We therefore had in all 1l. 11s. 7d., which is sufficient to meet this day\rquote s necessities. I have just received a sovereign for the Orphans, and besides this a box, containing various articles of clothes which has been sent from Wales, part of which articles are only fit for sale. Thus we have something for tomorrow, if needed.\par \par "Your affectionate brother,\par \par \lquote\lquote R. B,\rquote\rquote\par \par \par \par The arrival of the box of clothes, etc., was announced to me in an affectionate letter from a brother in Wales, who sent them, but whom I do not know personally. What follows will show how seasonably the donation came. On June 30th I received another letter from brother B., dated Bristol, June 29th, 1840, in which he writes "I should have posted my letter by one o\rquote clock, but delayed until it was too late, hoping that I might have to speak of the Lord\rquote s goodness as well as of our poverty. Thank God, my hopes have been realized !\emdash Besides the 1l. mentioned in my last letter, in the evening of the 26th 11s. 3d. came in for needlework, and 5s. was given. On Saturday I sold some of the clothes which had been sent from Wales for 1l., and 5s. was given to me for an article which had been sold some time ago. As this was scarcely sufficient, I opened the boxes, and found 3s. 2d. in them. The whole, therefore, which was in hand, amounted to 3l. 4s. 5d., which was enough for Saturday the 27th. This morning, Monday, as nothing had been given to me since Saturday, there were no means to provide for the dinner in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House; but one of the sisters, having a little money of her own, purchased potatoes and meat with it. At eleven o\rquote clock we met for prayer. The baker came to the Infant-Orphan-House, but no bread was taken. A brother left two quarterns of bread at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, as a gift. Soon after I received 1l. through sister L. G., which, as soon as I received, I began to write to you. It was a comfort to me, in our poverty, that you still, united in spirit, prayed with us, although distance separated us in body. I do not know that I ever felt more powerfully the kindness of our Heavenly Father, than when I received this last mentioned 1l. Although we are still poor, and soon shall be again in need, yet, receiving it just at this time, it was very refreshing."\par \par The next day I received the following report about the Orphan-Houses from brother B., dated June 30th.\emdash " According to your request, tomorrow only is the time for me to write, but as the Lord has dealt very bountifully with us, I write today, in order that you may be refreshed by the account thereof. Yesterday afternoon, I received 16s., and this morning I sold some more of the articles sent from Wales, for 8s. 6d., which meets this day\rquote s demands."\par \par On July 2nd I accompanied the eight German brethren and sisters to the vessel. Just before they went on board, brother \emdash , one of the missionary brethren, gave me 6l. 10s. for the Orphans. He had sold his plate while at Bristol, considering that as a servant of Jesus Christ, and as one who desired to preach Jesus to the poor Hindoos, he needed it not, This money was the produce of it, except about 2l., which he had spent in purchasing a few books. In giving it to me said, "The money which we have in the common stock, (being altogether 20l. for the eight) is enough for us. For some months, while we are on board, we need no money at all, whilst you may lay it out; and when we need more, the Lord will again supply our need. The other brethren and sisters have no money of their own, and I desire likewise to have none, The Lord has laid the Orphans particularly on my heart, and therefore you must not refuse to accept it."\emdash This brother little knew how on that very day I had been repeatedly asking the Lord for means. Truly this was one of the most remarkable ways of obtaining money, as it came from a poor German missionary, who, in dependence upon the Lord for his temporal supplies, went to the East Indies. I sent off at once 5l. of this money to Bristol. The next day, July 3, I received at Liverpool the following letter from brother B., dated Bristol, July 2nd.\emdash " Since I last wrote, we have still found that the Lord is faithful to His word. May we never be unfaithful towards Him! On Tuesday evening, June 30th, sister C. brought 11s. 6d. for some articles she sold, and I had received 1s. 6d. for Reports. This, with 8s. that had been put into the boxes, met the absolute necessities of yesterday, Wednesday. As nothing has been given since Tuesday, we are, today, Thursday, very needy. I sold the books I mentioned as being sent, with some others which one of the sisters in the Orphan-Houses gave of her own, for 7s., which bought that which was needful for dinner; but there is no money to take in bread nor milk for one of the houses. We met for prayer. Our hope is in God, trusting that He who has so often helped us in poverty, will still do so. If I write any more I shall be too late to post this letter."\par \par [On my return to Bristol I found, which is not mentioned in the next letter, that the milk was purchased with the money of one of the sisters in the Orphan-Houses.]\par \par On July 4th I received the following letter from Bristol, dated July 3rd.\par \par "My dear Brother,\emdash The last account I sent you left us in the greatest poverty. We had sufficient, it is true, for the time then present; but there was no money to take in bread with. In the afternoon there was an old riding habit sent for the Orphans, which I sold this morning for 7s. I also sold a few books for 5s., two old silver thimbles and a ring for 1s. 6d.; besides this, 1s. 6d. was sent for Reports; making in all 15s. This purchased dinner for the three houses. At twelve o\rquote clock we met for prayer. We were indeed in great need. There was no money either for bread or milk. The coals in all the three houses were used, and in every other respect the stores were in a low state. We had really wanted nothing, but there was scarcely any thing left. Well, while we were in prayer to God, your letter came. One of the sisters opened the door and received it, and after prayer it was given to me. You will be able to conceive the greatness of our joy, on opening it, and finding it to contain 5l. I cannot express how much I felt. During the trial I had been much comforted by the Lord\rquote s sending a little token of his love every day. It just proved that He was mindful of us in our poverty, and that when His time was come, He would send us an abundance. I think we all felt your absence a little, although not cast down on that account. Money is very precious to those who, like us, so evidently see the HAND and HEART of our Heavenly Father in bestowing it, The sisters send their love to you.\par \par "Your affectionate brother,\par \par "R. B."\par \par \par \par On July 6th I received the following account from Bristol, dated July 5th. "You are, I am sure, often praying for us, and therefore see, in the help we receive, God\rquote s gracious answers to your prayers, and therefore you will be refreshed by hearing the account of how matters are with us. On Saturday there was again a little money needed in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, for butter and such little articles; but I had none in hand, wherewith to supply this need, until nearly tea time, when 5s. was given to me. In the evening of the same day, at ten o\rquote clock, 10s. was sent through brother J. S. You will see that we are still cast simply on God for the future, without anything to depend on but Himself; and on whom, or on what should children depend, but on their most kind Father."\par \par On July 8th, whilst still detained in the Lord\rquote s service at Liverpool, I received from a brother 10l. for the Orphans, which I sent off at once. On the same day, after I had sent off the money, I received the following letter from Bristol, dated July 7.\par \par "The Lord is still pleased to keep us very low. Only 4s. 2d. in money has come in since last I wrote to you. The 10s. I told you of, and this 4s. 2d., I divided among the sisters. But as this was far from being sufficient, and knowing that you had received 6l. 10s. and only sent 5l., I took out of the other funds 1l. 6s. 6d., being all that I could spare, and divided it also. I would not have done so, had it not been needful, and had it not appeared to me that we were not going out of the path of obedience in doing this. There was a sack of flour sent this morning. We are still, we may say, in need, as even the money, which I have divided, was not enough to purchase every thing desirable to have."\par \par On July 11th, whilst at Worcester, I received the following letter, dated Bristol, July 9.\par \par "After writing to you the last time, I got no more money on that day, except 1s. The next day, Wednesday, I received 2s. 6d., and took 2s. out of the box in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House. Also a sister purchased a Bible, and out of that money I took 3s. 6d. to make up the 30s., to which I alluded in my last letter. This carried us through the day. In the evening of the same day I received 11s. 3d. and 2s., which purchased meat for dinner; and the potatoes in the boys\rquote garden, being now fit for use, we had for dinner. After the dinner was provided we received the 10l. from you, which enabled the sisters again to replenish their stock. Out of the 10l. I kept the 30s., in case I might need it on Saturday for the salaries of the masters and governesses of the Day Schools. We felt the poverty a little more, I think, on account of your absence. I knew the Lord would help, but still I felt tried in some measure. The Lord, by His grace, reproves our waywardness towards Him.\par \par When this letter arrived, there was sent to me, at the same time, from Bristol, 5l. for the Orphans, which I sent off at once. On July 17th I returned to Bristol.\par \par I add a few more words respecting my stay at Liverpool.\par \par \emdash About October 1837 I sent some Bibles and 46 copies of my Narrative to a brother in Upper Canada, who, in dependence upon the Lord for temporal supplies, is labouring as a missionary in that country. About eighteen months afterwards I heard, that this box had not arrived. I then wrote to the shipbroker at Liverpool, (who as agent had to send it to America, and to whom I had paid his commission and the freight), to make inquiry about the box; but I received no answer. About a month afterwards my letter was returned to me, through the Dead-Letter Office, and it was stated on the outside that the individual had left Liverpool, and no one knew where he was gone. Putting all these things together, I had now full reason to think that the broker had, never sent off the box. My comfort, however, was, that though this poor sinner had acted thus, yet the Lord, in His own place and way, would use the Bibles and my Narratives. Now, almost immediately after my arrival in Liverpool, a brother told me, that several persons wished to hear me preach who had read my Narrative; and that he knew a considerable number had been bought by a brother, a bookseller, from pawnbrokers, and sold again; and that some also had been ordered from London when there were no more to be had otherwise. It was thus evident that the shipbroker pawned these Narratives before he absconded; but the Lord used them as I had hoped.\emdash I preached ten times in English and once in German whilst at Liverpool, and I know that several persons were brought to hear me, through having read my Narrative.\emdash The German brethren preached twice in German, there being several German vessels in the port, and a number of German sugar refiners living at Liverpool. Liverpool seems to me especially a place where a brother, who is familiar with French and German, may find an abundance of work among the German and French sailors, in the way of preaching to them, and in the way of distributing French and German Bibles and Tracts.\emdash One of the German missionary brethren found out a brother in the Lord, a native of the same town in Prussia, from whence he himself comes, who repeatedly met with us. This dear sailor was the only believer in the vessel in which he was, and has had to suffer much for the Lord\rquote s sake.\emdash When the German brethren and sisters were going on board, I engaged a fly for the purpose of taking all their small luggage. When the man put the luggage into the fly, I was struck by its having a hind boot, which I had never seen before in any fly, which he opened, and into w hich he put several carpet bags. There were seventeen packages altogether. When we arrived at the vessel it was just on the point of going into the river, with several other vessels, and there were crowds of people standing at the docks. The flyman took out the luggage and was on the point of leaving, when I asked him whether he had taken out all the luggage, which I had not been able to count, because of the pressure of people, and the rapidity with which the packages were taken to the vessel. His reply was, Yes. But all at once, by the good hand of God, I remembered the hind boot, and I asked him to open it. The man, somewhat confused, opened it, and in it were five or six carpet bags. This thing showed me afresh our entire dependence upon the Lord, step by step. I was alone. The crowd was great. The vessel was on the point of sailing: and all without my fault or the fault of any one; but it was so through unforseen circumstances. One minute later, and the bags, in all human probability, would have been lost. For when the brethren had missed their luggage, it would have been too late; for though I had marked the number of the fly when I engaged it, yet that would have profited nothing, when once the brethren were at sea. But the hand of God was for good upon these His children, whose stock of linen was only such as they would need. Such a circumstance should teach one to make the very smallest affairs a subject of prayer; for instance, That all the luggage might be safely taken out of a fly.\par \par On July 10th my wife and I left Liverpool, where we had experienced much kindness, for Worcester, where we stayed a few days, and had again much love shown to us by the saints there.\par \par July 25. Since July 11th the Lord has kindly sent in the supplies for the Orphans, so that we have had always something coming in, before the last which was in hand was spent. Now, today, having paid out this morning 8l. 5s., again nothing was left in hand, when in the afternoon 3l. came in by sale of articles.\par \par July 26. Lord\rquote s-day. As I had no opportunity today of preaching in our chapels (there being two brethren ministering among us who are strangers in Bristol), I have preached twice this evening in the open air. Precious as this work is, yet I am sure it is not that to which I am called for a constancy, as I have no strength of body for it. But I have seen afresh this evening how greatly it is needed. The second time I preached, I took my stand in a court, filled with poor people, almost every one of whom was dirty, though it was the Lord\rquote s day evening. A woman readily lent me a chair on which I stood, and could thus be heard by the people in the houses behind and before me, and on my right and left hand. Judging from their dirty appearance, I should not suppose any of these poor people had been any where, to hear the Gospel preached throughout the day. How plenteous is the harvest, and how few are the labourers! Lord of the harvest, send Thou, in compassion to poor sinners, more labour ers into the harvest! \emdash How well a brother who has some gift, and a measure of strength of lungs, might employ a part of the Lord\rquote s days, or of other days, either by reading the Scriptures from house to house to such persons, and making some remarks on them; or by standing up in a court and reading the Scriptures aloud and speaking on them. It is very rarely that one meets with decided opposition on these occasions; at least I have generally in such cases found far more readiness to listen, than decidedly to oppose.\par \par Aug. 1. A few days since a brother was staying with me, on his way to his father, whom he had not seen for above two years, and who was greatly opposed to him, on account of the decided steps which his son had taken for the Lord. Before this brother left, that precious promise of our Lord was brought to my mind: "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Matt. xviii. 19. Acco rdingly, I went to the brother\rquote s room, and having agreed to pray about a kind reception from his father, and the conversion of both parents, we prayed together.\emdash Today this brother returned. The Lord has answered already one part of the prayer. The brother was most kindly received, contrary to all natural expectation. May the Lord now help us both to look for an answer to the other part of our prayer! There is nothing too hard for the Lord!\par \par Since the publication of the third edition, the father of this brother died. He lived above ten years after Aug. 1, 1840, until he was above 86 years of age; and as he continued a life of much sin and opposition to the truth, the prospect with reference to his conversion became darker and darker. But at last the Lord answered prayer. This aged sinner was entirely changed, simply rested on the Lord Jesus for the salvation of his soul, and became as much attached to his believing son, as before he had been opposed to him; and wished to have him about him as much as possible, that he might read the Holy Scriptures to him and pray with him. Let this instance encourage believers, who have unbelieving parents, to continue in prayer for them.\par \par Since the publication of the fourth edition, the mother also died. About sixteen years had elapsed, after her son and I had thus prayed together, before, in her case, the answer was granted; yet she, too, at last, in very advanced years, was brought to trust in the Lord Jesus alone for the salvation of her soul.\emdash I distinctly remember, with what full assurance, that the Lord would answer our united supplication, I went to the room of this brother, to propose prayer, resting upon the promise in Matt. xviii. 19, though the case appeared to be most hopeless.\par \par Aug. 6. Yesterday I was led, by the sense of our necessity, and the knowledge of the Father\rquote s heart, like Elijah, to go again and again to Him with my request for help, as there was nothing in hand for the Orphans to supply the necessities of today. Last evening, after the meeting, a brother from Oxford gave me a sovereign for the Orphans; by two other individuals was sent half-a-crown; and by the sale of an article, which had been given many weeks since, but was only disposed of today, came in 5s.: thus, in all, the Lord sent again 1l. 7s. 6d. This morning I heard that 10s. was given yesterday to brother B., so that we were able to meet the demands of today, which are 1l. 15s.\par \par Aug. 7. As there was only 2s. 6d. in hand, I asked the Lord repeatedly yesterday to send us what was needed for today. When I came home last evening from the meeting, 5l. was given to me, which Q. Q. had brought while I was away, to be used as I thought well. This I took for the Orphans, which will supply our need for today and tomorrow.\par \par Aug. 8. Saturday. This evening I was meditating on the 4th Psalm. The words in verse 3: "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call upon Him," I was enabled to apply to myself, and they led me to prayer for spiritual blessings. Whilst in prayer, the need of the Orphans (there being now again not one penny in hand), was also brought to my mind, and I asked the Lord respecting this likewise. ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AFTERWARDS I was informed that a sister wished to see me. She brought 1l. 10s. for the Orphans. Thus the Lord has already kindly sent a little to begin the week with. There was also still further given today, 1s. 11d.; and 5s. 1d. was taken out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses.\par \par Aug. 10. Monday. The 1l. 17s. which came in on Saturday evening for the Orphans, was not enough for the necessities of today, as 2l. l5s. was required. About noon, the Lord gave through a brother in Bath, who has a relative in one of the Orphan-Houses, 1l. 10s. more, so that we had enough, and a few shillings left. This evening came in 4s. besides, also 15s. 6d. by sale of articles.\par \par Aug. 11. The money which was in hand, with 3s. which was given by one of the labourers, as there was not enough otherwise, helped us through this day.\par \par Aug. 12. One of the labourers gave today 10s. of his own, as nothing had come in. Yet this would not have been sufficient, had there not been sold two pairs of stockings, which had been knitted by the boys, for 4s. 1d., and had not 5s. been found in one of the boxes.\par \par Aug. 13. Yesterday there was given a collection of shells, which was sold today, and supplied the necessities of this day, with an addition of 10s. which a brother gave last evening, and 4s. which was taken out of the box in the Infant-Orphan-House.\par \par Aug. 14. There was nothing at all in hand. I opened the box in my house, and found 1s. 4d. in it, A labourer gave 4s. of his own. There was found 1s, 6d. in the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, and 5s. came in by the sale of a few articles which had been given for that purpose. By this 11s. 10d, we were able to meet the absolute need, but were able to take in only a small quantity of bread.\par \par Aug. 15. There was today the greatest poverty in all the three houses; all the stores were very low, as the income throughout the week had been so small. In addition to this it was Saturday, when the wants are nearly double in comparison with other days. At least 3l. was needed to help us comfortably through the day; but there was nothing towards this in hand. My only hope was in God.\par \par The very necessity led me to expect help for this day; for if none had come, the Lord\rquote s name would have been dishonoured. Between twelve and one two sisters in the Lord called on me, and the one gave me 2l. and the other 7s. 6d. for the Orphans. With this I went to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House about one o\rquote clock, where I found the children at dinner. Brother B. put the following note into my hand, which he was just going to send off:\par \par "Dear Brother,\emdash With potatoes from the children\rquote s garden, and with apples from the tree in the play-ground (which apples were used for apple dumplings), and 4s. 6d. the price of some articles given by one of the labourers, we have a dinner. There is much needed. But the Lord has provided and will provide."\par \par There came in still further this day by sale of Reports, 1s., by the box in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, 1s., by children\rquote s needlework, 6s. 6d., by a donation of one of the sisters in the Orphan-Houses, 6s. Thus we had this day 3l. 6s. 6d. to meet all necessities, and are brought to the close of another week.\par \par Aug. 16. Lord\rquote s-day. There came in still further last evening, 3s. by sale of some articles, and today 2s. was given, and 5l.; so that the Lord in His love and faithfulness has given us what we are likely to need tomorrow and the day after.\par \par Aug. 17. There has come in still further 2l.\par \par Aug. 18. This morning a brother who passed through Bristol gave 1l., saying that it had been especially laid on his heart to do so. Thus the Lord has provided a little towards tomorrow. Besides this came in today 1s. 9d.\par \par Aug. 19. By the sale of three pairs of stockings came in 5s. 6d., and from Liverpool was sent 12s. 6d.: this, with what was in hand, was enough for today, and left a little over.\par \par Aug. 20. Today there was not enough money in hand to meet all the demands; but it being known that yesterday several persons had put money into the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, they were opened, and found to contain 1l. 4s. 6d., which was more than sufficient.\par \par I would call upon the believing reader to admire the love and wisdom and power of God in ordering it so that persons should come to the Orphan-Houses just at the time when there is temporal pressure, and should be influenced to put money into the boxes. These little sums have been often the means of helping us in our greatest need. The especial providence of God, as in every other respect, so in this particular point also, is to be seen respecting this Institution, in that so much is anonymously put into the boxes; for there has been no less than 45l. 18s. 9 3/4d, put in during the last two years, from Dec. 10, 1838, to Dec. 10, 1840.\par \par Aug. 22. Saturday. Yesterday there was only 13s. 6d. in hand, which was enough to meet the necessities of the day, but not sufficient to enable us to take in the usual quantity of bread. This morning we were in much need, not only because there were no means for procuring dinner in the Boys\rquote and Girls\rquote -Orphan-Houses, but also because, this being Saturday, we had to procure provisions for two days. When brother B. went to the Infant-Orphan-House, to make inquiry about the demands for today, he was informed that money had been put into the box there, which was found to be 12s. There came in also in the morning 10s, besides. This 1l. 2s. was more than sufficient to purchase all that was needed for dinner. Between twelve and one o\rquote clock there arrived a parcel from Clapham, which contained several donations for the Orphans, amounting to 2l. l5s., besides a pair of sheets and pillow cases, 4 frocks, 4 handkerchiefs, 4 caps, 1 stuff petticoat, 2 chemises, 6 bags, 1 little shirt, (all new), and several yards of prints and calico. In the evening came a box from Worcester, which contained the following articles for sale: a valuable veil, 2 silver ladles, a silver fork, 2 pairs of new plated candlesticks, a fan, and 2 Italian books. There came also from the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton, 2s. 6d. and seven books. Thus the Lord helped us through this day also, at the commencement of which we were so very poor, and needed several pounds.\par \par Aug. 23. Lord\rquote s-day. As we have often found it to be the case, so it is again now. After the Lord has tried our faith, He, in the love of His heart, gives us an abundance, to show that not in anger, but for the glory of His name, and for the trial of our faith He has allowed us to be poor. This morning I received from an aged and afflicted servant, 3l.; and a little afterwards 8l. from Q. Q. From another servant 5s.; also 2s. was put anonymously into the box at Bethesda, besides the 1l. 10s. for rent. Thus the Lord has kindly given today 12l. 17s.\par \par Aug. 29. Saturday. Since last Monday had come in only 2l. by the profits of the sale of ladies\rquote baskets, 1l. l4s. 10d. by sale of articles, 3s. as two donations, and 6d. by Reports. Thus it happened that when this day began, though a Saturday, we had only 7s. in hand. In the course of the morning came in 11s. 9d., and towards the evening 8s. 6d. This day we have been as poor in regard to our stores, as at any time. During the whole of this day, though Saturday, we had only 1l. 7s. 3d, On this account we had to buy a smaller quantity of bread than usual, etc.; nevertheless the children have even this day lacked nothing, and there is a sufficient quantity of wholesome food till breakfast on Monday morning.\par \par For many weeks past very little has come in for the other funds. The chief supply has been by the sale of Bibles. Last Saturday I was not able to pay the whole of the weekly salaries of the teachers in the Day Schools, which, however, does not make me a debtor to them, as it is an understood thing, that they have not to look to me for payment, but to the Lord. Today again only 2s. was in hand, whilst several pounds were needed to pay the salaries. It appeared now plainly to be the will of the Lord that, as all the labourers in the Orphan-Houses know about the state of the funds, so the brethren and sisters who labour in the Day Schools should share the trial of faith and the joy of faith with us. Accordingly we all met, and after I had laid on their hearts, the importance of keeping to themselves, for the Lord\rquote s sake, the state of the funds, we prayed together.\par \par Aug. 30. Lord\rquote s day. Today the Lord has again bountifully opened His hand for the Orphans. There came in with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, 5l.; from a sister, a servant, 10s.; and for rent 1l. 10s. Besides this, was anonymously put into the box at Bethesda, 10s. 3d. and 2s. 6d.\par \par Sept. 1. Though there was a good supply given to the matrons yesterday, yet, as the stock of provisions had been so low on Saturday, the money was all spent by last evening; and had the Lord not kindly sent in yesterday 14s., and today 1l. 10s., we should have been again in need.\par \par Sept. 4. The day before yesterday, Sept. 2, came a box from Leeds, from sisters in the Lord whom we have never seen, and of whom until now we have never heard, but on whose hearts the Lord has laid His work in our hands. The box contained a variety of articles, to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans. No money has come in the last two days, except 1s. which was given, and 5s. for things sold. On this account the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, but only 1s. 7 1/2d. was found in them. To supply what was needed today, an article which came in the box from Leeds was sold for 5s. and thus we were helped through the day. The sisters who sent the box from Leeds wrote to us a most affectionate letter, in which they announced this and another box which is to follow, stating how much the Lord had laid the work in our hand on their hearts. They may have little thought, when they sent off the box, that so soon the produce of one of the articles sent by them would supply our need.\par \par Sept. 5. Saturday. Because there had come in so little during the last days, at least 3l. was requisite to supply the need of today. There was, however, not one penny in hand when the day commenced. Last evening the labourers in the Orphan-Houses, together with the teachers of the Day Schools, met for prayer. This morning one of the teachers, who had a little money of his own, brought 1l. 5s. 6d. Thus, as we had hoped, we were enabled to provide for the dinner. In the afternoon all of us met again for prayer. Another teacher of the Day Schools gave 2s, 6d,, and 1s. came in besides. But all this was not enough. There was no dinner provided for tomorrow, nor was there any money to take in milk tomorrow, and besides this a number of other little things were to be purchased, that there might be no real want of anything. Now observe how our kind father helped us! Between seven and eight this evening a sister, whose heart the Lord has made willing to take on her the service of disposing of the articles which are sent for sale, brought 2l. 10s. 6d. for some of the things which came a fortnight ago from Worcester, and last Wednesday from Leeds. The sister stated, that though she did not feel at all well, she had come because she had it so laid on her heart, that she could not stay away. Our Father knew our need, and therefore, though so late, He sent this help. Thus we were richly provided with all we needed this Saturday.\par \par Sept. 6. The Lord has kindly sent in today for the Orphans 4l. 5s. 6d. for the need of tomorrow. One pound of this money was given by a servant, who has again and again given of late, and who has thus again and again been the means of supplying our need, when there was either nothing at all, or not sufficient in hand. When she gave me the money to-night, she told me that of late she had had the Orphans particularly laid on her heart. 1l. 3s. was the produce of an orphan-box, which a sister was led so seasonably to send just now.\par \par Sept. 7. This morning a brother from Barnstaple, who came on Saturday evening (that evening when we were so greatly tried, but so graciously delivered), gave me 1I. 0s. 3d., which the love of some saints at Barnstaple had sent for the Orphans, besides 5s. of his own. We have thus enough for today and tomorrow. There came in still further today, 6s. 6d.\par \par Sept. 8. How kindly has the Lord so ordered it that for some time past the income for the school-fund should have been so little, in order that thus we might be constrained to let the labourers in the Day Schools share our joys and our trials of faith, which had been before kept from them! But as above two years ago the Lord ordered it so that it became needful to communicate to the labourers in the Orphan-Houses the state of the funds, and made it a blessing to them, so that I am now able to leave Bristol, and yet the work goes on, so, I doubt not, the brethren and sisters who are teachers in the Day Schools will be greatly blessed by being thus partakers of our precious secret respecting the state of the funds. Our prayer meetings have already been a blessing to us, and united us more than ever in the work. We have them now every morning at seven, and we shall continue them, the Lord helping us, till we see His hand stretched forth, not merely in giving us means for the teachers, but also for other purposes; for we need a stove in one of the school rooms, a fresh supply of several kinds of Bibles and New Testaments, and it is desirable to have means to help Missionary brethren who labour in dependence upon the Lord for the supply of their temporal necessities.\par \par Sept. 9. We are now meeting every morning at seven for prayer. With 5s. which was sent yesterday from the Isle of Wight for the Orphans, we have commenced the day; but I believe that the Lord will help us through this day also.\par \par Evening. About twelve this morning a brother, a stranger, who is staying at Ashton, near Bristol, came with some of his family to the Orphan-Houses. While brother B. was for a few moments out of the room to fetch a key, the visiting brother took the opportunity of secretly putting something into the box at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House. Brother B., however, perceived it before he could get away from the box, and, the brother being gone, our great need brought it out, when it was found to be 5l. Thus the Lord kindly has provided for the need of today and tomorrow. When this money was given we were exceedingly poor. For not only would there have been no means to take in the usual quantity of bread in one of the houses, but there was no money to take in milk in the afternoon in any of the houses. The Lord knew our need, and therefore just now sent this brother. He gave also 2s, for Reports.\par \par Sept. 10. When now the 5l. of yesterday was again spent, the Lord has kindly sent another 5l. There came in still further 6s. 10d.\par \par Yesterday came in it. 7s., and today 1l. 15s. 10d. for the other funds. Thus the Lord, in answer to our petitions at the morning prayer meetings, has sent in a little for these funds also.\par \par Sept. 11. The Lord has sent in still further and more richly for the Orphans. This morning 1l. was given to me which had been sent from Trowbridge, and this afternoon a brother who came from Scotland gave me 10l., and brought the following trinkets which were sent by a lady from Scotland :\emdash 2 clasps, a ring, 2 pairs of ear-rings, a slide, a pin, a cross, and 2 bracelets, all of gold. In the afternoon came in 3l. by sale of articles.\par \par Sept. 12. The Lord has sent in still more. This morning was sent 10l. through a banker in London, by the order of a sister at Worcester; and 10s. was put into the box at my house. This has been a week of pec uliar mercies, as above 40l. has been sent in, besides several articles. We have continued to meet for prayer every morning, from seven to eight.\par \par Sept. 13. Today came in 3l. 8s.4d.,of which 1l. 10s. 6d. was for some of the articles sent from Leeds.\par \par Sept. 16. Though during the last week above 40l. came in, yet, because the usual expenses for housekeeping were about 15l., and because most of the sisters who labour in the Orphan-Houses had not had for a long time any money for their own personal necessities, we were the day before yesterday again so poor, that only a few shillings were left. The Lord, knowing this, sent in a little money, and, by a sister from the Isle of Wight, 7 rings, 2 brooches, 2 pins, 1 pair of ear-rings, 2 pairs of studs, all of gold, 2 chemises, and 2 babies\rquote shirts. Today arrived from Leeds, from two sisters in the Lord before referred to, a second box, the first having come about a fortnight ago. This second box contained the following articles: \emdash! 2 silver dessert spoons, a pair of silver sugar tongs, a silver tea caddy spoon, 6 plated forks, 4 knife resters, a cream spoon, 6 Britannia metal tea spoons, a silver watch, a metal watch, a small telescope, 2 cloak fastenings, 11 pencils, a pen case with pieces of sealing wax, 2 pairs of scissors, 6 chimney ornaments, a boa ring, a chess board, 3 purses with 2l. 1s. 4d., 2 silver pocket knives, a silver pencil case, a ditto of brass, a bodkin case, a gold pin, a silver vinaigrette, 125 needles, 1 memorandum case, 5 paper baskets, 18 books, 100 copies of a small English Grammar (unbound), 75 pamphlets, 37 table mats, 120 little tracts, 5 pairs of stockings, 2 pairs of socks, a Thibet shawl, 6 coloured frocks, 4 caps, 9 collars, 8 neckerchiefs, 3 muslin aprons, 5 holland aprons, 4 muslin frocks, 6 babies\rquote ditto, 2 white gowns, 2 remnants of print, 5 habit shirts, a bonnet, a merino apron, a glass trumpet, a taper candlestick, several small pieces of riband and gauze, 4 yards of silk fringe, 7 case"s of different kinds of cards, a crape scarf, some lining calico, 13 little boxes, a straw basket, and about 50 other various little articles. It is difficult to describe the peculiar pleasure which I had in unpacking the box, and in finding that all these articles were for the Lord\rquote s work.\emdash There came in still further this evening 8s.\par \par Besides other small donations since the 10th, there came into day 5l. for the other funds, as the answer to oft-repeated prayer; also, from Liverpool, 1l. l4s. 8d. Thus the Lord encourages our hearts in this part of the work likewise.\par \par Sept. 17. The need of today for the Orphans was supplied by the little which had come in yesterday, and by the 2l. 1s. 4d. which came in the second box from Leeds. These two boxes from Leeds have been sent most seasonably by the Lord, and thus truly the sisters who sent them have been led by Him to do so, according to what they wrote in a letter, which announced the arrival of the first box; "We feel deeply i#nterested in your concerns, and our anxiety to serve you has increased by every new discovery of the kindness and goodness of God, in providing for your wants. Indeed, we cannot but believe that the Lord has put it into our hearts to help you, and we trust you will honour us, His unworthy servants, by believing that our gift is really His." There came in today 2l. 16s. by the sale of some of the articles sent in the first box from Leeds, and by the sale of some other articles. Thus our need for tomorrow is supplied.\par \par Sept. 18. Today the Lord has sent again 17s. 5d. by sale of some of the articles sent from Leeds, and 2l. 10s. from Leicestershire, and also 4s. for children\rquote s needlework. Thus we had enough for tomorrow, being Saturday.\par \par Sept. 21. Monday. By what was in hand for the Orphans, and by what had come in yesterday, the need of today is more than supplied, as there is enough for tomorrow also.\par \par Today a brother from the neighbourhood of London gave me 10l., to be$ laid out as it might be most needed. we have been praying many days for the School\emdash Bible\emdash 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\rquote s will to lay them out in another way;\emdash 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 t%o 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!\par \par Sept. 23. This morning there was again only 10s. in hand for the Orphans. As this was not enough for the day, I opened the box in my house, in which I found 8s. 6d. The boxes in the Orphan-Houses were also opened, which contained 7s. 6 1/2d. There came in also by the sale of a pair of stockings, 1s. 6d. This 1l., 7s. 6 1/2d. was enough, and even 3s. more than was absolutely needed. The Lord gave today another proof that He is still mindful of us, for a brother sent half a ton of coals to each of the three houses.\par \par Sept. 24. Yesterday our prayer, in our meeting at twelve o\rquote clock, was especially for the supply of today. I was fully assured that the Lord would send help, as now all our stores were again exhausted. Accordingly, last evening a sister, into whose hands some of the articles, which came in the second box from Leeds, had bee&n put for sale, gave me 1l. 3s. 7d., being the payment for some of them. There came in a donation of 2s. besides. This 1l. 5s. 7d. served for this day. The Lord be praised who has helped us thus!\par \par Sept. 25. It is now half-past eleven. Nothing has come in as yet. How the Lord will help us through the day is not my care; for sure I am He will help. I am just going to meet with my fellow-labourers for prayer. Perhaps the Lord will again, at the time of the meeting, fill our mouths with praise, as He has done so many times. My soul waits on Him for deliverance! How truly precious to have such a Father as we have!\par \par Sept. 26. When I went yesterday to the meeting for prayer, I found that some articles, which had come from Leeds, had been sold for 10s. 9d., and that 2s. 6d. had been taken out of the box in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-Ho use. To this one of the labourers added 10s. of his own. This 1l. 3s. 3d. supplied all we needed yesterday; but there was now again nothing in hand to meet this d'ay\rquote s demands, which I knew would be great, on account of its being Saturday. The Lord, however, remembered our Saturday\rquote s necessities, and therefore sent in abundantly, so that we had even more than we needed for today, though we required no less than 5l. The way in which He kindly helped us, was this: first, 3l. came in for articles which had been sent from Leeds; afterwards a little boy and girl brought two little Savings\rquote Banks, filled with their little presents, amounting altogether to 15s- l 1/4d. In the evening came in still further 4l. for articles which had been sold, most of which had likewise been sent from Leeds. Thus the Lord sent in altogether 8l. l8s. l 1/4d. in the course of the day, whilst it commenced without there being a penny in hand.\par \par Sept. 27. Today the Lord has sent in still further 2l. 5s. 8d., of which 15s. 8d. was for articles sent from Leeds, and 1l. with Ecclesiastes ix. 10.\par \par Sept. 29. Yesterday we were again penniless, after the necessi(ties of the three houses had been supplied. Almost immediately afterwards came in 1l. l2s. 2d., sufficient to supply the need of today.\par \par Sept. 30. Today there is nothing in hand. It is now a quarter past eleven, but nothing yet has come in. Nevertheless the Lord will surely help us this day also! About five minutes after I had written the above, I was informed by a note from brother B., that 2l. 10s. 6d. had come in in small donations.\par \par Oct. 1. It is now again eleven o\rquote clock, and the Lord has not as yet been pleased to send in any thing for the necessities of this day. Let me see now how the Lord will again help us in the love of His heart; for He will surely help, though I know not how.\emdash Evening. When I went to the prayer meeting, I found that only 1s. had come in, but at the same time I was informed that the money, which had been divided yesterday among the matrons, was enough for today also.\par \par Oct. 2. Nothing came in yesterday, nor this morning. In addition to )this, I was so engaged, that in the afternoon I had not even time to make inquiry how the Lord had helped. Thus it is often that I can do nothing but quietly go on with my engagements, casting all care upon the Lord. When I came home this evening, the first thing that met my eyes was the following letter from a distance of many miles:\par \par "Beloved Brother,\emdash Five pounds are enclosed as from the Lord, as I believe you stand in need of it for the use of the Orphans. Yours affectionately, F. W.\par \par Truly, the Lord, to whom we had spoken yesterday, had spoken for us, and told this brother that we were in need of money. After having read this letter, my eyes met two others. In the one I was informed by a brother, that he had sold two pairs of fire screens for 8s., and had sent the money. These screens had been for many months in his hands for sale, and now to- day, in this our poverty, a lady came to the shop and bought them. The other letter was from brother B., master of the boys in the Bo*ys\rquote -Orphan-House, which I give here:\par \par "I opened the boxes and found 4s. 1 1/2d. in them. This was far from being sufficient. About four o\rquote clock three persons came to the Orphan-Houses, and put into the box at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House 7s., into the box at the Infant-Orphan-House 6s., and into the box at the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House 7s. Thus I have had in all to divide 1l. 4s. 1 1/2d., which meets the necessities of the day."\par \par Oct. 3. It was exceedingly kind of the Lord to send in so much yesterday; for the necessities of today, being Saturday, required it all. And now, when there was again nothing in hand, there arrived this evening a large box, sent by a sister at Stafford, whom I never saw, which contained 1l. 5s., and the following articles: 11 gold rings, a silver ring washed, a locket, a gold brooch, 3 single ear-rings, a watch hook, a silver watch-guard, 2 silver-mounted eye glasses, 3 vinaigrettes, 2 purses, a silver buckle, 2 old silver coins, 2 silver penci+l cases, 3 pairs of bracelets, 3 necklaces, 2 waist buckles, a bracelet snap, a cloak fastening, a necklace snap, a yard measure, a mourning brooch, 7 pincushions, a snuff box, a small looking glass, 2 china boxes, a china inkstand, 5 china cups and saucers, a china basket, 2 china jugs, a scent bottle, a boa ring, 20 shells, a boy\rquote s cap, a pair of snuffers and stand, a little basket, a pair of screen handles, 3 ornamental pens, 5 artificial flowers, 5 glass plates, 5 counter plates, 3 pairs of card racks, a comb, a pair of watch pockets, 12 table mats, 8 paintings, 4 drawings, 2 fans, a pair of garters, 3 pairs of gloves, 3 pairs of silk stockings, 3 veils, a gauze scarf, 6 ladies\rquote bags, 5 silk bands, 2 floss silk scarfs, a gauze handkerchief, 2 silk scarfs, a crape shawl, a silk shawl, 2 muslin capes, 30 yards of worn cotton lace, 8 yards of muslin work, 9 yards of print, a pinafore, a frock, a sampler, a pair of socks, a pair of ear-rings, and 17 ladies\rquote dresses.\emdash One thing i,s particularly to be noticed respecting this donation, that the Lord from time to time raises up fresh individuals to help us in the work, thereby continually reminding us, that He is not limited to any individuals in particular, neither are we, His children.\par \par Oct. 4. Today came in 19s. 4d., by sale of some of the articles sent from Leeds. Thus our need for tomorrow is supplied.\par \par Oct. 5. 7l. 15s. 2d. came in again today, of which 5l. was from a brother whom I have never seen.\par \par Oct. 6. Today came in further by sale of articles which had been sent from Leeds, 3l. 7s. 6d., also 14s. 3d. in small donations.\par \par Oct. 7. 1l. 14s. 2d. came in today in small donations.\par \par It is now five weeks, since we have daily met for prayer. Not indeed merely to ask for means, but for grace and wisdom for ourselves in reference to the work, for the conversion of the children under our care, for grace for those children who stand already on the Lord\rquote s side, for a blessing upo-n the circulation of the Scriptures, for a blessing upon the work, with reference to the church at large, etc. But whilst we thus, as the Spirit led us, prayed for various things, nevertheless the lack of means was that which had brought us day after day together. We asked the Lord to give us the means which are needed for carrying on the Day Schools, for buying Bibles, as several sorts are needed, and to enable us to assist Missionary work in foreign countries. Never at any previous time, since first the work commenced on March 5, 1834, have we had to continue so long a time in prayer for these funds, without obtaining the answer. The Lord, however, gave us grace to "continue in prayer," and keep our hearts in the assurance that He would help. Now, though He delayed long, before He sent us the answer, in His own time He made it manifest, that He had not only not shut His ear against our prayer in anger, but that He had answered them even before we called; for there was sent today, from the East Indies, a. bank order for 100l., which had been sent off two months since, therefore several days before we even began to pray. It was left to me to apply this money as it might be needed. As we had so long, and so particularly prayed for these funds, I took the whole of it for them, and not for the Orphan-Fund. \emdash The Lord be praised for this precious answer. It was particularly precious, as leading the dear brethren and sisters who labour in the Day Schools, and who comparatively are little accustomed to this way, to see how good it is to wait upon the Lord.\par \par Oct. 10. All our wants for the Orphans have been richly supplied during this week; and today, on my leaving for Trowbridge in the Lord\rquote s service, I was able to send 5l. 5s. 8d. to the sisters, the matrons.\par \par Oct. 11\emdash 14. Trowbridge. I have had a good season since I have been here. The Lord has enabled me to rise very early, and I have thus had more than two hours of communion with Him before breakfast, the fruit of which /I have felt all the day long. The Lord in mercy continue my enjoyment! \emdash For the last three weeks I had been asked, yea pressed, to come here, to minister among the saints; but I could not clearly see it to be the Lord\rquote s will, and therefore did not go. Now I came, assured that it was His will, and have been very happy, and greatly helped in my service here in every way, and I am fully assured that my labour has not been in vain. How good it is, even for this life, according to the Lord\rquote s bidding either to go or stay !\emdash I have seen, whilst here, a young woman, the daughter of a brother and sister who were in communion with us, but who have both fallen asleep. While her father was living she hated the truth, but still she came to Bethesda Chapel. One day, whilst there, she was made to feel the power of the truth: and, since the death of her parents, the Lord has granted an answer to their many prayers on her behalf; for she is now standing on the Lord\rquote s side. Let believing p0arents continue in prayer for their children, and let them also continue affectionately and at suitable times to bring the truth before them, and to bring them to the preaching of the Word: and in due season it will be manifested that their labours were not in vain.\par \par Oct. 14. Yesterday, while at Trowbridge, I received from a sister, from the neighbourhood of London, 1l. for the Orphans. In the evening, a sister, a servant, gave me 1s. This morning I gave myself again to prayer respecting the Orphan-Fund, as I had reason to believe that there was nothing in hand in Bristol, except several pounds had come in since I left. Soon after, a sister, a servant, gave me 5s., and, on leaving in the afternoon, a brother gave me 5l. When I came home this evening, I found that only 3l. 10s. 8d. had come in since I left, just sufficient to supply the need up to this evening, so that the help which the Lord gave at Trowbridge, in answer to prayer, came very seasonably to supply the need of tomorrow.\par \par 1Oct. 20. Tuesday. During these last three days we have again experienced the continued care of our loving Father on behalf of the Orphans. On Saturday evening, when again there was no money at all remaining in my hands, a pair of silver mounted horns was anonymously left at my house. On the Lord\rquote s day I received 6l. 1s. Yesterday the Lord sent in still more abundantly; for in the morning came in 12l. from the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton, and in the evening 2l. was given to me by D. C. This morning, a few minutes after I had been thinking that no potatoes had been sent yet for the Orphans, and that we had no money to lay in a stock (for the 14l. which came in yesterday was at once sent off), a brother came and informed me that he had given orders that twenty sacks of good potatoes should be sent to the Orphan-Houses. Thus our kind Father continually cares for us.\par \par Oct. 26. Monday. The Lord has been again very kind to us, during these last days. There came in since Oct. 20, in small dona2tions, 18s. 1d.; for knitting and by sale of stockings, 16s. On Friday last, besides, there were sold stockings to the amount of 17s. 5d. In the evening a brother gave me 5l. This 5l. and the money for the stockings came in very seasonably, as it enabled us to supply the large demands of the next day. Yesterday morning, when I took my hat from the rail, I found in one of my gloves a note, containing a 5l. note and the following words: "2l. for the Orphans, the rest for dear brother and sister Muller," There came in still further yesterday 2l. 12s. 6d. Thus we are again supplied for about three days.\par \par In reference to the note which was put into my hat, containing 5l., I just add, that I had repeatedly asked the Lord for means for our own personal expenses, previous to the reception of it, as we had but very little money for ourselves. Indeed the very moment, before I took my hat from the rail, I had risen from my knees, having again asked the Lord for means for ourselves and for the Orphans.\par 3 \par Oct. 30. The, evening before last 9s. came in, being the produce of some work which a sister had done for the benefit of the Orphans; and early this morning, while my candle was yet burning, a paper was brought, containing 12s. These two donations, with what little is in hand besides, supply our need for this day.\par \par Oct. 31. Saturday. There was no money in hand, My mind was particularly stirred up to open the box in my house. I did so, and found 1l. 10s. 7d. in it. The boxes in the Orphan-Houses were likewise opened, in which was found 8s. Also a brother from Tetbury gave 2s. 6d. Thus the need of today was supplied.\par \par Nov. 2. Monday. 1l. 11s, is the need of today, and as 1l. 12s. has come in since Saturday evening, we are helped for today.\par \par November 3 and 4. Only 2s. 6d. has come in since Nov. 2nd, but the necessities of these two days were supplied by means of articles which had been given to be disposed of.\par \par Nov. 5. Only 2s. came in yesterday for knitting. We4 are now, without any thing, cast upon the Lord. The need of today is 1l. 3s., which I am unable to send.\emdash Afternoon. There came in at three o\rquote clock 4l. for some of the articles which had been sent from Stafford, and which had been sold some time since, so that I was able to send the needful supplies. There came in 6d. besides.\par \par Nov. 7. Saturday. Of the 4l. 2s. 6d. which was in hand the day before yesterday, there was so much left, that, with an addition of 9s. 6d., all the necessities of today could be supplied. This one of the labourers gave.\par \par Nov. 8. Lord\rquote s day. Today the Lord has been again very kind, and looked upon us in our poverty. Besides the 1l. 10s. for rent, I received with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, 5l. I was also informed that two large sacks of oatmeal had been sent from Glasgow as a present. In addition to all this, a brother told me that he had it in his heart to give 10l. worth of materials, for winter clothes for the children, leaving the material to m5y choice, according to the need, so that just what was most desirable might be given. (He, accordingly, sent a few days after, a large pair of good blankets, 32 1/2 yards of mixed beaver, and 10 1/2 yards of blue beaver for cloaks.) There was also 1s. put into the box at Bethesda, with the words, "Jehovah Jireh." These words have often been refreshing to my soul for many years past, and I wrote them with a valuable diamond ring, set with ten brilliants, which was given to the Orphans about twenty months since, upon a pane of glass in my room, which circumstance, in remembrance of the remarkable way in which that valuable ring came, has often cheered my heart, when in deep poverty my eyes have been cast upon "JEHOVAH JIREH"(i.e. the Lord will provide) whilst sitting in my room.\par \par I purposed to have gone to Trowbridge yesterday, and had settled it so on Friday evening with brother \emdash . But no sooner had I decided to do so, than I felt no peace in the prospect of going. After having prayed abou6t it on Friday evening, and yesterday morning, I determined not to go, and I felt sure the Lord had some reason for not allowing me to feel happy in the prospect of going. I began now to look out for blessings for this day, considering that the Lord had kept me here for good to some souls. This evening I was especially led to press the truth on the consciences of the unconverted, entreating and beseeching them, and telling them also that I felt sure, the Lord had, in mercy to some of them, kept me from going to Trowbridge. I spoke on Genesis vi. 1\emdash 5. Immediately after I saw fruit of the Word. An individual fully opened his heart to me. I walked about with him till about ten o\rquote clock, even as long as I had any strength left. [About ten days afterwards a brother told me of a poor drunkard who heard me that evening, and who since then had stayed up till about twelve o\rquote clock every night to read the Scriptures, and who had not been intoxicated since.]\par \par Nov. 11. As only 4s. 6d. had7 come in for knitting, and 2s. 6d. as a donation for the Orphans since the 8th, we were now again very poor. Today there was 9s. more needed than there was in hand, which one of the labourers gave. There were sent today anonymously, nine sacks of potatoes, a proof that our Father continues to be mindful of us, though we are now again so poor.\par \par Nov. 12. Only 6s. 6d. came in last night, 4s. 6d. of which is the produce of the work of a sister, and 2s. from a poor afflicted sister. This 6s. 6d. was very precious in my esteem, because it showed me afresh our Father\rquote s heart towards us, and it was a little to begin the day with. No more has come in this morning, when at twelve I heard from the Orphan-Houses that 1s. 6d. had been received for knitting, and that about eleven this morning a sovereign was left, anonymously, at the Girls\rquote -Orphan House. The paper in which the sovereign was enclosed contained only the letters "A. U. S."\emdash This was a precious deliverance. We have thus enough8 for today.\emdash Evening. There came in still further today for knitting 3s., and a little girl sent 1s. When I came home this evening, I found that a boy\rquote s jacket and a sovereign had been left anonymously at my house. Truly, these deliverances today have been very precious!. We have now enough for tomorrow also.\par \par Nov. 14. Trowbridge. Saturday. That which came in the evening before last supplied our need yesterday; but since then nothing has been received, and therefore there were no means to meet this day\rquote s demands. I had to go this morning in the Lord\rquote s service to Trowbridge, feeling assured that His time had now come for my going, and it required indeed looking at the power, wisdom, and love of our Father, comfortably to leave my dear fellow-labourers, there being nothing in hand. My comfort was that the same kind Father who had provided would provide.\par \par Nov. 16. Trowbridge. Monday. This morning I received a letter from Bristol, in which I was informed that on9 Saturday came in 12s. 6d; also 9s. was given by one of the labourers. Besides this were received 3s. by sale of articles, and three small donations, amounting to 5s. Thus the Lord most mercifully sent in 1l. 9s. 6d., which was enough to supply the absolute need.\par \par Nov. 17. Trowbridge. This morning I had again the report from Bristol about yesterday, in order that, though unable to send means, I might help with my prayers. In a note written in the morning by brother B., and sent to my wife, he writes thus: "I know not whether the Lord has sent in any money for the Orphans or not. I have received none. Sister \emdash\emdash\emdash (one of the labourers) has given half a ton of coals to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House.\par \par There are coals needed at the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, and much money for the ordinary expenses. There is sufficient in all the houses for dinner. He has said, \lquote I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,\rquote so that we may boldly say, the Lord is MY helper." In: the afternoon of the same day he writes : "I have delayed writing as long as I could. The Lord has not sent any thing, but the sisters can do without taking in bread, and they had money enough to pay for the milk, except sister \emdash , who has, however, received a few shillings for some articles of her own, that she sold. Thus we are supplied with the absolute necessities for today." In reference to the last lines I make a few remarks. At first sight it might appear as if it were a failure of the principles on which we act, that now and then individuals who are connected with the work have been obliged to sell articles of their own to procure things which were needed. But let it be remembered, that under no circumstances prayer for temporal supplies can be expected to prevail with the Lord, except we are willing to part with money or any needless articles which we may have of our own. Indeed an Institution like the one under my care should not be carried on by any rich believer, on the principles on wh;ich we, by grace, are enabled to act, except it be that he were made willing himself to give of his own property, as long as he has any thing, whenever the Institution is in real need.\par \par Nov. 18. Bristol. This morning at twelve I returned from Trowbridge, where I had been very happy, and where the Lord evidently used me this time. How happy a thing it is to go and to stay with the Lord!\emdash I found that yesterday some money had been put into the orphan-box at my house, which my wife had reason to believe was at least 1l. She therefore sent 1l. which had come in for the rent of the Orphan-Houses, in consideration of this, as she had not the key to the box. This 1l. met the necessities of yesterday, and with 1s. additional, which one of the labourers gave, was also enough for the dinner of today. There came in also yesterday from Clapham, as a token that the Lord allows us only to be poor for the trial of our faith, but not in anger, the following articles of clothing: 6 frocks, 7 pinafores, 4 cit till I returned. About a quarter past three I came back, when, among several persons who were waiting at my house to converse with me, there was a sister whom I much desired to see about some church affair. I did so. When I had ended the conversation with her, about half-past three, she gave me 10l. for the Orphans. More sweet, and more needed, were none of the previous deliverances. Language cannot express the real joy in God which I had. I was free from, excitement. The circumstance did not un-fit me even for a single moment to attend to my other engagements. I was not in the least surprised, because, by grace, my soul had been waiting on God for deliverance. Never had help been so long delayed. In none of the houses was milk for tea, and in one even no bread, and there was no money to purchase either. It was only a few minutes before the milkman came, when brother B. arrived at the Orphan-Houses with the money. Yet even now it was more than an hour before the usual tea time. The Lord be praised for ?this deliverance! Such a week of deep poverty, as we have had since Nov. 13, we never had before. Yet, thanks to the Lord ! we have lacked nothing, and we have been kept from dishonouring Him by unbelief. I further notice respecting this day, that before this 10l. was received there was sent to the Infant-Orphan-House a cart load of clumps of wood, when there were neither coals, nor money to buy any.\par \par Nov. 21. Saturday evening. The 10l.which came in yesterday afternoon is all expended. Again I have not a penny in hand. We are, however, brought to the close of another week, and have now, a little at least, replenished our provision stock; and should the Lord permit us to enter upon another week, He will surely provide according to our need.\par \par Nov. 22. Lord\rquote s day. The Lord has been again mindful of our need, and has sent us in the means to meet the demands of two days. Besides the 1l. 10s. which came in for rent, a brother gave me this morning two sovereigns, a sister from a distan@ce sent it., and a brother, who spent this day with us, put 12s. 6d. into the box at my house, which our need soon brought out.\par \par Nov. 23. This evening were given, after all the money had been again disbursed, 2 gold rings, 5 small silver coins, a silver ring, 5 silver studs, a silver buckle, a pair of ear-rings, a necklace, and a little box.\par \par Nov. 25. As only 3s. 6d. had come in for knitting since the 22nd, we were now again very poor. The boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, but only 1s. was found in them. In this our poverty 6l. came in this afternoon for some of the articles which had been sent from Stafford on Oct. 3rd, and which had been sold some time since. This money had been expected for some time, but came in only now, in this our great need. In the evening came in still further 2l. from the East Indies.\par \par Nov. 26. Today were sent from Newport, near Barnstaple, 2 rings, a brooch and 4s.\par \par Nov. 27. This morning I received 4l. from a sister in Dublin, beforAe we were really in need; but this donation came very seasonably to meet the large demands of tomorrow, Saturday, for which there is nothing in hand. There was also taken out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, this afternoon, 2l. 12s. 6d.\par \par Nov. 28. Saturday. There has come in again 1l. today. Thus the Lord has bountifully supplied our need during this week, always sending the means without allowing us to be so deeply tried as during the two previous weeks.\par \par Nov. 29. The Lord\rquote s loving hand has again today provided richly for the Orphans, for at least two days. There came in altogether 6l. 19s. 6d.\par \par Dec. 1. Today we were so poor as to the Orphan-Fund, that we should not have been able to meet the demands of the day; but the Lord\rquote s loving heart remembered us. There came in this morning 5l. 7s. for some of the articles which were sent some time since from Stafford. I have purposely again and again mentioned how the help, which the love of some saints at Leeds and StBafford sent, delivered us, that it might be manifest that those donors were directed by the Lord in this matter.\par \par Dec. 2. When today there was again but little money in hand, because of the disbursements of yesterday, D. C. brought me 2l., which his wife a sister had saved out of housekeeping, for the benefit of the Orphans. About an hour, after I had received this 2l., there was sent, in two post-office-orders, 6l. 4s. 6d. by a sister, being the produce of the sale of some trinkets; of which sum one half is to be used for the benefit of the Orphans, and the other half for my own personal necessities. Thus the Lord has by this donation also provided for myself and family, when we were in much need.\par \par Dec. 5. Saturday morning. Yesterday afternoon a sister left two sovereigns at my house for the Orphans. The Lord in the love of His heart, remembered our Saturday\rquote s necessities, and sent in this supply; for there was only 18s. 6d. in hand when this money came, and 2l. 12s. is needed Cfor this day. Evening. As there was now again only 6s. 6d. in hand, I gave myself to prayer, and immediately after I had risen from my knees, 1l. 5s. 6d. was given to me, for things which had been sold, being chiefly articles which had been sent from Stafford. There was also a flute left anonymously at my house, this evening.\par \par Dec. 6. Today there came in still further 2l. 2s. 6d.\par \par Dec. 7. Again 1l. 11s. has come in.\par \par Dec. 9. Morning. This is the last day of the fifth year of the Orphan work. Hitherto the Lord has helped us! This morning there was only 1l. 1s. 9d. in hand, but 1l. 7s. was needed for the supply of today. I therefore opened the box in my house, in which 2s. 6d. was found. This 1l. 4s. 3d. I sent off to the Orphan-Houses. Evening. There came in during this day 1l. 6s. 6d.; out of this I had to pay away 1l. 2s., so that now, at the close of the year, though the balance amounts to 15l. 0s. 6 1/4d., there is only 4s. 6 1/4d. in hand, as the rest has been put by for Dthe rent, which is due up to this time. With this 4s. 6 1/4d. we have now to commence the sixth year, leaning upon the living God, who most assuredly during this year also will help us in every way, as our circumstances may call for it.\par \par \par \par At the close of these details (with reference to the year from Dec. 9, 1839, to Dec. 9, 1840) I make a few remarks in connexion with them.\par \par 1. Though our trials of faith during this year also have been many, and recurring more frequently than during any previous year, and though we have been often reduced to the greatest extremity, yet the Orphans have lacked nothing; for they have always had good nourishing food, and the necessary articles of clothing, etc.\par \par 2. Should it be supposed by any one in reading the plain details of our trials of faith during this year, that on account of them we have been disappointed in our expectations, or are discouraged in the work, my answer is, that the very reverse is the fact. Such days were expEected from the commencement of the work; nay, more than this, the chief end for which the Institution was established is, that the Church of Christ at large might be benefited by seeing manifestly the hand of God stretched out on our behalf in the hour of need, in answer to prayer. Our desire, therefore, is not that we may be without trials of faith, but that the Lord graciously would be pleased to support us in the trial, that we may not dishonour Him by distrust.\par \par 3. This way of living brings the Lord remarkably near, He is, as it were, morning by morning inspecting our stores, that accordingly He may send help. Greater and more manifest nearness of the Lord\rquote s presence I have never had, than when after breakfast there were no means for dinner, and then the Lord provided the dinner for more than one hundred persons; or when, after dinner, there were no means for the tea, and yet the Lord provided the tea; and all this without one single human being having been informed about our need. ThFis moreover I add, that although we, who have been eye witnesses of these gracious interpositions of our Father, have not been so benefited by them as we might and ought to have been, yet we have in some measure derived blessing from them. One thing is certain, that we are not tired of doing the Lord\rquote s work in this way.\par \par 4. It has been more that once observed, that such a way of living must lead the mind continually to think whence food, clothes, etc., are to come, and so unfit for spiritual exercises. Now, in the first place, I answer, that our minds are very little tried about the necessaries of life, just because the care respecting them is laid upon our Father, who, because we are His children, not only allows us to do so, but will have us to do so. Secondly, it must be remembered, that, even if our minds were much tried about the supplies for the children, and the means for the other work, yet, because we look to the Lord alone for these things, we should only be brought, by our sensGe of need, into the presence of our Father, for the supply of it; and that is a blessing, and no injury to the soul. Thirdly, our souls realize that for the glory of God and for the benefit of the church at large, it is that we have these trials of faith, and that leads again to God, to ask Him for fresh supplies of grace, to be enabled to be faithful in this service.\par \par 5. My heart\rquote s desire and prayer to God is, that all believers, who read this, may by these many answers to prayer be encouraged to pray, particularly as it regards the conversion of their friends and relations, their own state of heart, the state of the Church at large, and the success of the preaching of the gospel. Do not think, dear reader, that these things are peculiar to us, and cannot be enjoyed by all the saints. Although every child of God is not called by the Lord to establish Schools and Orphan-Houses, and to trust in the Lord for means for them; yet there is nothing on the part of the Lord to hinder, why you mayH not know by experience, far more abundantly than we do now, His willingness to answer the prayers of His children. Do but prove the faithfulness of God. Do but carry your every want to Him. Only maintain an upright heart. But if you live in sin; if you wilfully and habitually do things, respecting which you know that they are contrary to the will of God, then you cannot expect to be heard by Him. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: but verily God hath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer." Psalm lxvi. 18, 19.\par \par 6. As it regards the children of God, who by the labour of their hands, or in any business or profession, earn their bread, particularly the poorer classes of them, I give my affectionate yet solemn advice, to carry into practice the principles on which this Institution is conducted, as it regards not going in debt. Are you in debt? then make confession of sin respecting it. Sincerely confess to the Lord that you have sinned against Rom. xiii. 8. IAnd if you are resolved no more to contract debt, whatever may be the result, and you are waiting on the Lord, and truly trust in Him, your present debts will soon be paid. Are you out of debt? then whatever your future want may be, be resolved, in the strength of Jesus, rather to suffer the greatest privation, whilst waiting upon God for help, than to use unscriptural means, such as borrowing, taking goods on credit, etc., to deliver yourselves. This way needs but to be tried, in order that its excellency may be enjoyed.\par \par \par \par On Dec. 14, 15, 16, and 25, we had public meetings, at which the account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with us during the last year, in respect of the Orphan-Houses, Schools, etc., was given, for the benefit of any who desired to come. The preceding part of the Narrative gives the substance of what was stated at those meetings, in reference to the many answers to prayer which the Lord has granted to us during the past year. There are a few points more, which may beJ of interest to the believing reader, and which were then mentioned, which I shall now add.\par \par 1. There have been, during this year also, six Day Schools for poor children, entirely supported by the funds of the Institution, all of which have been established by us.\par \par Besides this, the rent for the school room of a seventh School, carried on by a sister, who is known to us, has been paid and two other such Schools, out of Bristol, have been assisted with Bibles and Testaments.\par \par The number of all the children that have had schooling in the Day Schools through the medium of the Institution, since its formation, amounts to 2216; the number of those at present in the six Day Schools is 303.\par \par These Day Schools have defrayed, by the payments of the children, about the sixth part of their own expenses.\par \par 2. There is one Sunday School entirely supported by the funds of the Institution.\par \par 3. There has been since the formation of the Institution one Adult SchooKl connected with it, in which, on the Lord\rquote s day afternoons, since that time, about 150 adults have been instructed.\par \par This School has been discontinued at the close of this year, and instead of it it is purposed to have a regular Evening School for adults who cannot read. It is purposed to instruct them for about an hour and a half in reading and writing twice a week, and afterwards to read the Scriptures for a short time to them, and to bring the truth before them. The School will commence at seven o\rquote clock in the evening, and the instruction will be altogether free.\par \par 4. The number of Bibles and Testaments which have been circulated through the medium of the Institution, during the last year, amounts to 452 copies.\par \par There have been circulated, since March 5, 1834, six thousand and forty-four copies of the Scriptures.\par \par 5. There have been laid out during the last year, of the funds of the Institution, 120l. 10s. 2d. for Missionary purposes.\par \par 6.L There are at present 91 Orphans in the three houses. The total number of the Orphans who have been under our care from April 11, 1836, to Dec. 9, 1840, amounts to 129.\par \par I notice further the following points in connexion with the Orphan-Houses.\par \par 1. Without any one having been asked for any thing by us, the sum of 3,937l. 1s. 1d. has been given to us, as the result of prayer to God, since the commencement of the work. 2. Besides this also, a great variety of provisions, clothes, furniture, etc. 3. Though there has been during this year as much, or more sickness, in the Orphan-Houses, than during any previous year; yet I own to the praise of the Lord publicly, that it has been very little, considering the number of the children.\par \par For the future we purpose, according to the time, means, etc., which the Lord may be pleased to give us, to attend to a fifth object, the circulation of such publications, as may be beneficial, with the blessing of God, to benefit both believers and unMbelievers. We purpose either to buy or print tracts for unbelievers, and to sell them, or have them distributed, as opportunity maybe given; and to buy or print such publications, for circulation, as may be instrumental in directing the minds of believers to those truths which in these last days are more especially needed, or have been particularly lost sight of, and which may lead believers to return to the written word of God.\par \par \par \par THE BLESSING OF THE LORD UPON THE WORK IN REFERENCE TO THE SOULS OF THE CHILDREN.\par \par \par \par 1. During the last fourteen months there have been meetings purposely for children, at which the Scriptures have been expounded to them. At these meetings an almost universal attention is manifested by them, which I thankfully ascribe to the Lord, and upon which I look as a forerunner of greater blessing.\par \par 2. During the last year three of the Sunday School children have been received into fellowship.\par \par 3. At the end of last year there hNad been eight Orphans received into communion: during the present year fourteen have been received: in all twenty-two.\par \par 4. Of those two who died during this year, one was an infant, and the other a girl about twelve years old. The latter, on the whole, a well behaved child, was for months ill in consumption before she died. The nearer she came to the end of her life, the greater was the solicitude of those under whose care she was, respecting the state of her heart, as she was evidently unprepared for eternity. But now we saw, what never had been witnessed in any other of the children to such a degree. This, on the whole, naturally amiable, meek, and quiet child, manifested not merely complete indifference to the truth, the nearer she came to the close of her life; but also showed much aversion, and, as far as she could, great enmity to the truth. At last she was evidently dying, yet altogether unprepared for death. In this state all the Orphans in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House were assembled tOogether, and the awful state of\rquote this dying child was pointed out to the unbelieving Orphans as a warning, and to the believing Orphans as a subject for gratitude to God on behalf of themselves, that they, by grace, were in a different state; and it was laid on their hearts to give themselves to prayer for their dying companion. The labourers in the work were sustained to hope still, and to pray still, though Charlotte Lee remained opposed to the truth while in this dying state. However, unexpectedly she lived ten days longer, and about two days before her death she was so altogether different, that we have hope in her end.\par \par It was stated in the last year\rquote s Report, that we were looking for fruit upon our labours as it regards the conversion of the children, as the Lord had given to us a measure of earnestness in praying for them. The Lord has dealt with us according to our expectations. But I expect far more than what we have seen. While the chief object of our work has been, and iPs still, the manifestation of the heart of God towards His children, and the reality of power with God in prayer; yet, as we hoped, and as it has been our prayer, the Lord gives to us also the joy of seeing one child after another brought to stand openly on the Lord\rquote s side.\emdash As far as my experience goes, it appears to me that believers generally have expected far too little of present fruit upon their labours among children. There has been a hoping that the Lord some day or other would own the instruction which they give to children, and would answer at some time or other, though after many years only, the prayers which they offer up on their behalf. Now, while such passages as Proverbs xxii. 6, Ecclesiastes xi. 1, Galatians vi. 9, 1 Cor. xv. 58, give unto us assurance not merely respecting every thing which we do for the Lord, in general, but also respecting bringing up children in the fear of the Lord, in particular, that our labour is not in vain in the Lord; yet we have to guard against aQbusing such passages, by thinking it a matter of little moment whether we see present fruit or not; but, on the contrary, we should give the Lord no rest till we see present fruit, and therefore in persevering, yet submissive, prayer, we should make known our requests unto God. I add, as an encouragement to believers who labour among children, that during the last two years, seventeen other young persons or children, from the age of eleven and a half to seventeen, have been received into fellowship among us, and that I am looking out now for many more to be converted, and that not merely of the Orphans, but of the Sunday and Day School children. As in so many respects we live in remarkable times, so in this respect also, that the Lord is working greatly among the children in many places.\par \par I most earnestly solicit all who know the reality of our privilege as the children of God, even that we have power with God, to help us with their prayers, that many more of the children may soon be converted, Rand that those who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus may be enabled so to walk, as that the name of Jesus may be magnified by them. The believing reader must know how great the aim of Satan will be to lead those children, who, from nine years old, and upward, have been received into fellowship, back again into the world, and thereby seek to lead believers to give up looking for real conversion among children.\par \par The total of the expenses connected with the objects of-the Institution, exclusive of the Orphan-Houses, from Nov. 19, 1839, to Nov. 19, 1840, is 622l. 2s. 6 1/2d. The balance in hand on Nov. 19, 1840, was 13l. 2s. 9 3/4d.\par \par The total of the expenses connected with the three Orphan-Houses, from Dec. 9, 1839, to Dec. 9, 1840, is 900l. 11s. 2 1/2d. The balance in hand on Dec. 9, 1840, was 15l. 0s. 6 1/4d.\par \par \par \par Dec. 23. There was sent to us for ourselves, anonymously, a piece of beef, which came very seasonably, as we are just now again very poor.\paSr \par Dec. 26. This morning a poor brother, who, like ourselves, lives in dependence upon the Lord for his temporal supplies, whilst serving the Lord in the ministry of the Word, and who has been several days staying with us, gave to my wife 3s. 6d., for our own personal necessities, saying, that we might need it. This is indeed a most remarkable donation, both because of the individual from whom it came, and because of its having been given just now; for without it we should not have been able to provide for our temporal necessities this day.\par \par \par \par REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1840.\par \par \par \par I. As to the church.\par \par 68 brethren and sisters brother Craik and I found in communion, when we came to Bristol.\par \par 687 have been admitted into communion since we came to Bristol.\par \par 755 would be, therefore, the total number of those in fellowship with us, had there been no changes. But\par \par 79 have left Bristol.\par \par 55 have left us, but are still in Bristol.\par \par 44 are under church discipline.\par \par 52 have fallen asleep.\par \par 230 are therefore to be deducted from 755, so that there are only 525 at present in communion.\par \par 114 have been added during the past year, of whom 47 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord among us, 24 besides, though they knew the Lord, had never been in fellowship any where; 43 had been at some time or other in fellowship, but most of them with saints not residing in Bristol.\par \par \par \par II. As to the supply of my temporal necessities:\par \par 1. The Lord has been pleased to send me by the Freewill Offerings of the saints among whom I labour, through\par \par the instrumentality of the boxes \'a3128 5s. 10 1/2d.\par \par 2. Through saints in and out of Bristol, by presents in money \'a3100 5s. 1d.\par \par 3. Through family connection \'a38 18s. 0d.\par \par 4. In provisions, clothes, etc. worth to us at least \'a35 0s. 0d.\par \par Altogether \'a3242 8s. 11 1/2d.\par } Uce to the first edition of the second part. In addition to those reasons it appeared to me desirable to give some account of my recent labours in Germany, and also to write on a few other points, which I considered of great importance to be made known.\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par 21, Paul Street, Kingsdown,\par \par Bristol, June 18, 1845.\par \par \par \par NARRATIVE,\par \par &c. &c.\par \par \par \par THIRD PART.\par \par \par \par IN the deep consciousness of my entire natural inability for going through the work, which is before me, to the profit of the reader and to the glory of God, I am nevertheless of good cheer in beginning this service; for the Lord has enabled me often to bow my knees before Him, to seek His help respecting it; and I am now expecting His help. He delights in making His strength perfect in our weakness, and therefore will I also, though so weak, look for His strength. And if through this my feeble effort, to show forth the praises of the Lord, good be dVone (of which I have the fullest assurance, on account of the abundance of supplication which for many months past has been found in my spirit in reference to this service,) I do desire from my inmost soul to ascribe all the honour and glory to the Lord.\par \par I purpose in writing this third part of my Narrative to adopt the same mode which I employed in the two former parts, namely that of giving extracts from my journal, and accompanying them with such remarks as it may be desirable to make for the profit of the reader. The second part carries on the Narrative up to the end of the year 1840, so far as it regards my own personal affairs; but only to Dec. 9, 1840, so far as it regards the Orphan-Houses, and other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, as on that day the accounts were closed. From this period, then, the Narrative is continued.\par \par Dec. 10, 1840. When the accounts were closed last evening, the balance in hand was 15l. 0s. 6 1/4d., but as nearly 15l. of this sum had beeWn put by for the rent of the Orphan-Houses, the sum really in hand for use was only 4s. 6 1/4d. With this little sum we commenced the sixth year of this part of the work, while there are daily, as usual, more than a hundred persons to be provided for.\par \par \emdash A little boy brought half-a-crown to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, this morning, which is the first gift in this sixth year. Thus we had altogether 7s. 0 1/4d. for this day, which was enough to pay for the milk in the three houses, and to buy some bread in one of them. We have never before been so poor at the commencement of the year.\par \par Dec. 11. Only 2s. 6d. more had come in since last evening. There was sufficient for dinner in the Girls\rquote and Infant-Orphan-Houses, but scarcely enough in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House. This half-crown, therefore, supplied the remainder of the dinner in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House. But now there was no money to take in milk, in any of the houses, for tea, or to buy any bread. However the LXord helped us through this day also. About one o\rquote clock some trinkets, which had been sent a few days since, were disposed of for 12s., by which the usual quantity of milk, and a little bread could be taken in. [I observe here that there is generally bread for two or three days in the houses, the children eating the bread on the third day after it is baked. When, therefore, we are unable to take in the usual quantity, for want of means, we procure stale bread afterwards.]\par \par Dec. 12. Only 4s. had come in to meet this day\rquote s necessities. Thus we should not have had sufficient means to provide for the dinner in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, had not 6s. come in this morning, just in time to help us through the difficulty. Still we had no means to buy bread, and a few other little things which were needed. In addition to all this it was Saturday, and therefore provisions for two days needed to be procured. About four o\rquote clock this afternoon, one of the sisters in the Orphan-Houses,Y to whom I had some days since sent a little money for her own personal necessities, gave 1l. Thus we were able to purchase sufficient provisions to last till breakfast on Monday morning. These last days have been very trying. The poverty has been greater than ever; the Lord, however, has not confounded us, but has, strengthened our faith, and always given us necessaries.\par \par The School-Funds are also now again very low. There was only so much money in hand, as that two of the teachers, really in need, could be paid today. Truly, my dear fellow-labourers in the schools need to trust the Lord for their temporal supplies! [I notice here, that though the brethren and sisters have a certain remuneration, yet it is understood that, if the Lord should not be pleased to send in the means at the time when their salary is due, I am not considered their debtor. Should the Lord be pleased to send in means afterwards, the remainder of the salary is paid up, and also additional assistance is given in time of siZckness or more than usual need, as the Lord may be pleased to grant the means. A brother or sister, in connection with this work, not looking for themselves to the Lord, would be truly uncomfortable; for the position of all of us is of such a character, that it brings heavy trials of faith, in addition to the many precious seasons of joy on account of answers to prayer.]\par \par Dec. 13. Lord\rquote s day. This morning I received 2l. 10s. Thus, before the last provisions are actually consumed in the Orphan-Houses, I have been able to give fresh supplies.\par \par Dec. 14. Though 2l. 10s. had come in yesterday, there was still not sufficient this morning to buy coals in the Boys\rquote and Girls\rquote -Orphan-Houses. But the Lord kindly supplied us with means for that also; for there were given today six silver tea spoons, and a pair of silver sugar tongs. I received also 1l. 10s. which yesterday had been anonymously given for rent. Thus the Lord, in this particular also, again begins the year with [blessings. [As during the two previous years 1l. 10s. a week was anonymously given to pay for the rent of the three Orphan-Houses, so during the whole of this year also, from Dec. 10, 1840, to Dec. 10, 1841, the donor continued the same contribution.] This evening was the first of our public meetings, at which I gave the account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with us in regard to this work, during the last year. It was a good season. I felt much assisted by the Lord, and was, through grace, very happy, so that none of those who were present can have read in my countenance that I have nothing at all in hand towards the supply of the necessities of tomorrow. After the meeting this evening 2 1/2d. was left anonymously at my house.\par \par Dec. 15. The day commenced with 2 1/2d. in hand. My eyes were directed to the living God. I was looking out for help. The greatness of our need led me to expect it. About eleven o\rquote clock I received from Barnstaple a 5l. note and half-a-sovereign. Thus the Lord in Hi\s faithful love delivered us. Half an hour afterwards I had the report from the Orphan-Houses about the state of things today, which will show how seasonably the money from Barnstaple came. Brother R. B., master at the Boys\rquote -Orphan~ House, wrote that last evening a sister gave 5s. and a cloak, but that there never was less bread in the Orphan-Houses at any time than this morning, and that both in the Boys\rquote and Infant-Orphan-Houses all bread had been, cut up for use.\emdash We are now waiting on the Lord for means to enable us to have the Report printed. Till He provides, we will, by His help, do nothing in this matter. Though it seems to us important that the account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with us in the work should be made known to the saints generally; yea, though this is the primary object of the work; nevertheless it appears to us a small matter for our kind and loving Father, who withholds nothing from His children that is really good for them, to give us the sum which we need fo]r this purpose whenever His time shall have come. We do desire grace even in this thing to acknowledge Him; for His time may not yet have come for us to have the sweet privilege of sending forth far and wide the account of His goodness to us during the past year.\par \par Dec. 16. To-night I received with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, 1l. 10s., and 12s. from another individual; also a Spanish dollar was sent. Thus we have something for the necessities of tomorrow.\par \par Dec. 17. Today came in 3s., and from Bath 4l. 6s. 8d.; also 2l., the produce of the sale of ladies\rquote baskets.\par \par Dec. 19. Only 11s. 2d. has come in since the day before yesterday. As I had to pay out today 6l. 10s., it being Saturday, we have now again only 5s. 9d. left, which is just enough to meet the expense of a parcel, the arrival of which has been announced. Thus we still have no means for printing the Report, The Lord\rquote s time seems not yet to have come.\par \par This afternoon came in from Exmouth 1l. 10s. 5d. fo^r the other objects, so that, with what there was in hand, the teachers of the Day-Schools who were in need could be supplied.\par \par Dec. 20. The Lord has again sent in rich supplies. He remembered that there was nothing in hand for the Orphans, and that we, who care for them, desire, through grace, not to be anxiously concerned about the morrow. There came in today altogether 6l. 17s.\par \par Dec. 25. This morning there was 5l. given to me by a brother, to be used as most needed. As there is a little left for the Orphans, but about 5l. needed, tomorrow, for the schools, and there are only a few shillings in hand, I took this money for these funds.\par \par Jan. 1, 1841. Since Dec. 20 has come in not only as much as was needed, but more. Of the donations which were given, I only notice: A sister brought the produce of her silver spoons, which she had sold, having had it laid on her heart to do so through the last public meetings. During this week we have daily met for prayer, for the especial pu_rpose of asking the Lord to give us the means of having the last year\rquote s Report printed. It is three weeks since it might have been sent to the press. We felt this now to be a matter of especial importance, as, if the Report were not soon printed, it would be known that it arose from want of means. By the donations which came in during these last days for the Orphans, and by 10l. which was given today for the other funds, we have the means of defraying the expenses of about two-thirds of the printing, and therefore a part of the manuscript was sent off, trusting that the Lord would be pleased to send in more means before two sheets are printed off; but if not, we should then stop till we have more.\emdash Evening. There came in still further 5l.; and also 10s., and 3s.\par \par Jan. 2. Today 18s. came in, and the following articles were sent anonymously to the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House: A smelling bottle, a metal chain and cross, a silver pencil case, a mother-of-pearl ring, a pebble, a necklace `clasp, 2 pairs of studs, and 6 chimney ornaments. There were also sent anonymously, this evening, 2 pairs of skates.\emdash There was needed today 1l. 1s. 6d. more than there was in hand, to pay the salaries of the teachers in the Day-Schools. About noon a sister brought three small donations, amounting to 9s.; and a sovereign came by post. Thus our need has been supplied.\par \par Jan. 3. This morning a brooch was given to me, set with a brilliant and 10 small emeralds. The stones are to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans, and the gold is to be returned. I received also the following sums: From a sister in Bristol, 5l.; from the East Indies 2l.; from Devonshire 2l. 10s. and a silver vinaigrette; anonymously put into the boxes at Bethesda 2s., ditto by I. L. 3s. 6d., ditto for rent 1l. 10s. ; and by sale of articles 1s. 6d. Thus the Lord has sent in today 11l. 7s., in answer to our united prayer during the last week.\par \par Jan. 4. Today the following trinkets were given, to be disposed of for athe benefit of the Orphans, or on behalf of the other objects. [They were taken for the latter, there being only about 7s. in hand.] Two chains and crosses of soap beads, an amber necklace, a bead necklace, a gold Maltese cross and chain, a Brazilian gold chain, a pearl hair brooch, a pearl cross, a mother-of-pearl buckle, 2 rings, a necklace snap, a moonstone brooch, a brooch of Ceylon stones, a pair of bracelet snaps, a gold brooch, a gilt vinaigrette, a pair of buckles, and a box. [The money which was obtained for the greater part of these trinkets, supplied our need on Saturday, January 9th.]\par \par Jan. 11. Monday. During the last week the Lord not only supplied us richly with all we needed for the Orphans, but enabled us to put by several pounds towards printing the Report. On Saturday evening there was only 3s. 6d. left. On this account I was looking out for answers to my prayers for means, and the Lord did not disappoint me. There came in altogether yesterday 9l. 16s. 4d. We have now enough evben for the last part of the Report. Thus the Lord has been pleased to answer our prayers in this respect also. This afternoon when there was again only 2s. 6d. in hand, came in by sale of articles 3l. 9s. 6d., and by a donation 5l.\par \par Jan. 12. Today I have received a letter from a brother, in which he empowers me to draw upon his bankers, during this year to the amount of 1000l., for any brethren who have it in their hearts to give themselves to missionary Service in the East Indies, and whom I shall consider called for this service, as far as I am able to judge. [This power lasted only for that year; but no brethren who seemed to be suitable offered themselves for this service]\par \par Jan. 13. This evening I was called to the house of a brother and sister who are in the deepest distress. The brother had become surety for the debts of his son, not in the least expecting that he ever should be called upon for the payment of them; but as his son has not discharged his debts, the father has been ccalled upon to do so; and except the money is paid within a few days, he will be imprisoned.\par \par How precious it is, even for this life, to act according to the word of God! This perfect revelation of His mind gives us directions for every thing, even the most minute affairs of this life. It commands us, "Be thou not one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts." Prov. xxii. 26. The way in which Satan ensnares persons, to bring them into the net, and to bring trouble upon them by becoming sureties, is, that he seeks to represent the matter as if there were no danger connected with that particular case, and that one might be sure one should never be called upon to pay the money; but the Lord, the faithful Friend, tells us in His own word that the only way in such a matter "to be sure" is "to hate suretiship." Prov. xi. 15. The following points seem to me of solemn moment for consideration, if I were called upon to become surety for another: 1. What obliges the person who wisdhes me to become surety for him, to need a surety? Is it really a good cause in which I am called upon to become surety? I do not remember ever to have met with a case in which in a plain, and godly, and in all respects Scriptural matter such a thing occurred. There was generally some sin or other connected with it. 2. If I become surety, notwithstanding what the Lord has said to me in His word, am I in such a position that no one will be injured by my being called upon to fulfill the engagements of the person for whom I am going to be surety? In most instances this alone ought to keep one from it. 3. If still I become surety, the amount of money, for which I become responsible, must be so in my power, that I am able to produce it whenever it is called for, in order that the name of the Lord may not be dishonoured. 4. But if there be the possibility of having to fulfill the engagements of the person in whose stead I have to stand, is it the will of the Lord, that I should spend my means in that way? Is ite not rather His will that my means should be spent in another way? 5. How can I get over the plain word of the Lord, which is to the contrary, even if the first four points could be satisfactorily settled?\par \par This morning (Jan. 13) I had again not one penny in hand for the Orphans, though there was enough for today at the Orphan-Houses, as I had sent yesterday sufficient for two days. The little stock being exhausted, I had been led to the Lord in prayer for fresh supplies, when soon afterwards a brother called on me, who stated, that, in considering the necessities of the poor, on account of the cold season, the Orphans had likewise been brought to his mind, and that he had brought me 15l. for them. This afternoon came in still further 1l. from two sisters, as a thank-offering for many mercies during the past year. Likewise 10l. "From a friend in Christ for the Orphans\rquote -House." Further: by sale of articles 2l. 4s. 6d., by knitting 1l. 4s., by Reports 9d., and by four donations 13s. Thus thfe Lord has been pleased to send in this day altogether 30l. 2s. 3d., whilst, when the day commenced, I had nothing at all in hand.\par \par Jan. 23. This day commenced without any thing in hand. In addition to this it was Saturday. About nine o\rquote clock Q. Q. called to see me, but, as I was in prayer with my family, she did not stay. About half an hour afterwards she called a second time, gave 5l. for the Orphans, and said, "I bring this because it is Saturday, and it may be needed." This sister was not deterred by not seeing me the first time, because our Father knew we had need of this money. There was likewise 5s. given me this afternoon, and when the sister gave it she said, "I bring this today, because it is Saturday."\par \par Jan. 25. 2l. 19s. 10d. came in yesterday and this morning. When the necessities of the day had been supplied, and there was only 12s. l0d. left, I received a parcel from an unknown donor. It contained 1 lb. and 6 oz. of worsted and 4 sovereigns, with the following noteg:\emdash " \lquote Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.\rquote \lquote All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.\rquote An Orphan sends 3l. for the Orphans, and 1l. for Mr. G. Muller\rquote s own necessities, Jan. 23, 1841."\par \par Feb. 1. Today we had not sufficient money for our own personal necessities, when we were helped in the following way. Some months ago several articles were sent to my dear wife from a distance of about 200 miles, which she did not at all need, and which therefore had been placed in the hands of a sister to be disposed of. This was only now done, and today, in this our need, the money was brought for them, being 1l.. 10s. 6d.\par \par Feb. 4. Since Jan. 25, there has come in 10l. 14s. 11d. for the Orphans. This morning a brother from G1oucestershire brought me a doubloon, (18 1/2 pennyweights of fine gold,) a Spanish dollar, 2 small Spanish coins, 4 old English crown pieces, 2 old English half-crown pieces, 3 old shillinhgs, 2 old sixpences, and an old twopenny piece. He told me that he had purposed to come a day sooner, but that, though he was quite prepared for his journey, his business did not allow him to leave home, but that immediately, when these coins were given to him for the Orphans, he was able to leave. On his arrival in Bristol, this brother was asked by a gentleman, a fellow passenger, to go with him; but he replied he must go at once to me. On mentioning my name, the Gloucestershire brother was asked whether he did not believe that it was all chance work about the Orphan-Houses. He replied no, and showed him the handful of gold and silver coins, which he had received for the Orphan-Houses, and which he felt himself constrained at once to deliver.\emdash There was also given this day a valuable gold lever watch\emdash Though these donations of today were not needed to supply the necessities of the children, yet they came very seasonably, and as the answer to many prayers which I had lately offered up to the iLord, to enable me to give 26l. to the labourers in the Orphan-Houses, for their own personal necessities.\par \par Feb. 6. At the close of this week there is nothing at all in hand, either in the Orphan-Fund or in the other funds; but the Lord has enabled me to meet all the expences of the week, which only yesterday and today were above 30l.\par \par Feb. 7. In answer to prayer, when we were without any money for the Orphans, came in today altogether 2l. 18s,\par \par Feb. 10. There came in yesterday and the day before several small donations; also by post, anonymously, a sovereign and a diamond ring from Leamington; but we are now again without means. May the Lord help us!\par \par \emdash Evening. There came in by sale of articles 10s., by sale of Reports 10s., and by a donation 1s. 6d. I also opened the box in my house, in which I found 1l. 0s. 6d. A sovereign had been put in by a brother from Stafford, who had already left my house, but felt himself constrained to return, in order to put in tjhis money.\par \par Feb. 12. Last evening there was left at my house, anonymously, a letter containing two sovereigns, in which was written, "For the Orphan-House 2l." This 2l. is exactly what is needed for today.\par \par Feb. 13. Saturday morning. The Lord sent in yesterday 1l. 15s. which, though not enough for this day, was a little to commence with. Evening. Scarcely had I sent off this morning the 1l. 15s. to the Orphan-Houses, when I received from Clapham 9l. 6s. 6d. and 6 yds. of calico, for the Orphans, so that 1l. more, which was needed to meet this day\rquote s demands, could be supplied. There came in also 14s. 6d.\par \par We are very poor in reference to the funds for the other objects, and have now determined to meet daily for prayer, till the Lord may be pleased to send help.\par \par There are now four sisters in the Lord staying at our house. This morning we had only 2s. left of our own money, when there was sent to us for ourselves from Clapham a sovereign and 2 lbs. of tea; and kfrom Manchester 5 shillings\rquote worth of postages. Thus the Lord has kindly helped us for the present.\par \par Feb. 14. The Lord has had pity, and helped us in some measure. A brother gave me 5l. for the first four objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.\par \par Feb. 22. Since the 14th there has come in still further for the first four objects 6s. 1d., 13s. 4d., 2s. 6d., 1l., and 5l., besides what has come in by the sale of Bibles, etc. Thus we have been able to meet all the expenses of this week.\par \par March 4. From February 22 up to this day our necessities in the Day Schools were supplied by thirteen small donations, and by a donation of 8l. from Q. Q. Today I received the following letter\par \par "Dear Brother,\par \par I yesterday happened to meet with one of your Reports of the Orphan Institution for the last year, which I have read with much interest. I was not before at all aware how entirely you subsisted day by day on the good providence of the Lord, and it is very wlonderful to see His constant care of such of His children as walk uprightly, and put their trust in Him. It must be very blessed thus to know and feel His care from day to day, in making bread and water sure. I am concerned to find that there was so much need at the time I saw you in \'85\'85 and that I did not assist you; but I will delay no longer, for there may be equal need now; and as I find many sums given with the text Ecclesiastes ix. 10, it reminds me, not to put off till tomorrow that which should be done today. Just before I fell in with your Report, I got a little portable money out of the bank, thinking it might be needed in some such way, so without delay I enclose it; the amount is 15l., and I hope that the Lord will direct my mind and incline my heart to help you again at the time of need. I perceive you have a list with the sums received, and the names of the donors open for inspection (though not published, which is well). Please to insert my donation, and any future ones I may give, undmer the initials A. B."\par \par \par \par When this letter arrived, there was not one penny in hand for the Day Schools, whilst two days after about 7l. was needed. As the money was not given for any particular part of the work, it was put to this fund. There was also only 2l. in the Orphan fund. This money came from a considerable distance, and from a brother who never had assisted in this work before, whereby the Lord afresh shows how easily He can raise up new helpers.\par \par March 11. From Feb. 13 to this day we have had comparative abundance for the Orphans, as 70 donations of 10l. and under have come in, also many pounds by sale of articles and Reports; but now, when we had again only 13s. 6d. in hand, not half of what is needed to meet the necessities of tomorrow, a sister at Plymouth sent 6l,\par \par March 12. There came in still further today 5l. from "Friends to the Orphan," besides 2s. 6d., 1s. 6d., 10s., and 8s. 6d.\par \par March 18. Today I heard of the conversion of a gentlemann, whose believing wife had prayed many years on behalf of her husband. He was a Roman Catholic and a great drunkard. But though he had been a Roman Catholic, he was truly made to rest upon the Lord Jesus alone for salvation; though he had been a great drunkard, the power of the Gospel was seen in his case, for he forsook his evil ways; and though his wife had had to continue to pray for him many years, yet at last the Lord answered the cries of his afflicted handmaid, and gave her the desire of her heart.\par \par As I know it to be a fact, that many children of God are greatly tried by having unconverted relatives, I relate here, for the encouragement of believers who are thus exercised, two precious facts, the truth of which I know, and by which the Lord manifested His power in converting, two of the most unlikely individuals, so far as natural appearance is concerned. Between forty and fifty years ago it pleased the Lord to convert the wife of a farmer at Ashburton in Devonshire, whose husband in conosequence became her bitter opposer. This opposition was greatly increased when he had reason to believe that she was going to be baptized. The wife, however, thought that, on account of his great enmity, she would choose a time for being baptized when he was from home. A time was therefore chosen when he was to be absent at a fair in Exeter. The farmer went to the fair; but having learned on Thursday that his wife was to be baptized at eleven o\rquote clock the next morning, in haste to return he rose early on Friday morning, to put a stop to the proceeding. After he had rode several miles, he said to himself, "No, I will not go; let her do what she pleases, I will not care about her at all :" and he therefore rode back again towards Exeter. But after awhile he altered his mind again and said to himself, "Nay, I will go, she shall not have her way;" and he rode again towards Ashburton. He pursued his way, and then changed his mind a third time, and turned towards Exeter; but not long after this, a fourth ptime be had different thoughts, and determined to ride borne. Now, however, he remembered, that, on account of his having thus gone backwards and forwards, and that for several miles, he had wasted so much time, that he could not possibly be at Ashburton by eleven o\rquote clock, a distance of more than twenty miles from Exeter. Enraged by this thought, he dismounted from his horse on Haldon Common, between Exeter and Teignmouth, cut a large stick out of the hedge and determined to beat his wife with that stick, as long as a part of it remained. At last he reached his home, late in the afternoon, and found his wife had been baptized. In a great rage he now began to beat her, and continued to do so, till the stick in his hand was actually broken to pieces. Having thus most cruelly treated her, her body being full of bruises, he ordered her to bed. She meekly began to undress herself, and intended to go to bed, without saying a word. But when he saw her about to go, he said, "You shall not sleep in my bed aqny more. Go to the children\rquote s bed." She obeyed. When now on the point of lying down on the children\rquote s bed, he ran into the kitchen, fetched a piece of wood, threw her down on the bed, and was about to begin again to beat her, when suddenly he let the piece of wood fall, and went away without saying a word. The poor suffering wife saw no more of him that evening or night. On the next morning, Saturday, before she had risen, her husband left the house, and was absent all day till the evening. In the evening the wife gave him to understand when retiring for the night, that, according to his wish, she was again going to sleep in the children\rquote s bed, when he meekly said to her, "Will you not sleep in your own bed ?" She thought he meant to mock her, and would beat her again, if she did go into her own bed. As, however, he continued in a meek and kind way to desire her to lie down in her usual bed, she did so. All night from Saturday to the Lord\rquote s day he lay groaning by her side, turnring about in the bed, but having no sleep. On the Lord\rquote s day morning he rose early. After awhile he came to her and said, "My dear, it is time to get up: if you will get up and make the breakfast, I will go with you to the meeting." Still the wife thought, he only meant to mock her, and that perhaps he would beat her again, when she was on the point of going to the meeting. Nevertheless she rose, prepared the breakfast, and at last, as he continued meek and kind as before, she made herself ready to go to the meeting. How great was the astonishment and surprise of the people in the small town, where the thing had become known almost to every one, when arm in arm he walked with his wife to the meeting and entered it himself, which he had never done before! After the meeting was over, he related before all persons present, what had passed in his mind between Exeter and Ashburton, how he had most cruelly beaten his wife, how he had ordered her to go to the children\rquote s bed, how he had run into thes kitchen to fetch a piece of wood to beat his wife a second time, how he had thrown her on the bed for that purpose, and how he had already lifted up his hand with the piece of wood in it, when there was like an audible voice saying to him: "Why persecutest thou me! " The piece of wood had then fallen out of his hand, and he had felt instantly that he was persecuting the Lord Jesus. From that moment his soul had become most distressed. He had been sleepless and miserable during the night from Friday to Saturday. On Saturday morning he had left the house early in the greatest agonies of soul, and had been roving about in the fields and neighbouring villages all the day. He had come home, and spent another sleepless night from Saturday to the Lord\rquote s day. And then passed what has been related.\par \par From this time this persecutor became a disciple of the Lord Jesus. He found peace through the blood of the Lord Jesus, by faith in His name, and walked about thirty years in peace and love with his wtife, and adorned the gospel of the grace of God.\par \par His wife outlived him. The husband died more than thirteen years ago. The aged sister told all the particulars of the case to a brother in the Lord, out of whose mouth I heard them; and I have related them faithfully to the best of my knowledge.\par \par Surely the arm of the Lord is not shortened in our days! In a moment He may turn the heart of the greatest persecutor. Think on Paul, think on Manasseh!\par \par The other case of a remarkable conversion, which I am about to relate for the encouragement of the believing reader, occurred in my native country, the kingdom of Prussia, about the year 1820. I relate it as circumstantially as it was brought before me by a brother in the Lord. Baron von K. had been for many years a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Even about the commencement of this century, when there was almost universal darkness or even open infidelity spread over the whole continent of Europe, he knew the Lord Jesus; and when about tuhe year 1806, there was the greatest distress in Silesia among many thousands of weavers, this blessed man of God took the following gracious step for his Lord and Master. As the weavers had no employment, the whole Continent almost being in an unsettled state on account of Napoleon\rquote s career, it seemed to him the will of the Lord, that he should use his very considerable property to furnish these poor weavers with work, in order to save them from the greatest state of destitution, though in doing this there was not only no prospect of gain, but the certain prospect of immense loss. He therefore found employment for about six thousand weavers. But he was not content with this. Whilst be gave the bread which perishes, he also sought to minister to the souls of these weavers. To that end he sought to set believers as overseers over this immense weaving concern, and not only saw to it that the weavers were instructed in spiritual things, but he himself also set the truth before them. Thus it went on fovr a good while, till at last, on account of the loss of the chief part of his property, he was obliged to think about giving it up. But by this time this precious act of mercy had so commended itself to the government, that it was taken up by them, and carried on till the times altered. Baron von K. was, however, appointed director of the whole concern as long as it existed.\emdash This dear man of God was not content with this. He travelled through many countries to visit the prisons, for the sake of improving the temporal and spiritual condition of the prisoners, and among all the other things which he sought to do for the Lord, was this also in particular: He assisted poor students whilst at the University of Berlin, (especially those who studied theology, as it is called,) in order to get access to them, and to win them for the Lord. One day a most talented young man, whose father lived at Breslau, where there is likewise a university, heard of the aged baron\rquote s kindness to students, and he therwefore wrote to him, requesting him to assist him, as his own father could not well afford to support him any longer, having other children to provide for. A short time afterwards young T. received a most kind reply from the baron, inviting him to come to Berlin; but, before this letter arrived, the young student had heard that Baron von K. was a pietist or mystic (as true believers are contemptuously called in Germany;) and as young was of a highly philosophical turn of mind, reasoning about every thing, questioning the truth of revelation, yea questioning most sceptically the existence of God, he much disliked the prospect of going to the old baron. Still, he thought he could but try, and if he did not like it, he was not bound to remain in connexion with him. He arrived in Berlin on a day when there was a great review of the troops; and being full of this he began to speak about it to the steward of the baron. The steward, however, being a believer, turned the conversation, before the young student was xaware of it, to spiritual things; and yet he could not say that it had been forced. He began another subject, and a third, but still it always came presently again to spiritual things. At last the baron came, who received young T. in the most affectionate and familiar manner, as if he had been his equal, and as if young T. bestowed a favour on him, rather than that be was favoured by the baron. The baron offered him a room in his own house, and a place at his own table, while he should be studying in Berlin, which young T. accepted. He now sought in every way to treat the young student in the most kind and affectionate way, and as much as possible to serve him, and to show him the power of the Gospel in his own life, without arguing with him, yea without speaking to him directly about his soul. For, discovering in young T. a most reasoning and sceptical mind, he avoided in every possible way getting into any argument with him, while the young student again and again said to himself: "I wish I could get inyto an argument with this old fool, I would show him his folly." But the baron avoided it. When the young student used to come home in the evening, and the baron heard him come, he would himself go to meet him on entering the house, would light his candle, would assist and serve him in any way he could, even to the fetching the bootjack for him, and helping him to take off his boots. Thus this lowly aged disciple went on for some time, whilst the young student still sought an opportunity for arguing with him, but wondered nevertheless how the baron could thus serve him. One evening, on the return of young T. to the baron\rquote s house, when the baron was making himself his servant as usual, he could refrain himself no longer, but burst out thus: "Baron, how can you do all this! You see I do not care about you, and how are you able to continue to be so kind to me, and thus to serve me!" The baron replied: "My dear young friend, I have learned it from the Lord Jesus. I wish you would read through the Gospelz of John. Good night." The student now for the first time in his life sat down and read the word of God in a disposition of mind to be willing to learn, whilst up to that time he had never read the Holy Scriptures but with the view of wishing to find out arguments against them. It pleased God to bless him. From that time he became himself a follower of the Lord Jesus, and has been so ever since.\par \par I continue now the extracts from my journal.\par \par March 19, 1841. It is twelve years this day since I arrived in England. How exceedingly kind and gracious has the Lord been to me day by day ever since! And the Lord has crowned this day also with mercies. I have been for some time again very weak in body, on account of which it appeared to me desirable to change my sphere of labour for awhile, to which I was the more inclined as I purpose to write the second part of my Narrative, for which I need more time than I can well find in Bristol, along with my other engagements. Today I had fully determin{ed to leave, as I am now exceedingly weak; but we had no means for it. This morning, after the exposition of the Scriptures to the Orphan and Day School children, there was given to me a check for 15l., of which 5l. is for brother Craik, 5l. for myself, and 5l. for the Orphans, Thus my way, even as to means, is made quite plain.\par \par March 20. Nailsworth. I had purposed to take lodgings in the neighbourhood of Tetbury, passing only a night or so at Nailsworth. When I came here today, and heard about the state of the saints here and in the neighbourhood, I could not but think that the Lord had sent me to this place to labour for a season.\par \par March 21. I ministered twice today among the brethren at Nailsworth, with much assistance from the Lord, and feel already much better from the change of air.\par \par March 22. Truly God has sent me here! Certain matters which have been brought to light through my being here, prove it. May the Lord make it still more abundantly plain that He has sent me| here !\emdash There is a small house, which a brother left a few weeks since, but has to pay rent for at least three months longer. He will let me have it rent free, and he and brother \emdash mean to put into it the needful furniture.\emdash Thus the Lord has provided a lodging, not only for me, but also for all my family, who can now join me here.\par \par A sister in the Lord in Ireland, who did not see her acceptance before God, and who was habitually without the assurance that she is a child of God, that she is born again, that her sins are forgiven, and that she shall be saved, in her distress of mind wrote to me about this time. As her case is by no means a solitary one, but as there are so many children of God who do not know that they are children of God; as there are so many whose sins are forgiven who do not know that they are forgiven; and as there are so many who will be saved, who do not know that they will be saved, and who are continually afraid of what would become of them, were they }to be taken out of the world :\emdash I have thought it well to say something here on this most important subject.\par \par I. Question. How may I obtain the knowledge that I am a child of God, or that I am born again, or that my sins are forgiven, or that I shall not perish but have everlasting life?\par \par Answer. Not by my feelings, not by a dream, not by my experience being like this or that one\rquote s, or unlike this or that one\rquote s; but this matter is to be settled, as all other spiritual matters, entirely by the revealed will of God, the written word of God, which is the only rule, the only standard for believers.\par \par II. Question. By what passages, then, for instance, may I make out that I am a child of God, or born again?\par \par Answer. 1. In 1 John v. 1, it is written: "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." The meaning of these words is evidently this, that every one (whether young or old, male or female, one who has lived an outwardly moral or imm~oral life,) who believes that the poor, despised Jesus of Nazareth, of whom we read in the New Testament, was the promised Christ or Messiah, such a one is no longer in his natural state, but is born again, is born of God, is a child of God. The question therefore is, Do you believe that Jesus, who was born at Bethlehem, and crucified under Pontius Pilate, is the promised Saviour, the Messiah, the one for whom the Jews were to look? If so, you are a child of God, else you would not believe it. It is given unto you to believe it. Millions may SAY that Jesus is the Saviour, the Messiah, but none BELIEVE it except the children of God. It proves me to be a child of God that I believe it; to none besides is it given to believe it, though millions might say so.\par \par Perhaps you say, I do not feel that I am born again, born of God, and I have therefore no enjoyment.\par \par Answer. In order that you may have the enjoyment, which is the result of the knowledge that you are a child of God, that you are born of God, or born again, you must receive God\rquote s testimony. He is a faithful witness, He speaks nothing but the truth, and His declaration is, That every one who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. If you receive this testimony of God, you, to whom by grace it is given to believe that Jesus is the Christ, cannot but be happy, from the fact that God Himself says, that you are His child. But if you will wait till you feel that you are a child of God, you may have to wait long; and even if you felt it, yet your feelings would be worth nothing; for either it might be a false feeling, or, though it were real, it might be lost the next hour. Feelings change; but the word of God remains unalterably the same. You have, then, without having had a dream about it, without having had a portion of the word in a more than usual way impressed upon your mind concerning the subject, without having heard something like a voice from heaven about it, to say to yourself: If I believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah, I am a child of God. And then, from a belief of what God declares in this passage concerning you who believe that Jesus is the Christ, even that you are His child, spring peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.\par \par Answer 2. In Galatians iii. 26, it is written: "Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." The question here again is: Do I believe in the Lord Jesus? Do I depend upon Him alone for the salvation of my soul? If so, I am a child of God, whether I feel it or not.\par \par Answer 3. In John i. 11\emdash 13, it is written of the Lord Jesus: "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power (or the right or the privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." The question here again is simply this, Have I received the Lord Jesus, i.e., Do I believe in His name? If so, I am born of God, I am a child of God, else I should never have believed in the Lord Jesus; for none but the children of God do believe in Him.\par \par III. Question. How may I know that my sins are forgiven? Have I to wait till I feel that they are forgiven, before I may take comfort concerning this matter? Or, must I wait till I have in some powerful way a portion of the word of God applied to my mind, to assure me of it?\par \par Answer. This point is again only to be settled by the word of God. We have not to wait till we feel that our sins are forgiven.\emdash I myself have now been a believer for more than nineteen years (i.e. in the year 1845). How long it is, since I have had no doubt whatever about the forgiveness of my sins, I cannot tell with certainty; but this I am quite sure of, that ever since I have been in England, which is now about sixteen years (in 1845), I have never once had a single moment\rquote s doubt that my sins are all forgiven; and yet I do not remember that I even once have felt that they were forgiven. To know that they are forgiven, and to feel that they are forgiven, are two different things.\emdash The way to settle, whether our sins are forgiven, is, to refer to the word of God alone with reference to it. In Acts x. 43, it is written concerning the Lord Jesus, "To him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." All the prophets speaking under the immediate power of the Holy Spirit, bore testimony, that through the obedience and sufferings of the Lord Jesus, whereby He becomes our Saviour or is our Jesus, all who believe in Him for salvation, who depend upon Him and not upon themselves, who receive Him to be the one whom God declares Him to be, should receive the forgiveness of their sins. The questions therefore to be put to ourselves are simply these: Do I walk in utter carelessness? Do I trust in my own exertions for salvation? Do I expect forgiveness for my sins on account of living a better life in future? Or, do I depend only upon this, that Jesus died upon the cross to save sinners\emdash and that Jesus fulfilled the law of God to make sinners righteous? If the latter is the case, my sins are forgiven, whether I feel it or not. I have already forgiveness. I shall not have it merely when I die, or when the Lord Jesus comes again; but I have it now, and that for all my sins. I must not wait to feel that my sins are forgiven, in order to be at peace, and in order to be happy; but I must take God at His word, I must believe that what He says in true, and He says, "That whosoever believeth in the Lord Jesus should receive remission of sins;" and when I believe what God says, peace and joy will be the result.\par \par Again, in Acts xv. 8, 9, it is written with reference to us Gentile sinners: "And God which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." Here we see how the guilt is to be removed from the heart, how we can get a clean heart, obtain the forgiveness of our sins,\emdash even by faith in the Lord Jesus. Depending upon the sufferings of the Lord Jesus in the room of sinners, and depending upon His obedience in fulfilling the law of God, His sufferings are considered as endured by us, His obedience as if found in ourselves: in Him (if we believe on Him) we are considered to have hung on the cross, and therefore were punished in Him, on account of which God, though perfectly holy and just, can forgive us our sins for Jesus\rquote sake, as well as reckon us righteous, through faith in the Lord Jesus, who in the room of those who believe on Him fulfilled the law of God.\par \par I would here by the way especially warn against one error, which is, that persons say, I can believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour, that through Him alone the forgiveness of sins is to be obtained, and I do depend on Him alone for forgiveness, but I desire to know that He is my Christ, my Saviour, and because I am not sure about that, I can have no peace. Now, the Gospel which is preached in the New Testament is not, you must believe that Jesus of Nazareth is your Christ, your Saviour, but that He is the Christ, the Saviour; and if you believe that, you have a right to look upon Him as your Saviour.\par \par IV. Question. How may I know that I shall be saved?\par \par Answer. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. x. 9. The point is simply this: Do I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus? Do I own Him by the confession of my mouth before men, and do I believe in my heart that Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified was not left in the grave, but was raised again by God on the third day? If so, I shall be saved. For while there may be the confession of the Lord Jesus with the month, without the person being finally saved, there does not go along with this the believing in the heart that God has raised Him from the dead, without the person, in whom both are found, being finally saved; for in none but the children of God are these two points found united together. We have here particularly to observe, that it is not written: If thou shalt say that God has raised Him from the dead; but if thou shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. I have, then, to take God at His word. If I do confess the Lord Jesus with my mouth, and do believe in my heart that God has raised Him from the dead, I shall be saved, though I do not feel it, though I am utterly unworthy of salvation, yea, though I am altogether deserving condemnation. I must not wait till I feel that I shall be saved before I take comfort; but I must believe what God says in this verse, and, out of that, peace and comfort will flow into my soul. Should, however, one or the other of the children of God, believe in his heart the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, if at the same time he has never made confession of the Lord Jesus with his mouth, he cannot be surprised that the assurance about his salvation is wanting to him; yet if both be found in you, my dear reader, God has been gracious to you, you are His child, you shall be saved.\par \par Further, in John iii. 16, it is written : "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Notice here in particular: 1. It matters not how great a sinner I am. 2. The promise is positive concerning my salvation, if I believe in the Lord Jesus. 3. I have only to believe in the Lord Jesus. No matter how it may have been with me hitherto; if only now I trust in and depend upon the Lord Jesus for salvation, I shall have everlasting life.\par \par Further, in Acts xvi. 30, 31, it is written: "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."\par \par Further, in John iii. 36, it is written: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." As assuredly as I depend upon and trust in the Lord Jesus for the salvation of my soul, I shall be saved, I have already everlasting life; for He died, to deliver those who believe on Him from the wrath of God, under which all men are in their natural state; but if I do not believe in the Lord Jesus, the wrath of God, which rests upon all men in their natural state, will finally destroy me, if I remain without faith in the Lord Jesus; for then I reject the one only remedy, in refusing to take Jesus as my substitute, who bore the punishment that He might deliver the sinner from it, and who fulfilled the law of God that He might make the sinner who believes on Him a just one before God.\par \par V. Question. How may I know that I am one of the elect? I often read in the Scriptures about election, and I often hear about election, how may I know that I am a chosen one, that I am predestinated to be conformed to the image of the Son of God?\par \par Answer. It is written: "As many as were ordained, (i.e. appointed) to eternal life believed." Acts xii. 48. The question therefore simply is this: Do I believe in the Lord Jesus? Do I take Him to be the one whom God declares Him to be, i. e. His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased? If so, I am a believer, and I should never have believed, except I had been appointed by God to eternal life\emdash except I had been made by God to be a vessel of mercy. Therefore the matter is a very simple one: if I believe in the Lord Jesus, I am a chosen one,\emdash I have been appointed to eternal life.\par \par Again, in Rom. viii. 29, 30, it is written: "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom he called, them He also justified; and whom He justified, them He also glorified." How are we justified, or constituted just ones, before God? By faith in the Lord Jesus. Rom. iii. 20\emdash 26. Therefore if I believe in the Lord Jesus, it follows (on account of the inseparable connection of all the precious things spoken of in these two verses), that I have been foreknown by God, that I have been predestinated by Him to be conformed to the image of His Son, that I have been called, that I have been justified, and that, in the sight of God, I am already as good as glorified, though I am not as yet in the actual possession and enjoyment of the glory.\par \par The reason why persons who renounce confidence in their own goodness for salvation, and who only trust in the merits and sufferings of the Lord Jesus, do not know that they are the children of God, that their sins are forgiven, and that they shall be saved, generally arises from one of these things: 1. They do not know the simplicity of the Gospel; or, 2. They seek to settle it by their feeling; or, 3. They wait for some powerful impulse, or a dream, or something like a voice from Heaven to assure them of it, or for some passage being in a powerful way applied to their mind to assure them of it; or, 4. Because they are living in sin. Should the last be the case, then, however correctly we may understand the Gospel ; however much we may desire by the Holy Scriptures alone to settle these questions; yea, however much in former times we may have enjoyed the assurance of the forgiveness of our sins, or of our being the children of God, or that we shall be saved: in such a state of heart all peace would be gone, and would not return as long as we live in sin. There may be found much weakness and many infirmities even in the believer who has assurance about these points; but the Holy Ghost does not comfort us, and will not comfort us, if we habitually indulge in those things which we know to be contrary to the mind of God. An upright, honest heart, is of the utmost importance in all divine things; and especially with reference to the assurance about our standing before God.\par \par \par \par April 15. From March 12th up to this day we had always a little money in hand for the Orphans, so that there was comparatively no trial of faith. Of the many donations which came in during this period I only mention two, as rather deserving to be noticed, to show what various ways the Lord uses to send us supplies. On March 16th I received from the neighbourhood of London 5l., respecting which the brother who sent it writes, that he was in the habit of giving this sum to his wife, a sister, on her birth days, to lay it out in buying any little thing she liked, and that she this time preferred giving it to the Orphans. On April 3rd a sister gave 5l., which came in most seasonably. She had lost a sum of money, which was afterwards found again, and she felt constrained to give 5l. of it to the Orphans. Now today, April 15, when all was again spent, 3l. came in from Wales,\par \par On Friday, April 30, while I was at Nailsworth, in Gloucestershire, I received the following letter from brother R. B., Master at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House:\par \par "My dear Brother,\par \par "When I wrote last, on Tuesday evening, there was not one penny in hand. But since then the Lord has most graciously dealt with us. Only 1s. 6d. came in on Wednesday morning; but as there were enough provisions in the house for the day, the sisters experienced no difficulty: it was only necessary to refuse to take in what there was not money to pay for. About six I went out for a walk with the boys, and returned after eight, when I found a letter in which was enclosed 5l., with these words; "From the Lord, for the present necessities of the Orphans." It was indeed for the present necessities. Etc.\par \par "Your Brother,\par \par R. B."\par \par \par \par This letter came after a previous one, in which brother R. B. informed me about the need in the Orphan-Houses, which led me to prayer. When this letter came from brother B., I received at the same time another from Birmingham, in which was enclosed l0l., from a brother, who had sold some of his books. It was from a most unexpected quarter, as that brother is himself, as a servant of the Lord, depending upon Him for temporal supplies. The same post brought me also information of 1l. 4s, 6d., having been sent from Dublin. The sister in Ireland writes that she sends the money now, as we may be in want of even so small a sum. With regard to the above-mentioned 5l., I mention still further that I know from the handwriting who the donor is; and it is remarkable that he had not given or sent the money to me, as he not only knew I was not in Bristol at the time, but that I was in the neighbourhood where he lives. But this was not only of the Lord\rquote s ordering, but it was a direct answer to prayer; for knowing the need at the Orphan-Houses, I had been especially led to ask the Lord not to allow the money to be first sent to me in letters or parcels, but to cause it to be directly sent to brother B. How truly precious it is that every one, who rests alone upon the Lord Jesus for salvation, has in the living God a father, to whom he may fully unbosom himself concerning the most minute affairs of his life, and concerning every thing that lies upon his heart! Dear reader, do you know the living God? Is He, in Jesus, your Father? Be assured that Christianity is something more than forms and creeds, and ceremonies : there is life, and power, and reality, in our holy faith. If you never yet have known this, then come and taste for yourself. I beseech you affectionately to meditate and pray over the following verses: John iii. 16, Rom. x. 9, 10, Acts x. 43, I John v. 1.\par \par May 2. A sister who lives near Lutterworth sent me yesterday 5l., which was given for the Orphans by a friend of hers. This 5l. supplies our need today, it being Saturday, for there was only 1l. in hand when this money came.\par \par From March 20th, to May 7th, I spent at Nailsworth, where I prepared the second part of my Narrative for the press, and laboured in the Word. These seven weeks were on the whole, by the help of God, profitably spent in the service of the Lord, and to the benefit of my own soul. There was much love shown to me and my family by the dear saints among whom I was labouring, and I know that my service among them has not been in vain.\par \par Today, May 7, I returned with my family to Bristol.\par \par While I was staying at Nailsworth, it pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, irrespective of human instrumentality, as far as I know, the benefit of which I have not lost, though now, while preparing the eighth edition for the press, more than forty years have since passed away. The point is this; I saw more clearly than ever, that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not, how much I might serve the Lord, how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished. For I might seek to set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to benefit believers, I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave myself as it becomes a child of God in this world; and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in a right spirit. Before this time my practice had been, at least for ten years previously, as an habitual thing, to give myself to prayer, after having dressed myself in the morning. Now I saw, that the most important thing I had to do was, to give myself to the reading of the word of God and to meditation on it, that thus my heart might be comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved, instructed; and that thus, by means of the word of God, whilst meditating on it, my heart might be brought into experimental communion with the Lord. I began therefore to meditate on the New Testament from the beginning early in the morning. The first thing I did, after having asked in a few words the Lord\rquote s blessing upon His precious word, was, to begin to meditate on the word of God, searching, as it were, into every verse, to get blessing out of it; not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word; not for the sake of preaching on what I had meditated upon; but for the sake of obtaining food for my own soul. The result I have found to be almost invariably this, that after a very few minutes my soul has been led to confession, or to thanksgiving, or to intercession, or to supplication; so that, though I did not, as it were, give myself to prayer, but to meditation, yet it turned almost immediately more or less into prayer. When thus I have been for awhile making confession, or intercession, or supplication, or have given thanks, I go on to the next words or verse, turning all, as I go on, into prayer for myself or others, as the Word may lead to it; but still continually keeping before me, that food for my own soul is the object of my meditation. The result of this is, that there is always a good deal of confession, thanksgiving, supplication, or intercession mingled with my meditation, and that my inner man almost invariably is even sensibly nourished and strengthened, and that by breakfast time, with rare exceptions, I am in a peaceful if not happy state of heart. Thus also the Lord is pleased to communicate unto me that, which either very soon after, or at a later time, I have found to become food for other believers, though it was not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word that I gave myself to meditation, but for the profit of my own inner man. With this mode I have likewise combined the being out in the open air for an hour, an hour and a half, or two hours before breakfast, walking about in the fields, and in the summer sitting for a little on the stiles, if I find it too much to walk all the time.7 I find it very beneficial to my health to walk thus for meditation before breakfast, and am now so in the habit of using the time for that purpose, that when I get into the open air, I generally take out a new Testament of good sized type, which I carry with me for that purpose, besides my Bible: and I find that I can profitably spend my time in the open air; which formerly was not the case, for want of habit I used to consider the time spent in walking a loss, but now I find it very profitable, not only to my body, but also to my soul. The walking out before breakfast is of course not necessarily connected with this matter, and every one has to judge according to his strength and other circumstances.\emdash The difference then between my former practice and my present one is this. Formerly, when I rose, I began to pray as soon as possible, and generally spent all my time till breakfast in prayer, or almost all the time. At all events I almost invariably began with prayer, except when I felt my soul to be more than usually barren, in which case I read the word of God for food, or for refreshment, or for a revival and renewal of my inner man, before I gave myself to prayer. But what was the result? I often spent a quarter of an hour, or half an hour, or even an hour on my knees, before being conscious to myself of having derived comfort, encouragement, humbling of soul, &c.; and often, after having suffered much from wandering of mind for the first ten minutes, or a quarter of an hour, or even half an hour, I only then began realty to pray. I scarcely ever suffer now in this way. For my heart being nourished by the truth, being brought into experimental fellowship with God, I speak to my Father, and to my Friend (vile though I am, and unworthy of it!) about the things that He has brought before me in His precious word. It often now astonishes me that I did not sooner see this point. In no book did I ever read about it. No public ministry ever brought the matter before me. No private intercourse with a brother stirred me up to this matter. And yet now, since God has taught me this point, it is as plain to me as any thing, that the first thing the child of God has to do morning by morning is, to obtain food for his inner man. As the outward man is not fit for work for any length of time, except we take food; and as this is one of the first things we do in the morning; so it should be with the inner man. We should take food for that, as every one must allow. Now what is the food for the inner man? Not prayer, but the word of God; and here again not the simple reading of the word of God, so that it only passes through our minds, just as water runs through a pipe, but considering what we read, pondering over it, and applying it to our hearts. When we pray, we speak to God. Now, prayer, in order to be continued for any length of time in any other than a formal manner, requires, generally speaking, a measure of strength or godly desire, and the season, therefore, when this exercise of the soul can be most effectually performed, is, after the inner man has been nourished by meditation on the word of God, where we find our Father speaking to us, to encourage us, to comfort us, to instruct us, to humble us, to reprove us. We may therefore profitably meditate, with God\rquote s blessing, though we are ever so weak spiritually; nay, the weaker we are, the more we need meditation for the strengthening of our inner man. There is thus far less to be feared from wandering of mind, than if we give ourselves to prayer without having had previously time for meditation.- I dwell so particularly on this point because of the immense spiritual profit and refreshment I am conscious of having derived from it myself, and I affectionately and solemnly beseech all my fellow-believers to ponder this matter. By the blessing of God I ascribe to this mode the help and strength which I have had from God to pass in peace through deeper trials in various ways, than I had ever had before; and after having now above forty years tried this way, I can most fully, in the fear of God, commend it. In addition to this, I generally read after family prayer larger portions of the word of God, when I still pursue my practice of reading regularly onward in the Holy Scriptures, sometimes in the New Testament and sometimes in the Old, and for more than fifty-two years I have proved the blessedness of it. I take also either then or at other parts of the day, time more especially for prayer.\par \par How different, when the soul is refreshed and made happy early in the morning, from what it is when, without spiritual preparation, the service, the trials, arid the temptations of the day come upon one!\par \par May 29. Today I received from the East Indies 100l.\emdash Notice here, that without any solicitation, simply in answer to prayer, the Lord is pleased to send us from time to time even large sums, and that from such a distance as the East Indies.\par \par June 4. Two or three weeks since, a brother at a distance requested me to let him know the names of my bankers, and the names of their agents in London, in order that he might by means of his bankers send me some money. One day after another passed away, and I heard no more about it. Today I received the following letter\par \par \par \par "My dear Brother,\par \par "I have delayed writing to you under the expectation of seeing you at Bristol; but I am not yet suffered to leave ****. I have, by this post, written to ***** of London, desiring them to pay over to Messrs. Robarts, Curtis & Co., in favour of Messrs. Stuckey & Co. of Bristol, to the credit of George Muller, the sum of fifty pounds. This apply, dear brother, as the Lord gives you wisdom. I am not concerned at my having been prevented for so many days from sending this money: I am confident it has not been needed."\par \par \par \par This last sentence is remarkable. It is now nearly three years since our funds were for the first time exhausted, and only at this period, since then, could it have been said in truth, as far as I remember, that a donation of 50l. was not needed. From the beginning of July, 1838, till now, there never had been a period when we so abounded as when this donation of 50l. came; for there was then in the Orphan-Fund and the other funds between two and three hundred pounds. The words of this brother are so much the more remarkable, as, on four former occasions, when he likewise gave considerable donations, we were always in need, yea, great need, which he afterwards knew from the printed accounts.\par \par On the same day came in still further from Hackney 10l., besides several small donations.\par \par July 7, 1841. For some time past brother Craik and I have questioned whether, under our present circumstances, the mode of receiving the free-will offerings of the saints among whom we labour, by means of boxes over which our names were fixed, together with the explanation of the object of the boxes, was any longer the more excellent way. We have at last been quite decided about it, and put today the following short statement into the press.\par \par \par \par To the Saints in Christ Jesus assembling at Bethesda Chapel, Bristol.\par \par \par \par "Dear Brethren,\par \par "It has seemed well to us to remove, from the chapel, the boxes appropriated for the reception of the free-will offerings towards our temporal support. In order to prevent misapprehension or misrepresentation, we desire affectionately to lay before you the following statement of our reasons for taking this step.\par \par Upon our first coming to Bristol we declined accepting anything in the shape of regular salary, or by means of seat-rents, from the brethren among whom we were labouring. We did not act thus because we thought it wrong that those who were ministered unto in spiritual things should minister unto us in temporal things; but 1. because we would not have the liberality of the brethren to be a matter of constraint, but willingly; 2. because on the ground of James ii. 1-6, we objected to seat-rents. Boxes were put up for the sake of those into whose hearts God might put it to desire to act according to that word, "Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." Gal. vi. 6.\par \par When the boxes were first put up, we were the only brethren that seemed called to labour in the Word and doctrine. Since then, however, circumstances have considerably altered; and, partly from the change in circumstances, and, partly from increased light in reference to the position of those who minister the Word, we have for some time past felt that it might be well, for certain reasons, that the present mode of receiving the offerings of the saints should be discontinued. At the same time we are very desirous of having it clearly understood, that, in the great principles which led to the adoption of the boxes, in the first instance, we are unchanged: or rather we are more strengthened, by the experience of more than ten years, in the propriety of rejecting seat-rents and fixed salaries.\par \par 1. As long as the boxes are there, it ought to be understood for what purpose the money, which is put into them, is applied. This necessity requires that our names should be given, as those who labour in the Word and doctrine. This again has the appearance of elevating ourselves above all the other brethren, and of assuming office to ourselves, instead of just seeking to fill the place which the Holy Ghost may have given us in the body.\par \par 2. It may please the Lord increasingly to call and qualify other brethren for the work of ruling and teaching in the church; but still, as long as we are looked upon as we have been hitherto, in consequence of our names being affixed to the boxes, unnecessary difficulties may probably be put in the way of any others being fully recognised by the saints generally as occupying, equally with ourselves, the place in which the Lord may set them.\par \par 3. The question may be asked even now, "Are these the only labourers?" and the reply would be that there are others who also labour, but who are not supported in the same way. This fact is fitted to give the impression to those who do not know us, that we were seeking to keep our place in the church by some outward title, rather than just filling it up in obedience to the Lord, and quietly leaving it with His Spirit to produce subjection unto us on the part of the saints.\par \par 4. Lastly, from the manner in which our names appear in public, we have reason to believe that some of the saints look upon us as exclusively the "ministers," and thus that some may have felt themselves neglected because not visited personally by us. The notion that two individuals should be able to exercise pastoral inspection over about five hundred and fifty believers, we consider to be very unsound; but for ourselves we feel that it is a responsibility which we dare not take. According to our gift and strength we desire to rule, teach, and feed the sheep of Christ; but we dare not undertake the personal inspection of all who are already gathered, or may be gathered, simply as believers in the Lord Jesus, in this city.\par \par Thus we have endeavoured very briefly to state our reasons for declining any longer to receive your offerings through boxes publicly put up, and having our names appended to them. We desire grace to serve you more faithfully than ever, and cast ourselves, as we have done hitherto, upon Him who hath said, "If any man serve me him will my Father honour."\par \par HENRY CRAIK, GEORGE MULLER\par \par Bristol, July 7, 1841. .\par \par \par \par When this alteration was made, I had another proof of the many blessings which are connected with the life of faith. Under other circumstances the question would have naturally arisen in my mind, And what will you do for support, if the boxes are removed? How will the offerings come in? Will any come in? But none of these things troubled me even for a moment. I said to myself, somehow or other the Lord will provide for me. If not through the instrumentality of the saints in Bristol, He will send help by means of those who live elsewhere. All I have to do in this matter is, to serve the Lord and to trust in Him, and He will surely take care of my temporal necessities. And thus it has been since July 1841 also, even as before. The reader may desire to know, how the Lord has since that time provided for my temporal necessities, seeing that the boxes, which were put up in the two chapels for the reception of the free-will offerings, were removed. I therefore state it. 1, I have received, as at former times, some presents in provisions, clothes, etc., from the saints among whom I labour and from other saints. 2, Some of the brethren and sisters among whom I labour have either habitually or from time to time put up some money in paper, and directed it to brother Craik or to me, or to both of us, and have put these little money parcels into one of the boxes for the reception of the offerings of the poor saints, or into the boxes into which the free-will contributions for the rent and expenses of the chapels are put. These little packets have been handed over to us by the deacons, and as they were directed so they have been appropriated, Those which are directed to brother Craik only, are handed over to brother Craik; those which are directed to me only, I appropriate for myself; and those which are directed to both of us, the contents are divided between us. 3, In a few cases, brethren and sisters in communion with us have also given me presents in money. 4, The Lord has also continued to incline the hearts of some of His children, not living in Bristol, to send me presents in money, and again and again even those whom I have never seen, and whose names, sometimes, I do not even know.\par \par The only thing that was a real difficulty in my mind in making this alteration was, not that I should be a loser, and much less that the Lord would not care for my temporal necessities; but lest some of the children of God should find, in the removal of the boxes for the reception of the offerings for brother Craik and me, an excuse for doing nothing at all for our temporal necessities; and lest especially the poor, because they might have only pence or halfpence to give, should be deterred from doing so, and thereby both classes should rob themselves of blessing. It was not, because I feared to lose the gifts of some; for, I can, by the grace of God, say in some measure at least with the apostle Paul, "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." Philip iv. 17. My aim also is, by the help of God, to be brought into that state of heart in which the apostle Paul was when he said, "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you the less I be loved." 2 Cor. xii. 15. But yet with this desire on my part, I knew that the dear children of God among whom I labour would rob themselves and not me of a blessing, if they did not contribute towards my temporal necessities and I feared, lest this alteration should be used by Satan as an instrument to their injury.\par \par But the mind of God seemed to us, after all, on account of the reasons before stated, that the alteration ought to be made, notwithstanding any possible evils which might result from it.\par \par We are thus in such a position, that there is free room for the Holy Ghost to commend all the various labourers among us, according to the measure of grace and gift given to them, to the consciences of the brethren, not only with\par \par reference to their spiritual position in the body, butt also with reference to their temporal need.\par \par Aug. 7. Today we had one sixpence left for our own personal necessities. We needed some money to buy eggs and cocoa for a brother who is come to stay with us, when this brother gave me four shillings, which he had brought for me from the place whence he comes. Thus we are helped for the present.\par \par Aug. 26. After a season of comparative poverty with reference to myself, though always having what was really needful in the way of nourishing food, etc., a brother sent me today 17l. 18s. from a considerable distance, of which half is for the Orphans, and half for my own temporal necessities.\par \par Sept. 2. During the last four months we have had more in hand for the Orphans than we needed. Since July 1838, when for the first time the funds were exhausted, we have had at no period so much money in hand. There was as it were, during these four months, one continual even running of the river of God\rquote s bounty, both by presents in money and articles. Of the donations which were received during this period, I mention only the following :\emdash On May 12th I received from Florence, in Italy, the following donations :\emdash 3 silver pins and 4 dollars; 3 dollars and a sixpence; 2 Pauls (Italian coins); 5l.; 3 pincushions, 6 penwipers, and a little shawl How abundantly do these donations from Florence prove how easily the Lord is able to provide us with means for His work, even from the most unexpected quarters!\emdash As we had now for several months abounded in a greater degree than at any previous time of the same length during the past three years and three months, so it pleased the Lord after this period to try our faith more severely than during any time since the work first commenced. Indeed, so sharp were the trials of our faith for more than six months after this ;\emdash so long the seasons when, day after day, only daily supplies were granted to us, and when even from meal to meal we had to look to the Lord ;\emdash so long had we to continue in prayer, and yet help seemed to fail ;\emdash that it can be only ascribed to the especial mercy of God, that the faith of those who were engaged in this work did not altogether fail, and that they did not entirely grow weary of this way of carrying on the Lord\rquote s work, and go, in despair of help from God, back again to the habits and maxims of this evil world. How my fellow-labourers have felt during all this time, I am, of course, unable to state; but, if I may speak of myself, I joyfully state, to the praise of the Lord, that during all the following months my faith was sustained without wavering, but still so greatly was it tried, that often I had no other petition, but that the Lord would be pleased to continue it, and that He would pity me as a father pitieth his children. In the midst of the trial I was fully assured that the Lord would lighten His hand in His own good time, and that, whilst it lasted, it was only in order that in a small measure, for the benefit of the church of Christ generally, that word might be fulfilled in us\emdash " Whether we be afflicted it is for your consolation." I now give an account of the commencement and progress of our trial of faith during the months which succeeded the time of abundance.\par \par Sept. 3. The money in hand had come to 3l. 5s. I therefore asked the Lord this morning for fresh supplies, and very soon after came a post-office order from Glasgow for 3l.\par \par Sept. 7. 5l. 9s. more had come in since September 3rd, but this morning the last money had been given out. After the great abundance during the last months, now not a farthing was left. I gave myself therefore to prayer, and in the afternoon I received a post-office order from a brother at Plymouth for 3l. In the evening was left at my house a bonnet box from G. T. I., which contained 5s., 4 shirts and 4 handkerchiefs.\par \par Sept. 8. Today came in 4s. from the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton, 2s. 6d. from Bath, and 1l. was given by a brother, who had just arrived from Ceylon.\par \par Sept. 9. This morning 5l. was sent by a brother, a student in the University of Cambridge, who had read my Narrative; also 13s. 6d. came in besides.\par \par Sept. 18. From the 9th to this day we were comfortably supplied with what we needed. Today, when 3l. was needed, and there was only 1l. 9s. 2d. in hand, 12l. came in from the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton, and 3s. by knitting.\par \par Sept. 25. Saturday. Since the 18th was received, by donations and sale of articles, 5l. 19s. 8d., which enabled us, together with the 12l. 3s. which came in on the 18th, to meet all the expenses. But when I had sent off yesterday what was needed to meet the day\rquote s need, nothing at all was left in hand for this day, whilst I knew that above 3l. would be required. The Lord, therefore, in His faithful love sent in yesterday afternoon 11s. 0 1/2d.; this morning 5l. from Plymouth; and 1l. 1s. with several articles of clothing for the Orphans from Clapham. Thus we had about twice as much as was required for this day.\par \par Sept. 26. 2l. 11s. came in today.\par \par Sept. 28. As 2l. was needed for the supplies of this day, and only 1l. l3s. 0 1/2d. was in hand, the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, in which was found 10s. 2d.\par \par Sept. 29, When there was again only 3s. 2 1/2d. in hand towards the need of today, a brother, a commercial traveller, having returned last night to Bristol, brought me two sovereigns, which had been given him for the Orphans by a lady at Marlborough, who had read one of the Reports. There came in still further today 2l. 8s. 6d.\par \par Oct. 1. When. I had again not one penny in hand for the necessities of this day, there was brought to me this morning 10s. for the Orphans, which had been sent from Kensington. In the paper, which contained the money, was written: "Your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things." "Trust in the Lord." This word of our Lord is to me of more value than many bank notes. About five minutes later I received from an Irish sister 10l., through her banker in London. At the same time I received information from Tetbury that three boxes, containing articles to be disposed of for the benefit of the Orphans, were on the way, and two hours after, 14 small donations were given to me, amounting to 1l. 7s. 4d.\emdash I mention here, as a point particularly to be noticed, that after the season of comparative abundance had come to an end in September, the Lord did not at once allow us to be so sharply tried as we were afterwards. He dealt in the same gentle way with us three years before, when the trials of faith in this part of the work first commenced.\par \par Oct. 6. As only 4l. more had been received for the Orphans since Oct. 1; the last money had now again been given out to supply this day\rquote s necessities, when 2l. 15s. came in, being the produce of some of the articles which had been sent from Tetbury. This evening I also received from a brother a sovereign, which his believing wife, on her dying bed, had requested him to give after her decease. There came in likewise this evening by a donation 10s., and by sale of articles 2l. 10s. 5d.\par \par During the last five months we have had comparatively an abundance of means for the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution also; but now we are again very poor. Just now, in this our great need, a brother, who has learned to esteem the Holy Scriptures above every other book, sent me a box of books, the produce of which supplies our present need for the Day Schools.\par \par Oct. 9. No more than 1l. 2s. 11d, having been received for the Orphans since the 6th, there was only 2l. 3s. 9d. in hand, whilst 4l. was needed, it being Saturday. In the course of the morning 2l. came in for stockings, from a sister who resides five or six miles from Bristol; and in the afternoon another sister sent 1s., and a third brought 5l. The latter had it particularly laid on her heart not to delay till tomorrow the giving of this money, as it might be needed today. Thus the Lord has not only given us enough for today, but also a little to begin the next week with.\par \par Oct. 10. Today we received still further 5l. 9s. 11d. for the Orphans.\par \par Oct. 11. When today again money was needed for the Day Schools, there arrived from Marlborough a box of books, containing 110 volumes and several pamphlets. The produce of the books, together with 1l. 9s. 4d., which came in at the same time, supplied again our present necessities.\par \par Oct. 16. More than 10l. had come in since the 10th for the Orphans; but today there was again only 10s. 11 1/2d. in hand, whilst about 3l. was required. The boxes at the Orphan-Houses were therefore opened, which contained 1l. 1s. In the course of the day also 5s. 5d. was paid for stockings. About seven o\rquote clock this evening sister E. C. brought several small donations, amounting to 1l. 17s. 4d., for the Orphans, and 9s. 8d. for the other funds. Thus we had even for this day 3l. 14s. 4 1/4d.\par \par Oct. 21. As only between 9l. and 10l. had come in since the 16th for the Orphans, we were this day again, as is often the case, without anything in hand, when 12s. 2d. was sent from Exmouth, and 8s. 8d. came in by sale of stockings. There arrived also a box and a basket from Ilfracombe, the contents of which are to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans. Moreover 15s. 6d. was taken out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses.\par \par Oct. 22. By the money which was yesterday taken out of the boxes, and by 1l. 3s. which came in by disposing of some of the articles sent from Ilfracombe, we were comfortably supplied today.\par \par Oct. 23. We had only 5s. 6d., which I found in the box in my house, 8s. 9d. for stockings, and 9s. which came in morning, besides a few shillings in the hands of the matrons, to help us through the day.\par \par Oct. 24. Today, when we had not enough to pay the salaries of the teachers in the Day Schools, I received 5l. from a sister at Topsham, which supplied our need.\par \par Oct. 25. Yesterday and today was given 2l. 17s. for the Orphans.\par \par Oct. 26. This afternoon I had only one penny left, when two Orphans arrived from Bath, with whom 5l. 15s. 6d. was brought. At the very moment, while I was receiving this money, I was called on for money from the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, which I was thus able to send. It has often been so ordered by the Lord, that, whilst we require nothing at all to be paid at the admission of the children, nevertheless that which has been brought with them has been the means of supplying the need, in which we were at the time when they were sent. There came in still further today 1l.\par \par Oct. 29. Today we were again very poor; for not only had I nothing at all in hand, but the provision stores were much reduced. About twelve o\rquote clock a sister gave me 3s. 2d., also from a distance was sent 9d. In the afternoon we were able to dispose of some articles for 3l., which had been sent a long time ago. Three shillings came in for needlework, and 2s. 6d. as a donation. Thus we had 3l. 9s. 5d.\emdash The day before yesterday I had asked the Lord that He would be pleased to send us some potatoes, as we have no means to lay in a stock. This morning I was informed that the same brother who had sent 20 sacks last year, had again ordered 20 sacks to be sent, and 6 sacks have also been given by another individual.\par \par Oct. 30. As this is Saturday, the money which came in yesterday was not quite enough for today. But this morning\rquote s post brought, in answer to prayer, from Clapham 10s. and anonymously from Plymouth 10s.\par \par Nov. 1. Yesterday was received altogether 2l. 10s. 3d.\par \par Nov. 2. At a time of the greatest poverty 1l. was sent by a lady from Birmingham. About half an hour afterwards I received 10l. from a brother who had saved up 150l. and put it into a savings\rquote bank, but who now sees that, to devote this money to the promotion of the work of God tends more to the glory of the name of Jesus, than to retain it in a savings\rquote bank upon interest for a time of sickness or old age; for he is assured that should such times come, the same Lord, who has hitherto cared for him whilst in health and strength, and able to work, will also care for him then. The same brother gave me 3l. a fortnight since. This 10l.came in very seasonably; for though we had been able to provide for the absolute necessities of today, yet there was want in many respects, especially as a boy is just going out as an apprentice, who needs tools and an outfit.\par \par Nov. 3. This afternoon two little boys were received, with whom three little girls sent 13s. 6d.\par \par Nov. 4 and 5. 2l. 5s. ld. more was given.\par \par Nov. 7. When there was now again nothing at all in hand, there came in 2l., being the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote baskets; and also 3l. 1s. 10d.\par \par Nov. 8\emdash 11. 4l. 9s. 4d. was received during these four days.\par \par Nov. 12. This morning after the exposition of the Scriptures to the children, 10s. was given to me, at a time when there was not only nothing at all in hand, but when without some help we should not have had every thing that was really needed for today.\par \par Nov. 13. Saturday. This morning I took 1s. out of the box in my house. This one shilling was all there was towards the need of today.\emdash Pause, dear reader, for a few moments! Consider that there are more than a hundred persons to be provided with every thing they require; consider that there is no money in hand; and consider also that this is the case not once nor twice in the course of the year but very frequently. Is it not precious, under such circumstances, to have the living God as a father to go to, who is ever able and ever willing to help as it may be really needed? And to this privilege every one has a title who believes in the Lord Jesus, being as such a child of God. Galatians iii. 26. For though all believers in the Lord Jesus are not called upon to establish Orphan-Houses, Schools for poor children, etc., and trust in God for means; yet all believers, according to the will of God concerning them in Christ Jesus, may cast, and ought to cast, all their care upon Him who careth for them, and need not be anxiously concerned about any thing, as is plainly to be seen from 1 Peter v. 7, Philippians iv. 6, Matthew vi. 25\emdash 34. Under these circumstances of need, a silver watch, which only yesterday afternoon had become the property of the Orphan-Fund, was disposed of, whereby we were helped through the expenses of today. The coals are almost gone in each of the houses. Every article of provision, etc., is likewise much reduced. Truly, we are exceedingly poor; nevertheless there are the necessary provisions till Monday morning, and thus we were brought to the close of another week. This afternoon all the labourers met for prayer.\par \par Nov. 14. When we met again this afternoon for prayer, we had reason to praise, for the Lord had sent in means. This morning was given to me 5l., and 6s. had come in by sale of articles. There came also by post a small parcel from Wales, containing a few little articles, which are not to be mentioned, and 2s. 6d.\par \par Nov. 15. Last Friday brother Craik and I had a meeting for inquirers and candidates for fellowship. We saw eight and had to send away ten whom we could not see, our strength being quite gone after we had seen the eight, one after another. This evening we saw seven and had to send away three.\par \par Nov. 16. The last four days we have daily met for prayer, there being no means to pay the teachers in the Day Schools. Besides this, we need a stove in one of the school rooms; also some Bibles and Tracts. Today I received 2l. from a brother at Exmouth.\par \par As only 2s. had been given yesterday for the Orphans, there was this morning again only 4s. 6d., in hand, which between ten and eleven o\rquote clock I was on the point of sending to the Orphan-Houses, having been called on for money. While I was writing the note to that effect, I received a post-office order for 3l. from a brother at Barnstaple, which was again a most precious deliverance, as our stores had been in every way so much reduced. About two hours later I received 4l. more from a brother at Exmouth, the half of which was for the Orphans, and the other half for the other objects. Through the same brother also was sent with Luke xxii. 32. 1l. for the Orphans. There came in still further today 2l. for stockings, which were bought by two ladies who visited the Orphan-Houses. They also gave 3s. 9d. Also an individual who had removed at four different times the furniture of the Orphan-Houses to and from Westbury, where the children had been, in turn, from Aug. 10 to Nov. 12, while the houses were coloured down and painted inside, charged only 1l. 1s. 10 1/2d., instead of 4l. 2s. 10 1/2d., which would have been the regular charge, and stated that he had long wished to do something for the Orphans, and that he should not have charged even this 1l. 1s. 10 1/2d. had he not had to lay it out in money. Thus the Lord in various ways helps us, and all without our asking any human being, but only in simplicity telling Him day by day our need.\par \par Nov. 18. To day we had again a meeting with inquirers, and saw seven.\par \par Nov. 21. Only 1l. 11s. 4d. came in since the 16th for the Orphans, on account of which there was today again no money at all in hand, and the stores were very much exhausted. How kind, therefore, of the Lord to send in again at this time 2l. 10s.\par \par Nov. 23. Yesterday came in 5s. for stockings, which provided today the means for the breakfast in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House. A sister sent also a gammon and some peas. Now we are very poor indeed. One of the labourers was able to provide a dinner in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House out of his own means. In this our great need came in 17s. 6d. by sale of Reports, which money had been expected for some months past, but which the Lord sent just now most seasonably. Besides this, 2s. 6d. was also received for the children\rquote s needlework. Thus we were provided for this day also. In the afternoon the Lord gave us a still further proof of the continuance of His loving care over us, now that we are so poor; for a box arrived from Plymouth, containing clothes, trinkets, etc.\par \par Nov. 24. We have been daily meeting for prayer the last twelve days. Today, just before I was going to the meeting, one of the articles, which came in the box from Plymouth yesterday afternoon, was sold for 2l. 2s., which sum supplies us with means for this day. The donors may not have thought, perhaps, that their bounty would so soon be needed. \emdash When I came to the prayer-meeting, I heard of a little circumstance which is worthy of notice. The Infant Orphans took a walk this morning with their teacher. A poor woman came to her, whilst they were walking, and gave her two pence for the benefit of the Orphans, adding "It is but a trifle, but I must give it you." Now, one of these two pence had been needed, by the time I came, to make up the little sum which was required for the bread. \emdash This afternoon was received still further 9d., and also 12s. by the sale of some of the articles which came from Plymouth.\par \par Nov. 25. With 12s. ld. we began the day, which was not sufficient for all that was required. In the afternoon came in 11s. for knitting. Thus we had enough for this day also.\par \par Nov. 26. One of the labourers gave 5s.; 11s. came in by sale of articles, and 6d. was taken out of the box in my house. Little as this was, yet we were able to procure with it all that was really needful; but now our provision stock is very much reduced.\par \par Nov. 27. This is Saturday, and nothing at all was in hand when the day commenced. My especial prayer had been, that the Lord would, be pleased early in the morning to send us supplies, as otherwise there would not be sufficient for dinner. Accordingly, about 10 o\rquote clock, a parcel came from Clapham, containing 11s. and the following articles: 12 yards of calico, a frock, a chemise, 2 petticoats, a flannel ditto, 2 handkerchiefs, 2 pinafores, a furnished workbag, an old silver thimble, and half a franc. Thus the Lord kindly provided us with means for the dinner, and we took it as a token for good that He would send what else might be needed this day. There came in still further in the course of the afternoon, by sale of an article, given by one of the labourers, 5s.; by sale of some lithographic sketches, given by one of the labourers, 4s. 6d. ; by sale of articles given some time since, 16s.; by sale of stockings, 2s. 9d.; and by a donation, 2s. Thus the Lord was pleased to give us in the course of this day 2l. 1s. 3d., while we were in the greatest need in the morning, and without any natural prospect of having the means which were required for the day.\par \par Nov. 29. The Lord has kindly sent in supplies. Yesterday was given altogether 5l. 19s. 7d. These two weeks we have been likewise in the greatest poverty in reference to the Day Schools; but the Lord has almost daily sent in a little to supply the absolute necessities of the brethren and sisters, who are engaged in that part of the work.\par \par Nov. 30. Though 5l. 19s. 7d. had been given, yet, as the stores had been previously so reduced, there was again some more money needed today. 5s. came in by sale of articles, and one of the labourers gave some money of his own. In this time of great need there arrived a parcel, sent anonymously, which contained the following articles: 3 combs, 6 shells, 5 pairs of gilt bracelets, 4 single bracelets, a pair of ditto, a gilt chain, a gilt necklace, a cornelian ditto, a bead ditto, a brooch, a buckle, 2 pairs of earrings, 3 rings, 3 pairs of drops, and a single ear-ring.\par \par Dec. 1. Again there were many shillings needed for this day. At the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House matters stood so in the morning, that, with an addition of eight pence, the dinner could be provided; but there was only seven pence in hand. Brother B. having heard that something had been put last evening into the box at the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, went, and it was found to be one penny, which an aged sister had put in, whereby the present need was supplied. Even the gift of this one penny was thus evidently under the ordering of our kind Father, who not in anger, but for the trial of our faith, keeps us so poor. About ten o\rquote clock this morning was sent by post, half a sovereign. In the letter was written : "From the wife of a clergyman, for the Orphan-Houses, Nov. 30 1841." This donation was truly sweet, as coming from our faithful Lord, though it was not nearly enough. But He had pity on us, and sent in still further today by the sale of stockings 5s., and by the sale of other articles 12s.\par \par Dec. 2. In the course of this morning was sold a part of the trinkets which came on Nov. 30th, for 1l. 4s. 10d. Besides this came in by sale of articles 1s. 6d. Thus was our present need supplied. in the afternoon 3l. was sent by a sister from Plymouth, and by a sister in Bristol was given to me 2s.\par \par Dec. 3 and 4. 1l. 10s. 6d. has been received during these two days.\par \par Dec. 6. Yesterday the Lord again, in His faithful love, sent in means for the need of today. A gentleman from Devonshire came to me after the meeting, introduced himself as a brother, and gave me 5l. for the work of the Lord, as it might be needed. I had pleasant brotherly communion with him, but he preferred not to give me his name. Besides this, came in 18s. 11 1/2d. by sale of articles. As this 18s. 11 1/2d. was not enough for the supply of the Orphans for this day, there being nothing at all in hand besides, and 1l. more needed, I took 1l. of the 5l. for the Orphans, and 4l. for the other objects. Through the same stranger I received also 2s. 6d. from a sister. There came in this evening 1l. 3s. besides.\par \par By the 4l. which I took of the 5l. given by the gentleman from Devonshire, the most pressing need with regard to the teachers in the Day Schools is relieved. This stranger gave me also 1l. for Missionary purposes.\par \par Dec. 7. Three weeks and three days we have now been daily meeting for prayer, on account of the state of the funds, and to ask the Lord\rquote s blessing upon the work. We have been daily asking Him to supply us with means for the School-Bible-Missionary-and Tract Fund. Now, today, in this our great poverty, was sent by a sister from one of the Northern counties, whom I have never seen, the sum of 50l. of which, according to her wish, 10l.is to be applied to each of these objects, and 10l. for the Orphans. Thus the Lord has been pleased to send us a little help, which is greatly needed for all the objects: for the teachers have had only as much as was absolutely needful, the Bible stock is almost entirely exhausted, the Tract stock is quite exhausted, and to some Missionary brethren we greatly desired to send help, but were unable to do so. Nevertheless, even now we are waiting upon the Lord for further supplies.\par \par When this money came, there was none at all in hand for the Orphans, though for many reasons fresh supplies were much needed. By this 10l., then, the Lord has again helped us for the present. There was likewise sent anonymously by post, 1l.\par \par Dec. 9. Today came in for the Orphans by the sale of stockings 10s. 10d.\emdash 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.\par \par 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 awhile 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 never were 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\rquote 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 any thing. 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 any one to have exposed our poverty at that time; but spiritually we were enabled to delight even then in the prospect of the increased benefit that might be derived by the church at large from our acting as we did.\emdash I now proceed where I left off.\par \par Dec. 11. Since the day before yesterday the following sums came in for the Orphans, whereby the need of yesterday and today has been supplied. A brother gave 2l. A little boy and girl brought the produce of their savings\rquote banks, amounting to 19s. 5d. By the sale of stockings came in 15s. 1d., and by six donations 10s. 6d.\par \par Dec. 13. Yesterday came in 1l. 1ls. 6d., and today 10s. By this 2l. 1s. 6d. this day\rquote s need has been met. There was also, very seasonably, half a ton of coals sent to each of the three Orphan-Houses.\par \par Dec. 14. Yesterday afternoon a lady sent a sovereign for the Orphans. There came in 15s. 6d. besides. Thus we had enough for this day likewise.\par \par Dec. 15. Having now again nothing in hand for the Orphans, the boxes were opened, in which 4s. 4d. was found. This, with a little which one of the labourers was able to add of his own, helped us through the day.\par \par From Nov. 12 up to this day, my fellow-labourers in the Church and I have seen thirty inquirers and candidates for fellowship, and some of them we have seen repeatedly. How can we sufficiently praise the Lord for still continuing to use us in His service.\par \par Dec. 16. Nothing at all had come in for the Orphans; but as one of the labourers had last evening, most unexpectedly, received some money from a distance of about two hundred miles, and as the Lord inclined his heart to give of it for the present need, we were supplied for today also.\par \par Dec. 17. In like manner we are helped today.\par \par 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.\emdash 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\rquote s way leads always into trial, so far as sight and sense are concerned. Nature always will be tried in God\rquote 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.\emdash Now to return to Saturday, Dec. 18th. Evening. The Lord has been very kind to us this day. In the course of the morning 6s. came in. We had thus, with what provisions there were in hand, all that was needed for the dinner, but no means to provide for the next meal in the afternoon. A few minutes after the labourers had met together for prayer this morning, there was given to one of them a sovereign for himself. By means of this, all that was needed for tea could be procured. Another labourer gave 3s. 6d. and two books, which were sold for 4s. There came in still further in the course of the afternoon and evening :\emdash by sale of stockings, 8s. 8d.; by needlework, 8d.; and by sale of articles, 5s. Thus, when we again met in the evening for prayer, we found that the supplies had amounted to 2l. 8s. 2d., enough for all that was required today. But one thing more is to be noticed respecting this day. I was informed that three more of the Orphans have been recently brought to the knowledge of the truth. We have now been meeting daily for prayer during the last five weeks, and thus the Lord has not merely heard our prayers respecting the funds, but has also blessed these children.\par \par Dec. 20. The Lord has again kindly sent fresh supplies. A sister gave 1l. ; a servant sent 1l.; another servant, 2s 6d. by sale of articles l3s. 1d. This morning, just before was going to the prayer-meeting, a lady brought 3l.; and 5s. more I received this evening.\par \par Dec. 21. Though 6s. 0s. 7d. had been received yesterday and the day before, there was only 5s. remaining towards the supply of the necessities of today. At one o\rquote clock three little boys gave me the produce of their Orphan-box, which was 4s. 7d. When I came home, I found that 18l. had come in, being a legacy left for the Orphans by a lady who died at the commencement of the year. This money comes in most seasonably, not merely for the supply of the wants of the children, but also as enabling me to give to some of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses supplies for themselves.\par \par Dec. 23. This is now the sixth week that the labourers in the Day-Schools and Orphan-Houses have daily met for prayer. Several precious answers we have already received since we began to meet, as it regards pecuniary supplies, fresh instances of conversion among the children, etc. One of our petitions has been that the Lord would be pleased to furnish us with means for a stove at Callowhill Street School-room. But though we had often mentioned this matter before the Lord, he seemed not to regard our request. Yesterday afternoon, while walking in my little garden, and meditating and praying, I had an unusual assurance that the time was now come when the Lord would answer our request, which arose partly from my being able to believe that He would send the means, and partly from the fact that the answer could no longer be delayed, without prayer having failed in this matter, as we could not assemble the children again, after the Christmas vacation, without there being a stove put up. And now, dear reader, observe :\emdash This morning I received from A. B. 20l., and we have thus much more than is required for a stove.\par \par Dec. 24. On the 22nd and 23rd 2l. 0s. 5d. came in for the Orphans. The need of today was 3l. 10s., but only 3l. was in hand. This afternoon, however, 1l. was sent from Kensington and 1l. from Plymouth. This evening we received still further anonymously 4s., and by knitting 2l. 10s.\par \par Dec. 25. By sale of articles was received 14s. 2d.\par \par Dec. 26. This afternoon I was walking in my little garden, meditating on and turning into prayer Rom. viii. 28\emdash 32. When I came to verse 32, the necessity of the Orphans came to my mind, as tomorrow we shall again need more money than there is in hand, and I therefore asked the Lord that He would be pleased to give me a fresh proof that He will "freely give us all things," by supplying our present need. This evening I spoke on the above-mentioned passage, and after the meeting a sister gave to my wife 12l., of which 10l. was for the Orphans, and 2l. for my own necessities. There came in 5s. besides.\par \par Dec. 31. As only 1l. l5s. had been received since the 26th, there was again nothing in hand towards the need of this day. About an hour before the money was sent for from the Orphan-Houses, an individual who lives in Redcliff Parish, Bristol, sent 5l. By sale of stockings came in likewise 3s. 6d.\par \par \par \par REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1841.\par \par \par \par I. In reading over my journal, I find that the Lord has given me during this year many precious answers to prayer, in addition to those which have been recorded in the previous part of the Narrative. I mention the following for the encouragement of the reader: 1, One of the Orphan-Boys needed to be apprenticed. I knew of no suitable believing master, who would take an in-door apprentice. I gave myself to prayer, and brought the matter daily before the Lord. I marked it down among the subjects for which I would daily ask the Lord; and at last, though from May 21 to September I had to pray about the matter, the Lord granted my request; for in September I found a suitable place for him. 2, On May 23rd I began to ask the Lord that He would be pleased to deliver a certain sister in the Lord from the great spiritual depression under which she was suffering, and after three days the Lord granted me my request. 3, On June 15th I began to ask the Lord to deliver a brother at a distance from the great spiritual nervousness in which he found himself shut up, which not only distressed him exceedingly, and in a great measure hindered him in his service towards the world and the church; but which, in consequence, was also a trial to the saints who knew and valued this dear brother. This petition I brought many times before the Lord. The year passed away, and it was not granted. But yet at last this request also has been granted to me and to the many dear saints who, I know, prayed for this dear brother; for though he was for some years in this state, it is now [in 1845] two years and more since he has been quite restored. 4, On June 15th I also began to ask the Lord daily, in His mercy to keep a sister in the Lord from insanity, who was then apparently on the very border of it; and I have now [in 1845] to record to His praise, after nearly four years have passed away, that the Lord has kept her from it. 5, 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\rquote 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 any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." And now this awful persecutor is converted. 6, 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.\par \par \par \par II. The state of the church with reference to numbers, etc.\par \par 68 brethren and sisters brother Craik and I found in communion, when we came to Bristol.\par \par 775 have been admitted into communion since we came to Bristol.\par \par 843 would be, therefore, the total number of those in communion with us, had there been no changes. But,\par \par 101 have left Bristol.\par \par 55 have left us, but are still in Bristol\par \par 48 are under church discipline.\par \par 67 have fallen asleep.\par \par 271 are therefore to be deducted from 843, so that there are only 572 at present in communion.\par \par 88 have been added during the past year, of whom 30 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord among us.\par \par \par \par III. The Lord\rquote s goodness as to my temporal supplies during this year.\par \par 1. The Lord has been pleased to give me by means of the anonymous freewill offerings of the saints, put into the boxes at our meeting places \'a3116 2s. 4 3/4d.\par \par 2. By presents in money from the brethren among whom I labour in Bristol \'a343 9s. 9d.\par \par 3. By presents in money from children of God not living in Bristol \'a353 19s. 0d.\par \par 4. By presents in provisions, clothes, furniture, etc., from the saints among whom I labour, worth to us at least \'a315 0s. 0d.\par \par 5. By presents in clothes, &c., from believers not living in Bristol, worth to us at least \'a310 0s. 0d.\par \par Altogether \'a3238 11s. l 3/4d.\par \par \par \par Thus during this year also, without asking any one but the Lord for help, with regard to ray temporal necessities, I have been richly supplied with all I needed; yea, I have had much more than I needed.\par \par \par \par January 1, 1842. Last night we had our usual prayer-meeting at the close of the year, which this time lasted from seven in the evening till half-past twelve.\par \par Jan. 3. This evening we had a most precious public prayer-meeting. When the usual time for closing the meeting came, it appeared to me that there was a desire to continue to wait upon the Lord. I therefore proposed to the brethren that those who had bodily strength, time, and a desire for waiting still longer upon the Lord, would do so. At least thirty remained, and we continued till after ten in prayer, whilst several brethren prayed. I never knew prayer more really in the Spirit. I experienced for myself unusual nearness to the Lord, and was enabled to ask in faith, nothing doubting.\par \par On the 1st of January came in for the Orphans 1l.7s. 6d.; on the 2nd 10l. 13s. 7d.; and today came in from Plymouth 6l., from Exmouth 5l., from a sister in Bristol 5l., and from the East Indies 2l. I have by this 30l. 1s. 1d. been enabled, as it had been my prayer, to give some money to the other five sisters who labour in the Orphan Houses, for their own personal necessities.\par \par Jan. 4. As we have often found it to be the case, so it is now. After a season of more than usual poverty, comes a time of more than usual abundance. Today the same brother, who has been spoken of under November 2nd, and who has drawn his money out of the Savings\rquote -bank to spend it for the Lord, sent 20l. more of it. There came in also from Guernsey 1l., and 1l. 7s. besides. I am now able to order oatmeal from Scotland, buy materials for the boys\rquote clothes, order shoes, etc. Thus the Lord has been pleased to answer all our requests with respect to the pecuniary necessities of the Orphans, which we have brought before Him in our prayer meetings during the last seven weeks. We have thus had of late an abundance, but the expenses have been great also; for within the last twenty-five days I have paid out above 100l.\par \par Jan. 22. As only little above 32l. had been received since the 4th, there was today again only 1l. 8s. 0 1/2d. in hand, whilst 31, 8s. was needed, it being Saturday. However, as the Lord has helped us very many Saturdays, when we had still less at the commencement of the day, so it was today also. About an hour before the money was called for, I received from the neighbourhood of Crediton 4l., which came with the especial recommendation of a gentleman and lady to introduce the use of oatmeal in the Orphan-Houses, if we had not done so, and this money was sent towards the first supply. We have, however, used oatmeal now for many months, and have found it decidedly of great benefit to the children As about a fortnight since I had ordered 10l. worth from Glasgow, this money came in most seasonably to supply the other necessities of this day.\par \par Jan. 24. Yesterday the Lord sent in 3l. 5s. 7d., to supply the need of this day.\par \par Jan. 25. There was now again this morning nothing in hand for the Orphans. About ten o\rquote clock there was sent to me, as the produce of an Orphan box, a small necklace, an old sixpence, and 5s. 8d. There came in also by sale of stockings 3s. 9d. As this 9s. 5d. was not enough, the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, which contained 17s. 2d., and thus we were again supplied.\par \par 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 to 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.\par \par Jan. 26. Again there was nothing in hand when the day commenced. In the course of the morning a gentleman from Yorkshire came to the Orphan-Houses. He bought two Reports, and one copy of the "Improved Renderings," put 2s. 6d. into the box at the Boys -Orphan-House, and 3s. into the box at the Infant-Orphan-House. There was also one penny found in the box at the Girls\rquote -Orphan- House. This 6s. 10d. would have provided the absolute necessities for today, but it was desirable to have more means. I therefore opened the box in my house, in which I found a sovereign and a shilling. We were thus comfortably provided.\par \par Jan. 27. Last evening came in 4s. This morning a parcel arrived from E. P., containing 3s., and the following articles: 7 books, a Bible, 6 pairs of socks, 4 pairs of babies\rquote shoes, a purse, a lady\rquote s comb, a lady\rquote s bag, a pair of knitted over-shoes, and 2 pairs of muffetees. Yesterday afternoon a gentleman came to see the Orphan-Houses, and put a sovereign into the box at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, which our need has brought out. We have thus 1l. 7s. for this day.\emdash Evening. This afternoon came in still further 2l. from a lady at Kensington, on whose heart the Lord seems to have particularly laid the work.\par \par Jan. 29. The two sovereigns, which came in on the 27th, supplied our need yesterday. When I had again nothing in hand, to meet today\rquote s necessities, a sister came last evening, who brought me 1l. 6s., a sovereign from another sister, and 6s. from herself. She said: "I do not know whether the Orphans have a dinner for tomorrow or not, but I had no rest in delaying to bring this money." I had but just then come home from a meeting, and had on the way to my house been lifting up my heart to the Lord, that He would be pleased to remember our need.\emdash This morning was sent from Clapham 1l. 2s. 6d., with 3 frocks, a petticoat, 4 handkerchiefs, and 2 pinafores.\par \par My dear reader, do you indeed recognise the hand of God in all these instances I have given instance upon instance, I have brought before you not this particular case, nor another particular case; but I have purposely shown you how we have fared day after day in our poverty, in order that you may adore the Lord for His goodness to us, and that you yourself may be led to depend upon Him for every thing, should you not have done so before. I affectionately beseech you, not to take these instances as a matter of course. Say not in your heart, This is a charitable Institution; persons know that the maintenance of these many Orphans, and the support of these Day Schools, etc., costs much money; and therefore they will contribute. Nor suffer Satan to rob you of the blessing which the account of the Lord\rquote s faithfulness to us, and His readiness to listen to our supplications is calculated with God\rquote s blessing, to communicate to you, by allowing him to whisper into your ears, that, because the Report are read by many, donations will of course be coming in, and that not all at once, but gradually, and that this is the way in which we are supplied. Dear reader, it is not thus. Suppose, we have been for some time on the whole bountifully supplied. Suppose, now all is gone. Suppose, the expenses are great, but very little comparatively is coming in. What shall we do now? If we took goods on credit, or if we made known our necessities at such times to the liberal Christians who have means, and who are interested in the work in our hands, then, humanly speaking, there might be little difficulty; but we neither take goods on credit, nor do we speak to any one about our need, but we wait upon God. Now, suppose our expenses are week after week, 30l., 40l., 50l., or 60l.? How are the means to come? Persons might still give; yea, many persons might still give, but it might just happen so, that all the donations that are received at the time when our expenses are most heavy are very small donations; how shall we do then? Sometimes the outgoings have been so great, that if I had sold every thing I possessed, I could not thereby have met the expenses of two weeks. What then is to be done? We wait upon God, and he always helps us, and has done so now [i. e. in 1881] for more than forty-five years with reference to the Orphans, and for more than forty-seven with reference to the other parts of the work.\par \par Feb. 5. Saturday. As only 10l. 10s. 6d. had been received since January 29th, i. e. only so much as day by day was needed to provide necessaries for the Orphans, there is again the greatest need. It is now twelve o\rquote clock, and there are no means as yet to meet the expenses of today. The words in the prayer of Jehoshaphat, "Neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee," are at this moment the language of my heart. I likewise know not what to do, but my eyes are upon the Lord, and I am sure that He will help this day also. Our kind Father still gives us proofs that He is mindful of our need; for last evening were anonymously sent to my house, 2 waistcoats, a shawl, a net collar, 3 3/4 yards of print, 2 decanters, and Clarendon\rquote s History of England. And just now, a small silver book, a pepper box with silver top, and some muslin work have arrived from Birmingham. \emdash Evening. In the course of the morning came in, by sale of articles, l2s. We were able likewise to dispose of one of the articles, which were sent last evening, for 5s. This afternoon one of the labourers gave me 10s., and 3s. came in for needle-work. By means of this 1l. 10s. we were able to supply all that was needed.\par \par Feb. 7. Yesterday was received 1l. 13s. 5d., and today 5s. 6d.\par \par Feb. 8. By what came in yesterday, and the day before, the need of yesterday was supplied, and there is enough in all the houses for the meals of today; but in none of the houses have we been able to take in any bread; and as yesterday also but little could be taken in, there will not remain any for tomorrow; nor is there money enough to take in milk tomorrow morning. There are likewise coals needed in two houses. Indeed, so far as I know, these three years and seven months, since first the funds were exhausted, we were never in greater poverty; and if the Lord were not to send means before nine o\rquote clock tomorrow morning, His name would be dishonoured. But I am fully assured that He will not leave us.\emdash Evening. The Lord has not yet been pleased to send us what is needed for tomorrow, but He has given us a fresh proof that He is mindful of us. Between four and five o\rquote clock this afternoon were sent nine plum cakes, which a sister had ordered to be baked as a treat for the Orphans. These cakes were an encouragement to me to continue to look out for further supplies. There was also found in the boxes at the Orphan-Houses, 2s. l 1/2d., and 1s. 4d. came in for stockings. These little donations are most precious, but they are not enough to meet the need of tomorrow; yea, before nine o\rquote clock tomorrow morning we need more money to be able to take in the milk. Truly, we are poorer than ever; but, through grace, my eyes look not at the empty stores and the empty purse, but to the riches of the Lord only.\par \par Feb. 9. This morning I went between seven and eight o clock to the Orphan-Houses, to see whether the Lord had sent in any thing. When I arrived there, He had just two or three minutes before sent help.\emdash A brother, in going to his house of business this morning, had gone already about half a mile, when the Lord was pleased to lay the Orphans upon his heart. He said, however, to himself, I cannot well return now, but will take something this evening; and thus he walked on. Nevertheless be could not go any further, but felt himself constrained to go back, and to take to brother R. B., at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, three sovereigns. [The donor himself stated this to me afterwards.]\emdash Thus the Lord in His faithfulness helped us. Help was never more truly needed, for our poverty was never greater; nor did the help of the Lord ever come more manifestly from Himself; for the brother was gone on a good distance, it was between seven and eight o\rquote clock in the morning, and it was so short a time before money was needed. Consider this, beloved reader, and with us praise the Lord. Praise Him particularly, that He enabled us to trust in Him in this trying hour. There came in besides, today, 7s. 6d.\par \par Feb. 11. The 3l. 11s. 6d. supplied our need the last two days. Today again a few shillings more were needed, which one of the labourers was able to give of his own; but this was only enough to take in the usual quantity of milk, and some bread.\par \par Feb. 12. Saturday. Never since the funds were for the first time exhausted, had there come in less during any week, than during this. We were only able to supply the absolute necessities; but this we were enabled to do. When the meal times came, the Lord always provided what was needful, and, considering the great distress there is now almost everywhere, our dear Orphans are very well provided for. Now this day began not only without there being any thing in hand, but our stores were greatly reduced, and we had to procure provisions for two days. One of the labourers gave 5s. in the morning, to provide the means to take in the milk. I collected together some pamphlets, which had been given for sale, to dispose of them, and they were sold about eleven o\rquote clock for 4s. There came in also by sale of stockings 3s., and 12s. was paid on behalf of one of the Orphans. Thus we were provided with means to procure a dinner, and had a little towards purchasing bread, but by no means enough. All the labourers were together in prayer from half-past eleven till one, and me separated comfortably, with the purpose of meeting again in the evening. When I came home, there was given to me an old broken silver pencil case, which, though worth very little, I took as a fresh proof that our Father was mindful of our need. When we met again this evening, we found that 3s. 6d. had come in by sale of stockings, and 6d. for two Reports. As all this was not enough, a few old and needless articles were disposed of for 4s., also the broken pencil ease for 6d. I say needless articles, for other articles it did not seem right to us to dispose of, in order that the Lord\rquote s own deliverance might be manifest. A labourer was also still further able to give 7s. of his own. To one of the labourers 2s. had been owed by a certain individual for more than a twelvemonth, which being paid just now, and given by him for the Orphans, came in most seasonably. Thus we had 1l. 18s. 6d., as much as was needful to procure provisions till after breakfast on Monday morning. However, the Lord helped still further. Between eight and nine this evening, after we had been together for prayer, and had now separated, some money was given to one of the labourers for himself, by which means he was able to give 9s., so that altogether 2l. 7s. 6d. had come in this day. This has been of all the weeks, during the last three years and seven months, one of the most trying, so far as it regards the trial of faith. Thanks to the Lord, who has helped us this day also! Thanks to Him for enabling us already this morning, when we met for prayer, to praise Him for the deliverance, which we were sure He would work!\par \par Feb. 14. Yesterday came in from Wolverhampton 1l. 2s. 6d. and a necklace. There was also given to me 1l. 0s. 6d., which had come in by sale of articles, and 6d. for Reports. In the course of this day came in still further 3l. 2s. 4d.\par \par Feb. 15. By needlework came in 4s. 9d.\par \par Feb. 16. This morning there was now again only sufficient money in hand to take in milk at two of the houses; but as a labourer was able to give 6s. 6d., we had sufficient for the milk, and had also enough, with the provisions that were in the houses, to provide for the dinner. Nothing more came in in the course of the morning, nor was I able to make inquiries how matters stood. In the afternoon between three and four o\rquote clock, having once more besought the Lord to send us help, I sat peacefully down to give myself to meditation over the Word, considering that that was now my service, though I knew not whether there was a morsel of bread for tea in any one of the houses, but being assured that the Lord would provide. For, through grace, my mind is so fully assured of the faithfulness of the Lord, that, in the midst of the greatest need, I am enabled in peace to go about my other work. Indeed, did not the Lord give me this, which is the result of trusting in Him, I should scarcely be able to work at all; for it is now comparatively a rare thing that a day comes, when I am not in need for one or the other part of the work. Scarcely had I sat down to meditate, when a note was sent to me from the Orphan-Houses, in which brother R. B., master of the Orphan Boys, had written thus: "On visiting the sisters in the Infant and Girls\rquote -Orphan-Houses, I found them in the greatest need. There was not bread in one of the houses for tea this evening, and the 6s. 6d. was scarcely enough to supply what was needed for the dinner. I therefore opened the box in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, and most unexpectedly found 1l. in it. Thus, through the kindness of the Lord, we were again abundantly supplied as it regards present necessities."\emdash In the evening the Lord, in His love and faithfulness, stretched out His hand still farther. I had expounded at the meeting a part of John xi. The last words of which I spoke were: "Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" When the meeting was over, as a fresh proof of the truth of this word, a note was given to me, in which a sick sister sent me 5l. for the Orphans.\par \par Feb. 17 and 18. These two days came in 8s. 2d.\par \par Feb. 19. Saturday. Our means were now again completely spent. Our provision stores, were, perhaps, even more exhausted than on any previous Saturday. There was not the least human likelihood of obtaining menus for sufficient provisions for this one day, and much less for two days. When. I went before breakfast to the Orphan-Houses, I found a letter from Nottingham, containing 1s., which had arrived last evening. This was not only a sweet proof that our Father remembered our need, but it was also like an earnest that He would supply us this day also with all we required. In the course of the morning came in by sale of stockings 4s. 11d. In the box at my house I found 1s. One of the labourers gave 4s. 10d. Thus we were provided with those things which were absolutely needed for this day. We met between eleven and twelve o\rquote clock for prayer. When we met again in the evening, a second letter had arrived from Nottingham, with another shilling. This was a further sweet proof of our Father\rquote s loving remembrance of our need; but with all this we were still without any means to provide bread for tomorrow, the Lord\rquote s day. At eight o\rquote clock I separated from my fellow-labourers, as I expected brother R. C. to arrive a little after eight at my house. I therefore requested one of the brethren to go with me, in order to take back to the Orphan-Houses what the Lord might send in by post or in any other way. It was now half-past eight in the evening, and there was no bread yet in any one of the three houses for tomorrow. A few moments after, brother C. arrived, and he had not been more than about five minutes in my house when he gave me half a sovereign, which he brought for the Orphans. I soon found an opportunity to leave the room for a little, gave the 10s. to the brother whom I had brought with me from the Orphan Houses, and who was waiting in another room; and thus, between nine and ten o\rquote clock, sufficient bread could be bought. Observe! For the trial of our faith the Lord had allowed us to be kept waiting so long. When, however, brother C. had arrived, having money for the Orphans, he could not delay giving it at once, a matter most worthy of notice. This has been a week full of trials of faith, but also full of deliverances.\par \par Feb. 21. Since Saturday evening came in 1l. 8s. 11d. There was also sent from Plymouth, a piece of blond, a piece of quilling net, and eleven pairs of children\rquote s stockings, for sale. Thus we were supplied with means for that which was requisite for the beginning of this day; but as our stores had been so reduced at the end of last week, there was not enough for tea this afternoon. Four o\rquote clock had now come, one hour before the usual tea time, when a brother from Somersetshire came to see the Orphan-Houses, and put a sovereign into each of the boxes. Our great need soon brought out the money, and thus we were supplied. [Observe! The brother (as he himself told me a few days after in the course of conversation), had but little time, and therefore rather hastily went over the houses. Had he stayed long and conversed much, as might have been the case, his donations would not have been in time for the tea.] There came in 1s. besides, by needlework done by the children.\par \par Feb. 22. This morning a parcel arrived from the neighbourhood of Manchester, containing 4 old silver thimbles, 1 seal, 2 gold pins, 10 cent (an American coin), a buckle, a watch key, a broken seal, some pamphlets and 549 sheets of Hintwafers.\par \par Feb. 23. We were again in want of means. A few of the articles which had come from Manchester were disposed of, and one of the labourers was able to give enough for what remained to be supplied.\emdash The narrative of time events of these days is most imperfect. The way in which the Lord stretched out His hand day by day, and from meal to meal, cannot be accurately described. To enter fully into it, one need be a witness to His inspecting the stores, so to speak, from meal to meal, and giving us those things which we needed.\par \par Feb. 24. Yesterday the following clothes were sent: 3 pairs of boys\rquote trousers, 2 boys\rquote dresses, 2 frocks, a spencer, 5 pairs of children\rquote s stays, a pair of boots, and a few other little articles. The clothes were all much worn, and in other respects not fit for the Orphans; but the Lord used them to supply us with the means for the dinner, as they were disposed of this morning. In the afternoon we again met for prayer. On my way to the Orphan-Houses, between four and five, when I knew that there would not be any bread, at least in one of the houses, for tea, I felt quite peaceful, being fully assured that for this meal also the Lord would provide. On inquiry I found that there was bread enough in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, none at all in the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, but enough in the Infant-Orphan-House both for the Infants and Boys. Therefore we were at this time supplied by the bread which was not needed at the Infant-Orphan-House. We have thus this day also what is absolutely needful. But now there is no bread in any of the houses, nor scarcely any thing else in the way of provisions.\par \par Feb. 25. Greater than now our need had never been. Our trials of faith have never been so sharp as during this week. Indeed, so much so, that most of the labourers felt today considerably tried. Yet neither this day has the Lord suffered us to be confounded. Through a remarkable circumstance one of the labourers obtained some money this morning, so that all the need of today could be amply met. In the afternoon a physician of this city kindly sent 1l. for the Orphans, which was a sweet proof to us, when we met for prayer, that our kind Father had not forgotten us. Also on my way to the prayer-meeting at the Orphan-Houses I received 9s.\par \par Feb. 26. My prayer this morning was in particular, that the Lord would be pleased now to look in pity upon us, and take off His hand. Indeed, for several days my prayer has been that He would enable us to continue to trust in Him, and not lay more upon us than He would enable us to bear. This is now again Saturday. There having been given yesterday a rich supply to the matrons, I knew that not so much as usual would be required this Saturday; still I thought that 1l. 10s. would be needed. Between ten and eleven o\rquote clock this morning a parcel came from Clapham, containing 2l. 2s., with 2 frocks, 2 petticoats, 2 chemises, 2 pinafores, and 6 handkerchiefs (all new.) Thus we were richly supplied for today, for only 1l. 10s. was needed. There was moreover half-a-sovereign put into the box at my house this day by a little boy, and 2s. 6d. came in by sale of articles. Thus we were brought to the close of a week in which more than at any previous time the Lord has been pleased to try our faith. To Him most manifestly we owe it that our faith has not failed completely.\par \par Feb. 28. Yesterday Q. Q. gave me an order for 8l. As it was left to me to lay out the money as I thought well, I put 4l. of it to the School-Fund, and 4l. to the Orphan-Fund. Thus both parts of the work have been again most seasonably helped, as today the teachers in the Day-Schools greatly needed some money for themselves. Today 13s. was received for the Orphans.\par \par March 2. Yesterday I found a sovereign in the Orphan-box at my house; received 9s. 2 3/4d. from three little boys, being the produce of their Orphan-box; 2s. 6d. for Reports; and 1l. 10s., being the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote baskets. Thus we were again supplied for yesterday and today. This evening were also sent, by order of an Irish sister, 33 1/2 lbs. of woollen yarn. Respecting this donation it is to be remarked, that last Saturday we had asked the Lord in our prayer-meeting, that He would be pleased to send us means to purchase worsted, in order that the boys might go on with their knitting.\par \par March 3. Yesterday 5s. came in, and this evening a sovereign, when there was now again great need, there being no money in hand.\par \par March 5. Saturday. It was not a small deliverance, that the Lord sent this morning, between ten and eleven o\rquote clock, 2l. 10s. from Edinburgh, when there were no means in hand to meet this day\rquote s necessities, nay, not even the means to procure a dinner, as only 4s. had come in yesterday.\emdash Evening. About eight o\rquote clock a gentleman called on me. He said "I come at a late hour, but I trust not the less acceptable on that account. I bring you a little money for the Orphans." He then gave me two sovereigns. When I requested him to give me his name, he told me, that if the giving of his name would be of any benefit be would do so, but as it would not, I might simply put down in the Report "Sent," for he was sure that the Lord had sent him. \emdash I believe it, for the help came most seasonably and in answer to prayer. There was likewise taken out of the box in my house half-a-sovereign.\par \par March 9. 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 10l. 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 :\emdash 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 10l., had this time directed his letter to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, whence it was sent to me.\par \par March 11. Yesterday a box arrived from one of the Northern Counties, respecting which the donor had requested that neither the articles which it contained, nor the name of the place whence it came, should be mentioned in the public account. I, therefore, only state here that thus the Lord has again most seasonably helped us, besides giving us a fresh proof, in raising up this new and anonymous donor, that He does not cease to care for us. It is intended to apply the produce of the articles contained in the box partly for the Orphans, and partly for the other objects. Though the box arrived only yesterday, we are even this day helped through means of it; for we disposed today of some of the articles to the amount of 9l. 6s. 6d. Of this sum 7l. 6s. 6d. was divided among the teachers, who much needed it; and 2l. was taken for the Orphan-Fund, without which the need of this day could not have been supplied in the Orphan-Houses.\par \par March 17. From the 12th to the 16th had come in 4l. 5s. 1l 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\rquote clock. On my way it was especially 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 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\rquote 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 1l. 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 every thing 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. It is worth also being poor and greatly tried in faith, if but thereby the hearts of the children of God may be comforted and their faith strengthened; and if but those who do not know God, and who may read or hear of His dealings with us, should be led thereby to see, that faith in God is more than a mere notion, and that there is indeed reality in Christianity. In the course of this day there came in still further 13s.\par \par March 19. Saturday. As it has often been the case on Saturdays, so it was this day in particular. We began the day in very great poverty, as only 7s. had come in since the day before yesterday. There was not one ray of light as to natural prospects. The heart would be overwhelmed, at such seasons, were there not an abundance of repose to be found by trusting in God. The trial having continued so long, and our poverty having now come to such a degree, that it was necessary we should have help, in order that the name of the Lord might not be dishonoured, I had proposed to my fellow-labourers that we should set apart this day especially for prayer. We met accordingly at half-past ten in the morning. By that time had come in 4s. 6d., 7s. 6d., and 10s. In the afternoon we met again at three, when 10s. came in. In the evening at seven we met once more, there being yet about three shillings needed, to provide all that was required. This also we received, and even 3s. more than was actually needed came in, just when we were about to separate.\par \par Today we were also very poor with reference to our own personal necessities. In the morning we had only 2 1/2d. left, when a sister in the Lord, who knew nothing about our need, gave us the contents of her purse, being 1l. 7s.\par \par March 23. This afternoon, when we had no money at all of our own, a brother gave us 3s. for ourselves.\par \par March 25. During the last four days we received 6l. 12s. 2d. for the Orphans. This morning, when we were now again without any thing, a parcel arrived from Clapham, containing 1l. 10s., with a frock, a chemise, 2 petticoats, 2 pinafores, and 2 handkerchiefs (all new). About the same time was sent a post-office order from Bath for 2l. This is no small deliverance. The need has been so great during this week that the matrons, in order that there might be no lack in the way of provisions for the children, have been unable to order even half-a-ton of coals at once, and have been obliged to buy them in very small quantities.\par \par When again we had only 6d. Left for our own personal necessities, I received 9s.\par \par March 26. We are helped to the close of one more week with reference to our own personal necessities. During this week we have had several times not one single penny for ourselves; yet during this week also we have had all that was needed in the way of nourishing food, etc., and we have 3d. left.\par \par March 30. From the 25th up to this day we were poor, with reference to the Orphans but the Lord helped us. This morning a brother from Devonshire came to stay for a few days with me. He gave me two sovereigns for the Orphans, and told me the following facts in connexion with them. Last year he portioned out a piece of ground, for the benefit of the Orphans. Having done so, all the members of the family were gathered together, and he asked with them the Lord\rquote s blessing upon the crop that was to be planted. This prayer was often repeated afterwards, while the crop was known to belong to the Orphans; and the ground yielded a good crop. The potatoes were to have been sent, but it was considered better to sell them for the benefit of the Orphans, and now this brother brought the produce. These two sovereigns came in most seasonably, as they were only just in time to supply the dinner and other necessaries of this day; for when I came with the brother from the railway station to my house, I found an Orphan boy waiting for money, and I had nothing in hand. This evening I received still further from a sister 1l. 1s. 5 1/2d.\par \par This morning we had not one single halfpenny left for our own necessities, when two brethren arrived to stay with us for some days, the one from Somersetshire and the other from the North of Devon. The brother from the North of Devon brought 12s. for my own use from Barnstaple, and also gave 1l. to my dear wife this afternoon for our own need. Thus we were again supplied. My mind has been quite in peace on account of our own need, and the only inconvenience that we had in this case was, that our dinner was about half an hour later than usual. Such a thing, as far as I remember, scarcely ever occurred before, and has never occurred since; but suppose it had, it is well, in some little measure, to know from one\rquote s own experience the meaning of that word, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Philip iv. 12.\par \par March 31. This afternoon 5s. came in from Bath, and from a sister in the Lord in one of the Northern counties 5l. for the Orphans and 15l. for the other objects; and through the same donor l2s. This money arrived when there was again only 5s. in hand for the Orphans, which had come in this afternoon, and when there was particular need of means, as many pairs of shoes needed to be mended, and other extra expenses were to be met. When this money came, there was also great need of fresh supplies for the Day-Schools, on account of which this donation was a precious help from the Lord.\par \par April 2. We received 1l. 19s. 6d. for the Orphans.\par \par April 4. When again our little stock had been exhausted, the Lord was pleased to send in yesterday 5l. through a sister of Bristol; also by sale of articles 10s., and by Reports 5s. Today came in from Kensington 1l.\par \par April 6. As only 3s. more had come in yesterday, the money was now again all gone, when this evening was sent from a distance a post office order for 2l.\par \par April 8. This afternoon, when again much money was needed, we received from Plymouth 1l., and from a donor in Bristol 1l.\par \par April 9. Saturday. Only 1s. 6d. had come in since yesterday afternoon. We needed more money than there was in hand, especially as it was Saturday, but the Lord was pleased particularly to try our faith. In the course of the morning came from some sisters in Dublin, 18 yards of calico, 34 yards of print, 43 balls of cotton, and a pair of worn lady\rquote s boots. This donation came most seasonably, as we had been mentioning repeatedly the need of calico and print in our prayers; and the sewing cotton and the pair of boots came at once into use. Moreover, this donation was a sweet encouragement to me to continue waiting upon the Lord. Evening was now approaching, and no money had yet come in for provisions, etc., which would be needed on the Lord\rquote s day. About six o\rquote clock, I gave myself once more to prayer with my wife, and requested the Lord in my prayer that if the sister, who in love to Him has taken upon her the service of disposing of the articles which are given for sale, had any money in hand, He would be pleased to incline her heart to bring or send the money this evening. After this I sat down peacefully to read the Scriptures, being assured that this time also the Lord would stretch out His hand on our behalf. About half-past seven o\rquote clock the sister to whom reference has just now been made, came and brought 1l. 10s. 4d., for articles which she had sold, stating that though she was unwell, yet she felt herself constrained not to delay bringing this money. Thus we had all that was needed, and 6s. more. When I arrived with the money at the Infant-Orphan-House, about eight o\rquote clock, I found my fellow labourers in prayer, and while we still continued in prayer a sister sent a large basket of stale bread, being five brown loaves, seven bread cakes, and five French loaves.\par \par April 11. It is this day six years since the first children were taken in, and, as usual, we are poor this day also; for only l3s. 10 1/2d. has come in since Saturday evening.\par \par April 12. We were never in greater need than today, perhaps never in so much, when I received this morning 100l. from the East Indies. It is impossible to describe the real joy in God it gave me. My prayer had been again this morning particularly, that our Father would pity us, and now at last send larger sums. I was not in the least surprised or excited when this donation came, for I took it as that which came in answer to prayer, and had been long looked for. As it was left to me to use the money as might be most needed, I took one half of it for the Orphan Fund, and the other half for the other funds. We have thus also an answer to our prayer for oatmeal, new shoes, and for means to enable us to have the old shoes mended, means for replenishing somewhat our stores, money for some articles of clothing for the children, and also a little money for the sisters who labour in the Orphan-Houses. How precious to look to the Lord! I was always sure that He would at last send larger sums, therefore had my heart been kept in peace, though my faith had never been more tried than during the last months.\par \par April 14. There was half-a-sovereign taken out of the box at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House this morning. This afternoon three individuals called on me. One of them gave 6l., 3 collars, and 2 veils, and brought likewise 3 gold rings. Another of them gave me 2s. 6d. After they had left I found in my room on the mantelpiece in a paper 2 sovereigns for my own personal expenses, and in three papers 3 sovereigns for the three Orphan-Houses, and also a fourpenny piece on the floor.\par \par April 30. As since the 14th only little more than 16l. had come in, there was again this day not quite enough in hand to supply all that was needed. However, the Lord sent from Clapham a parcel which contained 10s., 2 frocks, 2 pinafores, 2 handkerchiefs, 2 nightcaps, and 2 pieces of list.\par \par May 1. Today was given by a brother a gold watch with a small gold chain and key. The gift was accompanied by the following note to me:\par \par \par \par "Beloved Brother,\par \par "A pilgrim does not want such a watch as this to make him happy; one of an inferior kind will do to show him how swiftly his time flies, and how fast he is hastening on to that Canaan where time will be no more: so that it is for you to do with this what seemeth good to you. It is the last relic of earthly vanity, and, while I am in the body, may I be kept from all idolatry.\par \par "Your affectionate brother,\par \par *****"\par \par \par \par May 2. There was now again no money in hand, not even the few shillings which were required to take in the milk tomorrow morning, when a sister gave a sovereign to brother R. B. for the Orphans, whereby we are helped.\par \par May 6. Only 3l. 10s. 2 1/2d. had been received since the 2nd, on which account there would have been only enough means in hand to provide for the breakfast tomorrow morning, when in this our fresh need 80l. was sent by the same brother who has been spoken of under "June 4, 1841," in the details respecting the other funds; and also 6l. from Great Malvern. The half of this 80l. was put to the Orphan Fund, and the other half to the other funds: the donation from Great Malvern was put to the fund for the other objects. There arrived at the same time from the East Indies by post a small parcel, containing 2 pairs of gold ear-rings, a brooch, and 2 rupees. These donations came especially in season, as they enable me to give supplies to the brethren and sisters who labour in the Day Schools and Orphan-Houses for their own personal necessities, besides meeting the wants in other respects.\par \par May 10. 6l. l5s. 10d. more has come in since the 6th. Today, in closing the accounts, we have left at the end of this period of seventeen months, in which we have been so often penniless, the sum of 16l. 18s. 10 1/2d. for the Orphans, and 48l. 12s. 5 1/4d. for the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.\par \par The time now seemed to us to have come, when, for the profit of the church at large, the Lord\rquote s dealings with us, with reference to the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, should be made known by publishing another Report. For, whilst we, on purpose, had delayed it at this time five months longer than during the previous years, and that during a period when we were in deeper poverty than during any previous time; yet, as from the commencement it had appeared to me important, from time to time to make known the Lord\rquote s dealings with us, so I judged it profitable still, to seek to comfort, to encourage, to exhort, to instruct, and to warn the dear children of God by the printed accounts of the Lord\rquote s goodness to us.\par \par The following are a few additional remarks with reference to the period of the seventeen months previous to May 10, 1842.\par \par 1. Though our trials of faith during these seventeen months lasted longer, and were sharper than during any previous period, yet during all this time the Orphans had every thing that was needful in the way of nourishing food, the necessary articles of clothing, etc. Indeed I should rather at once send the children back to their relations than keep them without sufficient maintenance.\par \par 2. I desire that all the children of God who may read these details may thereby be led to increased and more simple confidence in God for every thing 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 relations, their own progress in grace and knowledge, the state of the saints whom they may know personally, the state of the church of Christ 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 every thing, 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.\emdash 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\rquote 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.\par \par 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 fifty-six years.\par \par 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 fifty-six 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\emdash Gal. iii. 26\emdash Acts x. 43\emdash Romans x. 9, 10\emdash John iii. 16, etc.)\emdash Further, at the time when I thought I should be insane (though there was not the least ground for thinking so), as recorded on pages 209, 210, and 223, I was in peace, quite in peace; because my soul believed the truth of that word, "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Rom. viii. 28.\emdash Further, When my brother in the flesh, and my dear aged father died, and when concerning both of them I had no evidence whatever that they were saved (though I dare not say that they are lost, for I know it not); yet my soul was at peace, perfectly at peace, under this great trial, this exceedingly great trial, this trial which is one of the greatest perhaps which can befall a believer. And what was it that gave me peace? My soul laid hold on that word, "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right!" This word, together with the whole character of God, as He has revealed Himself in His holy word, settled all questionings. I believed what He has said concerning Himself, and I was at peace, and have been at peace ever since, concerning this matter.\emdash Further, When the Lord took from me a beloved infant, my soul was at peace, perfectly at peace; I could only weep tears of joy when. I did weep. And why? Because my soul laid hold in faith on that word: "Of such is the kingdom of Heaven." Matthew xix. 14. Believing, therefore, as I did, upon the ground of this word, my soul rejoiced, instead of mourning, that my beloved infant was far happier with the Lord, than with me.\emdash 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.\emdash 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.\par \par \emdash 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.\emdash 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 any one 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\rquote 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\rquote 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\par \par 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.\par \par 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 any thing, 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 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 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 fellowmen, nor in circumstances, nor in any thing besides; or we no 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,\emdash from depending upon Him alone,\emdash from looking to Him alone :\emdash 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\rquote 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 oar 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 than 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\rquote 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.\par \par I now return, dear reader, to the Narrative, giving you some further information with reference to the 17 months, from December 10, 1840, to May 18, 1842, as it respects the Orphan-Houses, and other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, besides the facts of which mention has been already made.\par \par During this period also\emdash 1, Two Sunday Schools were entirely supported by the funds of the Institution. 2, There were two adult schools, one for females, and one for males, entirely supported during these 17 months, in which on two evenings of the week the males, and on two evenings the females were instructed, quite gratuitously, in reading and writing, and were furnished with books and writing materials gratuitously. There were, during these 17 months, 344 adults taught in these two schools, and on May 10, 1842, the number under instruction amounted to 110. The chief object of these adult schools is, to teach grown up persons to read, in order that they may themselves be able to read the Holy Scriptures; but, at the same time, those who teach them take opportunity to point out the way of salvation to them, and, while the word of God is read, they seek to make remarks on the portions which are read.\emdash 3, There were, during these 17 months, also six Day Schools entirely supported by the funds of the Institution, three for boys and three for girls. These schools are principally intended to enable persons of the poorer classes of the inhabitants of Bristol, to send their children to school, either entirely free, or on paying only the fifth or sixth part of the expenses connected with the instruction which the children receive; they are also, especially, intended to keep believing parents, who have not much means, from the necessity of sending their children to unbelievers for instruction. On May 10, 1842, the number of the children, who attended these Day Schools, was 363; and the total number, who from the formation of the Institution on. March 5, 1834, up to May 10, 1842, had been instructed in the Day Schools, which are supported by the funds of the Institution, amounts to 2616.\emdash 4, During these 17 months, 798 copies of the Holy Scriptures were circulated, and from the commencement of the Institution, up to May 10, 1842, 6,842 copies. 5, During these 17 months was spent for Missionary purposes, the sum of 126l. 15s. 3d. of the funds of the Institution, whereby assistance was rendered to the work of God in Jamaica, in Australia, in Canada, and in the East Indies. 6, At the commencement of these 17 months, i.e. on December 10, 1840, a new object was begun., the circulation of such publications as may be instrumental, with the blessing of God, to benefit both unbelievers and believers. We laid out for this object, during these 17 months, from December 10, 1840, to May 10, 1842, the sum of 62l. 17s. 4d., for which twenty-two thousand one hundred and ninety such little publications were purchased, and of which number nineteen thousand six hundred and nine were actually given away.\emdash 7, There were received into the three Orphan-Houses, from Dec . 10, 1840, to May 10, 1842, 15 Orphans, who, together with those who were in the houses on Dec. 10, 1840, make up 106 in all. Of these, five girls were sent out to service, two boys and one girl were apprenticed, one girl was removed by a lady who had placed her for a time under our care, and one was sent back to his relations, as he was injurious to the other children.\par \par There were on May 10, 1842, 96 Orphans in the three houses, i.e. 30 in the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House, 37 in the Infant-Orphan-House, and 29 in the Boys\rquote - Orphan-House. Besides this, three apprentices were supported by the funds of the Institution, so that the total number was 99. The number of Orphans who were under our care from April, 1836, to May 10, 1842, amounts to 144.\par \par I notice further the following points in connexion with the Orphan-Houses.\par \par Without any one having been asked for any thing by me, the sum of 5,276l. 14s. 8d. was given to me from the beginning of the work up to May 16, 1842, as the result of prayer to God. Besides this, also, many articles of clothing, furniture, provisions, &c.\emdash During these 17 months we had very little sickness in the three houses, and not one of the children died. I desire publicly to state this, and in it to acknowledge the hand of God.\par \par The total of the expenditure for the various objects of the Institution, exclusive of the Orphan-Houses, during these 17 months, amounted to 710l. 11s. 5d.; the total of the income amounted to 746l. 1s. 0 1/2d. The total of the expenditure for the three Orphan-Houses, from December 10, 1840, to May 10, 1842, amounted to 1,337l. 15s. 2 3/4d.; the total of the income amounted to 1,339l. 13s. 7d.\par \par May 11, 1842. When the accounts were closed last evening, the balance in hand for the Orphans was 16l. 18s. 10 1/2d., though the actual amount for use at present is only 6l. 8s. 10 1/2d. as 10l. 10s. is put by for the rent.\emdash With this 6l. 8s. 10 1/2d. therefore we had to begin again the work, whilst th ere were 107 persons to be provided for with all they required.\par \par From May 11 to May 27, we were always so provided for by the Lord, that we received fresh donations before the last money was spent, for there came in 28l. 15s. 8 1/2d.; but now we should not have had sufficient for the need of tomorrow, May 28th, when today there arrived a parcel from Kendal, containing 6 frocks, 5 tippets, 6 pinafores, 6 chemises, 2 shirts, 3 aprons, and the following donations in money: with Ps. xxvii., 10s. ; Proverbs iii. 5, 6, 2s. 6d.; from a sister who earns her own, bread by her daily exertions, 10s.; from another individual 10s. There came in also by sale of articles, given for that purpose, 2l. 1s.\par \par May 28. There came in still further today 3l. 4s. 4d., so that we are richly provided, with all we need, and have more than enough.\par \par June 3. For several days past I had not been particularly led to pray for means for the Orphans. Last evening, however, I did so, as we had now again no money in hand, there having come in only 10l. 2s. 2d. during the last five days; and in answer to my request 2l. 19s. 6d. came in this morning.\par \par June 6. Monday. There was now no money at all in hand. I had therefore asked the Lord for fresh supplies, and since Saturday afternoon the following sums have come in: By sale of articles 1l. 4s., FROM AN AGED SERVANT, ILL IN A MORTAL DISEASE, 4l.; anonymously put into the boxes at Bethesda yesterday, in a small parcel, 11s., a gold ring, 3 small Spanish silver coins, and a small American silver coin; ditto 4d.; by a sister was given 6d., and by another sister 5s.; anonymously put into the box at Callow-hill Street Chapel 2s.\par \par This morning I received from A. B. 50l., to be laid out as it might be most useful. I took the whole of this sum for the other objects, as the disposal of it was left to me, whereby I am enabled to order a fresh supply of tracts, some Bibles and Testaments, and to give something to the brethren and sisters who labour in the Day Schools, who are much in need of some supply. The stock of Bibles, as far as I remember, has never been smaller than it is now, for several years; there is likewise only a small quantity of tracts left, and the demand for them is great on the part of brethren who gratuitously circulate them. How kind therefore of the Lord to give us this supply! If our work be His work, He is sure to provide the means for it!\par \par June 9. On the 7th came in 3s. for the Orphans,\emdash on the 8th 2l. 6s. 2d. Today was sent anonymously from Bath 5l., with the words "Jehovah Jireh." These words are very appropriate; for the money came after I had asked the Lord for some, and is required for our need tomorrow.\par \par June 11. Saturday afternoon. As only 6s. 10d. had come in since the 9th for the Orphans, there remains no money in hand for Monday.\emdash Saturday evening. The Lord has already sent a little towards the need of next week, as an earnest, that during the coming week also He will be mindful of us for this evening came in by sale of articles, 1l. 8s. 7d., and a little boy gave 3s. 7 1/4d.\par \par June 12. There came in further today 7s. 6d.; anonymously 10s.; ditto 2l. ; and with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, was given. 10s.\par \par June 15. As since the 12th only 1l. 13s. 6d. had come in, there was now again no money in hand for the need of to -morrow. I gave myself therefore to prayer. Immediately after I had risen from my knees, I was told that some money had been put into the box at my house. I opened the box, and found it to be a sovereign.\par \par June 16. The sovereign which yesterday had been put into the box at my house was not enough. On my morning walk I asked the Lord, therefore, for more means, and when I came home I found that 1l. 16s. had been sent for articles given for sale, There came in still further by sale of articles, 1l. 1s. 6d., and by a donation from Leeds, 2l. 10s. 3d.\par \par June 17. 1l. 18s. 9d. came in today.\par \par June 18. Having had to meet the expenses of the funeral of a dear Orphan boy, who, after having been two years in fellowship with the saints, and walked consistently, had fallen asleep, all means were now again gone, when an Irish lady sent this morning 10l., of which 8l. is to be used for the Orphans, and 2l. for my own personal necessities. Thus we are again supplied for the -present.\par \par June 25. As, besides the 8l. which came in on the 18th, only 9l. 14s. 10 1/2d. had been received since, there was now not sufficient in hand for the expenses of the day; but the Lord, as usual, made it manifest, that He is mindful of our need, and that He hears our prayers. For there was sent today from Clapham a parcel, containing a frock, a pinafore, and 13s. 4d. Also, through the same donors, in the same parcel, were sent from Brighton, 8 frocks, 6 pinafores, 6 handkerchiefs, 3 chemises, 2 petticoats, and 10s. Likewise a Christian lady sent a sovereign; and 1s. 6d. came in by sale of Reports, and 1l. 18s. 0 1/2d. by sale of articles. Thus we were abundantly supplied for the need of today.\par \par July 1. All our money was again spent, as only 8l. l5s. 4d. had come in since the 25th, when last evening an Orphan arrived from Barnstaple, with whom there was sent 2l. 5s. 10d. The Lord has repeatedly ordered it so, that when Orphans have been brought, money has been sent with them, whereby our present necessities have been supplied.\emdash I add here, that we do not require any money to be sent with them, nor is there any interest required to get the children admitted, and much less is the Institution of a sectarian spirit, so that only persons of certain religious views could succeed in making application for the admission of Orphans; but without respect of persons, from all parts of the kingdom, so long as there is room, needy children, bereaved of both parents, may be admitted.\emdash I received today still further 10l. And likewise, by six other donations, came in 1l. 10s. 2d. We are now again for a few days supplied.\par \par July 6, On July 2nd came in 10s.; on the 3rd 2l. 2s. 9d.; on the 4th 1l. 18s.; on the 5th came in four donations from Hackney, amounting to 3l. 6s.; a donation of 2l. from Plymouth; a donation of 4s. from a brother in Bristol; by sale of Reports 5s. 3d.; anonymously was sent from Fairford 3l.; a Christian lady gave 1l., and the following articles were sent from Tottenham: a two-guinea piece, a quarter-guinea piece, a half doubloon, (a Portuguese gold coin), a gold coin of James I., and two gold chains. Likewise this evening came in with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, 3l. 1s. 6d., and 3s. 6d. by sale of stockings. By the donations of yesterday and today I am enabled to meet many needful expenses, such as ordering oatmeal from Scotland, buying peas, rice, Scotch barley, materials for boys\rquote clothes, &c.\par \par July 9. On July 7, 8, 9, had only come in 3l. 11s., so that now today, Saturday, after I had supplied the matrons with what they needed for today and for tomorrow, all the money was again spent; yet we had been, by the good hand of the Lord, brought through another week, and nothing, that had been needed during the week, had been lacking.\par \par July 11. Monday. Yesterday and today came in 3l. 9s. 6d. This money was quite enough for the need of today; and when now again, after this day\rquote s need had been met, scarcely any thing was left, the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, which contained 2l. 3s. 4 1/2d.\par \par July 12. 13s. 9d. came in today.\par \par July 13. When our purse was now again empty, the Lord kindly sent 5l. this morning from Glasgow.\par \par From July 13th to 19th the Lord sent in 22l. 5s. 10d., and on July 19th I left Bristol for a season, being able, through grace, to leave the work in His hands, and feeling assured, that He would provide while I was absent from Bristol; and truly the Lord did not suffer me to be disappointed. For during the time of my absence, from July 19th to Sept. 10th, whilst I was labouring at Barnstaple, and in the neighbourhood of Bideford, the Lord richly furnished us with means, though twice during that period we were quite poor.\par \par From July 19th to Aug. 10th had come in, during my absence, 51l. 3s. 7 1/2d.; but now on Wednesday, Aug. 10th, all the money, except ONE PENNY, was spent in the three Orphan-Houses. Between 9 and 10 o\rquote clock in the evening brother M. brought 7l. to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House. 5l. of this he had received from Q. Q., 1l. with Ecclesiastes ix. 10, and 1l. from a sister who had received this money from Weymouth. When the latter told brother M. that the money might be applied as most needed, he replied to her, that he would give it to the Orphans, as he believed them to be in need. When brother M. brought the money, he said, that when in prayer in the morning for the Orphans, who had been particularly laid on his heart, he felt assured, that we were in need. Thus this brother not knowing any thing about our circumstances, was led by God to help us with his intercessions.\par \par The whole sum which came in from the 10th to the 26th was 25l. 5s. 3d. On the 26th of August there was now again need of a fresh manifestation of the loving care of our Heavenly Father, as on the coming day, being a Saturday, much was needed, and there were only a few pence in hand. And truly, the Lord did appear on our behalf; for this evening came in 10l. with Eccles. ix. 10.\emdash Behold, you who do not know the Lord, what a precious thing it is, even for this life, to walk with God! Behold also you, dear brethren, who tremble to lean fully and solely upon. Him, that those who trust in Him, according to His word, shall not be confounded!\par \par From Aug. 26th to Sept. 10th came in 22l. 6s. 8 1/2d.\par \par Besides the 98l. 15s. 7d. which had come in, in money, during my absence, many articles of clothes, books, provisions, &c. were given for the benefit of the Orphans; but especially a great quantity of trinkets was sent, to be disposed of for the benefit of the Orphans. When I had all these precious spoils before me, which the power of the love of Jesus had won, I found there were no less in my possession than 31 brooches, 2 gold clasps, a pair of gold bracelets, 33 gold rings, a silver gilt vinaigrette, 16 pairs of gold earrings, 2 gold crosses, a gold chain, a gold thimble, 8 gold seals, a gold watch key, a gold watch, 3 lockets, 2 watch hooks, 2 ornamental ladies\rquote combs, 3 ornamental gold hair pins, 2 silver cups, above 30 necklaces, and many other ornaments; also above 60 old silver coins. I cannot describe how great the joy is, which I have, when I see the Lord Jesus, by means of this Institution, bringing forth one needless article after the other, to be disposed of for the benefit of the Orphans.\par \par From Sept. 10th to 28th the Lord supplied our need richly. There came in altogether during these 18 days 92l. 19s. 4d, Though so large a sum had come in, in so short a time, yet as our expenses also had been great, there was again this day, Sept. 28th, not enough to meet this day\rquote s need, when, A FEW MINUTES before I was called on for money, 2l. 10s. was sent from Birmingham.\par \par Sept. 29. There came in by knitting 2s. 6d., and by two donations 7s. 6d. with these words: "J. W. from the Lord" 5s., and "From the Lord" 2s. 6d.\par \par Sept. 30. There was again only 16s. 5 1/2d. left towards the necessities of today, when yesterday afternoon a donor left at my house a good silver watch, which, being disposed of for 6l., supplies us not only for today, but leaves something towards the need of tomorrow.\par \par Oct 1. Yesterday afternoon. 1l. came in from Kensington, and this morning by sale of articles 2s. 6d., and 5s. was put into the box at my house. Thus we had, with what was left, something towards the necessities of this day, but not enough, as this is Saturday. As the Lord, however, had given me both yesterday and this morning prayer and faith with reference to the need, I was looking out for help, when at half past ten this morning a small parcel was anonymously left at my house, which contained a 5l. note, a gold chain, and an old 5s. piece, to be used for the Orphans. The Lord be praised who disposed the heart of the unknown donor at so seasonable an hour to send this donation! Half an hour, after I had received the little parcel, I was called upon for money, and was thus able to supply the need of today, and have something left towards the beginning of the week.\emdash There came in still further today 4l. 1s.; for this afternoon a sister in the Lord sent two half sovereigns, which had been sent to her by two donors in Wales, and which she would not delay sending at once, "as it was Saturday." In the evening about eight o\rquote clock an individual residing in the parish of St. Philip, Bristol, brought a sovereign for the Orphans, and after eight o\rquote clock 2l. 1s. came in by the sale of articles : so that, whilst the day commenced, without there being enough to meet its expenses, we received several pounds more than was needed.\par \par Oct. 8. As since Oct. 2 there had come in by sale of the gold chain, the old 5s. piece, and donations, only the sum of 12l. 16s. 6d., there was (after I had sent yesterday morning the money which was requisite for the day), again only 1s. 6 1/2d. left, towards the need of today, being Saturday. But the Lord, in whom I had particularly again made my boast this morning before four German musicians, was mindful of our need; for, besides half a sovereign coming in from Hereford, the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, in which there was found 2l. 3s. 6d. Thus we have already in the morning the greater part of what is needed for today, waiting upon the Lord for the rest.\emdash Evening. This evening came in still further 1l. 5s. 2d., so that we have all that is needed for today.\par \par Oct. 10. Yesterday were put into the chapel boxes three papers, one with Eccles. ix. 10, containing 1l., and two containing 1s. each. There came in also this morning by the knitting of the Orphan Boys 6s. 6d. Thus we have, with a little that was left on Saturday, all that is required for today, and 3s. 5d. over.\par \par Oct. 11. The Lord has again kindly multiplied the 3s. 5d., which was left after the necessities of yesterday were met. A brother in the Lord from Bath called yesterday at one of the Orphan-Houses and gave 5l. as a donation, besides 8s. 3d. for reports. Also by a clergyman near Cirencester was sent 5s., and this morning came a post office order for 10s. from Crediton, and 6d, was given by a sister in Bristol. My dear Reader, pause and admire the hand of the Lord! Day after day He helps us! His help never fails, nor is it ever too late! We may be poor, very poor; but when the help is really needed, the Lord opens His bountiful hand and supplies our need! The help may come in a variety of ways, but it is certain! It may be that He allows us to wait long on Him, and pray very often, whilst He appears not to be mindful of us; yet in the end, in His own appointed and best time, the help comes. Dear Reader, if you know the Lord, and you have not a similar experience, be it known to you, that you may have the same in your sphere of labour or service, though you may not be called by the Lord to establish Orphan-Houses, or Day Schools, or Adult Schools, or Sunday Schools, or circulate Bibles and Tracts in an extensive way. Make but trial of this way, and you will see how truly precious it is to wait upon the Lord for every thing, even for the bread which perishes. Should you, dear Reader, not be reconciled with God through faith in the Lord Jesus, then you may know, that this precious privilege belongs to him who becomes a child of God by faith in the Lord Jesus, that he may come to his Heavenly Father for everything, and that his Father delights in giving him all he can need, while here in the world.\par \par On. Oct. 12th came in 2l. 7s., and Oct. 13th 6s.\par \par Oct. 15. Saturday. Yesterday arrived from Gloucestershire the following letter :\emdash Oct. 13, 1842.\par \par "My dear Brother,\par \par As I have no doubt on my own mind, but the Orphans are in present need, the enclosed 5l. is sent by the constraining power of the Lord through me.\par \par Yours affectionately,\par \par *****"\par \par The money came indeed in a time of need; for though we had about enough for yesterday\rquote s necessities, there was nothing for today\rquote s demands, which are 5l. 5s. There came in besides, yesterday afternoon, from a brother in. Bristol 1l., and from an individual in his employment 10s. Thus we could meet both yesterday\rquote s and today\rquote s need, and are brought to the close of another week. Evening. There came in still further this evening, by sale of articles 2l. 11s. 8d., from Ledbury 1s., and from two sisters in. Bristol 11s. Thus we have something towards the need of another week.\par \par Oct. 19. Wednesday. As only 1l. 2s. had come in since Saturday evening, there was now again not sufficient money in hand for the need of today. I therefore opened an Orphan box in my house, in which I found two sovereigns. The Lord was pleased to send still further, in the course of the day, from the neighbourhood of Droitwich, 8s.; by profit from the sale of ladies\rquote bags, made by a sister for the benefit of the Orphans, 10s.; by a donation 2l. 10s.; by Reports 1s. 3d.; and by another donation, from two ladies, three-pence. These ladies, sisters in the Lord, had it much in their hearts to give considerable sums, and had given in former times gold chains, a brilliant, and many other valuable articles for the benefit of the Orphans, besides money; but now, having no means, through particular family circumstances, they were not ashamed to offer these three-pence. I doubt not that I have their prayers, and I value them more than gold; and I know, that if they had gold for the Orphans, they would give that also. The child of God ought to consider that word for his comfort: "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted, according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." 2 Cor. viii. 12.\par \par On October 21st came in 1l. 9s. 8 1/2d.\par \par Oct. 24. Monday. The necessities of the 22nd, being Saturday, called for all the money that was left, about 3l. Not one farthing was then remaining in my hands. And now observe, dear Reader, how the Lord helped, and praise Him with me, that He always causes the stream to flow again, when there is need. On the same day on which the last money was given out, the day before yesterday, there was handed over to me 1l. 2s. 9d. for sale of articles. Yesterday I received through a sister, from an Indian gentleman and lady, two sovereigns, and one from herself, being the produce of a piece of work, which she had done for the benefit of the Orphans. A poor brother also gave me 3s. Today I received the following anonymous note :\emdash Oct. 22, 1842.\par \par " Beloved Brother,\par \par The enclosed 35l. was given to the Lord some time since. It was received for service done according to Eph. vi. 7; and believing that laying up treasures for myself upon earth (having enough for my own necessities without it) would be disobedience to Matthew vi. 19, I put it into your hands. You will kindly dispose of it as the Lord may direct you.\par \par Yours in the Lord Jesus.\par \par You will oblige me by receiving 10l. of the enclosed for your own need, or that of your family."\par \par \par \par This money came indeed most seasonably; for though, by the donations of yesterday, today\rquote s need had been supplied, nevertheless as about 100 yards of flannel and materials for the boys\rquote clothes are needed, and as many other expenses require to be met, besides the regular daily expenses; we are thus in some measure provided. Half of this money I took for the Orphans and half for the other objects, as they also were in great need. There was likewise yesterday put anonymously into the boxes at Bethesda 1s. and 1l. Still further came in, through the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, 6s. 5 1/2d., from a poor widow 2s. 6d., from another individual 1l., in eight donations through a brother 10s. 3d., and a box of worn clothes.\par \par Oct. 29. The need of today is 5l. 5s. We should not have had enough, humanly speaking, had there not been sent yesterday afternoon 5l. from Hull, as on the 26th and 28th only 3l. 5s. 5d. had come in.; so that there was only 3l. 0s. 6 1/2d. in hand, when this 5l. came. There came in still further today 1l. 12s. 4d. How kindly does the Lord, as it were, day by day inspect our stores! He, in general, does not supply our need for many months at once; in order both that He Himself may often have the Joy of our calling upon Him for the supplies we need; and that He may give unto us the joy of obtaining our supplies day by day in answer to prayer; and that thus also other children of God might be encouraged, to wait upon Him for all they may need.\par \par On Oct. 30 was given 11s.\par \par Nov. 1. There would have been again nothing in hand, for the need of this day, had not the Lord kindly sent in. yesterday afternoon three donations of 1l., 2l., and 2s. Bes!ides this there came in by sale of stockings 3s. 7d.\par \par Nov. 2. After the demands of yesterday had been met, there remained only 16s. 9 1/2d. in hand, I therefore again besought the Lord, that He would be pleased to send in fresh supplies. Accordingly, about one o\rquote clock, a brother left a note at my house, containing a cheque for 7l., of which 1l. was for the Orphans, 1l. for the other objects, and 5l. for my own necessities. Between two and three o\rquote clock I met another brother in my walk in Redland Fields, who gave me a sovereign for the Orphans; and at four o\rquote clock a sister sent a sovereign for the Orphans. Thus our need for today is supplied and something left.\par \par Nov. 7. Monday. Since the afternoon of the 2nd I received 8l. 9s. 10d. After the necessities of Saturday, the 6th, had been supplied, amounting to between 3l. and 4l., there was once more nothing at all left in my hands, which led me afresh to the Lord in prayer. On the same evening I received, as the answer" to my prayers, from a sister 10s., and by sale of articles 1l. l6s. 10d., and this morning there came in still further, by several donations, 2l. 15s. 7 1/2d.\par \par Nov. 9. Again all our money was spent after the expenses of today had been met, when this evening there came in 4l. 1s. by sale of articles, 7s. 9d. by sale of Reports, and 3d. as a donation. A parcel was also given to me this evening, sent by two sisters in the Lord, in Bath, containing the following articles : 5 gold rings, a locket, a gold seal, 15 brooches, a pair of ear-rings, a gold pin, a small telescope, an ornamental comb, 4 pairs of clasps, 2 head brooches, some ornaments of mock pearls, 9 necklaces, 11 bracelets, 4 waist buckles, and a few other articles.\par \par Nov. 15, Yesterday came in from W. D. B. 1l. 1s., from a sister 2s., and through an Orphan box 4s. This 1l. 7s. was all there was in hand, and with out it we should not have been able to provide for the need of today.\par \par Nov. 16. After the need of yesterday# had been provided for, and I now again had nothing in hand, I received for Reports 1s., and from a believing clergyman 1l.\emdash When, this morning, after I had been asking the Lord for means, the post brought none, I fell again on my knees, further beseeching Him to supply me with fresh means, as for several days little had come in. I especially also told Him, that, though the post was now out, yet He could in various ways send help. It was ONLY A FEW MINUTES AFTER, when brother C. B. brought me 1l. 3s. which just then had been given to him for the Orphans. About an hour afterwards two brethren called on me, the one from Wiltshire, the other from Essex, who stayed with me some time, and on leaving gave me 2l. 10s. for the Orphans. In the evening I saw still further that the Lord had not only not disregarded my prayers in the morning, but also that He was not confined to sending means by the post. A sister called on me, and brought me, for several purposes, twelve sovereigns, of which six are to be app$lied for the benefit of the Orphans. This was not all. A brother brought me 9 silver forks and a silver butter knife, the produce of which I might use as most needed. This also, therefore, might have been applied for the Orphans, but I put it to the funds for the other objects as being more in need. In the evening was still further given to me with Eccles. ix. 10, 4s., and as the profit from the sale of ladies\rquote baskets, 1l.; so that a rich supply has been received this day from the hand of our loving Father.\par \par Nov. 20. When we were now again in very great need on account of means for the other objects, there came in this day from a sister in the Lord, a servant in Dorsetshire, 10l., which sum being left at my disposal, to use in any way I thought best, I took it for the School\emdash Bible\emdash Missionary and Tract-Fund.\par \par Nov. 26. Saturday. Only 7l. 16s. 11 1/2d. had come in since the 16th for the Orphans. The day began without any thing in hand. In the course of the morning ca%me in by sale of stockings, 6s. 4d., and through the box at the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House 8d. At two o\rquote clock in the afternoon a believing clergyman sent to two of the labourers in the work 2 sovereigns, of which the one was able to give half the sovereign, and the other the whole sovereign. By this means we were supplied with what was needed today.\par \par Nov. 28. Monday. Yesterday came in from Cheltenham 5s.; with Eccles. ix. 10, 5s.; anonymously was left at the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House a paper, containing the letters E.V. with a crown piece; and anonymously was put into the boxes at Bethesda 1s. There was sent also from Bath, a coral necklace and a gold necklace clasp. By these donations we were supplied today.\par \par Nov. 29. This morning I took a shilling out of an Orphan-box at my house, which was all we had wherewith to commence the day. JUST AT THE MOMENT when the letter bag was sent to me from the Orphan-Houses, with the statement of what would be required for this day, I received& a post-office order from Barnstaple for 1l. Thus the Lord, in His faithful love, has sent a little, for which I had been waiting upon Him. Through His grace my heart is looking out for more, for I am sure He will never forsake us.\par \par Nov. 30. Nothing at all has come in since yesterday. But as one of the labourers was able to give 17s., we were supplied with bread and a few other little things, which were needed.\par \par Dec. 1. Nothing had come in, except 5s. for needlework of the Orphans. The labourers had nothing to give of their own, except one of them 1s. 6d. ; yet this little supplied the absolute need, which was only milk. We were unable to take in the usual quantity of bread. (The bread is eaten by the children on the third day after it is baked. If we are unable to take in the usual daily quantity of bread, for want of means, we afterwards seek to procure stale bread.) Should it be said that the not taking in the usual quantity of bread would at once prove to the bakers that we are poo'r; my reply is, that that does not follow, because bread has often been sent as a present, as may be seen in the list of articles, given for the Orphans, at the end of the printed Reports. But perhaps it may be stated: Why do you not take the bread on credit? What does it matter, whether you pay immediately for it, or at the end of the month, or the quarter, or the half-year? Seeing that the Orphan-Houses are the work of the Lord, may you not trust in Him, that He will supply you with means, to pay the bills which you contract with the butcher, baker, grocer, &c., as the things which you purchase are needful? My reply is this: 1, If the work in which we are engaged is indeed the work of God, then He, whose work it is, is surely able and willing to provide the means for it. 2, But not only so, He will also provide the means at the time when they are needed. I do not mean that He will provide them, when we think that they are needed; but yet, that, when there is real need, such as the necessaries of life be(ing required, He will give them; and on the same ground on which we suppose we do trust in God to help us to pay the debt which we now contract, we may and ought to trust in the Lord to supply us with what we require at present, so that there may be no need for going in debt. 3, It is true, I might have goods on credit, and to a very considerable amount; but, then, the result would be, that the next time we were again in straits, the mind would involuntarily be turned to further credit which I might have, instead of being turned to the Lord, and thus faith, which is kept up and strengthened only by being EXERCISED, would become weaker and weaker, till at last, according to all human probability, I should find myself deeply in debt, and have no prospect of getting out of it. 4, Faith has to do with the word of God,\emdash rests upon the written word of God; but there is no promise that He will pay our debts,\emdash the word says rather: "Owe no man any thing;" whilst there is the promise given to His child)ren.: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," and "Whosoever believeth on. Him shall not be confounded." On this account we could not say upon the ground of the Holy Scriptures: Why do you not trust in God that He will supply you with means to pay your debts, which you contract in His service for the necessaries of the Orphans? 5, The last reason why we do not take goods on credit is this: The chief and primary object of the work was not the temporal welfare of the children, nor even their spiritual welfare (blessed and glorious as it is, and much as, through grace, we seek after it and pray for it); but the first and primary object of the work was: To show before the whole world and the whole church of Christ, that even in these last evil days the living God is ready to prove Himself as the living God, by being ever willing to help, succour, comfort, and answer the prayers of those who trust in Him: so that we need not go away from Him to our fellow-men, or to the ways of the world, seeing that He i*s both able and willing to supply us with all we can need in His service. From the beginning, when God put this service into my heart, I had anticipated trials and straits; but knowing, as I did, the heart of God, through the experience of several years previously, I also knew that He would listen to the prayers of His child who trusts in Him, and that He would not leave him in the hour of need, but listen to his prayers, and deliver him out of the difficulty, and that then, this being made known in print for the benefit of both believers and unbelievers, others would be led to trust in the Lord. Thus it has now been for more than nine years (i.e. in. 1845, when the third part was first published). These accounts have been greatly owned by the Lord. We discern, therefore, more and more clearly, that it is for the church\rquote s benefit that we are put into these straits; and if, therefore, in the hour of need, we were to take goods on credit, the first and primary object of the work would be completely f+rustrated, and no heart would be further strengthened to trust in God, nor would there be any longer that manifestation of the special and particular providence of God, which has hitherto been so abundantly shown through this work, even in the eyes of unbelievers, whereby they have been led to see that there is, after all, reality in the things of God, and many, through these printed accounts, have been truly converted. For these reasons, then, we consider it our precious privilege, as heretofore, to continue to wait upon the Lord only, instead of taking goods on credit, or borrowing money from some kind friends, when we are in need. Nay, we purpose, as God shall give us grace, to look to Him only, though morning after morning we should have nothing in hand for the work\emdash yea, though from meal to meal we should have to look to Him; being fully assured that He, who is now (l845) in the tenth year feeding these many Orphans, and who has never suffered them to want, and that He who is now (1845) in the ,twelfth year carrying on the other parts of the work, without any branch of it having had to be stopped for want of means, will do so for the future also. And here I do desire, in the deep consciousness of my natural helplessness and dependence upon the Lord, to confess that through the grace of God my soul has been in peace, though day after day we have had to wait for our daily provisions upon the Lord; yea, though even from meal to meal we have been required to do this.\emdash I now go on with extracts from my journal.\par \par Dec. 2, 1842. By the produce of six old silver coins, which I received last evening, and by 9s. 6d. which came in besides, we were able to meet the expenses of today; but now there were before us the heavy expenses of tomorrow, Saturday, which I knew would be particularly great, and there was nothing at all in hand to meet them. In this our need there came in this evening from Lutterworth and its neighbourhood two donations, one of 5l., and the other of 1l. The 1l. was for the- Orphans, and the 5l. was left to my disposal, as it might be most needed. I took of it 3l. l2s. 3d. for the Orphans, and 1l. 7s. 9d. for the Day Schools. This afternoon a gentleman passed the Girls\rquote -Orphan-House. The house door being opened, he rolled half a crown into the house. This half crown came in when there was nothing at all in hand. There came in also by knitting of the Infants 6d., by knitting of the Boys 6d., from a poor believing widow 6d., and by sale of a Report 3d. Thus we have 4l. l5s. for the necessities of the Orphans tomorrow (the other little sums have been spent today).\par \par Dec. 5. Monday. On Saturday, Dec. 3, 10s. came in from Brighton., and yesterday 1l. with Eccles. ix. 10, and by a sister from Nailsworth 10s. Also by sale of articles 11s, 6d. Thus we had 2l. 11s. 6d., which was nearly but not quite enough for the necessities of today, as it would be desirable to have a few shillings more. I went, therefore, to see whether there was any money in the two boxes at my h.ouse, and I found a sovereign. Thus we had more than sufficient for the need of today, which is 3l. This evening I received 1l. 10s. for articles which had been sold.\par \par Dec. 8. A few little donations which came in on the 6th, together with the little there was in hand, supplied our need on the 7th. On the 6th a shilling was anonymously left on the mantel piece in the Infant-Orphan-House; and one of the Orphans, formerly under our care, but now in service, gave 2s. 6d. These two small donations were most seasonable towards the supply of our need on the 7th. Now this day commenced without our having anything in hand. Just while the Orphan-Boy, who had been sent to my house for money, was waiting, I received from the neighbourhood of Droitwich 10s. This, with 3s. 9d. for Reports, and 6d. for knitting of the Infant-Orphans, and 4s. 6d. which one of the labourers was able to give of his own, helped us through this day.\par \par Dec. 9. There was again nothing at all in hand this morning to meet the /expenses of the day. A little after ten o\rquote clock an Orphan arrived from Northam, with whom there was sent for my own personal necessities 10s., and 2l. 2s. 4d. besides. As about this latter sum nothing had been written, I put it to the Orphan-Fund, whereby we are supplied for today, and have a little left towards the need of tomorrow. There was also 6d. in the boxes at my house.\par \par Dec. 10. 1l. was left, after the need of yesterday had been met. This morning, Saturday, when I knew that again several pounds would be needed, and I had therefore been waiting on the Lord, I received about nine o\rquote clock 1l. from a brother, who, on his return from Spain to Devonshire, had been intrusted with it for the Orphans, by a sister in the Lord who lives in London. A few minutes after I had received this sovereign, I had to pay on behalf of one of the apprentices 2l., which took exactly all the money I had, so that there was still nothing to meet the ordinary housekeeping expenses of this day, which I0 knew would be at least 3l. I gave myself therefore still further to prayer, being fully assured, by grace, that my loving faithful Father would this day also provide me His child with everything I needed. Scarcely was I risen from my knees, when I received a bank post bill from Torquay for 10l.; of which 2l. is intended by the kind donor for my own temporal necessities, and 8l. for the Orphans, so that we have more than enough for this day.\emdash There came in still further this evening, in five small donations, 6s. 10d., by needlework 6s., and by sale of articles 1l. 6s. 6d.\par \par Dec. 11. Anonymously put into the box at Bethesda, 2s. 6d., and from C. M. W. 1l.\par \par Dec. 14. There was now again only ONE PENNY in my hands this morning. About eleven o\rquote clock I received a note, enclosing 2s. and 10s. The brother who kindly brought the note which contained the money, gave at the same time 2s. 6d. for the Orphans. As only 16s. was needed to purchase the necessary provisions for this day, an1d one of the labourers was able to add 1s. 5d. of his own, we were supplied.\par \par Dec. 15. Only 2s. 3d., the contents of an Orphan-box, 1l. by sale of stockings, and 2s. l 1/2d. from the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, have come in. This, with 5s. which one of the labourers was able to give, supplied the need of today.\par \par Dec. 16. Nothing has come in. 3s. 5d., which one of the labourers was able to give, was all we had. At six o\rquote clock this evening, our need being now very great, not only with reference to the Orphan-Houses, but also the Day Schools, &c., I gave myself with two of the labourers to prayer. There needed some money to come in before eight o\rquote clock tomorrow morning, as there was none to take in milk for breakfast (the children have oatmeal porridge with milk for breakfast), to say nothing about the many other demands of tomorrow, being Saturday. Our hearts were at peace, while asking the Lord, and assured that our Father would supply our need. WE HAD SCARCELY RISEN FROM 2OUR KNEES, when I received a letter containing a sovereign for the Orphans, half of which was from a young East India officer, and the other half the produce of the sale of a piece of work, which the sister, who sent the money, had made for the benefit of the Orphans. She wrote : "I love to send these little gifts. They so often come in season." Truly, thus it was at this time.\emdash About five minutes later I received from a brother the promise of 50l. for the Orphans, to be given during the next week; and a quarter of an hour after that, about seven o\rquote clock, a brother gave me a sovereign, which an Irish sister in the Lord had left this day, on her departure for Dublin, for the benefit of the Orphans. How sweet and precious to see thus so manifestly the willingness of the Lord to answer the prayers of His needy children!\par \par Dec. 17. This morning we three again waited unitedly upon the Lord, as there was not enough for the necessities of the Orphan-Houses for this day. Moreover, the teache3rs in the Day Schools need supplies. Between ten and eleven o\rquote clock I received by the first delivery a letter, containing half a sovereign with these words: "The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Dec. 16, 1842." It was not stated whether this money was for my own personal need, or for the Orphans, or any other object. I took it for the Orphans.\emdash Thus we had enough, except about 2s. 6d., to provide all that was needed for today and tomorrow. Between seven and eight o\rquote clock this evening, a brother sent half a crown to the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House, stating that he had been thinking much about the Orphans in the course of this day, but that he had not had time to send this money sooner. Thus, by the kindness of the Lord, we have the exact sum which is required, and are again brought to the close of another week.\emdash Between nine and ten o\rquote clock this evening came in still further, by the sale of articles, 2l. 7s. Thu4s the Lord has not only helped us to the close of the week, but given us also a little with which to begin another week.\par \par Dec. 19. Yesterday came in by the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote bags 1l., and in two donations 2l. By this 5l. 7s. which came in since Saturday evening, we should have had enough for the ordinary household expenses of today; but as our stores of oatmeal, rice, peas, and Scotch barley, are either entirely or nearly exhausted, and as some calico for shirts and lining, besides many other little articles are needed, and as especially the teachers in the Day Schools are greatly in need of pecuniary supplies, I had been especially entreating the Lord, that He would be pleased to send us larger supplies. I rose from my knees about half-past ten this morning, and about a quarter to eleven I received a let letter from A. B. with an order for 100l., to be used as most needed in the work. Of this sum I took for the Orphans only 25l., and for the other funds 75l. (in consideration5 of 50l. having been promised to be paid this week for the Orphans); and thus we are in every way again most seasonably helped. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits!"\emdash There came in still further by three donations 3l. 10s.\par \par On Dec. 20 and 21 there came in 2l. 15s. 3d. for the Orphans.\par \par Dec. 22. Though there had come in above 36l. for the Orphans, during the last four days, yet as our stores needed to be replenished, and there had been several other expenses to be met, we were again today in need of farther supplies, when I received the 50l. for the Orphans, which had been promised during the last week. Thus I was able also to supply the labourers in the Orphan-Houses with some money for their own personal need.\par \par \par \par \par \par REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1842.\par \par \par \par I. As to the church.\par \par 68 brethren and sisters brother Craik and I found in communion, when we came to Bristol.\par \par 848 have been admitted into commun6ion since we came to Bristol.\par \par 916 would be, therefore, the total number of those in fellowship with us, had there been no changes. But\par \par 131 have left Bristol.\par \par 59 have left us, but are still in Bristol.\par \par 51 are under church discipline.\par \par 74 have fallen asleep.\par \par \par \par 315 are therefore to be deducted from 916, so that there are only 601 at present in communion.\par \par 73 have been added during the past year, of whom 27 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord among us.\par \par \par \par II. As to the supply of my temporal necessities:\par \par 1. The Lord has been pleased to send me from the saints among whom I labour in Bristol, in provisions, clothes, etc. worth to us at least \'a310 0s. 0d.\par \par 2. In anonymous offerings in money, put up in paper, and directed to me, and put into the boxes for the poor saints or the rent, at the meeting places \'a3113 1s. 8d.\par \par 3. In presents in money, from saints in Bristo7l, not given anonymously \'a347 8s. 1s.\par \par 4. In provisions and clothes, from saints not residing in Bristol, worth to us at least \'a310 0s. 0d.\par \par 5. In money from saints not residing in Bristol \'a3149 6s. 3d.\par \par Altogether \'a3329 16s. 0d.\par \par \par \par Jan. 21, 1843. From Dec. 22 up to this day the Lord was pleased to send in the donations for the Orphans so, that there was always some money received, before all was expended.\emdash The 50l. which was given to me on Dec. 22, and between 50l. and 60l. which had come in since, was now today, Jan. 21, 1843, all spent, after the expenses of today, Saturday, had been met, when there was given to me this evening a silver cup, a gold seal, a broken gold seal, a gold buckle, a watch hook, and a brooch. There came in also by sale of articles 2s. 6d., and by a donation 10s.\par \par Jan. 23. Yesterday came in. 9s. and today 2l. 13s.\par \par Jan. 24. Today came in 5l. 7s. 7d.\par \par Jan. 25. This day I received 3l. 3s. 82 1/2d.\par \par Jan. 28. The last money had been again paid out yesterday morning, when I received 5l. last evening with Eccles. ix. 10. This morning was sent to me from Clapham, 2l. 8s. Thus we were able to meet the expenses of today, which were 4l. 5s.\par \par Feb. 3. Since Jan. 28 there had come in 13l. 5s. 1d., which had fully supplied all our need; but now all was again spent, after this day\rquote s expenses had been met, on account of which I gave myself to prayer with my wife this morning. This evening I received in answer to it 7s. by sale of articles.\par \par Feb. 4. This morning a brother gave to me 1l. Thus we have 1l. 7s.; but as this is not nearly enough for today, we have given ourselves still further to prayer, and are now looking for supplies. While I am writing this, the Orphan has brought the letter bag to fetch 2l. 15s., which is the need of today; I am therefore looking out for help to make up this sum.\emdash I opened the boxes in my house, in which I found 3s. 6d. With this9 1l. 10s. 6d. I had to send off the boy, waiting for further supplies.\emdash This afternoon, about five, came in by sale of articles 1l. 4s. 7d. Thus we had enough, and one penny more than was needed, and we are brought to the close of another week. O Lord, how can Thy servant sufficiently praise Thee for condescending so to listen to his requests! His soul is amazed at Thy condescension, and yet, not amazed when he considers that Thou doest it for the sake of Thy dear Son, in whom Thou dost continually look upon Thy servant !\emdash There came in still further this evening 2s. 6d.\par \par Feb. 6. Yesterday was intrusted to me altogether for the Orphans 2l. 17s. 6d., in eight different donations. Thus I was able to send the supplies which were needed this day in the Orphan-Houses, which required all that had come in yesterday. When now there was again nothing at all in hand, I received, about one o\rquote clock 10l., with the following lines: "From the widow to the Orphans, a thank-offering to Him wh:o careth for them both." Through the same donor I received at the same time from a lady and gentleman 2l. In the evening came in further 10s.,by the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote bags, and 2s. 6d. as a donation.\par \par Feb. 10. As during the last three days only 1l. 6s. had come in., all our money was now again expended, and nothing in hand towards the supplies of tomorrow, Saturday, when I received this afternoon 10s., being the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote bags. This evening came in still further with Eccles. ix. 10, 1l., by sale of articles 2s., and from a brother 2s.\par \par Feb. 11. By what came in yesterday afternoon and evening, we had 1l. l4s. towards the expenses of this day. But, as this was not enough, I asked the Lord still further for help, and, behold, this morning\rquote s post brought me a post-office-order for 2l. from Stafford, of which 1l. 7s. 6d. is for the Orphans. Thus we have 3l. 1s. 6d., which is quite enough for this day.\par \par Admire with me, my dear Re;ader, if you know the Lord, His seasonable help. Why does this post-office-order not come a few days sooner or later? Because the Lord would help us by means of it, and therefore influences the donor just then, and not sooner nor later, to send it. Surely, all who know the Lord, and who have no interest in disowning it, cannot but see His hand in a remarkable manner in this work.\emdash Nor will the godly and simple minded reader say:\emdash "There is no difference between this way of proceeding, on the one hand, and going from individual to individual, asking them for means, on the other hand; for the writing of the Reports is just the same thing." My dear Reader, there is a great difference. Suppose, that we are in need. Suppose, that our poverty lasts for some weeks or even some months together. Is there not, in that case, a difference between asking the Lord only from day to day, without speaking to any human being not connected directly with the work about our poverty, on the one hand: and writing leave had considerable sums. Some instances of this have been given in the former part of this Narrative. In such cases I refused, in order that the hand of God only might be manifest; for that, and not the money, nor even the ability of continuing to carry on the work, is my especial aim. And such self-possession has the Lord given me, that at the times of the deepest poverty, (whilst there was nothing at all in hand, and whilst we had even from meal to meal to wait upon the Lord for the necessities of more than 100 persons), when a donation of 5l. or 10l. or more has been given to me, the donors could not have read in my countenance whether we had much or nothing at all in hand. But enough of this. I have made these few remarks, beloved Reader, lest by any means you should lose the blessing which might come to your soul through reading the account of the Lord\rquote s faithfulness and readiness to hear the prayers of His children.\par \par Feb. 13. Monday. After having paid out on Saturday all there was? in hand, though having quite enough for that day, we had now again to look to the Lord for means, as we generally need several pounds on Mondays. At this time also our faithful Lord did not disappoint us. For there came in late on Saturday, by the sale of articles given for sale, 1l. 8s. 11d., and by sale of stockings, knitted by the boys, 5s. I received also since then by the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote bags 10s., by the boxes in my house 1s. 9d., and by two donations 6s. There was also yesterday put into the chapel boxes, half-a-crown with these words: "Trust in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Thus we had 2l. l4s. 2d., which was enough for the need of this day.\par \par Feb. 14. I have received nothing since yesterday morning. Nothing therefore was in hand when money was sent for, except 1s. 6d., which was sent up from the Orphan-Houses, by the messenger who came for this day\rquote s supplies, and which had been received yesterday at the Infant-Orphan-House. I opened the boxes at my @house, in which I found 1s. WHILE THE BOY WAS WAITING FOR THE MONEY, the sister who sells the articles which are given to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans, and who knows nothing about our present need, came and brought 12s. for some things which she had sold. With this 14s. 6d. we are able to supply the need of today, as nothing but some bread and milk require to be purchased.\par \par Feb. 15. 2l. 14s. came in from the neighbourhood of Rotherham, besides 1s. 9d. Thus we had enough for this day.\par \par Feb. 16. Yesterday afternoon I received 9s. from two poor sisters at Portsmouth. This, with 9d., which was left of the money which I received yesterday, after the day\rquote s need had been met, was all I had at the commencement of this day. In the course of the morning was sent by a lady of Ashton, 10s. more. Thus we had 19s. 9d., which sufficed for this day.\par \par Feb. 17. Only 2s. 6d. had come in as a donation, and 2s. 4d. by knitting. This 4s. 10d. was all I could send, hoping in the LoArd for more. The information I had from the Boys\rquote -Orphan-House was, that the 4s. 10d. supplied the matrons with all that was absolutely needful for today. This evening at nine o\rquote clock I received from sister E. Ch. 8s. 9d. for Reports. This is a most precious help, as without it there would be no means to take in the milk tomorrow morning.\par \par Feb. 18. This morning between seven and eight o\rquote clock I took the money which came in last night, to the Orphan-Houses, so that we were supplied for the breakfast. We had now to look to the Lord for several pounds, to meet the demands of this day, being Saturday. Between 10 and 11 o\rquote clock I again with my wife besought the Lord, entreating Him, that He would be pleased to help us, when a FEW MINUTES AFTER, in this our great need, I received by the first delivery a letter from Barnstaple, containing 5l. for the Orphans. How truly precious, to see thus so manifestly the hand of God day by day stretched out on our behalf!\par \par Feb.B 20. Monday. Most seasonable as the help had been, which the Lord so kindly had sent on Saturday morning, and fully as it had supplied our need for that day; yet there was nothing left, after all the expenses had been met, so that we had even on Saturday still further to wait upon the Lord for fresh supplies for this day. Now at this time likewise the Lord has appeared on our behalf. About nine o\rquote clock on Saturday evening arrived by post a small parcel from Yorkshire, which contained 6 pitcher purses, 2 night caps, a watchguard, and 6l. 1s. 4d. Of this money 5l. is to be applied for Missionary purposes, 1s. 4d. for the Orphans, and 1l. as it may be needed. This 1l. I took therefore for the Orphans\par \par \emdash Yesterday morning I received as a widow\rquote s mite 1l. for the Orphans; and into the chapel boxes was put 10s. with Eccles. ix. 10, and also half-a-crown anonymously. Thus the Lord has been pleased to send us altogether 2l. 13s., whereby we are able to meet this day\rquote s expensesC.\par \par Feb. 21. We were comfortably helped through yesterday, but having provided for all the demands, there was again nothing left in my hands for today. How kind therefore of the Lord to incline the heart of the same brother, who had given me 50l. a few weeks since, to intrust me with 1l. 2s. 6d. more last night, about nine o\rquote clock! By this donation our need for today is supplied.\par \par Feb. 22. Only 3s. 9d. came in yesterday by sale of Reports. When this morning the letter bag was sent from the Orphan-Houses for supplies, I found a note in it, containing this: "For today there is no need of mentioning any sum, as we can make that do, which the Lord may please to send." The 3s. 9d. was all I had to send, waiting upon the Lord for more\emdash There came in further in the course of the morning by sale of stockings 3s., and by sale of other articles, given for that purpose, 2s. 6d. Our need also led us to open the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, in which we found 11s. 6d. Thus we had a altogeDther, 1l. 0s. 9d., whereby we were helped through this day.\par \par Feb. 23. Last evening I received from Bath a small parcel, containing a small telescope, a set of mother-o\rquote -pearl counters, 7 silver buckles, and a broken silver brooch. This morning the bag was brought for money, but I had nothing in hand. WHILST THE BOY WHO BROUGHT THE LETTER BAG WAS WAITING, to receive the answer, the sister who disposes of the articles which are given for sale, (and who was no more acquainted with the state of our funds than any other person), brought 11s. 4d. With this we began the day, again trusting in the Lord for further help.\par \par Feb. 24. Nothing more came in, in the course of yesterday morning; but a little after four o\rquote clock I received a letter from Jersey, containing a post-office-order for 1l. for the Orphans. The donor writes thus: "Herewith you will find a post-office-order for 1l., being this year\rquote s subscription. I had a desire to defer it to the 1st of June; but owing to myE mind having been deeply worked on the present day, that this was the acceptable time, I make no scruple of availing myself of this evening\rquote s post, which I hope will be acceptable." Jersey, 20 Feb. 1843\emdash How manifest is the hand of the Lord in this matter! He stirs up this donor, who lives at such a distance, to remember our need, whose money indeed came in a most acceptable time.\emdash Thus we were again helped for yesterday. A few minutes after having received the 1l. from Jersey, a brother near Bruton sent me 15s. The money, given by this donor, being always left entirely to my disposal, I took this 15s. towards the need of the Orphans for today. This morning\rquote s post brought me half-a-sovereign from London. The letter contained only these words: "London, Feb. 22, 1843. Psalm xxvii. 14." I put this half-sovereign to the Orphan-Fund. There came in also by knitting 1s. 4d., and through the boxes in my house 6 1/2d. Thus we had for the need of this day again, by the good hand of our LoFrd upon us, 1l. 6s. 10 1/2d.\par \par Feb. 25. Saturday. Yesterday afternoon and evening 12s. 8d. came in by knitting, and 1s. 9d. besides. This was all we had wherewith to begin the day. There came in still further in the course of today: by the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 5d., by knitting 7s. 8d., by a donation 1s., by sale of Reports 4s., by sale of an article, given for that purpose, 10s., and one of the labourers gave 6s. Thus the Lord gave us again 2l. 5s. 6d. for today\rquote s need, and we are helped to the close of another week.\emdash As a fresh proof, that our loving Father is still mindful of us, we received this evening a parcel and a box from Plymouth: the former contained a musical box and a piece of worsted work, the latter 10 china ornaments: all to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans.\par \par Feb. 27. Monday. Nothing at all has come in since Saturday. When therefore this day began, we had no means to provide what was needed. My comfort, however, was, that our Father knew that we wGere needy, and that kept me at this time also in peace. Between 10 and 11 o\rquote clock this morning I received 1l. 10s. from Guernsey. The brother, who sent the money, writes, that he had delayed in sending it, and hoped that "this was the Lord\rquote s time," which indeed it is, for we are thus supplied for this day.\par \par Feb. 28. Yesterday afternoon. 3s. were put into the box in my room, which our need brought out, as again this day began without our having anything in hand. I received still further to day from a brother at Crediton. 2l., being the produce of an Orphan-box in his house.\emdash This evening I was at a Scripture-Reading-Meeting, at a brother\rquote s house. On leaving I found half-a-crown in one of my gloves, evidently put there on purpose, which I put to the Orphan-Fund, and it was immediately taken to the Orphan-Houses. Thus we were helped through this day also, but have nothing in hand towards tomorrow. There came in also for knitting 2s. 11d. Thus we had 2l. 8s. 5d. for this dHay.\par \par March 1. There came in this morning by sale of some articles 1l. 5s. About dinner time a clergyman, who had had one of my Narratives lent to him by one of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses, returned it with 1l. 10s. for the Orphans, from himself and his two sisters. Thus we were again provided with all we needed for today.\emdash This evening the Lord helped still further. I received with Eccles. ix. 10, 3l. From sister M. B. came in 1l., by knitting of the Infant-Orphans 3s. 6d., and by two donations 6s.\par \par March 2. This day the Lord has again looked upon us in His faithful love, and sent us help, whereby I am enabled to replenish our stores with rice, peas, and Scotch barley, and am also able to put by the rent. There was found in the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 2l. 3s. 7d., which had been put in by some visitors, who saw the Orphan-Houses yesterday afternoon. There were also given to me 63 old silver coins, the greater part of them old English coins, the others old Spanish and FIrench coins, also one crown piece current. There came in also by sale of articles and donations, besides the money for the silver coins, l6s. 10d. Thus the Lord has dealt bountifully with us these two days, after many days of poverty.\par \par March 6. Monday. The last money had been given out last Saturday, and only 6d. had come in yesterday, whilst our need for today, I knew, would be about 2l. About a quarter of am hour before I was called on for money, I received from a brother at Plymouth a post-office-order for 2l. 11s. 6d., and by the same post, anonymously, a French cambric handkerchief and half-a-crown. Thus our present need was again more than met.\par \par March 7. There came in today 2l. l3s. 10d.\par \par March 8. Today we required 3l. 10s. to supply comfortably all that was needed in the Orphan-Houses, but only 2l. 1s. 10d. was in hand. How kind therefore of the Lord to send me a large donation, whereby we were richly supplied! The particulars of it are these :\emdash On Oct. 25, 1842,J I had a long conversation with a sister in the Lord, who opened her heart to me. On leaving me I told her, (because I thought it might prove a comfort to her at some future time,) that my house and my purse were hers, and that I should be glad if she would have one purse with me. This I said, I repeat, because I judged that at some future time it might prove a comfort to her in an hour of trial, having at the same time, (to judge from a circumstance which had occurred two days before,) every reason to believe, that she had not 5l. of her own. This sister, after I had said so, readily took me at my word, and said, I shall be glad of it, adding presently that she had 500l. The moment I heard that, I drew back, and said, that had I known that she had any money, I should not have made her this offer, and then gave her my reason why I had supposed she had no property at all. She then assured me that she possessed 500l., and that she had never seen it right, to give up this money, else she would have done so; Kbut that as God had put this sum into her hands, without her seeking, she thought that it was a provision which the Lord had made for her. I replied scarcely any thing to this; but she asked me to pray for her with reference to this matter. This whole conversation about the money occupied but very few minutes, and it all took place after the sister had risen and was on the point of leaving me.\emdash After she was gone, I asked the Lord, that He would be pleased to make this dear sister so happy in Himself and enable her so to realize her true riches and inheritance in the Lord Jesus, and the reality of her heavenly calling, that she might be constrained by the love of Christ, cheerfully to lay down this 500l. at His feet. From that time I repeated this my request before the Lord daily, and often two, three, or four times a day; but not a single word or line passed between me and this sister on the subject, nor did I even see her; for I judged that it would be far better that she retained this money, thanL that by persuasion she should give it up, and afterwards perhaps regret the step she had taken, and thereby more dishonour than honour be brought on the name of the Lord. After I had thus for 24 days daily besought the Lord on behalf of this sister, I found her one day, on returning home, at my house, when she told me, that she wished to see me alone. She then said to me, that from the time she had last conversed with me, she had sought to ascertain the Lord\rquote s will with reference to the 500l., and had examined the Scriptures, and prayed about it, and that she was now assured that it was the will of the Lord, she should give up this money. After she had told me this, I exhorted her, well to count the cost, and to do nothing rashly, lest she should regret the step she had taken, and to wait at least a fortnight longer before she carried out her intention. Thus we separated. On the 18th day after this conversation. I received the following letter.\par \par \par \par "Dear Brother,\par \par "I bMelieve the Lord has not permitted you to grow weary of remembering me, but that He has still enabled you to bear me upon your heart in His presence. All is well with me, dear brother. Your petitions have been heard and answered; I am happy and at peace. The Lord has indeed manifested His tender care of and His great love towards me in Jesus, in inclining my heart cheerfully to lay all I have hitherto called my own, at His feet. It is a high privilege.\par \par I write in haste to ask you (as we have now one purse) to receive the money at a bank in Bristol; I will direct it to be sent in my name, to be delivered into your hands. Etc."\par \par \par \par As this whole circumstance is related only for the profit of the reader, and as I knew that the sister still had my letters on the subject in her possession, I wrote to her, requesting her to send them to me, at the time when I published the last account about the Orphan-House, etc. and extracts of them were given in the last Report, in so far as theyN might refer to the subject or tend to edification. These extracts are here reprinted. My reply to the above was this:\par \par \par \par 21, Paul Street, Kingsdown, Bristol,\par \par Dec. 6, 1842.\par \par "My dear Sister,\par \par "Your letter found me in peace, and did not in the least surprise me. Dealing with God is a reality. Saints have power with Him through Jesus. It is now forty-two days since you first mentioned this matter to me. I cannot but admire the wisdom of God and His love to you in allowing me to speak to you as I did [i.e. offering her to have one purse with me; when I thought she had no earthly possessions at all], that thus this great privilege might be bestowed upon you, to give up this little sum for Him. Since that hour I have daily prayed for you, and often thrice or more in the course of the day, that the Lord would make you so happy in Himself, and help you with such faith to lay hold on all which He has given you in Jesus, that you might be constrained by love cheerOfully to lay down this little sum at his feet. Thus I prayed again at six o\rquote clock this morning for you. Nor have I had the least doubt from the commencement, that the Lord did hear my prayer; yea, so fully have I been assured that I had the petition, that again and again I have thanked Him that He had answered my prayer, before I saw you eighteen days since, and before your letter came this morning. Moreover, I have been fully assured since you were last here, that He was carrying on His work in your soul with reference to this matter, and that no subtle suggestions of Satan, nor educational prejudices, nor misinterpretations of the Scriptures were able to prevail; for I had asked the Lord, by His Spirit to overcome them in you, and that, if a brother\rquote s word should be needed, He would be pleased to incline your heart to write to me: and, as no letter came, I felt fully confident, you were going forward in this matter in peace. When I had seen you this day six weeks, and learned about this liPttle sum, I determined, never to say or write to you another word on the subject, but to leave you in the hands of the Lord. Thus I purposed again during the last eighteen days; for it was not the money given up, that I cared for in you, but the money given up unto the Lord, and from right motives. On this very account I advised you to wait one fortnight longer, though you had come to the conclusion; but now, having done so, and seeing that you are fully purposed in the Lord to be poor in this world indeed, that the more abundantly you may enjoy His riches, His inexhaustible riches, I change my advice. My word now, beloved sister, is this: " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might," and "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."\par \par Delay then no longer, even as also you have no desire to delay: and the Lord will bless you abundantly in doing so, inasmuch as you do it unto Him. As you desire to intrust me with this money, I do not refuse it, knowing many ways to lay it oQut for Him. Etc." Then only follows the direction how the money is to be paid into my bankers\rquote hands.\par \par \par \par On Dec. 18, 1842, I received a reply to my letter, which answer was begun to be written on Dec. 8th, but finished on the 16th. I give a few extracts of the letter: "Since I last saw you, dear brother, I have not had the slightest doubt as to what I ought to do: the word of God has been so clear to me on this head, that I have been kept resting on it; and, in answer to your prayers, no temptation has been allowed to prevail, indeed, I think I may add to arise. But I feel that temptations may come, and that I may in seasons of trial not always have faith to be able to rejoice in this privilege. My heart is so deceitful and my faith so weak, that I shall greatly need your prayers still. Will you then, if the Lord enables you, pray that I may never offend my Father by regretting in the least measure this act of obedience, which He has by His grace inclined me to carry out. I shalRl pray the Lord still to lay me on your heart. I felt so sure, that you were helped to pray for me, that I had thanked the Lord for His grace. I am glad you did not write, although I much value your advice; but I wished to be led by the Lord alone, after He had used you as the instrument in the first instance, and in such a way too, that I am quite sure He intended to bless you to my soul in this matter. I have asked my heart whether I am really doing this to Him. My heart assures me that I am, and not from any other motive than obedience to the written word. Before I ever saw you I had asked the Lord to make me willing to give this little sum into your hands, if it were His will I should; but His time to make me willing had not then come; even then I had, in a measure given it to you, having written a paper, desiring in case I should fall asleep in Jesus, that you might get possession of it; I had it signed by two witnesses, and I always carried it about with me when I travelled, sealed and directed to ySou. When I wrote this, I little thought what grace the Lord had in store for me. You will forgive my being thus tedious, but I am sure you will praise the Lord with me for His gracious dealings with me. Etc."\emdash At the end of this letter, which was finished on Dec. 16, the sister tells me, that unexpectedly a hindrance had arisen to her having possession of the money, so that it was not likely it could be paid over to me till about the end of January, 1843.\par \par When this letter came, it would have been naturally a great disappointment to me, as the sister had told me in a previous letter that the money should be paid into my hands, and as just at that time in a variety of ways it was desirable that I should have considerable sums. The Lord, however, enabled me immediately to lay hold on that word, "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God," Rom. viii. 28, and my soul was in peace, though we had only enough money in hand to provide for one or at the most for two days Tthe necessary provisions in the Orphan-Houses. It was but the next day, Dec. 19, 1842, when I received 100l. from A. B., and on Dec. 22, I received 50l. from a brother in Bristol, besides other donations: so that within one week, after I had had grace to delight myself in the will of God, He gave me about 200l., whereby I was able to meet all the heavy expenses of replenishing the stores, &c., on account of which I should naturally have been tried in the payment of the money being delayed.\par \par In reply to the letter, which I received from this sister on Dec. 18, I wrote another on. December 31, 1842, of which I give an extract on this subject. "The hand of the Lord is indeed most manifestly to be seen in this matter, concerning the money: the way in which your own mind was led; my speaking under the circumstances under which I did, when you were already risen to leave the room; the reason why I did so, i.e., mere sympathy with your circumstances, and thinking that some day or other my brotherly offUer might be a comfort to you, though you should never need it, and all this when I believed that at that time you did not possess 5l.\emdash I have continued to pray for you, or rather the Lord has enabled me every day once, twice, thrice, or even more, to remember you. The burden of my prayer still has been, that He would be pleased to make you very happy in Himself and enable you to enter into the inheritance which awaits you; further, that you may not be permitted in the least to regret the step which you have taken, but rather consider it a privilege to be permitted to give this little sum back to Him who gave it to you, and who gave Himself for you.\emdash With reference to the delay, I cannot but rejoice. This gives you abundant opportunity to ponder the matter, and afterwards to state to any (who, judging as those who know not how rich the saints are, might blame you,) that you did not do the thing in haste. I consider this delay to be for the furtherance of the honour of the Lord. You know my adviVce to you, to wait at least a fortnight. That you have seen much of your unfaithfulness, &c., I consider to be an especial blessing which the Lord has bestowed upon you, lest this step you have taken should become a snare to you. Humblings last our whole life. Jesus came not to save painted but real sinners; but He has saved us, and will surely make it manifest. I have a passage laid on my heart for you, read the whole of it carefully: 2 Corinth. viii. 1\emdash 9, especially verse 9. Etc."\par \par Day after day now passed away and the money did not come. The month of January was come to an end, and February also, and the money had not come. Thus more than one hundred and twenty days were gone by, whilst day by day I brought my petition before the Lord, that He would bless this sister, keep her steadfast in her purpose and intrust me with this money for His work in my hands. Amidst it all my heart was assured (judging from the earnestness which He had given me in prayer, and that I had only desired thisW matter to the praise of His name), that in His own time He would bring it about. But I never wrote one single line to the sister on the subject all this time. At last, on the one hundred and thirty-fourth day after I had daily besought the Lord about this matter, on March 8th, 1843,1 received a letter from the sister, informing me that the 500l. had been paid into the hands of my bankers.\par \par I now wrote to the sister to inquire, whether she wished the money to be expended upon any particular objects, or whether she would leave me altogether free to expend it, as I might be led.\par \par In reply to this she wrote me: "Dear Brother, I would still leave this little sum in the hands of Him to whom it has been given. May He alone be your guide in disposing of it. If I did express one wish, it would be, that you would make use of a part for your own or your family\rquote s present necessity." This latter point I declined entirely, thinking it not wise to take a part of this money for myself, to avoiXd even the appearance as if in any measure I had sought my own things in this matter, instead of the things of Jesus Christ.\par \par The 500l. were thus portioned out: 100l. for the School\emdash Bible\emdash Tract and Missionary Fund. 50l. for the Employment Fund.8 50l. was taken at once for the Orphan-Fund, and afterwards also the remaining 300l. when, as I shall presently relate, the Lord pointed out to me to go forward in the Orphan work, and to establish a fourth Orphan-house.\par \par I have related the particulars connected with this donation so minutely, in order to show, that though we may have long to wait upon the Lord, yea, though for one hundred and thirty-four days we may have daily the same petition to bring before Him, yet at last He will give us the desire of our hearts, if our petitions are according to His mind. And now I only give a few lines of a letter which I received on. July 3, 1844, from the sister who gave this donation, together with my letters for which I had asked her, iYn order that I may show her state of mind on the subject, after she had had it more than twenty months before her, and after she had for sixteen months actually given up the money. She writes thus: "I am thankful to say that I have never for one moment had the slightest feeling of regret; but it is wholly of the Lord\rquote s abounding grace. I speak it to His praise."\par \par On March 31, 1843, I called at the Orphan-Houses, to make certain arrangements, and one of the sisters told me by the way, that she had been asked by Miss G, who with her father occupied the house, No. 4, Wilson Street, to let me know that they wished to give up their house, if I would like to take it; but she had replied that it was of no use to tell me about it, for she was sure that I had no thought of opening another Orphan-House. When I came home, this matter greatly occupied my mind. I could not but ask the Lord again and again whether He would have me to open another Orphan-House, and whether the time was now come that I sZhould serve Him still more extensively in this way. The more I pondered the matter, the more it appeared to me that this was the hand of God moving me onwards in this service. The following remarkable combination of circumstances struck me in particular. 1, There are more applications made for the admission of Orphans, especially of late, than we are at all able to meet, though we fill the houses as much as the health of the children and of the labourers will possibly admit. 2, If I did take another house for Orphans, it would be most desirable it should be in the same street where the other three are, as thus the labour is less, and in times of great need we are near together for prayer, the distribution of the money, &c. But since the third Orphan-House was opened in Nov. 1837, there never has been one of the larger houses in the street to be let. 3, There are about fifteen children in the Infant-Orphan-House, whom it would have been well some time ago to have removed to the house for the older girls, h[ad there been room; but when a vacancy happened to occur in that house, there were generally several waiting to fill it up, so that unintentionally the female children in the Infant-Orphan-House remained where they were; but this is not well, nor is it according to my original intention for the Infants were intended only to be left till they are seven years old, and then to be removed to the houses for older boys and girls. This my original plan could be executed better for the future, and at once for the present, were I to open another Orphan-House. 4, I know two sisters who seem suitable labourers for this fourth Orphan-House, and who have a desire thus to be engaged. 5, There are 300l. remaining of the 500l. which I so lately received. This money may be used for the furnishing and fitting up of a new Orphan-House. So much money I have never had in hand at one time during the last five years. This seemed to me a remarkable thing, in connexion with the four other reasons. 6, The establishing of a fourth \Orphan-House, which would increase our expenses several hundred pounds a year, would be, after we have gone for five years almost uninterruptedly through trials of faith, a plain proof that I have not regretted this service, and that I am not tired of this precious way of depending upon the Lord from day to day; and thus the faith of other children of God might be strengthened.\emdash But most important, yea decidedly conclusive, as these points were; yet they did not convince me that I ought to go forward in this service, if the Spirit\rquote s leading were not in connexion with them. I therefore gave myself to prayer. I prayed day after day, without saying anything to any human being. I prayed two and twenty days, without even mentioning it to my dear wife. On that very day, when I did mention it to her, and on which I had come to the conclusion, after three weeks\rquote prayer and consideration in the fear of God, to establish another Orphan-House, I received from A. B. 50l. and 1l. through him from a] sister. What a striking confirmation that the Lord will help, though the necessities should increase more and more. At last, on the 24th day, having been now for several days fully assured, that God would have me go forward in this service, I went to inquire whether Mr. and Miss G. still wished to give up the house. But here I found an apparent hinderance. Having heard no wish expressed on my part to take the house, and the sister in the Orphan-Houses, with whom Miss G. had communicated, not having given her the least reason to think that I should do so, Mr. and Miss G. their altered their plans, and now purposed to remain in the house. However, I was to call again in a week, when I should receive an answer. I was not in the least discomforted by this obstacle. "Lord, if Thou hast no need of another Orphan-House, I have none," was the burden of my prayer. I was willing to do God\rquote s will, yea to delight myself in His will. And just on this very ground, because I knew I sought not my own honour but t^he Lord\rquote s; because I knew I was not serving myself, but the Lord in this thing; and because I knew that with so much calm, quiet, prayerful, self-questioning consideration I had gone about this business, and had only after many days, during which I had been thus waiting upon the Lord, come to the conclusion that it was the will of God I should go forward in this service: for, these reasons I felt sure (notwithstanding what Mr. and Miss G. had told me), that I should have the house. I also especially judged, that thus it would be, because I was quite in peace, when I heard of the obstacle: a plain proof that I was not in self-will going on in this matter, but according to the leading of the Holy Ghost; for if according to my natural mind I had sought to enlarge the work, I should have been excited and uncomfortable when I met with this obstacle. After a week I called again on Mr. G. And now see how God had wrought! On the same day on which I had seen Mr. G., he went out and met with a suitable house_, so that when I came the second time, he was willing to let me have the one which he then occupied in Wilson Street, and as the owner accepted me as a tenant, all the difficulties were removed, so that after the first of June we began fitting up the house, and in July the first Orphans were received.\par \par Of the donations which came in from March 8 to the end of May, 1843, and which were many, I only notice:\par \par on April 10 a brother gave 5l., which had been saved out of house furnishing, by doing it in a plainer way.\par \par At the end of May, 1843, I entered upon a remarkable part of my life, upon which I must dwell somewhat at length, especially as it will, by God\rquote s blessing, still further show the Reader the preciousness of depending upon God for every thing.\par \par It was in September or October 1841, that one day a German lady, a native of Wirtemberg, called on me. She said that she had come to England to perfect herself in English, and purposed afterwards to return to Ge`rmany to establish a boarding school for young ladies, and especially for English young ladies. Having heard that I was a German, she came to obtain my advice, and to request me to interest myself for her in getting her pupils to instruct in German, in order thus to support herself while in England. After having conversed with her for some time about these things, and given her the information which she desired, I then spoke to her about the things of God, in which conversation I soon found, that though she might have had some religious feelings from time to time, yet that she did not know the Lord. On leaving me I gave her the first and second part of my Narrative, which I thought she would read because it contained the experience of a German, and thus she would also have exercise in English. I then followed with my prayers the reading of the book, that God would be pleased to bless it to the conversion of her soul. After some time she called on me again, telling me that she had been deeply interested ina reading my Narrative, and asked me whether I had any objection to her translating the book into German, with the view of getting it published on her return to Germany. My reply was that I had no right to object to it; for, in so far as translation into another language was concerned, the book was everyone\rquote s property. I might have mentioned that I did not think her yet sufficiently acquainted either with the English language or the state of things in England, especially religiously, and that, as she was not converted herself, she could not give the exact translation of the book, though she were qualified with reference to the two former points; but, as I had the spiritual benefit of the individual in view, I thought thus with myself; this person has no employment at present, and by translating this book she will be kept from the many snares connected with idleness; she will by this means also make progress in English, which she is desirous of doing; but, most of all, the fact of translating a book bfor the press will oblige her more accurately and attentively to consider what is contained in it, than she would be obliged to do, were she simply to read it through several times, and therefore this work may, with God\rquote s blessing, be instrumental in doing good to her soul. The last point weighed particularly with me; I therefore did not discourage her, though at the same time I did not encourage her, but left the matter to herself. As, however, she left me with the impression that she was going to translate the book, I asked the Lord to convert her soul in doing so. After a time Mrs. G. called on me again, and brought me a part of the manuscript, that I might read it over. I took it, but could not promise her to read it; for I had little prospect of doing so, for want of time. Nevertheless I read a few pages, which I found rather better translated than I had expected. After this she brought me at two or three other times considerable parts of the translation, which, however, I had never time to recad. By this time the winter had passed away, and it was come to March, 1842, when all of a sudden, one Wednesday afternoon, I was seized with sharp pains, something like spasms, which were so acute that, though they passed off after about an hour, they left me so weak, that I was not able to go out to our usual meeting on that evening. About seven o\rquote clock, just when I should have been at the meeting but for this illness, Mrs. G., who for several weeks had been at Trowbridge, to finish the translation, and to instruct a young lady in German, came to take leave of me. She said she now purposed to return to Wirtemberg. Though I was very weak, yet, under these circumstances, I could not decline seeing her, as it would be in all human probability the last time that I should do so. I therefore besought the Lord to strengthen me for this service (which I soon perceived He had done), and, after a short conversation with her about her circumstances, I began to speak to her about her soul, and soon found shed was heavy laden, burdened under her sins, and broken in heart. With many tears, she told me that she was a great sinner, an exceedingly great sinner. Every word she spoke gave me the impression, that all she now needed was to have the work of Christ pointed out to her, i.e. the power of His blood in cleansing from all sin, by faith in His name. I spent about two hours with her, and she left me with many tears.\emdash I also had said to her at the beginning of the conversation with reference to the translation of my Narrative, that if she still desired to publish it, she should seek to get the assistance of a pious clergyman in Germany, who understood English well\emdash On the next morning about nine Mrs. G. called again upon me, telling me that she could not leave Bristol without seeing me once more. She now spent about three hours more with me, in which she told me that, during the night, which she had chiefly spent in prayer and reading the word of God, she had found peace in the Lord Jesus, and that eshe was now happy in Him. She further told me, that, after she had translated a part of my Narrative, the Spirit of God began to work upon her heart, by convincing her that she was a great sinner. The further she went on, the more she felt what a sinner she was, till at last, when she was come towards the end of the book, she came to the conclusion to return to Germany. I now gave her some advice in reference to her return, and also what she should do with reference to her spiritual welfare, after her return to Wirtemberg. After this she left me. About two or three weeks after (in April, 1842) I received a long letter from her, written on her way homeward, by which I was still further confirmed that, although Mrs. G. was only a mere babe in Christ, yet that she was a babe, and that a real work of grace had been begun in her heart. I then wrote to her, but from that time till towards the end of May, 1843, I heard no more of her. Towards the end of May, 1843, however, I received a long letter from her, datefd Stuttgart (capital of the kingdom of Wirtemberg). In this letter Mrs. G. gave me an outline of her history during the year after she had returned to her country. Suffice it here to say, that she had sought in vain to find Christians with whom she could be united in fellowship according to the truths she thought she saw in my Narrative, and according to what she had seen and heard at our meetings in. Bristol. At last, about New-year, 1843, she became acquainted with a little baptist church, which was separated from the State church, and she was after a time baptized and received into fellowship among them, which took place in Feb. 1843. Soon, however, she found things different, as to church order, etc., from what she had seen amongst us in Bristol, or from what she had learnt from my Narrative, especially with reference to close baptist principles, which in the highest and strongest degree were practised among the brethren at Stuttgart: and she wrote to me, to ask my view about that point, as she felt pgained at separating from true believers, because they might not be instructed about believers\rquote baptism. Her letter was accompanied by another letter from one of the brethren of the baptist church, Dr. R\emdash\emdash , a solicitor or barrister to the upper tribunal of the kingdom of Wirtemberg. The letter of the latter testified of the gracious spirit of the writer, but also that he likewise held the separating views of close communion, and that he, having read the translation of my Narrative in manuscript, seemed to be drawn and knit to me affectionately, but wished to have, upon Scriptural ground, my views about open communion.\par \par Before I received these letters, I had been repeatedly asked, during my fourteen years\rquote residence in England, why I did not labour in my native country. The importance also of doing so had been pointed out to me; nor was I myself insensible to this; but my answer had always been: "I must labour where the Lord will have me to be, and as I have never seen iht to be the Lord\rquote s will, that I should labour in Germany, I ought not to do so." About fourteen months before I received these letters, it had been also more than ever laid on my heart by brother R. C. He had seen something of the religious state of the Continent, and he had heard still more about it, and he had found, almost every where, that when he set truth before brethren, they said, It is Scriptural, you are right; but if we were to practice this, what would be the consequences? what would become of us and our wives and children? or something of that kind. Brother C. therefore came on purpose to see me, on his return from Denmark, to lay it on my heart to visit Germany, on account of my being a native and having been led by the Lord as I had. He told me especially that he considered it of importance that I should publish my Narrative in German, in order that thus the faith of the brethren., with the Lord\rquote s blessing, might be strengthened, and that they might be led to act according to ithe light which they had. All this seemed to me very important: but my answer was as before; I cannot go till the Lord calls me. Scarcely had I read the letters from Mrs. G. and Dr. R\emdash\emdash , but I felt: now is the time come when I am to go to Germany; and from that time I gave myself to prayer about it. When I afterwards communicated my feeling on the subject to brother R. C. he said; I am not surprised about it, for from the time that I spoke to you on the subject, I have been constantly asking the Lord to bring it about.\par \par \emdash The reasons that pointed it out to me as the Lord\rquote s will, that I ought to go to Germany to labour there for a season, were these. 1, I knew not of one single body of believers, who were gathered on scriptural principles. In all the States of Germany, with scarcely any exception, believers are connected with the State Churches, and the very few believers of whom I had heard that they were separated, I knew to be close Baptists, who, generally, by their jmost exclusive separate views, only confirmed believers in remaining in the Establishment. Especially of the Baptist Church at Stuttgart I had much reason to believe this. It seemed to me therefore important to go to Germany, and labour there for a season., if it might please the Lord to condescend to use me to put a light on a candlestick, howsoever dimly it might be burning at the first, so that by means thereof the light might be spread in other parts of Germany. 2, As I am a German, and therefore familiar with the language, there seemed to me an especial call that I should take on myself this service, particularly as my experience in connexion with several bodies of believers, during the 13 1/2 years previous to this time, would be of great help in this service. 3, It seemed further to me to be the Lord\rquote s will that I should go to Germany, in order that I might publish my Narrative of the Lord\rquote s dealings with me (which Mrs. G. had not been able to accomplish), and that not simply in the fkorm of a translation, but so that it should be prepared for the press just as the necessities of the believers in Germany (who, with scarcely any exceptions, are not only connected with the Establishment, but have no idea that there is any where else any thing besides Establishment) might require it. Thus, I judged, something would be given to Germany of the practical working of labouring out of the Establishment; of meeting only as believers in the name of the Lord Jesus, irrespective of any particular religious party or sect, and that in dependence upon the power and presence of the Holy Ghost in the Church of Christ; of dependence upon the Lord alone for every thing; of recognising no other book but the Holy Scriptures for our rule concerning every thing, &c.; and thus my Narrative, if the Lord allowed me to publish it, might be working still, after I had left Germany. 4, Up to that time I had never known an open door for me to labour on the Continent, at least not in Germany; for in the Establishment lI neither could labour with a good conscience, according to the light which the Lord had been pleased to give me, nor should I have been permitted to have done so; and I was not acquainted with believers on the Continent out of the Establishment; and as to preaching in the open air, or going somewhere and taking a place for preaching, any thing of this sort was out of the question; for I was too well acquainted with the police of Germany, not to know that that would not be permitted. But now I heard of an open door. At Stuttgart, I judged, I might labour in expounding the truth in this close Baptist Church, and seek to bring these dear brethren out of their sectarian views. 5, But that which in connexion with these four reasons had likewise much influence upon me, was this: During the fourteen years that I had been in England, I had never had my mind drawn to labour on the Continent, and now the very opposite was the case. It was but two or three days before I received those letters from Stuttgart, that Im had again expressed my mind as to labouring in Germany, i.e. that I felt no call from the Lord to do it, and had no drawing towards it. Now the case was altogether otherwise. I could not but pray about it; I could not but feel drawn to go to Germany in love to the Lord and in pity towards the poor Church of Christ in that country. Naturally there was nothing inviting; for I saw a hard struggle before me with reference to the brethren who were to be won for the truth, and to be brought out of their errors; in the Continental manners and the long and beautiful journey on the Rhine I saw, through grace, no charm, and certainly I saw nothing in them which would induce me to leave home, but the reverse; the fourth Orphan-House was on the point of being opened, and I, naturally, was very reluctant to be absent from it just then; the labour would be great in Germany, and work would heap up greatly for me in Bristol, during my absence. But with all this :\emdash the leading of my mind to Germany still remained.\npar \par The more I prayed about these points, the more I judged it to be from the Lord, that I should go for a season to Germany. It was but a few days, before I had the fullest assurance in my soul, (after much prayer, much self-examination in the fear of God, and after much looking at these five points), that it was the will of God I should go; yet even then I did not speak publicly about it.\par \par After having come to the conclusion, that, as far as I could see, it was the will of God that I should go, I began prayerfully to look at the difficulties there were in the way, which were principally these. 1. the New Orphan-House needed to be opened, and all the work in connexion with it was to be done before I could leave; because I could not judge it to be of God, that this work, which was begun, should remain unfinished, except absolute necessity pointed it out, as otherwise it would be a waste of money, a breach of promise to the relatives whose children were to be received, &c. I therefore askeod the Lord to help me through all this work, which was not a little, before I could leave. 2. I judged it for various reasons important, not to leave the work of the Orphan-Houses, Day-Schools, &c., without leaving such a sum of money behind, as would, at least for about two months, defray the probable current expenses for the work, therefore a few hundred pounds I thought it desirable to leave behind, in order that the burden of the work might not be left upon the shoulders of my dear fellow-labourers. I had therefore by prayer to get this sum from the Lord, for the obtaining of which I had no natural prospects whatever. 3. Another obstacle in the way was, want of money for traveling expenses to and from Stuttgart, and means for staying there at least for a time, and that not only for myself, but for my dear wife; for I judged, for various reasons, that it was the will of God she should accompany me in this service, but principally because her health was not equal to being left in Bristol, with the respopnsibility of the work resting upon her in my absence. This again would require a considerable sum, I mean considerable for me, a poor man. The means I then had of my own as far as I now remember, were not enough, if they had been multiplied by fifty. This obstacle was to be removed by prayer. 4. One of the especial reasons for which I saw it to be the Lord\rquote s will that I should go to Germany was, the publishing of my Narrative, at a cheap price (2s. for both parts), or to be given away gratuitously, so that the poor might have it. But this could not be obtained, except I published it on my own account, to avoid the publisher\rquote s putting a higher price upon it. Then again, as so much expense of time was connected with printing it, I intended, if once I went to Germany, to print not less than 4000 copies; and what is even that number among the many millions whose language is German. But whence was the money to come for all this; an expense which, though printing and paper are very much cheaper inq Germany than in England, yet I knew would cost between one and two hundred pounds. For this, then, also, I, a poor man, betook myself to the living God, being fully assured, that, as He had pointed out to me His will with reference to my going, He would also most assuredly provide the means. Nay, I had a secret satisfaction in the greatness of the difficulties which were in the way. So far from being cast down on account of them, they delighted my soul; for I only desired to do the will of the Lord in this matter. In honesty of heart, I had examined the matter, as standing before God. I wished only to know His will, that I might do it. I judged, it was His will that I should go to Germany, and therefore determined in His fear that I would go. When I therefore saw the difficulties, they cast me not down, but cheered me; for as it was the will of God, according to my judgment, that I should go, I was sure He would remove the obstacles out of the way; and therefore the greater the obstacles, the more abundarntly plain the proof, that I had come to a right judgment, if they were removed by prayer; but if after all I had been mistaken, which I could not think I had been, then, the sooner I was undeceived the better. How different such a state of heart, from what it would have been, if somehow or other the love for a Continental tour, or the desire to go up the beautiful Rhine, had beguiled me: then I should not have liked to look at the difficulties, or at least I should have sought to have them removed by my own efforts. But as it was, I did nothing but pray. Prayer and faith, the universal remedies against every want and every difficulty; and the nourishment of prayer and faith, God\rquote s holy word, helped me over all the difficulties.\emdash I never remember, in all my Christian course, a period now (in October 1881) of fifty-five years and eleven 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, bsut 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.\emdash 5. A fifth difficulty in the way was, to find a sister, as matron, for the new Orphan-House, who, as far as I could see, would be suitable; for there were reasons why the sister, of whom I had first thought, could not be engaged for this work. This was no small difficulty in the way, not only as a point important in itself, but also because I could not proceed with the fitting up of the house, &c., till such a sister had been found.\par \par In the beginning of June, I began therefore to give myself to prayer, along with my wife and her sister who lived with us, making it a point, every morning after family prayer, to retire together for the express purpose of asking the Lord to remove these five difficulties, if it wetre indeed, as I judged, His holy will, that I should labour for a season on the Continent. In addition to this we day by day asked His blessing upon the brethren at Stuttgart among whom I was looking forward to labour, and upon unconverted persons with whom I might come in contact on the Continent in the ministry of the Gospel publicly or privately. We asked Him also especially to prepare the hearts of the brethren in Germany for my service, to help me in writing the book, to bless it, &c. We asked Him further, to be with the Church in Bristol, during my absence, to use my absence as a means of making the gifts, which He had bestowed among us, more abundantly manifest, to help the labourers in the Orphan-Houses and Day-Schools during my absence, &c. Thus we were, morning by morning, waiting upon the Lord, and enlarging our petitions as the Holy Spirit might lead me in prayer. But whilst we were thus day by day waiting upon the Lord, the difficulties, instead of being removed, appeared to increase. For insutance: instead of money coming in for the Orphans, the Day-Schools, and the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, there was considerably more expended than came in, so that we were getting almost poor. Instead of finding a sister, who seemed suitable as matron for the new Orphan-House, I had the prospect of losing another sister out of the work, who considered it her place to leave Bristol. But notwithstanding all this, my soul was at peace, being fully assured, that I could not be mistaken, as I had come through sincere, patient, and prayerful consideration of the whole matter at last to the conclusion, it was the will of the Lord that I should go to Germany, to labour there in the Word, and publish my Narrative in the German language. Faith therefore saw all the difficulties already removed. Faith could give thanks, while the difficulties yet remained. Faith could triumph, though there seemed the death blow coming, since there not only was no money coming in, but the considerable sums, vlately in hand, were rapidly diminishing; and, instead of finding a sister for the new Orphan-House, another sister seemed on the point of leaving. Thus forty days had been passing away, whilst day after day we had been waiting unitedly upon the Lord; but the obstacles were greater than ever, yet my confidence in the Lord, that He would remove the difficulties in His own time, was greater than ever also. It was on July 12 that I said to a sister, being led to it by the certain prospect of one of the dear labourers in the Orphan-Houses going to leave; "Well, my soul is at peace. The Lord\rquote s time is not yet come, but, when it is come, He will blow away all these obstacles, as chaff is blown away before the wind." It was only ONE QUARTER OF AN HOUR after, when the following paper was put into my hands, whereby I obtained power over 702l. 3s. 7d.\par \par \par \par "1st, The poor brethren and sisters of our dear Lord and Saviour. In connexion with the Employment-Fund or otherwise [i.e. might be givewn away in connexion with the Employment-Fund or otherwise.]\par \par 2nd, Sending help in the Gospel of Christ to the dear brethren in Germany, or publishing the Narrative.\par \par 3rd, The dear Orphan-Children.\par \par 4th, To complete the payment of the expenses incurred by building a chapel for the meeting of the saints at Barnstaple.\par \par \par \par I leave the sums, to be used in these several objects, under the Lord, to the judgment of the Lord\rquote s servant, brother Muller, knowing assuredly that He whose steward he is will direct and guide him in this and every other matter.\emdash His holy name be praised for the REAL JOY I feel today in doing a thing, which a few weeks since was a trying act of obedience. Surely, the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. In keeping of them there is great reward.\emdash July 10, 1843."\par \par \par \par Thus three of the hinderances were at once removed; for I was by this sum furnished with travelling expenses, and with what xmight be required for my stay in Germany, had means to publish 4000 copies of my Narrative, and was able to leave means behind for the work in Bristol, sufficient for at least two months. When I received this note, I was not in the least excited, but took the circumstance as quietly as if it were a matter which could not be otherwise. I had been sure, that, when the Lord\rquote s time was come, He would send the means, and according to my faith it was now granted to me; and a proof, that up to the last I did believe, was, that when the money came, it did not surprise me. The 702l. 3s. 7d. was not portioned out (except what was sent to Barnstaple), till my return, as I could not know how much each object might require. It was thus spent. 1, For the chapel at Barnstaple, 80l. 7s. 1d. 2, For poor saints, 112l. 2s., spent in a great measure in providing them or their children with linen and clothes, and for the Employment-Fund, 50l. 3, For publishing 4000 copies of the two parts of my Narrative in German, oury travelling expenses to and from Stuttgart, our stay for nearly seven months in Germany, and other expenses connected with my service in Wirtemberg, 267l. 4s. 11d. 4, The remainder of the 702l. 3s. 7d., being 192l. 9s. 7d., I put to the Orphan-Fund, not that so much was in hand on my return from Germany; for I had drawn on the strength of what was in the hands of my bankers.\par \par Shortly after I had received the 702l. 3s. 7d. on July 12, the Lord was pleased to remove the other difficulties also; for a sister was found for the matron\rquote s place in the new Orphan-House, and after this the Lord helped me through the work connected with fitting up the house for the reception of the children. The Lord likewise made it plain to the sister who had purposed to leave her situation, that she should remain in Bristol. Thus all the difficulties were by prayer and faith removed, after we had been, day by day, more than fifty days waiting upon the Lord.\par \par On Aug. 3rd, I received a valuable donation zof plate, jewellery, china, linen., books, etc., which was a still further proof of the Lord\rquote s readiness to supply all that might be needed during my absence in Germany, and also of His having heard our requests that He would be pleased to send in means before my departure. Most of these articles were readily disposed of, so that, even before I had set out, about 60l. had come in for them.\par \par On Aug. 9, 1843, my dear wife and I left Bristol in company of a German sister, Miss W. The latter, together with a Swiss brother, had been led to see the truth of believers\rquote baptism, and had much wished to be baptized; but as the baptist church at Stuttgart had refused them baptism, except they would promise never to take the Lord\rquote s supper any more with unbaptized believers, or with those who belonged to any State Church, to which they could not conscientiously submit, they had undertaken the journey of nearly 800 miles to come to Bristol, to be baptized by me, as they both had read the {translation of my Narrative in manuscript, and thus knew that we receive all who believe in the Lord Jesus, though they should not agree with us in all parts of truth. They had arrived in Bristol about a fortnight before my departure for Germany, and were baptized at Bethesda a week after their arrival, when I gave an address in German, and used the words of the German translation of the Holy Scriptures which contain the institution of baptism, as neither the brother nor sister understood English. The brother, who had been a teacher and cashier in a considerable establishment in Wirtemberg for educating young gentlemen, and who had lost his situation when his views with reference to baptism became known, remained in England as teacher of the French and German languages, and the sister travelled back with us to Germany.\par \par During the time of my absence from Bristol, I kept no journal, and therefore I cannot give a minute account of all that transpired, and that might be interesting to the believing| reader; but as some letters which I wrote to one of my sisters-in-law are preserved, and also all the letters which I wrote to the brethren in Bristol, among whom I labour, I shall be able by giving these letters, to furnish a pretty full account of my service in Germany up to my return.\par \par The following Letter to my sister-in-law gives some account of a great part of our journey.\par \par \par \par Weinheim, Aug. 19, 1843.\par \par My dear L.,\par \par Thus far we have now been brought through the goodness of the Lord. If you look at the map where Mannheim is, you will, I think, find a small town, called Weinheim, the place where we are now at Mrs. M\rquote s. Weinheim forms with Heidelberg and Mannheim a triangle, about 10 miles from Mannheim, and the same from Heidelberg. On the Lord\rquote s day evening last I wrote to you from Rotterdam, which letter, I hope, you safely received. On Monday morning at seven, Aug. 14, we left Rotterdam, with sister W. in one of the Rhine steamers, in w}hich we sailed till about half-past eight in the evening, when we arrived at Emmerich, the first Prussian town, where we stopped for the night. The weather was beautiful, as indeed it has been every day of this week. There was nothing remarkable as to natural things, except a large noble river, and on the banks of the river clean pretty cottages of the Dutch people. The Lord enabled me to do a little for Him. I distributed German tracts among those who could read German; but many of them were Dutch persons, who could understand me in speaking to them, but could not read German. I had a long but affecting conversation with four Jews, who, though disagreeing among themselves as to their religious views, were all agreed in their complete rejection of Jesus of Nazareth, as the Messiah, and, as usual, blasphemed. I conversed with many persons, but found only one aged person, who, I think, as far as I could learn, was a christian. After having given him a tract, having heard my testimony for Christ, he came wit~h tears and asked me to sell him another tract. After having told him that I gladly gave him the tract, he then asked me to give him a third and a fourth for the old clergyman and the schoolmaster of his place, and said, Oh! if you could but stop, how glad the old clergyman, a pious man, would be to see you.\emdash There were two other interesting things that day. Very soon after we had started, perhaps two hours after, a gentleman left, to whom I gave a tract in German and English, as he could also read English. He then told me he had seen me reading the Bible, but did not like to interrupt me. I told him my errand to Germany. His reply was: "Brother, the Lord bless thee." On asking him who he was, he told me he was a Baptist minister at Amsterdam, and on his way to the brethren at Utrecht, in Holland. He now much regretted not to have had conversation with me. In the afternoon, a gentleman, an officer on pension, who, with his lady, had heard my confession for Christ, while I was conversing with a person sitting close by, asked me very politely, on his leaving, for a tract.\emdash There were two little cabins in the steamer, each with two berths, one of which I engaged for Mary and myself it being much cheaper than to go on shore, though we should not do so again, as our sleep was greatly interrupted, there being much noise till twelve o\rquote clock, and commencing again soon after three in the mornings, so that for three nights our sleep was greatly interrupted. Yet I do not mention this in the way of complaint, for we have only to sing of mercy. However, as in spiritual things, so in natural things, we learn daily. The noise only arose from the needful occupations, but it could scarcely have been greater than it was, if persons had purposely tried to disturb us.\emdash At half-past five on Tuesday morning the steamer began again to ply. While I was sitting on deck, between five and six, reading the Bible, a Dutchman came to me to speak about the things of God. He understood me pretty well, but I understood him only imperfectly. He questioned me about the connexion between faith and works, and how man can believe, being a fallen being in Adam. I fear it was more intellectual than heart-work with him, but I made use of the opportunity, to preach Jesus before all, who through this conversation had been drawn round us. This day also I had opportunities of giving away tracts, and of speaking to several, particularly to a young Prussian soldier, and other young men. But all were dead. Most listened and received the tracts, but there were some who boldly rejected. On the second day we sailed from half-past five in the morning till about half-past ten in the evening, when we arrived at Cologne, where we stopped. Our German sister went on shore, and took leave of us, to go on by another company\rquote s vessel, for which she had previously paid; dear Mary and I remained alone on board. The third day we had very few passengers on board. Two Irish gentlemen and an English gentleman came on board, to whom I gave English tracts. One of them soon left, and the other two declared themselves on the Lord\rquote s side. Two other Jews, who had come on board, likewise rejected the truth, yet I conversed with them till they blasphemed. This third day we sailed from ten in the morning till about half-past seven in the evening, when we arrived at the Prussian fortress Coblentz. Mary and I now took a little walk. In the town I gave some tracts to a Prussian soldier, for himself and some of his comrades, for having given us some information; and in going back to the steamer we heard an English lady before us speaking English to a little boy who was with her. We joined her, and offered her some English tracts, which she accepted, also some German tracts for the Roman Catholic servant. Today we have seen beautiful scenery. Fourth day, Aug. 17, One of the Irish gentlemen asked me to read to him and his friend a chapter in the Bible. This day also we glided along through most beautiful scenery. Travelling is a very dangerous thing. I would exhort every one, especially to be aware what he is about, before be sets out on a journey. Much as I had prayed about this journey, and sure as I have been and still am, that the Lord sent me on this errand, I was yet made to feel how difficult it is to keep the heart in the right frame whilst looking at such beautiful scenery. It surpassed all I have before seen of the kind. I suppose we have not had less than forty instances of ruined castles, fortresses, &c., brought before us this day; the ancient Roman glory\emdash the glory of the German knights, and of the German emperors, whose works, castles and fortresses we saw in ruins, how loudly does it speak of the changeableness of all earthly things, and yet how pernicious often the effect upon the new nature, while looking at these things. The Rhine is wide, the castles often quite close to the river, and hundreds of millions of vines, you might say, without exaggeration, and tens of thousands of vineyards all along the river for perhaps a hundred miles or more. It is beautiful; but how poor, how very poor this beauty in comparison with Jesus! Through grace I would not pay one shilling to see it again, nor go one mile to see it again, for the sake of seeing it.\emdash On the fourth evening, after having sailed that day from seven in the morning, we arrived about five or six o\rquote clock at Mayence, sister W. having joined us again. We found it very refreshing to have a few hours quiet in an hotel, and then all three together took a walk. In this town, where printing was invented, God\rquote s precious word is not valued. Almost all are Romanists. It is a large, magnificent, and busy town, and a strong fortress. The railroad also was just in sight on the opposite side of the river. There was scarcely a trace to be seen of that poverty which you see so often in large towns in England, but all bespoke abundance, though I know there is not the abundance of the English gold. Yesterday morning, Aug. 18, we ought to have left at eight o\rquote clock by the steamer, in which we had taken our places from Rotterdam to Mannheim, but the steamer, by which we ought to have gone, did not arrive. We waited hour after hour, till at last, near four o\rquote clock in the afternoon, we left Mayence for Mannheim by a steamer of another company, having thus to lose the money we had previously paid. We were on board of this steamer about seven hours, till near eleven in the evening, when we arrived at Mannheim. There were at least 14 English passengers on board, besides many Germans and French. I distributed English and German tracts, and had conversation with several. There was a dear young sister, a French lady, with whom I had much conversation. She had been with her little brother to a bathing place near the Rhine. I saw her reading the Epistle to the Romans, and thus took the opportunity to converse with her. She had been at school in Paris till within a few months, and is now, as she has no parents, living with her aunt, a pious woman near Strasbourg. It was very refreshing to be able to help this solitary one, who knew no one on board, and who was very glad to have a little counsel. In parting I gave her a copy of my Narrative, some English tracts, a German tract, and an Orphan Report, as she has begun to learn English, and has a friend, a believer, who understands English well. I had also a pretty long conversation with a German young gentleman, a Roman Catholic, about the way to heaven. This morning, Aug. 19, we called on our sister N. at Mannheim, if it might please the Lord to use us to benefit and restore her soul. We found out her residence after some inquiry, and she seemed very glad to see us. After having our passports signed, and taken up some money from the banker, we left Mannheim at two o\rquote clock in the afternoon, and arrived here at four, where we were very affectionately received by brother T. H. and dear Mrs. M. We are now staying in an old building, formerly a Roman Catholic cloister, where I this evening expounded the Scriptures.\par \par Aug. 20, 1843. This morning I expounded the Scriptures at family prayer in English, then at eleven o\rquote clock we broke bread in the cloister, being five in number, and this afternoon, at four o\rquote clock, I expounded again, when altogether 10 English gentlemen and ladies, who are staying here, were present. Tomorrow morning I purpose to see the pious Lutheran clergyman resident here, and about one o\rquote clock, the Lord willing, we shall leave by the mail and arrive at Stuttgart on Tuesday evening, Aug. 22. The heat has been exceedingly great all the last week, so that we have constantly been obliged to sleep with the window wide open. Farewell, dear helper. Our love to dear sister E. from whom we shall be very glad to hear, and to whom you will please to communicate all in our letters that may be interesting to her. Our tender love also to our own dear child. How gladly should we see and kiss her, but though we cannot do that, yet we pray for her. Love also to S. My especial love to all my dear fellow-labourers in the church. My love to all the dear brethren and sisters in the Orphan-Houses and Day-Schools. Our love to all the saints.\par \par Your affectionate brother,\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par \par \par We are now just 600 miles from Bristol.\par \par I make a few remarks in connexion with this letter.\par \par I found it injurious to my inner man that for three nights I had had very little sleep. My own experience has been almost invariably, that if I have not the needful sleep, my spiritual enjoyment and strength is greatly affected by it. I judge it of great moment that the believer, in travelling, should seek as much as possible to refrain from travelling by night, or from travelling in such a way as that he is deprived of the needful night\rquote s rest; for if he does not, he will be unable with renewed bodily and mental strength to give himself to prayer and meditation, and the reading of the Holy Scriptures, and he will surely feel the pernicious effects of this all the day long. There may occur cases when travelling by night cannot be avoided; but, if it can, though we should seem to lose time by it, and though it should cost more money, I would most affectionately and solemnly recommend the refraining from night travelling; for, in addition to our drawing beyond measure upon our bodily strength, we must be losers spiritually. The next thing I would advise with reference to travelling is, with all one\rquote s might to seek morning by morning, before setting out, to take time for meditation and prayer, and reading the word of God; for although we are always exposed to temptation, yet we are so especially in travelling. Travelling is one of the devil\rquote s especial opportunities for tempting us. Think of that, dear fellow believers. Seek always to ascertain carefully the mind of God, before you begin any thing; but do so in particular before you go a journey, so that you may be quite sure that it is the will of God that you should undertake that journey, lest you should needlessly expose yourself to one of the special opportunities of the devil to ensnare you. So far from envying those who have a carriage and horses at their command, or an abundance of means, so that they are not hindered from travelling for want of means, let us, who are not thus situated, rather thank God that in this particular we are not exposed to the temptation of needing to be less careful in ascertaining the will of God, before we set out on a journey.\par \par \par \par Stuttgart, Aug. 30, 1843.\par \par My dear L\emdash ,\par \par My last letter I finished on the 20th, and posted it on the 21st at Weinheim. On. Monday morning, Aug. 21, I saw a pious clergyman at Weinheim, a true brother, and a nice man. But we came, without my seeking it, upon the subject of separation from the state church, for which I could not be sorry, as I had an opportunity of stating truth to him which it may please the Lord to use hereafter. Mrs. \emdash gave us a rich silk dress, quite new, and a few silver articles for the Orphans. So even here the Lord makes it manifest that He is mindful of this work. About one o\rquote clock in the afternoon we left Weinheim. At Heidelberg, about ten miles from there, a person came into the mail in which Mary and I were, whom I found out in a few moments to be a brother; and a few minutes afterwards the widow of a much tried pious clergyman, who herself also loves the Lord Jesus, seated herself likewise. We had now, from three o\rquote clock till about half-past nine in the evening, when we arrived at Heilbronn, a most pleasant and profitable time, being all four believers. I told this brother much about England, and also about the Orphans, and on separating from him he gave me a gold coin, about seventeen shillings in value, for the Orphans. It was indeed a most precious gift to me, and a fresh proof in what a variety of ways the Lord is able to send help. We remained the night at Heilbronn, that we might not have to travel the night, left the next morning at eleven o\rquote clock, and reached the apartments of our sister G. about eight in the evening on Aug. 22. We were received in the most affectionate way, and she has done every thing to make us comfortable; but the very great heat and the change of living have hitherto drawn upon both of us. I think, that, with the Lord\rquote s blessing, we shall be better after a few days. Indeed I have been rather better yesterday and today. On the same evening of our arrival here I went to the post-office and found your first letter, and last Monday morning I received your second also. The next afternoon, Wednesday, Aug. 23, I went to Brother Dr. B., with whom I spent about two hours; and in the evening from half-past eight till ten o\rquote clock I met the four elders of the Baptist Church at his house. The next evening from half-past eight to ten was a meeting of the little church, which consists of about 50 brethren and sisters, of whom almost all were present. I stated the object of my coming to Germany, in so far as it was wise to do so, and also a little about the church in Bristol. The next evening, Aug. 25th, I expounded the scriptures from half-past eight to ten o\rquote clock. All the meetings are in the evenings from half-past eight to ten, so that we generally come home at half-past ten, and go to bed about half-past eleven. Persons have their supper before they go to the meetings. On Saturday evening we had again a meeting, at which I began to give an account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with me, from the beginning, as being the best means of leading me to speak about many important truths. It was desired that I should expound the scriptures at all their usual meetings, i.e. twice on the Lord\rquote s days, and twice in the week; and, on all the other evenings, there should be extra meetings, at which I should give an account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with me. On the Lord\rquote s day therefore I expounded twice with much help, feeling scarcely any difficulty with reference to the German language, though I have not before preached in it for fourteen years and a half. On Monday, Aug. 28th, I went on again with my Narrative, and last night I expounded again with much help. But now, as the truth is beginning to be spoken, the devil will also begin to seek to work. But the Lord Jesus will triumph. There is a great crisis before us. Several have been already attracted by the preciousness of the truth, and others already wish I had never come to Stuttgart. They are not asleep over what I say, and that gives me pleasure. I fear it will come in a very few days to a storm, except the Lord prevent. Nor am I quite sure whether the police will allow me quietly to work here, when it gets known what I am doing, as the liberty is not so great as I had thought. But it would have been worth while to have come here, only to have spoken these few times. There is now here on a visit to us an English sister, Mrs. F.\par \par Your affectionate brother,\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par \par \par Immediately on my arrival at Stuttgart, yea, the very first hour that I was there, so heavy a trial of faith came upon me, that it was one of the sharpest trials which I ever have had. The cause of it I am not at liberty to mention. But so much as this, it was in connexion with my going to Stuttgart, and, humanly speaking, the thing would not have occurred, had I not gone thither. The trial was of a double character; for it was not only the thing itself, great as the trial of my faith was on that account; but it was as though the question were put to me in the strongest way :\emdash Are you willing to make sacrifices in connexion with your service here? And do you really lean upon me, the living God, in your service here? But thanks to the Lord, Satan did not prevail. My heart was enabled to say almost immediately :\emdash " All things work together for good to them that love God." I know this also does work together for my good. I know it is the very best thing for me.\emdash Thus peace was almost immediately restored to me, and I was enabled to leave the matter quietly in the hands of the Lord. Nor was it many days before I could say from my inmost soul, if even then I could have had it in my power to alter the thing, which occasioned the great trial, and the consequences of which were then still remaining, and were remaining all the time while I was in Germany, yet I would not have wished it to be altered. And since my return to England I have again and again had reason to admire the goodness of the Lord in having allowed this thing to be as it was, for it proved in the end in every way good to me. May the believing reader leave himself more and more unreservedly in the hands of the Lord, and he will find it to be just as the writer has found it, i. e. that our greatest trials often turn out to be our greatest blessings.\emdash Had I gone, however, in my own strength to Stuttgart, and had I not been led to treasure up so many petitions in heaven before I went, I should, in all human probability, have been quite overcome by this very first trial.\par \par This was not the only trial which befel me there, but they were so many, so great, and so long continued, that I required every particle of experience, wisdom, and grace, humanly speaking, which the Lord had been pleased to intrust me with. I could not but again and again admire the wisdom of the Lord in having sent me only in the year 1843 to Germany, and not several years before, as I often had been advised to go long before I did. For had I gone without having the experience which I had gathered in my service among the saints during the 13 1/2 years previously, and without having had my soul exercised before God in trials of patience, and hope, and faith, as it has been since November 1830, humanly speaking, I should have been overwhelmed. But, as it was, my soul, through grace, having learned to deal with God about every thing, I was sustained by casting all my care upon Him, and looking to Him for help, and expecting help from Him, though every thing looked dark in every way. And thus it came, that all the difficulties were overcome one after another. But more about this when I come to relate some of the peculiar difficulties in connexion with my service at Stuttgart.\par \par 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.\emdash 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 I 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.\par \par The Reader will notice, in the preceding letter, that all the meetings in the evening were very late. The time of the meetings was one of the many difficulties with which I had to contend; for if the times had been on purpose ill chosen, they could scarcely have been worse. On the Lord\rquote s day mornings the meetings were at nine; thus the mothers of families either could not come at all, or had to hurry through their work, and come without having had any time to themselves. On the Lord\rquote s day afternoons they were at two, when the heat of the sun in the summer, which is most oppressive, and the effect of the dinner, both combined together to make the persons sleepy, so that individuals not more than half a yard from me, though interested about what was going on, were sometimes fast asleep. In the evenings the meetings commenced at half-past eight, when persons were not only worn out from working nearly up to that time, but also, in general, had just had a heavy supper, which was sure to make them sleepy, thought they might be never so desirous to listen. But, by the grace of God, none of these things moved me. I knew the Lord had sent me to these dear saints, and that, therefore, by His help, I could overcome all these difficulties. And these difficulties were overcome; for after a little while I was able to show to the dear brethren and sisters that the Lord\rquote s day morning meeting was too early, and we had it half an hour later. The Lord\rquote s day afternoon meeting at two o\rquote clock was entirely given up, on account of its being an unseasonable time, and it being better to have only two meetings instead of three, as almost every one could attend two meetings, which was quite enough for one day, and gave some time for parents to be with their children, or gave some more time than usual for reading the Scriptures, a point at which I aimed from the beginning. For when I came to Stuttgart, I found it just as I have found it in some places in England on my first beginning to labour there, even that the dear brethren and sisters had little relish for the word of God, and as a proof of this never referred to it at the meetings; but, before I left Stuttgart, I had the joy of seeing either all, or almost all, having the word of God open before them whilst I was expounding it.\emdash Instead of the afternoon meeting at two, we met at four o\rquote clock, when the oppression of the heat in the summer is not so great as at two, whereby also the lateness of the evening meeting was avoided on the Lord\rquote s days. Also on the week evenings we had the meetings half an hour sooner, that is at 8 o\rquote clock instead of half-past 8, and I affectionately advised the dear saints to take a very light supper on those evenings when we met, that blessing might not be hindered. Earlier than eight on the week evenings, and later than half-past nine on the Lord\rquote s day mornings, we could not have the meetings, on account of the habits of the country. It can scarcely be perceived by brethren in England how great the difficulties are, with which brethren have to contend in many foreign countries in seeking to spread the truth, not only on account of the climate, or the police, etc., but also on account of the habits of the people; so that I would affectionately beseech all, who take a hearty interest in the spread of the truth, to help by their prayers all who labour in the word and doctrine in foreign lands, so that through the power of the Holy Ghost they may be enabled to overcome all those hinderances.\par \par I now insert my first letter to the brethren in Bristol, written by me from Stuttgart, soon after my arrival, which will show to the reader my position there more clearly. The letter is, with the exception of a very slight verbal alteration, which I made in revising it for the press, just as it was written.\par \par \par \par Stuttgart, Sept. 7, 1843.\par \par To the Brethren meeting at Bethesda and Salem Chapels, Bristol.\par \par \par \par My dear Brethren,\par \par It was yesterday four weeks since I left Bristol, and I now write these few lines that you may know how I am situated in the service, on account of which I left England, in order that thus you may the better be able to remember me in your prayers, according to my need. My journey to this place was full of mercies and blessings in a variety of ways, but I must delay giving you the particulars, till it may please the Lord to allow me again the privilege of labouring among you. I arrived at Stuttgart on Tuesday evening, Aug. 22. On the next evening I met the five brethren who labour here in the little church. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday also I had meetings with the little church, at which I either expounded the Holy Scriptures or communicated to the brethren things about Bristol, which might be profitable to them. The following Lord\rquote s day I spoke twice at their meetings, and in the evening I broke bread in my room with a few saints, as the Baptist church break bread only once a month. On Monday and Tuesday evenings I continued to meet the whole little church. Up to that time all went on quietly; but I knew well that it was only the quietness before a storm, and that shortly a hot battle would commence. And thus it was. On Wednesday last week, i.e. Aug. 30, I was requested to meet the elders of the church. When we came together, the brother who appears to take the lead among them, and who is the only one who speaks at their meetings, told me that the time was drawing nigh when the church would take the Lord\rquote s supper, and that they had a rule which they considered to be Scriptural, which was, neither to take the Lord\rquote s supper with any one who was not himself baptized by immersion after he had believed, nor with any one who, (though thus baptized himself) would take the Lord\rquote s supper with any who had not thus been baptized. Nor did they take the Lord\rquote s supper with any brother who would take it with any yet belonging to the state church. After this brother had stated to me his views, I stated my own convictions from the Holy Scriptures on these points, and I was quietly heard for about an hour and a half whilst I was speaking without interruption. The Lord was so with me, that when I came home I did not remember any one thing that I could have wished to have stated which had not been stated. The whole having taken up more than two hours, and it being now past ten o\rquote clock in the evening, we proposed to meet again on the next day, Thursday afternoon, at five o\rquote clock. We did so, and several other brethren besides the elders were present. The subjects were now discussed from the Scriptures. Brother \emdash maintained that no one was born again except he was baptized, no one had a right to say his sins were forgiven, except he were baptized, and also that the apostles were not born again until the day of Pentecost. Whilst seeking to defend these unscriptural statements, he also affirmed that our Lord Himself had been born again at His baptism, and that the last three years of His life He had not been under the law, but had ceased to be under the law when He was baptized. I had been accustomed during the eight days that I had been going in and out among the brethren to hear all sorts of unscriptural statements, into which they had fallen through laying an undue stress upon baptism, and especially through considering baptism as a covenant into which God enters with the believer; but when now the foundation truths of the Gospel were also attacked, when of our Holy Lord it was said that he was born again at his baptism, (which made Him out to be like one of us), and when it was said that He had not been under the law during the last three years of His life ;\emdash I saw it needful first of all to see whether we were agreed about the foundation truths of the Gospel. But as we had now been together from five to half-past seven in the evening, and as at half-past eight the public meeting began at which I had to speak, I proposed to separate and to meet again on Friday afternoon from five to seven. This was done, I now first of all pressed the first points. Brother \emdash stated in the presence of the elders and six or seven other brethren, that he had made an unscriptural statement, and that our Lord needed not to he born again. I then went to the other point, whether the Lord was under the law up to the time when He died on the cross, or only up to the time when He was baptized. Many passages were brought forward to show that our Lord was under the law up to the last moments of His earthly life, which is clear from Gal. iii. 13, Phil. ii. 8, Heb. x. 1\emdash 13, and many other passages. At last he was convinced about this also and acknowledged his error. But many other points, equally unscriptural, he was unwilling to renounce, such as, that baptism is a covenant with God, and that there cannot be forgiveness of sins except individuals have been baptized after believing. He also maintained that I was sinning in breaking bread with unbaptized believers, and with those who belong to the state church, and that if the church here allowed me to break bread with them, they would be defiled, as I made myself a partaker of the sins of others, which sins I brought with me; and other such unscriptural statements were made by this brother. Thus we spent again about two hours and a half in intercourse, whilst this teaching elder and one of the other elders considered me unfit to take the Lord\rquote s supper with them on the coming Lord\rquote s day, but the two other elders and several other brethren who were present were quite ready to break bread with me, and with any who love our Lord Jesus. Brother \emdash now said, there must be a separation. I then entreated the brethren not to think of a separation. I represented to them what a scandal it would be to the ungodly, and what a stumbling block also to the believers who are yet in the state church. I further told them that I had not come to Stuttgart to make a separation between the brethren, but only to lend them a helping hand according to the ability which the Lord might give me. I lastly said: As we have now spent more than six hours together in intercourse, let us meet together tomorrow evening some hours for prayer. To this the brethren agreed, and we accordingly met on Saturday evening at eight o\rquote clock for prayer. The subject of our prayer was, that the Lord would be pleased to unite us together in the truth, and make it manifest on which side the truth was. After we had thus prayed for about two hours, brother \emdash prayed at the end, and related (in what he called prayer) his experience before his conversion, his conversion, his being convinced about baptism, my coming to Stuttgart, his readiness to receive the unbaptized in consequence of my intercourse with him, and how then a great horror had befallen him, and that now he had come back to his former view, only to receive the baptized, and how now his peace had been restored to him, and that he purposed to live and die in this belief. When we arose I told him that the Lord Himself had decided the matter, and had shown on whose side the truth was; for that he, if in peace, as he had said, could not thus have related his experience, and called it prayer. This prayer tended greatly to show the other brethren that he has not the truth.\emdash I should have stated that I said to the brethren at the commencement of this meeting, that, as I and my wife were the only persons on whose account they could not break bread on the coming day, and as nothing ought to be done in a hurry, to whatever conclusion they might come, we would gladly withdraw ourselves, and break bread in our room. This was not accepted, as there was much disunion among the brethren, as they told me, and had been before I came, and that my coming had now only brought matters to a point. I stated once more, at the end of the meeting on Saturday evening, Sept. 2, that we ought to dread a separation, and that we ought to pray that we might be of one mind, and that I was ready to meet them by day or by night for prayer or searching the Word on the subject. Thus we separated. The next morning, Sept. 3, I spoke again at the meeting, having been by all the elders requested at my arrival here to expound the Scriptures at all their meetings, or to communicate to them any thing that might be profitable. On this morning I spoke principally on the Lord\rquote s supper, and on what fits for it; on what is meant by feeding upon Jesus, and what fits for it; on the point that it is not a part of truth, but Jesus round whom believers should unite together; and on the truth, that, if any one is a believer, he is entitled to all the privileges of the saints. These points I had not chosen on purpose for that morning, but they came in course in speaking on Exodus xii., on which chapter I had spoken four times before. After I had finished, I was going to pray at the close, when I was interrupted by brother \emdash , the principal and teaching elder (as to outward authority). He stated that he must contradict me, for I had said: 1, The bread and wine in the Lord\rquote s supper meant the body and blood of our Lord, whilst, as he believed, and as the word said, it was the real body and blood of our Lord. 2, He believed that as circumcision made a man an Israelite, and fitted him thus for the partaking of the Paschal Lamb, so without baptism no one is fitted to partake of the Lord\rquote s supper, which is set forth by the Paschal Lamb; whilst I had said that every one who believes in Jesus was by this his faith made a spiritual Israelite, and had a right to the Lord\rquote s supper and to all the privileges of the children of God. He stated further, that this was against the rules of their church, and that, as I took the Lord\rquote s supper with unbaptized believers, and with those who had not quite left the state church, I made myself partaker of their sins, and that therefore, as being defiled with these sins, I could not be admitted to the Lord\rquote s supper. From the commencement of his speaking he was very irritated, but now continued in a passionate way: I am ruler in this church, and you (addressing himself to me) are no longer permitted to speak at our meetings. Moreover he said, "Whosoever takes the Lord\rquote s supper with Muller will no longer be considered as a member of the church;" and then in anger he left the meeting. During all this time, the Lord, in the riches of His grace, kept me in perfect peace and calmness. I answered brother \emdash not a single word. When he was gone I fell upon my knees, asked the Lord\rquote s blessing upon the word which I had spoken, asked the Lord to forgive brother \emdash , and to teach me what I should do now. After this I dismissed the meeting. When all was over, one of the elders, brother R., one who seeks after truth, and rejoices in the true liberty which the Lord enables me to preach, and one who had been sighing under the iron hand of brother\emdash for a long time; this brother, I say, requested me before all, according to the first arrangement, to continue the meetings and to tell them all that might be profitable to them. He was, however, immediately interrupted by another elder, who sees with brother \emdash , and told that he had no right to do so. I then stated again that I had only come from England in love, and that I would not force myself upon them. I then left.\emdash By the time of the afternoon meeting I had received light from the Lord that I should not go to the meeting. I saw that as I had been cast out, together with all the other brethren who owned me as a brother, and as all my tenderness in seeking to avoid a separation had been useless, I had now on the other hand to go steadfastly forward, leaving it with the Lord to decide on which side the truth was. I therefore remained at home. The two elders who were won for the truth, went to the meeting in the afternoon, at which brother \emdash sought to disprove what I had said, and after the meeting they stated that they were purposed to own me and all who believe in the Lord Jesus as brethren in the breaking of bread.\emdash On the same evening seventeen of us met in my room for the breaking of bread, as we were in peace; of these seventeen twelve were belonging to this little Baptist church, two Swiss brethren, one English sister, my wife and I. We had a peaceful meeting. Thus the Lord so soon, so unexpectedly, has brought the matter to a point, though in a painful way. The matter would be, however, more painful, did I not see it of great importance that the disciples who hold the truth should be separate from those who hold such fearful errors as: The forgiveness of sins received through baptism; baptism a covenant between us and God; regeneration through baptism and no regeneration without it; the actual death of the old man through baptism, it being drowned, so that only the body and the new nature are alive; and many other fearful errors, to which these poor deluded brethren have been led by laying such undue stress upon baptism. As to poor brother \emdash , he had denied some months since the inspiration of Luke, the Acts, and the Epistle of James, which point he only gave up when several brethren stated that they must leave on that account, and he has fallen into many other grievous errors; but there has been no one who has had sufficient spiritual courage steadfastly to resist him. Now there is joy with many that the Lord has set them free.\emdash On Monday last, Sept. 4th, I had again a meeting with the brethren and sisters whose eyes the Lord has opened, and others also came, not belonging to this Baptist church. On. Wednesday I had again a meeting, and today, Sept. 8, and tomorrow evening I purpose to meet the brethren again.\emdash All is only a beginning. But there is a beginning. That which I longed for, the chief object of my journey to the Continent, that there might be also in Germany a little living church, but based on Scriptural principles, which might be a light to other places; the beginning of that has now been made, but it is a small beginning. The minds of the dear brethren have been so darkened through this mixture of error and truth, that about every thing they need instruction. However, the Lord will help further. I am of good cheer, because I know that the Lord is on my side, and that He has sent me here, and that He keeps me here. How gladly would I leave this very day, were it His will; but I know that at present I ought to labour here.\emdash I have so circumstantially and minutely related all to you, that you may the better know how to help me with your prayers. The errors and sins of our brother \emdash I have only related, that you the more clearly may see how my coming here is of God, in order that these dear children of God, who have suffered so much for the Lord\rquote s sake, and who are sincere, though in much error, might be led on and delivered out of these snares of the devil. But many, unaccustomed to examine Scripture, hold fast the former ways; yet those, who are sincere, the Lord will deliver after awhile. How long I may continue here, I know not; but the moment I see the Lord\rquote s leading to England, I shall be delighted to go back. At present my temptation is not to stay longer than I ought to stay; but rather to leave sooner than I ought to leave. Help me, therefore, dear brethren, that I maybe willing to do and suffer all the will of God here. As to further particulars, the Lord willing, you shall have them either verbally or by writing. Should any of you\par \par like to write to me, or my dear wife, we shall be glad to hear from you; and if the letters be written on thin paper and left at my house, they will be forwarded to me. We remember you daily in our prayers, as you also, no doubt, remember us. May the Lord bring us in His own time again together in peace. Pray earnestly for all the brethren who labour among you. My dear wife salutes you. The saints here salute you.\par \par \par \par I am, dear brethren.,\par \par Affectionately your brother and servant,\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par \par \par I make the following remarks in connexion with this letter.\par \par I. In the beginning it is mentioned, that on the evening of the day after my arrival I met with the five brethren who laboured in the Baptist church at Stuttgart, that is with the teaching elder or president, the three other elders, and the brother who acted as deacon. At this very meeting, nay at the very commencement even of this meeting, I saw what a difficult position mine would be, and what abundant help I should need from God. That which led me to think so was this. During the day that I had been at Stuttgart, I had perceived, that all the brethren and sisters called one another "Thou," which is in Germany the sign of great familiarity, and which is used between very intimate friends or between parents and children, or husband and wife, or brothers and sisters of the same family, &c. Here now I found that males and females of all ages and different stations in life called one another "Thou." When I therefore met with those five brethren I stated the substance of the following objections, against this practice, not however in the form of objections, but either in the way of affectionate inquiries or brotherly suggestions. My objections against it were these: 1, I did not think it would have, in general, a desirable effect upon believers of different sexes to speak to one another thus in the way of so great familiarity. 2, I did not think it would work well for brethren and sisters in service to speak thus to their master and mistress, especially if it should happen that the mistress was an unbeliever, and therefore not in fellowship with them, and a sister were as a servant to say to her master "Thou." 3, I thought it would not work happily and healthfully for a very young brother and sister to be expected to call aged brethren and sisters "Thou," as if on terms of great familiarity, from the moment they were baptized and thus received among them into fellowship. 4, But that which far more strongly operated upon my mind than any of the previous reasons was this, It seemed to me to substitute an outward form for the inward power and reality. I stated to them, That if the calling one another "Thou" were the result of realizing that all the children of God have one and the self-same Father in heaven, that they are really, and not nominally only, brothers and sisters of the same heavenly family, and heirs of the same precious inheritance, and bought by the same precious blood of the Lord Jesus; if it were the result of these truths being enjoyed and realized within, I should see not the least reason against it, in general; but I feared that it was merely an outward thing, judging from the fact, that however it might have been with a brother and sister previously, the moment they were baptized they were called "Thou" by every one of their number, and they were expected to call every one "Thou" in return. And I judged it to be a pernicious thing, if thus the "Thou" was forced upon persons; for on the part of those who were comparatively high in life it would be considered sooner or later an unpleasant burden, and on the part of the poorer classes it would lead to carnal gratification in being able to treat those in the way of great familiarity who were considerably above them with reference to this life. The thing itself, then, if done from right motives, from the entering into our position as saints with reference to God and to each other, would be most precious; but the thing done, merely because it was customary among them, and observed in order to keep up uniformity, would work most perniciously.\emdash In reply to my remarks of this kind, it was stated, that the use of the word "Thou" was scriptural, that in the Holy Scriptures we never read, when one single person is spoken to, " You," but always "Thou." To this I answered that it was so, but that we must remember that in the Holy Scriptures we find governors and kings addressed by poor men in the term "Thou;" for this was the only form of speech in use, whilst in Germany, where the " Thou" is not used except to denote near natural relationship or familiarity, it ought not to be used, except there be that inwardly corresponding to what we outwardly seek to convey by the term; else it will lead to formality, if not to hypocrisy, and sooner or later the pernicious tendency of this outward thing, to which there is nothing inwardly corresponding, will most surely be felt. It appeared to me far better not to make any profession of familiarity and intimacy by the use of the "Thou," when the heart does not go along with it, and rather to continue to say to one another " You" till there be the drawing of heart to heart by the love of Jesus, than to force the "Thou" upon the brethren and sisters. I felt the more strongly about this, as I had witnessed more than once among believers in England the injurious effects of doing things because others did them, or because it was the custom, or because they were persuaded into acts of outward self-denial, or giving up things whilst the heart did not go along with it, and whilst the outward act WAS NOT the result of the inward powerful working of the Holy Ghost, and the happy entering into our fellowship with the Father and with the Son. I had seen, when these things had been done from wrong motives, that there had been regret afterwards, and the returning back as much as possible to what had been given up or forsaken. Moreover, though I had been only one day in Stuttgart when we had this meeting, yet I had heard enough of the state of things, to make me think the calling one another "Thou" was in many instances a mere outward form.\emdash My brotherly suggestions were not received, but strongly opposed by two or three out of the five brethren, and it was pretty plainly hinted, that, perhaps, I was too proud to be called "Thou ;" and the moment I perceived that, I said that I wished every brother, the very poorest of them, to call me "Thou\rquote (and I encouraged them in doing so, by calling every one "Thou "), but that I could not, with my light, call any of the sisters "Thou," nor did I do so up to the day of my departure.\par \par There was another thing of the same character, that is the kiss. In Germany, as on the Continent generally, the kiss is the sign of affection and familiarity among men as well as among females, and the brethren and sisters at Stuttgart always had been in the habit of kissing one another after having partaken of the Lord\rquote s supper, that is all the brethren had kissed each other, and all the sisters had kissed each other. Now this again, if the result of real inward affection, and springing from the entering into our heavenly relationship and oneness in Christ Jesus, would be most beautiful, and would be the "holy kiss" of which the Apostle Paul speaks; but I had no reason to believe that this was generally the case among the brethren and sisters at Stuttgart, but rather that it was merely the result of custom and form, and that it was done because it was expected to be done, for it was the church\rquote s order, after the Lord\rquote s supper to kiss one another. It was on this ground that it seemed to me to be most pernicious; and I could have known how it would work, even though I had not been actually told, that sometimes sisters had stayed away from the Lord\rquote s supper, because they did not feel comfortable in kissing all the female members of the church. When therefore I began to break bread with the brethren, after we had been separated by the close baptists, I did not kiss one brother after the breaking of bread; but I made a point of it to kiss every one of them on that very day at a later meeting, when I left them to go to my lodgings, in order that no one might be able to say it was pride or want of love in me that I had not kissed them. Thus I did on the second Lord\rquote s day, and on the third. On the fourth Lord\rquote s day a brother said, after the breaking of bread, Brethren shall we give one another the brotherly kiss, and I was then ready at once, like the rest, to kiss all the brethren; but the next time there was no kissing, and thus the mere cold form was banished, and every brother felt free to kiss another brother when his heart bade him to do so, without being bound to it by custom or form.\par \par I have so circumstantially dwelt on these apparently little things, because I think them, in principle, matters of the deepest importance. Every thing that is a mere form, a mere habit and custom in divine things, is to be dreaded exceedingly: life, power, reality, this is what we have to aim after. Things should not result from without, but from within. The sort of clothes I wear, the kind of house I live in, the quality of the furniture I use, all such like things should not result from other persons doing so and so, or because it is customary among those brethren with whom I associate to live in such and such a simple, inexpensive, self-denying way; but whatever be done in these things, in the way of giving up, or self-denial, or deadness to the world, should result from the joy we have in God, from the knowledge of our being the children of God, from the entering into the preciousness of our future inheritance, etc. Far better that for the time being we stand still, and do not take the steps which we see others take, than that it is merely the force of example that leads us to do a thing, and afterwards it be regretted. Not that I mean in the least by this to imply we should continue to live in luxury, self-indulgence, and the like, whilst others are in great need; but we should begin the thing in a right way, i.e. aim after the right state of heart; begin inwardly instead of outwardly. If otherwise, it will not last. We shall look back, or even get into a worse state than we were before. But oh! how different if joy in God leads us to any little act of self denial. How gladly do we do it then! How great an honour then do we esteem it to be! How much does the heart then long to be able to do more for Him who has done so much for us! We are far then from looking down in proud self-complacency upon those who do not go as far as we do, but rather pray to the Lord, that He would be pleased to help our dear brethren and sisters forward, who may seem to us weak in any particular point; and we also are conscious to ourselves, that if we have a little more light or strength with reference to one point, other brethren may have more light or grace in other respects.\par \par II. It may be asked, whether I consider brother \emdash , with all his errors, his fearful errors, to be a brother. My reply is, that so far as my own personal acquaintance is concerned, I am not able to form a judgment about it; but from all I have heard about his godly life formerly for many years, I think there is very much reason to believe that he is a child of God. I have related all this and made it public (which I naturally greatly dislike, on account of brother \emdash being my brother, and therefore his sin is my own shame), in order that other children of God may be profited by it. There are two most instructive points connected with the history of the Baptist Church at Stuttgart and of our brother \emdash in particular.\par \par 1, These children of God had been right in considering believers\rquote baptism to be Scriptural, and in separating from the state church of Wirtemberg. But upon these two points they had laid undue stress. Though believers\rquote baptism is the truth of God; though separation from state churches on the part of children of God who know that a church is "a congregation of believers" is right, because they see in state churches nothing but the world mixed up with some true believers; yet, if these points are made too much of if they are put out of their proper place, as if they were every thing, then there must be spiritual loss suffered by those who do so. Nay, whatever parts of truth are made too much of, though they were even the most precious truths connected with our being risen in Christ, or our heavenly calling, or prophecy, sooner or later those, who lay an undue stress upon these parts of truth, and thus make them too prominent, will be losers in their own souls, and, if they be teachers, they will injure those whom they teach. That was the case at Stuttgart. Baptism and separation from the state church had at last become almost every thing to these dear brethren. "We are the church. Truth is only to be found among us. All others are in error, and in Babylon." These were the phrases used again and again by our brother \emdash . But God never allows this state of things without chastisement. This spiritual pride had led from one error to another. Oh may it be a warning to me and to all believers who may read this, and may God in mercy give and preserve to them and to me a lowly heart!\par \par 2, Another thing, on account of which the church at Stuttgart is a warning, is this: When these dear brethren left the state church of the Kingdom of Wirtemberg, on account of which they had many trials, they did not meet together in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, but they took some Baptist church, whether in H\emdash or E\emdash\emdash\emdash I know not, for a model, and there was to be a teaching elder among them. Instead of being content to own their weakness, and give themselves to prayer that the Lord would be pleased to give them a teacher, brother \emdash becomes their teaching elder, and this having been done, he alone speaks at all the meetings (with few exceptions). Now, as his own mind laid such an undue stress upon baptism, and as there was no free working of the Holy Spirit, so that any other brother might have brought out at their meetings what the Lord might have laid upon his heart, what could there have been expected otherwise than that after a time the whole noble little band of disciples, who had taken so trying a stand as to be separated from the state church, should become unsound in the faith. May God grant unto us to be profited by it, dear believing reader, so that in our own church position we do our utmost to give to the Holy Spirit free and unhindered opportunity to work by whom He will!\par \par I have related all these things, painful as they were to me when I was in them, and painful as they are now to me in the remembrance, if it may please God to make them a warning to other dear children of God.\par \par \par \par Stuttgart, Oct. 14, 1843.\par \par To the Saints, meeting in the name of Jesus, at Bethesda and Salem Chapels, Bristol.\par \par \par \par My dear Brethren,\par \par I have judged that your love to the Lord and to me will make you desirous of knowing further particulars about the work here, and I write therefore a little concerning the state of things here.\emdash Since the date of my last letter I have sought to instruct the dear brethren, who had been led by the Lord to own me as a brother with whom they could and ought to have fellowship, and who, therefore, had been disowned by those with whom they had formerly been associated. The state of things concerning the others, who think they do God service in the way in which they treat us, is very affecting. They not only keep entirely aloof from our meetings, but with those of our number, whom they consider seducers and perverters of the truth, they will not speak, nor greet us again when they are greeted. In this state of things nothing remained for us but to speak to the Lord about them, and I, therefore, proposed last week, that we should have especial prayer meetings for these dear, but awfully deluded, brethren. This was heartily responded to, and we now meet from time to time for especial prayer on their behalf. I mention this that you may help us with your prayers in this particular also. The iron rule, and the want of being able to exercise spiritual judgment is so felt, that only one of the brethren and sisters in the neighbouring little towns and villages, who belonged to the Baptist Church, has ventured to meet with us; but amidst it all I am in peace, knowing that the Lord Himself sent me here, and that the truth at last will assuredly triumph. Indeed I know that except these brethren own the sin of which they have been guilty against me, the Holy Spirit, who has been grieved, will not work among them, and the spiritual death among them will open the eyes of the upright ones. Such an instance came before me last week, when a sister of the Baptist Church came to our meetings, and said that she could not remain any longer where she was, as it was as if God had departed from them. We now meet every Lord\rquote s day morning from nine to eleven, for the exposition of the word, and from four to six in the afternoon for the breaking of bread. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from eight till nearly ten, I expound the scriptures, and on Wednesday and Friday evenings, from eight to ten, I meet with the brethren to read the scriptures. There is the greatest teachableness among the dear saints with whom I meet; but just because they have been so long fed with error instead of truth, they need to be taught almost every thing. But hitherto the Lord has so helped me, and so made the dear brethren willing to bow before the word of God, that we have gone on most happily, and without any disagreement. The last five meetings of this kind we have spent in considering the truths contained in Romans xii., Ephes. iv., 1 Cor. xii. and xiv., &c. They are now gaining light in apprehending the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the church, and His indwelling in every individual believer, together with the practical application of these truths; and I cannot but hope, that if the Lord, even now at once, were to remove me from them, they would be able to witness in some measure for God, with regard to their church position. But even these truths will take up several such evenings yet, in order that the dear brethren not only may be grounded in them, but also be profited by my experience in these particulars during the last thirteen years, that they may not fall into the same errors, or be exposed to the same difficulties. When that subject is done with, I have to undertake another work, perhaps as difficult as any I have had since I have been here, and I mention it to you, that you may help me with your prayers, that the Lord would be pleased to give me His especial help in that matter also. I understand that all the dear precious saints with whom I meet, have fallen into the awful error, spread almost universally among even true believers in this country, that at last all men will be saved, and even the devils themselves. This awful error I must attack as soon as the subject which we now consider is finished; but pray earnestly that the Lord would give me such spiritual power, as that these dear brethren may be brought, through God\rquote s truth, out of this delusion also. I hope in God concerning this matter. He will help me. He has in so many ways made it so abundantly plain that He Himself sent me here, that He will help me in this matter also.\emdash Last Lord\rquote s day we were twenty in number at the breaking of bread, including my dear wife and myself; among them was the first fruit of my labours here, in the way of conversion. She is a young lady of nineteen years, the daughter of the procurator of the upper tribunal, Dr. R, one of the former elders of the Baptist Church, who for my sake was cast out. This young sister was baptized about four miles from here, in a river, about eight o\rquote clock in the evening, by moonlight, as the dear brethren feared the tumult and concourse of the opposers in the day time. I advised her father to baptize her, in order that at once, even in this respect, there might be nothing in the judgment of the dear saints, as if a ministerial person, according to the use of the word in the world, were needed, and also that thus the attention of the police might not needlessly be directed towards me, as they are so particularly opposed to baptism. Hitherto I have been left unmolested and unhindered, although I have been nearly eight weeks here, and although it is becoming known throughout the city, and beginning also to spread throughout the country that I am here.\emdash The work still remains small as to outward appearance, as generally, besides the believers in fellowship, there are not more than about ten or twelve persons present; but I dare not take a large place to meet in, humanly speaking, and judging from what hitherto has been always done, but I must go on quietly instructing the saints, or preaching to the few sinners who come, in the hope that God, through my instructing the brethren, will open the eyes and hearts of others, after I have left. There is one brother among us, who learned the way of God more perfectly in Switzerland, and who often had spoken about it, before I came, but who was neither much listened to, nor received into fellowship, because he was not baptized.\emdash In the mean time I also go on with preparing my Narrative in the German language for the press, having found out that there is sufficient freedom of the press here to allow of my getting it printed; but I make but little progress, as my time is, in a variety of ways, here also taken up, and as I have too little mental strength to continue very long at a time working with my pen. Nevertheless, I have about the fifth part ready for the press. I am more and more assured that Germany needs my service in this respect, and that the Lord has called me for this work. About the time of my return to you I can say nothing, as the Lord has not given me any light concerning it; but this I must say, that my wife and myself shall consider it a happy day indeed, when the Lord allows us to see you again. But, His servants we are, and we desire grace to tarry as cheerfully here, as we shall be glad to go back to Bristol, when the Lord sends us back. Only help us in the mean time with your prayers, (as we also pray for you), that the Lord would enable us in this dark land to glorify His holy name. Farewell, greatly beloved brethren. My heart longs after you to behold you again; yet I am happy here, and will cheerfully wait the Lord\rquote s own time here. I repeat, that if any of you have it in your heart to write to us, and will leave the letters at my house, they will be forwarded to me. My dear wife sends her love in Christ to all the dear brethren and sisters.\par \par Your affectionate brother and servant in the Lord,\par \par GEORGE MULLER.\par \par \par \par I make again a few remarks in connexion with this letter.\par \par I. One of my especial aims in my service among the dear brethren at Stuttgart was, to seek to ground them in the truth. To this end we had, from the beginning of our being separated from the Baptist Church, two meetings in the week, from eight to ten o\rquote clock in the evening, when we considered together, upon the ground of the word of God, those points of truth on which these dear brethren appeared to me most to need instruction. I judged it not enough to expound the Scriptures at their public meetings, but to give an opportunity to any brother or sister, at these private meetings, to state any difficulties that they might have on their minds. At first we considered particularly the great truths of the gospel, so that any remaining errors, connected with fundamental points, might be corrected. After that we began the consideration of Romans xii. 3\emdash 8, Ephes. iv. 7\emdash 16, 1 Cor. xii. and xiv., and the other passages which stand in connexion with the truths taught in these portions. The brethren had seen almost immediately that, according to the example of the first disciples (Acts xx. 7), it would become us to meet every first day of the week for the breaking of bread. Thus far they had light, and that light, I judged, ought to be carried out at once. We therefore from the beginning met every Lord\rquote s day for the breaking of bread, with the exception of two or three who had for a few weeks some little doubt remaining on their mind, whether, on account of the frequency of the observance, this ordinance might not lose its beneficial effects; but as we left them free, to act according to the light they had, they soon saw the greatness of the privilege of being allowed so often to show forth the Lord\rquote s death, and they therefore met regularly with us.\emdash As, however, on my arrival at Stuttgart, the dear brethren had been entirely uninstructed about the truths relating to the power and presence of the Holy Ghost in the church of Christ, and to our ministering one to another as fellow members in the body of Christ; and as I had known enough of painful consequences when brethren began to meet professedly in dependence upon the Holy Spirit without knowing what was meant by it, and thus meetings had become opportunities for unprofitable talking rather than for godly edifying; and as I felt myself bound to communicate to these dear brethren the experience I had gathered with reference to these very truths since June 1830: for these reasons, I say, I thought it well to spend evening after evening with them over the passages above mentioned. Thus week after week passed away. We broke bread, but it was understood, and I wished it to be understood, that I was the only speaker. This I did that in every possible way I might have opportunity of instructing the brethren, and because they knew not yet what was meant by meeting in dependence upon the Holy Spirit. But, at length, after we had for about eight weeks or more spent two evenings a week together over those passages, and others setting forth the same truths, and full opportunity had been given, carefully to look at all the points connected with them, and when now there seemed a measure of apprehension of the mind of God in those passages, then we met for the purpose of carrying out what the brethren had learned, and therefore, at the next time when we met for the breaking of bread, I took my place among them simply as a brother; yet as a brother who had received a measure of gift for the benefit of his fellow members, and upon whom therefore responsibility was laid to use that measure of gift, and who, by the grace of God, felt this responsibility laid upon him, and who was willing to act accordingly. I do not mean at all to say that even then this matter was perfectly understood, for a few times still things like these would occur :\emdash A brother read a portion of the Word, and then would say, "Perhaps our brother Muller will expound to us this portion." Or, a brother might speak a little on a subject, and then would say, "Perhaps our brother Muller will enter somewhat more fully into this subject." At such times, which occurred twice or thrice, I said nothing, but acted according to the desire of those brethren, and spoke; but afterwards, when we met privately, at our scripture reading meetings, I pointed out to the dear brethren their mistake, and reminded them that all these matters ought to be left to the ordering of the Holy Ghost, and that if it had been truly good for them, the Lord would have not only led me to speak at that time, but also on the very subject on which they desired that I should speak to them.\par \par II. At these scripture reading meetings, of which I had about forty with them, we went on very peacefully and happily, though I had many things to bring before the brethren which were quite new to them, and some points also to which they had been exceedingly opposed. The Lord enabled me to seek His help for this service, and He granted it to me.\par \par III. I never had a moment\rquote s hesitation in owning these brethren, and meeting with them at the breaking of bread; for I could not say of any of them that they wilfully held those errors, but that it rather arose from the truth never having been brought before them. I therefore judged, that it was my duty to seek to instruct them in the truth, and then they would be led to renounce their errors.\par \par IV. I had from the beginning great hope that the dear brethren would be brought out of their fearful errors. I never was overwhelmed by the prospect of the difficulties before me, but had confidence in God, that through Him I should conquer. My assurance was built on the following grounds: 1, I considered the remarkable way in which so unexpectedly, and after the overcoming of so many difficulties which had been in the way, I was sent to them. I therefore judged that the Lord had sent me to them for blessing. 2, He had given me grace to pray much for the saints at Stuttgart before I had ever seen them, and He helped me to continue in prayer for them whilst with them. This I judged was, in order that He might answer my request on their behalf. 3, They were not like persons who had had the truth set before them, and wilfully rejected it, but they had never had it set before them. 4, The Lord, in His grace, enabled me to deal patiently with them. They were deeply entangled in error, very deeply. Pressing things hastily upon them, I knew, would only make matters worse; but patiently hearing all their objections; meeting time after time over the Word, and seeking the Lord\rquote s blessing in prayer on those meetings both before and after, being willing not to press a point too much at once, but giving time to the Holy Ghost to work upon their hearts; dealing thus with them, even as the Lord had inclined my heart, I judged that He would give me the desire of my heart, and deliver them out of their fearful errors.\par \par V. I cannot help noticing here the strange mistake under which the religious public was with reference to my being at Stuttgart. It was this: Some weeks after my arrival the report was spread, and widely too, (for it was printed in one of the religious periodicals), that I was a Missionary sent by the Baptists in England, to bring back the Baptists in Wirtemberg to the State Church, as it was the view of the Baptists in England that it was not wrong to be united with the State Church. This having been stated in print, (though I knew not of it till I was on the point of returning to England), my stay at Stuttgart, I suppose, was rather liked by religious persons in connexion with the State Church, and it is not at all unlikely that that may have contributed to my being permitted to work quietly week after week, and month after month, without the police in the least interfering with me, though it not only was well known, that I was there, but well known too what I was doing in the way of holding meetings, etc. I recognise the hand of the Lord in allowing this mistake to be made.\par \par VI. For many weeks the number of those who frequented the meetings was very small. Very few, besides those who were in communion with us, attended them. The highly sectarian and exclusive spirit which had been manifested by those brethren, who belonged to the Baptist Church, was a great hindrance in the way; for it was naturally supposed that we were of the same mind with them. But after nearly five months had passed away, there began to be a different effect produced. The number of those who attended increased, and increased to more than twice or thrice as many as used to come at first, and, humanly speaking, had I seen it to be the Lord\rquote s will to remain one month longer, the result might have been still greater. But as I saw as clearly the time of my departure from Stuttgart as that of my going thither, I was not influenced by any outward appearance; for I felt certain that, for various reasons, I ought to return to my service in Bristol.\emdash In this circumstance also I cannot but see the hand of God. Had the meetings all at once been much attended in the beginning, it might have attracted the attention of the police, and possibly a ticket of permission to reside any longer at Stuttgart might not have been granted to me; but, as it was, there was nothing whatever outwardly to attract the notice of the world, for we were few in number, met in a very poor neighbourhood, and in a poor meeting place, and I had thus opportunity to instruct the saints.\par \par \par \par Stuttgart, Nov. 11, 1843.\par \par To the Brethren meeting in the name of Jesus, at Salem and Bethesda Chapels, Bristol\par \par \par \par Dear Brethren,\par \par I have judged that it might be profitable to you, with the Lord\rquote s blessing, to hear again a few particulars of His work here, and I have also thought that the love you bear me will make you desirous to know how I am, and what the Lord is doing with me, and therefore I again write you a little, which is no burden to me, but a sweet pleasure. Yet I assure you, dear brethren, I need not write to you, in order that I may be reminded of you; for I think of you daily, and pray daily for you, as I am sure you do for us: and it will, indeed, be a sweet pleasure to us and joy in the Lord, to behold your faces again; but, in the meantime, we desire grace, not to feel ourselves as in banishment, but so to realize, that this is our present place of service, and so to walk with Jesus, that we maybe very happy, even now, though so far, and for so long a time absent from you. It is now thirteen weeks and three days since I left Bristol, but I have not, during all this time, even for one single minute, been permitted to question whether the conclusion, that I should serve the Lord for a season in this country, was of Him or not; but during all this time, as also many weeks before I left Bristol, my heart has had the fullest assurance concerning this matter. It has been also very kind of the Lord, that He has not even suffered me to be tempted, through a great variety of trying events, which might have occurred either here or in Bristol, to question my call for this service; but, on the contrary, every day\rquote s experience almost, here, confirms my mind, and every letter from Bristol also shows, how that God\rquote s finger is in this matter. And thus, my dear brethren, it must be always, when we are taking any step according to the will of the Lord: the result must be peace and blessing. I desire therefore quietly to, tarry here, till the same Lord, who put me at this post, shall call me away from it.\par \par \emdash I now enter upon the narrative of a few facts which I wish to communicate to you, that you may be led yet more highly to prize the spiritual privileges, and especially the religious liberty, which you enjoy in England.\emdash About nineteen months since a brother and sister here, who were connected with the little Baptist Church, (the only body of believers in this country who are separated from the State Church) desired to be united by marriage. As they had conscientious objections to be married according to the usage of the State Church, a statement was sent to the director of this city, the first magistrate, in which this brother and sister expressed their desire and declared that they would submit themselves to everything to which they could with a good conscience, such as having their names three times publicly called at the church, paying the clergyman\rquote s fees, &c. ; but that they could not conform to the marriage ceremony at the church, and they therefore begged to be exempted from this; and they finally claimed for this the rights of the subjects of the kingdom of Wirtemberg, to whom full liberty of conscience is granted by the constitution of the Government. After a time they received a complete denial to this request from the Ecclesiastical court, called the Consistory. They now gave in a full statement of their views, why they left the State Church, why they could not conform to the marriage ceremony in the State Church, &c., and sent this statement, if I remember right, to the highest court, the ministry of the kingdom. It was again refused. And so also by the king himself. Many months had in the meantime elapsed, and the patience of the brother and sister at last began to fail, and as the sister (at that time) saw scarcely any objection to be married at the church, the brother was at last overcome, and he went and gave in the banns at the church. This was in the middle of June last summer. The nearer, however, the marriage day came, the more tried the brother felt, and all peace left him. At last he came to the conclusion to leave himself quite in the hands of the Lord while in the church, and to do no more than he could do with a good conscience; yet he did not know anything definite, nor did he tell his intended wife anything. He asked the brethren, with whom he was in fellowship, to pray for him, who accordingly met at the time when he was to be married. It was on a Lord\rquote s day afternoon after the public service, and several hundreds of people had remained. The clergyman, a believer, who, no doubt, knew of the former expressed conscientious objection of this brother and sister, did not at all use the printed liturgy, but only gave, as I hear, a scriptural address as the occasion called for, which our brother found profitable. After this the brother and sister made the usual solemn declaration that they would take each other as husband and wife, &c. This, our brother considered all that could be required of him as a subject. But now remained the clergyman\rquote s blessing and confirmation of the matrimony, which in the literal English translation is as follows: "As you then have solemnly promised to each other conjugal love and fidelity, I therefore confirm in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as an appointed minister of the Christian church, this your conjugal union as a union, which according to God\rquote s order, is indissoluble. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder." Now, while the clergyman was pronouncing the first of these words, the brother walked a step or two back from the altar, with his wife, and interrupted the clergyman in words to this effect: "I do not belong to the State Church, and I therefore cannot accept the blessing of the State Church, or the confirmation of the State Church, with reference to our marriage. Our Union was made in heaven, and therefore needs no earthly confirmation. I have gone as far as I could with a good conscience, but further I can do nothing."\emdash The clergyman now stated "I pronounce your marriage as void, and I shall give notice of your behaviour to the magistrates."\emdash The whole matter made a great stir, the people rushed out of the church, and our brother, with his wife, having gone orderly back into their pews, fell on their knees and prayed, and then walked home.\emdash The first thing that now followed was, that the relations on the part of the wife sought to separate the brother and sister by all possible means, removing the furniture out of their intended rooms, sending policemen, and not suffering the brother to live where he had purposed to live after marriage, so that the newly married couple had to take up their abode in the house of a brother in the Lord now in fellowship with us, who is the brother of the young wife. On the next day the newly married brother went to the clergyman, and humbly stated to him, that that, which had occurred on the previous day, was not in the least intended as an insult to him, but that he had been forced to act thus to maintain a good conscience. But he again declared the marriage as void, and said that he should legally proceed against him. Either on the same day, or the day after, our brother and sister had to appear before the director of the city, and after having been for hours examined, the marriage was declared as void, and they were ordered to separate from each other, otherwise the laws against concubinage would be put in force against them. Our brother and sister meekly declared, that they would gladly submit to the Government in every thing, in which they could submit with a good conscience, but that they should not separate from each other, as they considered that they, according to divine and human laws, were married. After some time they had to appear a second time, and, if I remember right, a third, if not a fourth time; but they always gave the same declaration before the city director, and added that they claimed the rights of the subjects of Wirtemberg, according to which there was secured to them perfect liberty of conscience. So the matter remained. Nothing more occurred till Monday, Oct. 23rd, when the said brother was ordered to appear before a court called the "Criminal Court" at half-past two, his wife at three, and the brother who had taken them in and lodged them, at half-past three in the afternoon. I ought to have said before, that all three belong to those saints who for my sake were separated from the Baptist Church here. Brother R. and I therefore met for prayer while they were before the judge, and continued in prayer from half-past two till half-past five. All three experienced the fulfilment of that word: "Take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak." Matt. x. 19. The Lord was very nigh to them. They were able firmly, but meekly, to bear testimony for the truth. Even the sister, though alone before the judge, was greatly helped. She has been, ever since the event at the church, quite of one mind with her husband. The crime alleged against the other brother at this court was, that, after he knew that the magistrates had declared the marriage illegal, he still lodged them in his house; to which he declared that he considered the marriage legal. This led to the reasons, and a long and blessed testimony for the Lord was borne before the judge. The crime alleged against the husband before this court was, that he had intended this as an insult against the church, which he denied, but stated that he had gone as far as he could, and that he would rather suffer any thing than act against his conscience. On Thursday, Oct. 26th, these three dear saints had to stand before the same judge, each again alone, from half-past two till half-past five, whilst brother R. and I were again in prayer for them. The Lord again abundantly helped them. Even the judge, though a Roman Catholic, sought both times to favour them as much as possible, and the investigations of the whole affair were as favourably taken down for them on paper by him, as if a brother in the Lord had written them down. We know how that came. The Lord heard the prayers of His children, and also acted according to the just mentioned promise. To both brethren was permitted to hand in on the next day a written statement, on what scriptural grounds the husband\rquote s conscience led him to act as he did; and the other brother, on what scriptural grounds he could not obey the magistrate, in refusing to lodge his sister and brother-in-law, when their marriage had been declared illegal. Brother R. and I now wrote two long statements about the affair with scriptural proofs, which, on the next day, were delivered to the Court. On Friday, Oct. 27, the brother, the husband, had to stand the third time that week before the judge, who, among other things, told him, that until the matter by the proper court was decided, the police would separate him and his wife. Thus the matter stands. Our brother and sister may any day be separated; if so, they will be only separated as long as they are in prison; when they come out, they feel themselves before God bound to come again together; and should the matter be forced, they must leave the country. Moreover, if the matter is pressed, the husband may be from six months to two years imprisoned for the act at the church. But the Lord reigneth, and men can go no further than the Lord gives them permission. Our brother who lodged them is liable to six months\rquote imprisonment; but the Lord reigneth. Nothing is to be done here, except to pray and to be ready to suffer for the Lord\rquote s sake, in order that real liberty of conscience may be obtained. Such a case never occured here before. The courts know not themselves what to do. The judge who investigated the case, in order to lay the written investigation before the proper court, said publicly: " I wonder how they will manage this affair." With reference to my own judgment about the matter, it is this: If any brother and sister were now to be married to whom the Lord has given the same light, they should not go at all to the church, but simply give information to the magistrates, have their names called at church, declare themselves ready to pay the fees, and state before the brethren that they mean to consider themselves as united by marriage; and if the government after this oppresses them, to leave the country. I cannot regret that matters have been as they have. The government itself forced our brother, so to say, to do what he did: and good will come out of it for the church. \emdash We are now waiting for what the Lord will do in this matter, and to see whether these dear saints will have to bear imprisonment or not.\par \par \par \par Another event has occurred: On Oct. 24th, the elders of the Baptist Church, and therefore two of the brethren with whom I now meet for the breaking of bread, were ordered to appear before the director of the city to hear a communication from the ministers of state with reference to their request about being permitted to marry, without going to church. As this order now came to them as being of the Baptist Church, whilst our brethren no longer belong to the Baptist Church, but consider themselves united with all who love our Lord Jesus, they sent a written statement to the director of the city, stating that they had ceased to belong to the Baptist Church. Thus, without our seeking it, the position which we hold, even if it had not been so before, is now made known. Still, hitherto nothing has been done to us, nor any hinderance laid in our way. Indeed a few days since, through a particular circumstance, the city director had my passport put into his hands, with the inquiry whether a ticket of permission to remain in Stuttgart should be granted to me, or not, and there were no objections made. So I still teach and preach Christ freely, and all that the Lord has taught me, although to a very small number; for the people are afraid of us. In the mean time I speak to souls as I may meet them in the fields, or when persons ask for an alms without the city, for in the whole of Stuttgart I never saw one beggar. I also make considerable progress with my Narrative, much more than at the first, and have nearly one-half ready for the press.\par \par When we took our position here of receiving all who love our Lord Jesus, irrespective of their agreeing with us in all points, one brother came among us, who had been always refused by the Baptist Church here, because he was not baptized. After this brother had been about six weeks among us, he himself desired baptism. He was baptized on the evening of Oct. 28. Thus we have been able to give a practical proof of the truth which we hold.\par \par Our number has only been increased by the arrival of our brother T. H., the son of our brother H., whom you know. He resides in the same house with us.\emdash I repeat that it will give us joy to hear from any of you. We remember before the Lord those of you by name, of whom it has been written to us that they are in trial. My dear wife sends her love to all the dear brethren and sisters.\par \par I remain, my dear brethren,\par \par Your brother and servant in the Lord,\par \par GEORGE MULLER\par \par \par \par P.S.\emdash I only add that the two brothers and the sister, by their meekness and godly walk, much commend the truth, and are precious instruments chosen of the Lord, to carry the truth before the rulers of the land.\par \par \par \par Dec. 31, 1843. During this year 75 have been received into communion among us in Bristol, and 13 saints have fallen asleep. Being absent from Bristol, I am not able to give the present exact state of the church there as to numbers.\emdash The Lord has been pleased to give me during this year for my temporal necessities.\par \par \par \par 1, Through the saints among whom I labour in Bristol, in provisions, clothes, etc. worth to us, at least \'a310 0s. 0d.\par \par 2, Through anonymous offerings in money, put up in paper, and directed to me, and put into the boxes for the poor saints, or the rent, at the meeting places \'a3130 8s. 4 3/4d.\par \par 3, Through presents in money, from saints in Bristol, not given anonymously \'a3106 12s. 0d.\par \par 4, Through presents in money from saints not residing in Bristol \'a379 1s. 6d.\par \par Altogether \'a3326 1s. 10 3/4d.\par \par \par \par To this is to be added that the expenses connected with our journey to Germany, and with our temporal necessities, and all the various expenses coming on us in connexion with our stay in a foreign land, from Aug. 9, to Dec. 31, were met out of the 702l. 3s. 7d., which had been given to me, as has been stated, for several purposes, but especially also for the expenses connected with my service in Germany.\par \par Is it not again most manifest from this statement, that during the year 1843 also I served a most kind Master even with reference to temporal supplies? And this I delight to show. If I had been striving with all my might to obtain a good income during the year 1843, I could not have had more; for in one way or another the Lord gave me about 400l. without asking any one for any thing, and therefore I had far more than I needed either for myself and family, or for giving me ability to use hospitality. I find it more and more pleasant, even with reference to this life, to walk in the ways of the Lord, and to rely upon Him for all I need; and often, when I recount on my walks for meditation the mercies of the Lord towards me, I am constrained to say to the praise of the Lord, that if I had remained in my unconverted state, and therefore continued a servant of Satan, I could not have been nearly as well off, even with reference to this life, as I am now in the service of the Lord Jesus. I find, that the more the Lord enables me, not to seek my own things, but the things of Jesus Christ, the more He takes care that my temporal necessities shall be richly supplied.\par \par Jan. 1, 1844.\emdash Last evening I met with the whole little church at Stuttgart to tea, and the last hours of the year, till about 12 o\rquote clock at night, we spent together in prayer.\par \par On Jan. 15th, I wrote another letter to the brethren in Bristol, which is here subjoined.\par \par \par \par Stuttgart, Jan. 15, 1844,\par \par To the Saints meeting in the name of Jesus, at Bethesda and Salem Chapels, Bristol.\par \par \par \par Beloved Brethren.,\par \par I have it in my heart once more to write to you a little about the work of the Lord here, before my return to you, and I do it the more readily, because I have confidence in your love, being assured that you are as glad to hear from me, as I am to write to you. With reference to all the time since I left you, and in particular with reference to the time since I last wrote to you, I have abundant reason to say, that goodness and mercy have followed us. Never, since I first saw it to be the will of God, that I should labour here for a season, which is now more than seven months, have I been permitted to question, that this conclusion was formed under the guidance of the Holy Ghost; and ever since I left you, which is now five months and six days, every thing has proved, that I left you according to the will of God. It is precious, beloved brethren, to go on an errand when the Lord Himself sends us, and to be at a post where the Lord Himself has placed us for then all goes on well. Far better to wait months, or even years, than to take a step in uncertainty, or being but half assured that it is the will of God, that we should take that step.\emdash But as fully as I was assured that I should leave you for a season, so, as far as I can see at present the mind of the Lord, does it appear to me now, that the time is fast approaching, when our Lord will give us again the great joy and precious privilege of seeing you face to face. Truly, we may say, through grace, and without hypocrisy, "We, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart;" indeed nothing but grace has kept us here so long. And now the time seems to be fast approaching when we shall leave this, and I am by prayer and labour endeavouring, to see your face soon. If the Lord will, my Narrative, (which, with a particular reference to the spiritual necessities of the Church in Germany, I have been preparing for the press, and is nearly finished), will be printed within five weeks from this day, so that I hope we shall be able to leave this towards the end of February. Yet, in the mean time, there remains much work for me still to do, both with reference to writing and labouring among the brethren here; therefore continue, dear brethren, even as you have done hitherto, to help me with your prayers; and we also, by the help of God, will continue to intercede for you, as we do with joy.\par \par As there have occurred a number of important events among us, since I wrote to you last, I proceed now to give you some account of them.\emdash In the early part of November last year, brother R., the Doctor of Law, asked me to unite with him and a sister in prayer, as that sister (not one in fellowship with us, but belonging to the State Church) was going to be divorced from her husband, and she had desired that we should spend the time with her in prayer for her husband, while this act would be settled in the judicial court. This sister had had to suffer exceedingly during the space of many years from her husband, who hated her greatly for the Lord\rquote s sake. Three times she had been obliged to leave him, because of his awful treatment; but three times, especially through the peace-making efforts of brother R., who was her legal counsellor, she returned to her husband, and lived for a season with him, till at last each time her health sank under the sufferings she had endured from him. At length, about two years since, she left him again, with the intention not to return to him any more. This led to a divorce by law, a thing not uncommon on the Continent; and in that hour in which we met for prayer, the matter was settled. In consequence of this, as she had three children, and brought a comparatively considerable property to her husband, the law proceeded to secure this money for the benefit of herself and children, as the husband had wasted all his own property. This act was settled on December 9th, on which occasion she had to meet her husband at his house with the appointed government officers; and she requested our brother Dr. R., as a friend to accompany her. Brother R. (who had been for fifteen years the peace-maker between this husband and wife, and who had three times succeeded in favour of the husband, though the legal adviser of the wife) was nevertheless greatly hated by the husband, who repeatedly spoke to him in public courts of law thus: "You shall never baptize me." Or, "Now my wife will soon be free to marry her priest," (meaning brother R.,) &c. All this brother R. had been able to bear with the greatest meekness, though thus publicly insulted, when acting as solicitor or barrister at the judicial courts. Now on the 9th of December, brother R., as I said, went with this divorced sister to her husband\rquote s house. When all the business was done, the husband came close to brother R., in the presence of several magistrates, put a pistol to his side and fired it at him, then took another pistol, put it to his own breast, fired and sank down dead immediately. But while he himself died immediately, brother R. has been wonderfully preserved. He wore a thick wadded coat, and had four papers in his side pocket, through all of which the ball passed. Then, to show the hand of God, the ball met in the other clothes such obstacles (all being double in that spot,) that it only entered a very little way into the body and lodged upon one of the ribs. After the fire was extinguished, (for our brother\rquote s clothes were set on fire, so near had the poor sinner put the pistol to him,) our brother walked home, and shortly after a surgeon extracted the ball, and on the seventh day our brother was so far restored, that the whole little church here could be gathered around his bed, together with his relations, and we united together in praising the Lord for His wonderful help; and on the fifteenth day our brother was already so far restored, that he was able to assemble himself again with us for the breaking of bread. Half an inch higher or lower might have taken his life; but the balls (for the pistol was loaded with two, one of which fell out of his clothes,) though most maliciously so prepared that they might do much mischief on entering the body, found so much resistance that the power, through the soft clothing being every part double in that spot, was spent before touching the body. Surely, the Lord is round about us Even the ungodly in this city have been forced to marvel; but now the devil spreads the report that that wicked person shot our brother, because he purposed to marry his wife.\par \par At last also the sentence has come from the judicial court appointed for that business, with reference to the married brother and sister about whom I wrote to you. Both of them are sentenced to fourteen days\rquote imprisonment, and their marriage is declared to be illegal and only concubinage, so that when the imprisonment is over, they will be separated by the police, and sent back to prison, should they still seek to live together as they must do, being married in the sight of God. Further, the brother who lodged them after their marriage, is sentenced to four days\rquote imprisonment, because he helped on, as it is said, concubinage. Finally, the husband is sentenced to pay 4/6 of the legal expenses, his wife 1/6 and the other brother 1/6. If here were only the question about money, or suffering imprisonment, we must bear it, and account it an honour, to suffer for Christ\rquote s sake; but as the sentence is, that this marriage is concubinage, which according to God and to man it is not, and as the liberty of the Wirtemberg subjects allows them to appeal to a higher court, and as brother R. can do all this business, I have with brother R. and some other brethren judged, that in this case, like Paul, we ought to appeal to a higher court, if by any means we may keep the government from committing this grievous sin of unjustly punishing those godly persons. Should this, however, be in vain, we must yield to the power, the brethren must bear the imprisonment, and this dear couple must leave the country.\par \par Our position here as saints was unquestionably known from the beginning by the police, who watch us closely; but nothing was officially done in the matter till very recently, which was occasioned in the following way. The Baptist church here have two or three times a year, or as often as the city director (the head of the police) requires it, to give in the list of names of those who belong to the church, who have been added, and who have been separating themselves or have been excluded. At the close of the year that was now done again, when the considerable number who had left it on my account, were noticed by the city director, who then sent for the teaching elder or president of the Baptist church, who told him all about me, and that I had occasioned this business. This now drew forth an order from the city director to brother R., in which he was requested to state\emdash 1. Who had separated themselves with him, (names, station in life, and place of abode)? -2. Whether we meant to form a separate church?\emdash 3. Who were the elders ?\emdash 4. And who at present belonged to our number? This was very briefly replied to by giving the names of those who separated themselves, the additional two names of those who have been added since, that we meant to be in communion with all who love our Lord Jesus, and that this was the reason, why we had separated ourselves from the Baptist church. To this no reply has been sent; nor has any one as yet put the least hinderance to my freely teaching and preaching Jesus Christ, though it is now five months and six days since I have been labouring here.\par \par The Lord is also now beginning to work among the brethren belonging to the Baptist church here, in answer to our and your prayers, and those of many other dear saints in England, Switzerland, &c. Several are beginning to feel that their position is not a right one, but none have yet fully and publicly renounced their errors, which, I trust, will soon be the case. May we continue to pray concerning this matter. Moreover, the prejudices against us are wearing off on the part of some other persons, so that the number who attend our meetings is rather increasing. There seem also several who are somewhat concerned about their souls, and a few children of God belonging to the state church come. Another brother was also added to our number about a fortnight ago, so that we are now two-and-twenty altogether, who break bread. This is a small company certainly, but though it be only like a taper on a candlestick, yet there is some light, however little, and I trust that, with God\rquote s blessing, this light will be more and more bright in Germany, where it is so much needed. The Lord is also blessing my labours among the dear brethren here, so that they grow in knowledge, and, I trust, in grace also; likewise those errors, of which I wrote to you, are giving way, but they are not overcome fully yet, and I shall have a conflict still about them, before I leave: still the Lord has kept us in peace, by giving me wisdom to deal gently with the brethren, remembering the years in which they were built up in error. Help me also with your prayers, that I may find a bookseller to take my book on commission for sale; for I have offered it to three, and they have refused it. One glimpse was enough for one, in seeing that I did not belong to a State Church. Surely I have conflict here step by step; but God helps, and through Him I shall do valiantly in this thing also; nevertheless I beg your prayers.\emdash And now, finally, I entreat you, beloved pilgrims, help me with your prayers, that I may do and suffer all the will of God here gladly, that I may live to His honour while remaining here, that I may be helped in the remainder of my work, that I may not leave a day before, nor stay a day beyond the Lord\rquote s time, and that the Lord would give us a prosperous journey and voyage in His own time. My dear wife unites with me in love to all the dear brethren and sisters. We often pray for you, and remember by name those who are in particular trial through bereavement, or from other causes. Farewell.\par \par \par \par Your affectionate brother and servant in the Lord,\par \par GEORGE MULLER\par \par \par \par I add a few remarks in connexion with this letter:\emdash\par \par I. The wisdom of our brother R., in being present at the judicial settlement of the money affairs of the sister, who was legally divorced from her husband, may be questioned, on account of the expressions used by the husband. As to myself, knowing the particulars more fully than the reader can, I do not for a moment think that the man thought our brother had any intention of marrying his divorced wife, for all these expressions were evidently only used to insult Dr. R.; but my objection would rather spring from this, that I question whether a christian has any business at all with such concerns. The Lord in a most remarkable way protected Dr. R.; but this by no means proves that he was in his proper place.\par \par II. I also say a few words more about the brother and sister whose marriage was considered illegal. The appeal to the highest court was of no avail, also the final appeal to the King was useless, and about July, 1844, the brother and sister were imprisoned for fourteen days, and the brother, who had taken them in, four days. The Lord was with them, and blessed them much in the prison, as they wrote me. The brethren had free access to them, and once even the greater part of them met in the prison and broke bread together. This exceeding great leniency was granted to them, I think, through the judge who had to investigate their affairs. When their imprisonment was expired, they were ordered to separate, which however they did not do, considering themselves married in the sight of God. For a long time the government only threatened, without separating them by force; at last, however, in March, 1845, after having taken from him his right of citizenship at Stuttgart, and having thus deprived him of the privilege of carrying on his business as a master cabinet-maker, the husband was taken by force from his wife, and escorted by a policeman to his parish, which is about nine miles distant. This was done after the government had suffered them to live together as husband and wife above twenty months, and after they had had a child more than ten months old, which however the Lord took to Himself about a week before the parents were thus separated. This affair has occasioned the loss of the business of this brother; and if an alteration be not shortly made in the laws of the country, with reference to liberty of conscience concerning marriage, (which they hope for, as they mean to appeal to the representatives of the people,) they purpose to emigrate to England.\par \par Though our brother and sister might have acted more wisely, and not have brought the matter to this public act at the church; yet we must keep in mind that their position had been trying, as for more than a twelve-month they had delayed being married, in hope of obtaining permission from the government not to have to go to the State Church; and as no one of the brethren had ever been thus situated; and as they themselves had not much light, yet wished to maintain a good conscience: on these accounts, I say, we cannot but feel for our brother and sister in their trial, and remember them in love.\par \par Were it again to occur, that a brother and sister of the little church at Stuttgart should desire to be united in marriage, and have conscientious objection to be married in the State Church, I gave it as my judgment to the brethren, that they should humbly and meekly make known their intentions to the city director, have their banns called in the Church, pay the fees of the clergyman, etc., and afterwards make known to the whole little Church that they took each other in marriage, signify the same to the city director, and not go to the State Church. If after this they should not be suffered to live together, then to emigrate.\par \par III. After I had been between two and three months at Stuttgart, and the brethren had been instructed in some measure, both at the public meetings and at the Scripture Reading Meetings, about many important truths, I at last began decidedly to go forward at our private meetings, after much prayer, to the exposing of the fearful errors, which they almost all held, in thinking that at last all men would be saved, and even the devils themselves. We had not, however, had more than two or three meetings on this subject, when Dr. R. was shot; and as this occasioned his absence for some time, I thought it better not to go on with the subject; and when he was sufficiently restored, it was wished that we should consider all the passages connected with the Lord\rquote s supper. As on this point also the brethren needed instruction, I readily yielded the point, judging that I had to show them, by being willing to wait, that I sought not my own gratification, in considering their views about universal salvation. Thus five or six meetings were spent in considering all the portions of the Holy Scriptures which speak about the Lord\rquote s Supper. But now, this having been finished, I proposed that we should resume considering the Scriptures, with reference to universal salvation, and I found that they had been led into this error, because 1, They did not see the difference between the earthly calling of the Jews, and the heavenly calling of the believers in the Lord Jesus in the present dispensation, and therefore they said, that, because the words "everlasting," etc., are applied to "the possession of the land of Canaan," and the "priesthood of Aaron," that therefore the punishment of the wicked cannot be without end, seeing that the possession of Canaan and the priesthood of Aaron are not without end. My endeavour, therefore, was, to show the brethren the difference between the earthly calling of Israel and our heavenly one, and to prove from Scripture, that whenever, the word "everlasting" is used with reference to things purely not of the earth, but beyond time, it denotes a period without end. 2, They had laid exceeding great stress upon a few passages where, in Luther\rquote s translation of the German Bible, the word hell occurs, and where it ought to have been translated either "hades" in some passages, or "grave" in others, and where they saw a deliverance out of hell, and a being brought up out of hell, instead of "out of the grave." 3, They had taken passages out of their connexion.\emdash The mode which I now pursued was, to refer to all the very many passages which they had written down, and to expound them according to the connexion in which they stood, seeking to show the brethren this connexion. In addition to this, I requested them to allow me to speak on those passages without being interrupted, in order that, being able pretty fully to enter upon this subject, there might be free opportunity given to the Holy Ghost to work conviction in their hearts; and, as they were greatly in favour of universal salvation, they might thus be kept from controversy, to which they would have been inclined, without having heard what I had to say from the Word of God against universal salvation; for I had previously given them full opportunity to bring out their own views. After having thus proceeded for several evenings in our private meetings, I saw that the greater part were fully convinced about the errors they had held, and the others had no desire to contradict, though they had perhaps not grace enough to say plainly that they had been in error. Nor did I in the least enforce that any acknowledgment should be made to me. These meetings took place during the last three weeks of my stay at Stuttgart. Thus, by having received grace from the Lord to deal patiently with the brethren, and to wait upon God even for the right time to attack these errors, I was helped to conquer in this thing also.\par \par IV. I add also a few words more with reference to my Narrative, which I published at Stuttgart. When I had proceeded a considerable way in preparing it for the press, I found especial help from God, in being directed through a kind brother, whom I had known eight years before at Stuttgart, to a paper manufacturer, from whom I could buy the paper for 4,000 copies on advantageous terms, and also to a very honourable and promise-keeping printer. The printer engaged to print two sheets a week and kept his word to the end, so that as long as six weeks before my departure, I was able to say that, if the Lord would, I should depart on the 26th of February, and on that very day I was able to depart. Important as it was, for many reasons, that I should return to my service in Bristol when I did, I cannot but see the hand of God in directing me to so honourable a person as the printer was, in whom also, I trust, is somewhat of the fear of God.\emdash It has been often mentioned to me in various places, that brethren in business do not sufficiently attend to the keeping of promises, and I cannot therefore but entreat all who love our Lord Jesus, and who are engaged in a trade or business, to seek for His sake not to make any promises, except they have every reason to believe they shall be able to fulfil them, and therefore carefully to weigh all the circumstances, before making any engagement, lest they should fail in its accomplishment. It is even in these little ordinary affairs of life that we may either bring much honour or dishonour to the Lord; and these are the things which every unbeliever can take notice of. Why should it be so often said, and sometimes with a measure of ground, or even much ground: "Believers are bad servants, bad tradesmen, bad masters?" Surely it ought not to be true that we, who have power with God to obtain by prayer and faith all needful grace, wisdom and shill, should be bad servants, bad tradesmen, bad masters.\par \par When now the Narrative was nearly printed, I had to look out for a bookseller who would undertake the sale of the book on commission. My reason for this was, not the money which might thus be obtained, for truly glad should I have been to have given away all the 4,000 copies at once, had I known of suitable opportunities; but in order that by means of the book-trade the Narrative might be circulated even a thousand miles off or more, where I had no opportunity of reaching. Here now it was again that I met with difficulty, as I had done step by step in the other parts of my service in Germany. Three booksellers refused to undertake the sale of the book. The objection evidently was, that I did not belong to the State Church, and one of them plainly told me so. But by the help of God I was not discouraged. I knew the Lord had sent me to Germany: I knew also that it was His will that I should publish an account of His dealings with me in the German language; for He had so unexpectedly laid this matter upon my heart; He had so remarkably provided the means for it, without my asking any one but Himself for them; He had given me such especial help in preparing the book for the press; He had given me such an abundance of prayer about this part of my service, both many weeks before I left England, and day by day all the months that I had been in Germany. For these reasons it was that I had the fullest assurance that this difficulty also would be overcome. I therefore now began to give myself to prayer with my dear wife concerning this very matter. Day by day we waited upon the Lord for about four weeks, and then I applied to another bookseller, who without any hesitation undertook the sale of the book on commission, so that I retained 2,000 copies for gratuitous distribution, and 2,000 he was to have.\par \par Dear reader, there is no difficulty which may not be overcome. Let us but use the power which we have with God as his children by prayer and faith, and abundant blessings may be drawn down from Him.\par \par V. On my departure from Stuttgart, the number of the brethren who met for the breaking of bread was twenty-five. On the very last Lord\rquote s day I had the joy of seeing the third elder of the Baptist Church, who had at first thought me so much in error, come among us, and unite with us in the breaking of bread, having for some time had his mind more and more opened to the truth. The day before I departed, not only the brethren and sisters among whom I had laboured took leave of me with many tears, but also nineteen brethren and sisters of the close Baptist Church came to my lodgings, and affectionately bade me farewell, and many with tears. The Lord indeed, in His rich mercy, had so far answered my prayer concerning this my service, that I left a testimony behind in their consciences.\par \par On Feb. 26, 1844, my dear wife and I departed from Stuttgart, and on March 6th, we reached Bristol. Exceedingly as we had longed to return to Bristol, as soon as we could see it to be the Lord\rquote s will; yet so greatly had our hearts been knit to the dear saints whom we left behind, that it was a sad pleasure to depart, and our only comfort was, that we left them in the hands of the good Shepherd.\par \par \par \par I resume now the account about the Orphan-Houses, and other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.\par \par During all the time of my absence from Bristol, the Lord bountifully supplied our need. For though the money, which I was able to leave behind on my departure, would not have supplied the Orphan-Houses with more than about one-half of what was needed, yet the Lord helped so seasonably, and sent in so many donations, that there was not once, during all this time, the least difficulty with reference to means. There came in for the Orphans, between Aug. 9, 1843, and Mach 6, 1844, about 450l., besides very many articles of clothing, pro visions, books, trinkets, old silver, etc.\par \par On Aug. 11th, 1843, A. B. sent 50l., which, being left to my disposal, was put to the School\emdash Bible\emdash Missionary and Tract Fund. I received information about this donation on the evening of Aug. 22nd, during the first hour after my arrival at Stuttgart. It was a precious earnest, that the Lord would also be mindful of the need of the Institution during my absence from England. Indeed, it cannot be described, how sweet to me just then, under the circumstances in which I found myself, in an especial trial of faith to which the Lord called me in that very hour, as before stated, was this fresh proof of the Lord\rquote s watchful care over His work in my hands.\par \par Nov. 21, 1843. At a time when all means were exhausted, and when for many reasons large supplies were needed for the School\emdash Bible\emdash Missionary and Tract Fund, whilst I was daily waiting upon the Lord with my dear wife in Germany, bringing the work in Bristol before Him, and beseeching Him also to give us pecuniary means for it, that His enemies might have no cause for triumphing, was sent to me a letter from Bristol, containing another from the East Indies, in which the writer gave me an order for 100l. for the work of the Lord in my hands, giving me at the same time full liberty to use the money as most needed.\par \par A few days after A. B. sent another 50l. for the work of the Lord in my hands. By these two donations, both of which I put entirely to the funds for these objects, we were not only helped to meet all present demands, but were richly supplied.\emdash Thus, at so great a distance from the work, we were yet able by our prayers effectually to serve the Institution!\emdash Truly, it is precious in this way to hang upon God! It brings its abundant reward with it! Every donation, thus received, so manifestly comes out of the hands of the Lord Himself.\par \par Dear Reader, just look once more upon this circumstance! Hundreds of miles we were from Bristol, and by our bowing our knees before our Heavenly Father at Stuttgart, we not only could bring down spiritual blessings upon the work in Bristol, but also temporal means. Thus, simply by prayer, we obtained whilst in Germany, for the work of God in Bristol, within about one week, nearly 200l.; for there came in some other donations for the Orphans also.\par \par On Jan. 6, 1844, there came in 50l. from one who is VERY FAR PROM BEING RICH, of which 10l. was given for the School Fund, and 40l. for the Orphans. The donor is satisfied with food and raiment, labouring cheerfully, and wishing rather to spend than to keep, or lay up treasure on earth.\par \par March 25, 1844. After a comparatively great abundance with regard to the Orphans, for a whole year and seventeen days, during which time we were not once in difficulty as to means, which had not been the case for nearly five years previous to the commencement of this period, we are now again quite poor, there being NOTHING AT ALL left in my hands, after I have paid out this day more than 50l. for rent and salaries. But through the grace of God I am able to trust as heretofore in the Lord, and therefore my heart is in peace.\emdash Evening. I received this afternoon 11s. 2 1/2d., 2s. 7d., by sale of articles came in 1l.19s. 9d., by sale of Reports 3s.,and by a donation 2s. 2d.\par \par March 26. This morning my wife and I besought the Lord unitedly for means, and received almost immediately afterwards 5l. from Birmingham, in answer to our prayer.\par \par March 27. I received 8s., and there was anonymously put into the box at Bethesda 2s. 6d. This morning at half-past nine a sister came to me, and brought me a sovereign for the Orphans, saying: "Whilst I was lying this morning at six o\rquote clock on my bed, I thought, here I am so comfortable, and perhaps the Orphans may be in need, and I resolved to bring you this." The donation came most seasonably and as the fruit of our prayer.\emdash I received also 1l., the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote bags.\par \par March 30. Saturday. There is 6l. 19s. 9d. in hands This will be at least enough till Monday morning.\emdash There came in this morning 1l. 1s. by a donation, before the money was sent off to the Orphan-Houses, so that I had 8l. 0s. 9d. to send, which will be enough, I suppose, till Tuesday morning.\par \par April 1. There came in since the day before yesterday 1l., which was anonymously put into the box at Salem Chapel, 15s. was given by a young sister as the produce of some work which she had done for the benefit of the Orphans, and I 6s. came in by sale of articles. Having had this 2l. 11s. coming in I was able to meet extraordinary expenses which came upon me today, not having expected that anything beyond the ordinary housekeeping money would have been needed.\par \par April 2. The need of today was 3l. 0s. 6d. Yesterday I had paid away all the money in hand, but in the afternoon came in by sale of articles 2l. 17s. 5d., by the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 5s. 6d., and by needle-work of the Orphans 4s. 3 1/2d.: so that we were able to meet the demands of today.\par \par April 3. Today 1l. 14s. was required. I opened the boxes in my house, in which I found 3s. 1 1/2d. Thus I had 8s. 10d. with what was left yesterday, and the remainder, being 1l. 5s. 2d., one of the labourers was able to give of his own.\par \par April 4. Last evening was given to me 11s, and 10s.; and this morning 5s. came in. Thus we have 1l. 6s., and the need of today is 1l. 7s. One of the labourers was able to add the 1s.\par \par April 5. Yesterday came in by sale of articles 3l., and this morning I received from Clapham 1l. 10s., and through a believer in Bristol 2l. 6s. This afternoon came in still further from a brother in Bath 5l. We have therefore received altogether this day 11l. 14s. from the bountiful hand of our Heavenly Father.\par \par April 6. One of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave me still further today 5l., and from Kensington I received 1l. 6s. We are thus again provided for the probable expenses of two or three days.\par \par April 7. Today a sister gave me 2l. for the express purpose of providing a little treat for the dear Orphans, and 15s. 6d. came in besides.\par \par April 8. It has often occurred in our experience, that after we have had to pass for some time through a season of comparative poverty, in which day by day we have had to wait upon the Lord, our Father alters His way of dealing with us, and opens His bountiful hand, by supplying us for several or many days at once. Thus it is now. During the last three days we received more than was required for each of those days, and it was still more abundantly so today; for this afternoon a person, residing at Keynsham, gave me 1l., and this evening a brother gave me 50l. When I received this 50l., we were not in absolute need, but had enough for two or three days; yet I see the kindness of the Lord in sending this donation, as I had been repeatedly of late praying for means, and as we are thus enabled to do things which are not absolutely needful just now, though desirable, and as we have thus the continued proof of his willingness to send means.\par \par April 14. From the end of Nov. 1843, till about the middle of March, 1844, there was always as much in hand as was needed for the School\emdash Bible\emdash and Tract Fund; for besides the help, which we received through the two donations of 50l. and 100l., a number of smaller donations came in after. But now for some weeks past all means were again gone, and on the last three Saturdays all the usual remuneration could not be given to all the teachers in the Day-Schools. In addition to this, the greater part of the common sort of Bibles and Testaments, for circulation among the poor and for Schools was gone. I had also often prayed for means to assist Missionary brethren. Under these circumstances I received this morning from A. B., who has been already repeatedly referred to, as having been used by the Lord to help us in our need, the sum of 50l.\par \par May 4. Besides the 50l. which was given on April 8th, for the Orphans, and the money we had in hand before the 50l. was given, there has come in since then 36l. 2s. 8d.; but today, Saturday, we have again only 5l. 6s. 6 1/2d. left, which, however, is enough for today, and a few shillings will be left for the beginning of next week.\par \par May 6. On Saturday came in by sale of articles 1l. 11s., and by a donation 10s., and yesterday was put anonymously into the Chapel boxes 2s. 6d. So we have more than enough for the expenses of today.\par \par May 8. By the produce of some little boxes, made by a sister, there came in 5s. 6d., by a donation. 2s. 6d., by the contents of an Orphan-box from Crediton. 6s. 10d., and by sale of articles 10s. By these small donations all that is needed for today is met. The brother, who sent me the 6s. 10d, from Crediton, wrote, that he did not like to wait till this little sum had increased, before he sent it, as it might be just now needed; and thus it was.\par \par May 9. The Lord has again helped for today and tomorrow. Last evening I received through a brother 5s., and this morning the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, in which 5l. 3s. 1 1/2d. was found; some one also bought a Report and gave 1s. for it.\par \par May 13. On the 10th there came in 2l. 1s. 9d., on the 11th 10l. 10s. 4d., on the 12th 5l. was sent from Barnstaple by three sisters, and 3l. 6s. came in besides. By I the income of these three days I was not only able to meet their own demands, but I had enough for today, though I required no less than 13l. 15s.\par \par May 15. Yesterday there was only 1l. 5s. left, not nearly enough for what was required today. When I came home last evening, having spent a part of the afternoon at the Infant-Orphan-House, where I found that several articles were needed, I heard that a gentleman had called and wished to be shown into my room, where he had written a paper, which he had put with some money into the Orphan-box. On opening it I found the paper to contain four sovereigns. Thus we are helped for the present.\par \par May 16. Only 5s. came in, through the boxes at my house.\par \par May 17. Yesterday I paid out all TO THE LAST PENNY I had in hand. When now there was nothing left, 2l. came in by the sale of some books, and 1l. 0s. 6d. by two donations, whereby I was able to meet this day\rquote s need.\par \par May 18. This morning 1l. 17s. 10d. came in. We have thus, with the little which was left yesterday, 2l. 15s. 11d. for this day, Saturday but I know not whether that will be enough.\emdash Evening. This evening at six o\rquote clock one of my sisters-in-law returned from Plymouth, where she had been staying for a little while, and brought from a sister in the Lord 2l., from another sister 1l. 15s., and also a parcel from some sisters in the Lord in the neighbourhood of Kingsbridge, containing l4s., and the following articles: a pair of shoes, 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of cuffs, a pair of mittens, 3 little mats, a pincushion cover, a comb, 3 books, 4 clasps, 2 brooches, a gold pin, a chain, a vinaigrette, a Turk\rquote s head cushion, and 10 yards of calico. Also a parcel from Plymouth, containing 2 veils and a scarf. Also from another sister, 2 netted handkerchiefs.\par \par \emdash The money I took at once to the Orphan Houses, where I found, that, to meet the present expenses, 3l. 10s. more was required than what I had been able to send in the morning, as altogether about 6l. 5s. was needed for this day. How kind, therefore, of the Lord, to send this money so opportunely, though only towards the evening of the day! Thus we had enough, and a little left towards the need of Monday.\par \par May 20. Monday. Yesterday came in 4s. 3d., and today 8s. 5d. As this, together with what had been left in hand, was not quite enough, one of the labourers added 6s. 6d. of his own. Thus we had 1l. 18s. 2d. for the need of today.\par \par May 23. We are still supplied by the day. We had received from the Lord during the last days also what we required, but we were poor, having nothing at all in hand. Under these circumstances with reference to means for the Orphans, and in as great need for the other objects of the Institution, two persons, professed believers, called on me today, who were going from house to house in the street where I live, to ask money for a chapel debt. I remonstrated with them, and sought to show them how the name of the Lord was dishonoured by them, in calling upon the enemies of the Lord for pecuniary assistance towards, what they considered, the work of the Lord. I sought to show them, that if their work were of God, He would, in answer to their prayers, send them help: and if not, ought they not to give up, what was not His work, and not force the matter by calling promiscuously from house to house upon believers and unbelievers. Their reply was: "The gold and silver are the Lord\rquote s, and therefore we call upon the unconverted for help for His work." My reply was: "Because the gold and silver are the Lord\rquote s, therefore we, His children, need not go to His enemies for the support of His work." Now, at that very moment, while I was thus speaking for the Lord, having then nothing at all in hand for the Orphans or the other objects, the postman brought a small brown paper parcel and a letter. My conversation seemed, for the time at least, fruitless; for those two individuals, having left, went as before from house to house; but when I came back to my room, I found the blessedness of the scriptural way; for that parcel, which the postman had brought, while I was conversing, came from Ireland, and contained two post-office orders for 5l. each, and a worked stool cover; the letter which had been brought, and which was from Seaton, contained 1l. for the Orphans; and 1l. 1s. 5d. had been sent, having been taken out of the boxes in the Orphan Houses : so that altogether, whilst those two persons were with me, 12l. 1s. 5d. had come in. Half of the 10l. I put to the Orphan-Fund, and half to the other funds, there being nothing in hand to supply the teachers in the Day-Schools during this week.\par \par May 24. Today a box with many articles arrived from the neighbourhood of Droitwich, and 1l. 8s. 9d, was received by the sale of articles.\par \par May 25, 6s. 6d. came in.\par \par May 27. Monday. On Saturday, after having supplied the need of that day, which was 5l. 15s., and now again little being left in my hands, a brother from Cork brought me a parcel which contained 6 pairs of children\rquote s shoes, a pair of little boots, a pair of list slippers (all new), 2 books, 2 pincushions, a knitted watch pocket, and 102 thimbles. The same brother gave also 10s. 6d. and a book. In the evening a brother gave me 1l.\emdash Yesterday was put into the chapel boxes 10s. with Eccles. ix. 10, and 2s. 6d. besides. By these donations, with what was left on Saturday, I am able to meet the demands of this day, being 2l. 17s.\par \par May 31. By the produce of the sale of stockings, knitted by the Orphan-Boys, by some help which one of the labourers was able to give, by a donation, etc., we were supplied during the last three days. Now this morning, when again in much need, I received a note, which contained 5l. with Eccles. ix. 10. By means of this 5l. I was able to meet the expenses of today, which are 2l. 8s. 3d.\par \par June 1. Yesterday there came in still further 2l.18s. 11d. by sale of articles, and today by needlework, done by the Orphans, 1l. 13s. 9d. Thus I am able (including what remained of the 5l.) to supply the need of this day, which is 5l. 10s.\emdash Still further came in 5s.\par \par June 3. Monday. Yesterday came in l6s. l 1/2d. This, with what was in hand from Saturday, met the demands of today.\par \par June 4. This morning came in 3l. 2s. 4d. by the sale of a few trinkets and of some pieces of old silver. This was enough for this day\rquote s need, and left something over, as only 1l. 16s. was required. This afternoon arrived a parcel from Westmoreland, containing 24 chemises, 2 shirts, 2 petticoats, a pinafore, 5 night caps, 7 pairs of stockings (all new), and 38 1/2 yards of print. Thus we are encouraged day after day, though for many days we have now been again very poor.\par \par June 5. Last evening a brother gave me a dozen of modern silver tea-spoons, which, being this morning readily disposed of at a good price, supplied our need for today.\par \par For several days I have now had day by day especial prayer with some of my fellow-labourers about the work, and particularly for pecuniary supplies; and surely we do not wait in vain upon the Lord. Before this day is over we have had another proof of it. This afternoon a parcel was brought by a brother from London, containing a silver cream jug, a pair of gilt earrings, a gold ring, 2 bracelets, and a muffineer. The same donor sent also a sovereign. The bearer brought also another donation of 2s. 6d. A lady also called this afternoon at the Infant-Orphan-House, to see the Institution, and gave 5s.\par \par June 8. On the 6th came in 16s. 6d. and 3s. 6d.; and yesterday was received, by the sale of the silver cream jug and a few other little articles 4l. 0s. 9d., by the sale of stockings 5s., and by a donation 10s. Thus we had enough for today, though the need was 4l. 19s. 8d., as 4l. 15s. 9d. had come in yesterday, and a few shillings had been left before.\par \par June 10. Monday. Though on Saturday all our necessities were comfortably supplied, yet I had then NOT ONE PENNY left. Our Heavenly Father, however, having given us grace to trust in Him, and not to be anxiously concerned about Monday, gave us, even late on Saturday evening, a proof of his loving tender care over us. The labourers met, as usual, on Saturday evening for prayer, and we continued in prayer from a little after seven till about nine o\rquote clock. After we had separated, a sister, who had been waiting at the Infant-Orphan-House, till our prayer was over, gave 4s., saying that she had intended to give it to me on the Lord\rquote s-day morning, but had felt herself stirred up to bring it that evening.\emdash Nothing came in yesterday. I met this morning with some of the labourers again for prayer, as I have now been doing daily for about a fortnight, and we again asked the Lord for help, with regard to the writing of the Report, that He would let His blessing rest upon it, bless the intended public meetings, when the account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with us will be given, convert the children, give the needful grace and wisdom to us who are engaged in the work, give us means for the Day-Schools, means for ordering a quantity of oatmeal from Scotland, for colouring down the Orphan-houses, for the supply of the present need, etc. There was only the 4s. in hand for the need of today, which I had reason to believe would be about 2l. Now see the Lord\rquote s help I just now, at eleven o\rquote clock, when the letter bag is brought for the money for today\rquote s need, I receive in it 2l. 7s. 3d., which had been taken by brother R. B. out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, and half-a-sovereign, which had been sent by a brother in Suffolk. Thus we have 3l. 1s. 3d., whilst only 1l. 15s. is needed today. In the course of reading the Holy Scriptures in my family this morning, came the word : "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matth. vii. 7.) I pleaded this word especially with the Lord, while I was again praying, after the family prayer was over, with some of the labourers; and surely He has proved afresh that he acts according to His word.\par \par \emdash Evening. The Lord sent still further help today. This afternoon a person called at the Infant-Orphan-House, and gave 7s., and two ladies met the teacher of the Infant- Orphan-House in the street, and gave her a paper, directed to me, which contained 10s. 2s. was also given by a person at Clifton.\par \par June 12. By what had come in on the 10th we were supplied yesterday and also today, and I had three pence left, after I had sent off to the matrons of the four houses what they needed. I then gave myself to prayer with some of the labourers for the supplies of the present need, mentioning again before the Lord all the many things for which we need His help. About one hour after, I received 10s. for the Orphans from a brother of Guernsey, who has been staying a few days in Bristol.\par \par June 13. Last evening came in still further, by the sale of articles, 2s. 3d.; and 6s. 4d. by the sale of some musk plants, which two sisters in the Lord rear and sell for the benefit of the Orphans; and this morning I received 7s. 11d., being six donations. Likewise two small silver coins were given me, and 1l. 15s. 3d. I received by the sale of articles.\par \par June 14. There came in still further last evening 5s., and this morning by the boxes in the Orphan-houses 18s. 9d. This evening 1l. 10s. was sent with an Orphan, from Carne in Suffolk,\par \par June 18. As only 13s. had come in on the 16th and 17th, we were now extremely poor; but the Lord looked upon our necessity, for 5l. was sent by a Christian lady at Scarborough, and a person from Manchester gave 1l.\par \par June 22. Saturday evening. Only 1s. came in the day before yesterday, and 2s. 6d. was taken this morning out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses.\emdash This has been one of those weeks, in which I have prayed particularly much for means, and in which the Lord seemed little to regard my requests. But my soul, through grace, has been in perfect peace, being fully assured, that He in His own good time will again send larger supplies. In every way we are now very poor, and it seems desirable that we should have large sums to meet the present circumstances. After much prayer the Lord has closed the week with fresh proofs of His loving tender care over the work, which has been a great refreshment to my spirit. There came in this evening, between eight and nine o\rquote clock, by  sale of stockings 9s., by sale of other articles 1l. 8s. 7d., by a donation from an Irish sister 5s., and a physician in Bristol kindly sent me 2l., and his little children 4s.\emdash How can my soul sufficiently praise the Lord for His tender mercies and His readiness to bear the prayers of His servant! All these fresh deliverances in the hour of great need show most clearly, that it is only for the trial of our faith, for our profit, for the profit of others who may hear of it, and for the glory of the Lord, that He sometimes seems not to regard our petitions.\par \par June 24, Monday. Yesterday came in by donations 14s. 8d., anonymously was put into the Chapel boxes 1s., add 3s. was given to ore as the produce of the sale of musk plants. Today two Orphans were brought from Bath; for though we are so poor, the work goes forward, and children are received as long as there is room. The person who brought them put two sovereigns into the boxes at the Orphan-Houses. Thus we have again, with what came in o n Saturday evening, more than is needed for today and tomorrow.\par \par June 25. Today I received from Scotland 10l., to be used as most needed, of which I took one-half for the Orphans, and the other half for the other objects. Thus, in our great need, the Lord supplies us from day to day, and hears our prayers, which we daily bring to Him, though there have not yet come in larger sums for oatmeal, salary of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses, colouring down the four houses, etc.; but the Lord in His own time will send means for these expenses also.\par \par June 29. Day after day our great poverty continues; yet day after day the Lord helps us. This evening was received from the neighbourhood of Bideford 7s. 6d., a chess board, and a gold pin. There came in also by the sale of articles 1l. 8s. 3d., and by Reports 1s.\par \par June 30. This evening I received 10l. between nine and ten o\rquote clock, at a time of the greatest poverty. A little boy likewise gave me 6d. this evening, and from a sist er I received this morning 10s.\par \par July 3. On the 1st came in 2s., and today, by the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, 2s. 10d., by sale of articles 1s. 9d., and from Suffolk was sent a donation of 2l. 10s.\par \par July 7. It is now about six weeks since I have been daily entreating the Lord, both alone and with some of my fellow labourers, that He would be pleased to send us the supplies which we required, both to meet the ordinary and extraordinary expenses. Of late we have been also especially asking the Lord, that He would be pleased to send a rich supply before the public meetings, (which will commence, if the Lord will, on the 15th) in order that it may be seen that without public meetings, and without publishing fresh Reports, we are yet able, by faith and prayer, to draw down help from the living God. As to ourselves, through grace we should be able to lean upon the Lord, and expect help from Him, though not another Report were written, nor another public meeting held, at which the account ab out His dealings with us is given. We have given proof of this, in that when the year was up on May 10, 1843, no Report was published, and no meetings on the subject were held; and also when the second year had passed away, I still did not publish another account, because a weakness in one of my eyes seemed to point it out that the Lord\rquote s time had not yet come, although by forcing the matter I might even then have written the Report. But whilst I do not write the Reports for the sake of obtaining money, nor give the account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with us at the public meetings for the sake of influencing persons to help us with their means, nor do so for the sake of exposing our poverty; yet some persons might think so. Our prayer, therefore, had been particularly, that the Lord not only would be pleased to give us what we required day by day, but that He would also send in again largely, in order to show that He was willing to hear our prayers, and influence the minds of His children who ha ve the means, to contribute considerably, though it was now more than two years since the last Report was published. Not that we were anxiously concerned even about this : for in the whole work we desire to stand with God, and not to depend upon the favourable or unfavourable judgment of the multitude; yet our souls longed, in pity to those who might seek an occasion, that even the shadow of ground might be cut off for persons to say:\par \par "They cannot get any more money, and therefore they now publish another Report." My soul, therefore, had assurance that the Lord not only would supply our need up to the time when the accounts were closed and the public meetings would be held; but also that He would send in means more largely than He had done for some time past. And thus it was. When on Saturday evening, July 6th, more money was needed than there was in hand, I received about eight o\rquote clock a post-office order for 2l. from Jersey, of which half is for the Orphans and half for the other objects. There came in also at the same time 4s. 9d. by sale of articles. I received likewise at the same time a small paper box by post, containing four mourning rings (of fine stamped gold), 8 other gold rings, a gold seal, a gold locket, a pearl necklace, 2 brooches, a gold watch key, and a few other little things. This was a valuable donation, but doubly so under our circumstances. And now today A. B. sent 50l., of which I took one half for the Orphans, and the other half for the other funds. Besides the reasons just referred to, why this donation is so seasonable, I would only mention one more: The brother who kindly procures the oatmeal for us in Scotland, had written to say, that he had just now some which was very good, if we liked to have it. We could not say we needed none, for by the time it could be sent our meal would be gone: nothing therefore remained but to continue waiting on the Lord for means. And now, when we needed to send an answer, this 50l. came, so that we were able to order a ton of oatmeal.\emdash 1s. besides came in this day.\par \par July 14. This is the last day before the accounts are closed, and this day also the Lord has sent in liberally. Being thus helped day by day up to the last moment of this period, we go on cheerfully to the next, leaning upon the Lord.\par \par It is scarcely needful to state at the close of these details, with reference to the last two years and nine weeks, that, notwithstanding our having been often poor, and very poor, yet the children in the Orphan-Houses have always had the needful articles of clothing and nourishing food; indeed this is sufficiently proved by the healthy countenances of the children. Should any one question, that the children are provided with what they need, he may at any time have the proof of it, by seeing the children at their meals, inspecting their clothes, &c. But those who know what it is to walk in the fear of God, know also, that God would not help us, in answer to our prayers, if we hypocritically stated that the children were well provided with wholesome food, etc., and yet it were not true. Rather than keep the Orphans, whilst we were unable to provide for them, we would send them at once back to their relations.\par \par On July 14, 1844, it was two years and nine weeks since the last public account about the Scriptural Knowledge Institution was given. In that last Report it was stated, that we desired to leave it to the Lord\rquote s direction, as to the time when another should be published. When the year was expired, I saw no particular reason to lead me to think that I ought to serve the Church of Christ by publishing a fresh Narrative about the Orphan-Houses and the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, neither did I see a leading of the Lord towards this service; and soon after, it pleased the Lord to call me to labour in Germany. Having returned in March 1844, it appeared to me desirable now to publish, at the close of the second year, which would be up on May 10, 1844, a fresh account: partly, because of the 5000 Reports, which had been printed, only a few copies were remaining; partly, because many believers expressed a great desire for some further account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with us in the work; partly, because there was now an abundance of profitable matter ready to be communicated; and most of all, because I was longing to show by a public audited account, that the considerable sums, with which I had been entrusted, had been appropriated according to the intention of the donors. But much as I desired, for the above reasons, to have written the Report then, the weakness in one of my eyes already mentioned prevented my doing so, till at last, my eye being better, I was enabled to do so.\par \par I now add a few particulars with reference to the operations of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, for Home and Abroad, from May 10, 1842, to July 14, 1844. During this period also six Day-Schools for poor children were supported by the funds of this Institution. Besides this, the rent for the school-room of a seventh school, was paid during a great part of this period, and also occasional other assistance was given to this and two other schools. \emdash The number of all the children that had schooling in the Day-Schools, through the medium of the Institution, from March 5, 1834, to July 14, 1844, amounts to 3319. The number of those in the six Day-Schools on July 14, 1844, was 338.\par \par During this period likewise, one Sunday-School was supported by the funds of the Institution.\par \par The number of adults that were instructed from Jan. 1841, to July 14, 1844, in the two adult schools of the Institution, amounts to 734 persons. The average attendance during the winter was from 50 to 70 persons, and in the summer from 20 to 40. The number on the list of adult scholars was on July 14, 1844, eighty persons. Books, writing materials, and instruction, are given entirely gratis to the adult scholars.\par \par The number of Bibles and Testaments which were circulated from May 10, 1842, to July 14, 1844, is as follows: \emdash 237 Bibles were sold, and 284 Bibles were given away. 146 New Testaments were sold, and 162 New Testaments were given away.\emdash From March 5, 1834, to July, 14, 1844, there were circulated 4,828 Bibles, and 3,357 New Testaments.\par \par From May 10, 1842, to July 14, 1844, was laid out for missionary objects the sum of 234l. 8s. 6d., whereby assistance was rendered to the work of God in Jamaica, in Demerara, in Upper Canada, in the East Indies, in the Mauritius, and in Switzerland.\par \par From May 10, 1842, to July 14, 1844, was laid out for the circulation of tracts the sum of 43l. 9s. 1 1/4d. During this period were circulated 39,473 tracts, and altogether were circulated, from Nov. 19, 1840, to July 14, 1844, 59,082 tracts.\par \par From May 10, 1842, to July 14, 1844, there were received into the four Orphan-Houses, 39 Orphans, who, together with those who were in the houses on May 10, 1842, made up 125 in all. Of these: 1, One girl left the Institution against our will. Her aunt repeatedly applied to me to have her niece, who, having been more than eight years under our care, was now of use to her. I remonstrated with the aunt, and sought to show her the importance of leaving her niece with us for another twelvemonth, when she would be fit to be sent out to service; but all in vain. At last, knowing how exceedingly injurious her house would be for her niece, I told the aunt that I could not conscientiously dismiss the girl to go to her house; but the aunt\rquote s influence induced the orphan to leave. May God, in tender mercy, visit the soul of this poor wanderer! Such cases are trying, very trying, but even concerning them faith contains a precious antidote. 2, Two of the children were removed by their friends, who by that time were able to provide for them. 3, One girl, who was received when grown up, we were obliged, after a long season of trial, to send back to her relations, in mercy to the other children. 4, Three girls were sent out to service, all three as believers. 5, Three Orphans died, one as an infant, and two in the faith. One had been more than two years in church fellowship, and had walked consistently. 6, Four boys were apprenticed, two of whom had been several years in church fellowship, before their apprenticeship.\par \par There were on July 14, 1844, one hundred and twenty-one Orphans in the four houses. The number of the Orphans who were under our care from April 1836, to July 14, 1844, amounts to 183.\par \par I notice further the following points in connexion with the Orphan-Houses.\par \par 1. Without any one having been personally applied to for any thing by me, the sum of 7748l. 16s. 4 3/4d. was given to me as the result of prayer to God, from Dec. 1835, to July, 14, 1844. 2. Besides this, also, many articles of clothing, furniture, provisions, etc., were given. 3. During these two years and two months we had very little sickness, comparatively in the four houses, though there was so much fever in Bristol. I mention this to the praise of the Lord, who mercifully preserved us.\par \par The total of the income for the Orphan-Houses, from May 10, 1842, to July 14, 1844, was 2489l. 0s. 7 1/4d., leaving a balance of 1l. 11s. 11 3/4d. in hand on July 14, 1844.\par \par \emdash The total of the income for the other objects from May 10, 1842, to July 14, 1844, was 1164l. 18s. 4 1/4d., leaving a balance of 20l. 12s. 7d. in hand on July 14,1844.\par \par I cannot omit mentioning that between. May 10, 1842, and July 14, 1844, there was admitted to communion one of the Sunday-School children, and one of the Day-School children. Likewise 6 more of the Orphans were received into church fellowship, so that up to July 14, 1844, altogether 29 of the Orphans had been admitted. In addition to this, between May 10, 1842, and July 14, 1844, one Orphan, before being received, died in the faith, and another, though but nine years of age, would have been received, had she not been just then removed by her relatives, who took her with them to America. But whilst we desire to receive these instances as precious encouragements from the Lord to continue our service, we cannot but believe, judging from the many prayers the Lord gives us for the dear children and adults under our care and instruction, that that which we see is but an earnest of a far larger harvest in the day of Christ\rquote s appearing.\emdash The greatest present visible blessing, which is resting upon the work, consists in what the Lord is pleased to do through the Narratives which are written and published respecting it; for a very considerable number, in various parts of the world, have through them either been converted, or, as believers, led on in the knowledge of God.\par \par To avoid misunderstanding, it may be well to insert the following paragraph, which was written by my beloved brother and fellow labourer Henry Craik, and appended to the last Report.\par \par "Hitherto, my name has been appended to the Report along with that of my beloved brother and fellow labourer George Muller; but, as the responsibility and management of the work devolve entirely upon him, it has seemed well to both of us, that, for the future, his signature should appear alone.\emdash It is scarcely needful to add, that this alteration does not arise from any kind of disunion or even difference of judgment between us. I would especially recommend to the people of God, into whose hands this brief Narrative may fall, to read, examine and ponder the instructive facts and principles herein stated and illustrated; and I desire that the non-insertion of my name may not be understood as implying anything like a disapproval of the way in which the Scriptural Knowledge Institution has been conducted from the beginning. As the honour of being the instrument in this great and blessed work belongs to him, and, in no degree, to me, I feel a satisfaction in the omission of my name, lest, otherwise, I should even appear to glory in \lquote another man\rquote s labour.\rquote\par  \par HENRY CRAIK."\par \par \par \par Thus far only, for the present at least, do I think it well to continue the accounts of the Lord\rquote s dealings with me. But I cannot conclude this third part, without adding some hints on a few passages of the word of God, both because I have so very frequently found them little regarded by Christians, and also because I have proved their preciousness, in some measure, in my own experience; and therefore wish that all my fellow saints may share the blessing with me.\par \par 1. In Matthew vi 19\emdash 21, it is written: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."\emdash Observe, dear Reader, the following points concerning this part of the divine testimony: 1, It is the Lord Jesus, our Lord and Master, who speaks this as the lawgiver of His people. He who has infinite wisdom and unfathomable love to us, who therefore both knows what is for our real welfare and happiness, and who cannot exact from us any requirement inconsistent with that love which led Him to lay down His life for us. Remembering, then, who it is who speaks to us in these verses, let us consider them. 2, His counsel, His affectionate entreaty, and His commandment to us His disciples is: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth." The meaning obviously is, that the disciples of the Lord Jesus, being strangers and pilgrims on earth, i.e. neither belonging to the earth nor expecting to remain in it, should not seek to increase their earthly possessions, in whatever these possessions may consist. This is a word for poor believers as well as for rich believers; it has as much a reference to putting shillings into the savings\rquote banks as to putting thousands of pounds into the funds, or purchasing one house, or one farm after another.\emdash It may be said, but does not every prudent and provident person seek to increase his means, that he may have a goodly portion to leave to his children, or to have something for old age, or for the time of sickness, etc.? My reply is, it is quite true that this is the custom of the world. It was thus in the days of our Lord, and Paul refers to this custom of the world when he says, "The children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." 2 Cor. xii. 14. But whilst thus it is in the world, and we have every reason to believe ever will be so among those that are of the world, and who therefore have their portion on earth, we disciples of the Lord Jesus, being born again, being the children of God not nominally, but really, being truly partakers of the divine nature, being in fellowship with the Father and the Son, and having in prospect "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away" (1 Peter i. 4.), ought in every respect to act differently from the world, and so in this particular also. If we disciples of the Lord Jesus seek, like the people of the world, after an increase of our possessions, may not those who are of the world justly question whether we believe what we say, when we speak about our inheritance, our heavenly calling, our being the children of God, etc.? Often it must be a sad stumbling block to the unbeliever to see a professed believer in the Lord Jesus acting in this particular just like himself. Consider this, dear brethren in the Lord, should this remark apply to you.\emdash I have more than once had the following passage quoted to me as a proof that parents ought to lay up money for their children, or husbands for their wives : "But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house (or kindred), he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." 1 Tim. v. 8. It is, however, concerning this verse, only needful, in childlike simplicity to read the connexion from verse 3 to 5, and it will be obvious that the meaning is this, that whilst the poor widows of the church are to be cared for by the church, yet if any such needy believing widow had children or grandchildren (not nephews), these children or grandchildren should provide for the widow, that the church might not be charged; but that, if a believer\rquote s child or grandchild, in such a case did not do so, such a one did not act according to the obligations laid upon him by his holy faith, and was worse than an unbeliever. Not a word, then, is there in this passage to favour the laying up treasures upon earth for our children, or our wives. 3, Our Lord says concerning the earth, that it is a place "where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal." All that is of the earth, and in any way connected with it, is subject to corruption, to change, to dissolution. There is no reality, or substance, in any thing else but in heavenly things. Often the careful amassing of earthly possessions ends in losing them in a moment by fire, by robbery, by a change of mercantile concerns, by loss of work, etc.; but suppose all this were not the case, still, yet a little while, and thy soul shall be required of thee; or, yet a little while, and the Lord Jesus will return; and what profit shalt thou then have, dear reader, if thou hast carefully sought to increase thy earthly possessions? My brother, if there were one particle of real benefit to be derived from it, would not He, whose love to us has been proved to the uttermost, have wished that you and I should have it? If, in the least degree, it could tend to the increase of our peace, or joy in the Holy Ghost, or heavenly-mindedness, He, who laid down His life for us, would have commanded us, to "LAY UP treasure upon earth." 4, Our Lord, however, does not merely bid us, not to lay up treasure upon earth; for if He had said no more, this His commandment might be abused, and persons might find in it an encouragement for their extravagant habits, for their love of pleasure, for their habit of spending every thing they have, or can obtain, upon themselves. It does not mean, then, as is the common phrase, that we should "live up to our income;" for, He adds: "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." There is such a thing as laying up as truly in heaven as there is laying up on earth; if it were not so, our Lord would not have said so. Just as persons put one sum after another into the bank, and it is put down to their credit, and they may use the money afterwards: so truly the penny, the shilling, the pound, the hundred pounds, the ten thousand pounds, given for the Lord\rquote s sake, and constrained by the love of Jesus, to poor brethren, or in any way spent in the work of God, He marks down in the book of remembrance, He considers as laid up in heaven. The money is not lost, it is laid up in the bank of heaven; yet so, that, whilst an earthly bank may break, or through earthly circumstances we may lose our earthly possessions, the money, which is thus s ecured in heaven, cannot be lost. But this is by no means the only difference. I notice a few more points. Treasures laid up on earth bring along with them many cares; treasures laid up in heaven never give care. Treasures laid up on earth never can afford spiritual joy; treasures laid up in heaven bring along with them peace and joy in the Holy Ghost even now. Treasures laid up on earth, in a dying hour cannot afford peace and comfort, and when life is over, they are taken from us; treasures laid up in heaven draw forth thanksgiving, that we were permitted and counted worthy to serve the Lord with the means with which He was pleased to intrust us as stewards; and when this life is over we are not deprived of what was laid up there, but when we go to heaven we go to the place where our treasures are, and we shall find them there. Often we hear it said when a person has died: he died worth so much. But whatever be the phrases common in the world, it is certain that a person may die worth fifty thousand pou!nds sterling, as the world reckons, and yet that individual may not possess, in the sight of God, one thousand pounds sterling, because he was not rich towards God, he did not lay up treasure in heaven. And so on the other hand, we can suppose a man of God falling asleep in Jesus, and his surviving widow finding scarcely enough left behind him to suffice for the funeral, who was nevertheless rich towards God; in the sight of God he may possess five thousand pounds sterling, he may have laid up that sum in heaven. Dear Reader, does your soul long to be rich towards God, to lay up treasures in heaven? The world passes away and the lust thereof ! Yet a little while, and our stewardship will be taken from us. At present we have the opportunity of serving the Lord, with our time, our talents, our bodily strength, our gifts, and also with our property; but shortly this opportunity may cease. Oh ! how shortly may it cease. Before ever this is read by any one, I may have fallen asleep; and the very next day after" you have read this, dear Reader, you may fall asleep, and therefore, whilst we have the opportunity, let us serve the Lord. \emdash I believe, and therefore I speak. My own soul is so fully assured of the wisdom and love of the Lord towards us His disciples as expressed in this word, that by His grace I do most heartily set my seal to the preciousness of the command, and I do from my inmost soul not only desire not to lay up treasures upon earth, but, believing as I do what the Lord says, I do desire to have grace to lay up treasures in heaven. And then, suppose after a little while you should fall asleep, some one may say, your wife and, child will be unprovided for, because you did not make a provision for them. My reply is, the Lord will take care of them. The Lord will abundantly provide for them, as He now abundantly provides for us. 5, The Lord lastly adds: "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Where should the heart of the disciple of the Lord Jesus be, but in heaven? Our ca#lling is a heavenly calling, our inheritance is a heavenly inheritance, and reserved for us in heaven; our citizenship is in heaven; but if we believers in the Lord Jesus lay up treasures on earth, the necessary result of it is, that our hearts will be upon earth; nay, the very fact of our doing so proves that they are there ! Nor will it be otherwise, till there be a ceasing to lay up treasures upon earth. The believer who lays up treasures upon earth may, at first, not live openly in sin; he in a measure may yet bring some honour to the Lord in certain things; but the injurious tendencies of this habit will show themselves more and more, whilst the habit of laying up treasures in heaven would draw the heart more and more heavenward; would be continually strengthening his new, his divine nature, his spiritual faculties, because it would call his spiritual faculties into use, and thus they would be strengthened; and he would more and more, whilst yet in the body, have his heart in heaven, and set upon hea$venly things; and thus the laying up treasures in heaven would bring along with it, even in this life, precious spiritual blessings as a reward of obedience to the commandment of our Lord.\par \par II. The next passage, on which I desire to make a few remarks, is Matthew vi. 33. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." After our Lord, in the previous verses, had been pointing His disciples "to the fowls of the air," and "the lilies of the field," in order that they should be without carefulness about the necessaries of life; He adds: "Therefore take no thought, (literally, be not anxious) saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek;) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Observe here particularly that we, the children of God, should be different from the nations of the earth, from those who have no Father in he%aven, and who therefore make it their great business, their first anxious concern, what they shall eat, and what they shall drink, and wherewithal they shall be clothed. We, the children of God, should, as in every other respect, so in this particular also, be different from the world, and prove to the world that we believe that we have a Father in heaven, who knoweth that we have need of all these things. The fact that our Almighty Father, who is full of infinite love to us His children, (and who has proved to us His love in the gift of His only begotten Son, and His almighty power in raising him from the dead), knows that we have need of these things, should remove all anxiety from our minds. There is, however, one thing that we have to attend to, and which we ought to attend to, with reference to our temporal necessities, it is mentioned in our verse : "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." The great business which the disciple of the Lord Jesus has to be concerned about (for thi&s word was spoken to disciples, to professed believers) is, to seek the kingdom of God, i.e. to seek, as I view it, after the external and internal prosperity of the church of Christ. If, according to our ability, and according to the opportunity which the Lord gives us, we seek to win souls for the Lord Jesus, that appears to me to be seeking the eternal prosperity of the kingdom of God; and if we, as members of the body of Christ, seek to benefit our fellow members in the body, helping them on in grace and truth, or caring for them in any way to their edification, that would be seeking the internal prosperity of the kingdom of God. But in connexion with this we have also "to seek His righteousness," which means, (as it was spoken to disciples, to those who have a Father in heaven, and not to those who were without), to seek to be more and more like God, to seek to be inwardly conformed to the mind of God. \emdash If these two things are attended to, (and they imply also that we are not slothful in busin'ess), then do we come under that precious promise: "And all these things (that is food, raiment, or anything else that is needful for this present life), shall be added unto you." It is not for attending to these two things that we obtain the blessing, but in attending to them.\par \par I now ask you, my dear Reader, a few questions in all love, because I do seek your welfare, and I do not wish to put these questions to you, without putting them first to my own heart. Do you make it your primary business, your first great concern to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Are the things of God, the honour of His name, the welfare of His Church, the conversion of sinners, and the profit of your own soul, your chief aim? Or does your business, or your family, or your own temporal concerns, in some shape or other primarily occupy your attention? If the latter be the case, then, though you may have all the necessaries of life, yet could you be surprised if you had them not? Remember that the world pa(sseth away, but that the things of God endure for ever.\par \par I never knew a child of God who acted according to the above passage, in whose experience the Lord did not fulfil His word of promise "All these things shall be added unto you."\par \par III. The third portion of the divine testimony, on which I desire to throw out a few hints, is in I John i. 3. "And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." Observe!, The words " fellowship," "communion," "coparticipation," and "partnership," mean the same. 2, The believer in the Lord Jesus does not only obtain forgiveness of all his sins (as he does through the shedding of the blood of Jesus, by faith in His name;) does not only become a righteous one before God (through the righteousness of the Lord Jesus, by faith in His name;) is not only begotten again, born of God, and partaker of the divine nature, and therefore a child of God, and an heir of God; but he is also in fellowship or partnership with God. Now, so far as )it regards God, and our standing in the Lord Jesus, we have this blessing once for all; nor does it allow of either an increase or a decrease. Just as God\rquote s love to us believers, His children, is unalterably the same (whatever may be the manifestations of that love:) and as His peace with us is the same, (however much our peace may be disturbed:) so it is also with regard to our being in fellowship or partnership with Him: it remains unalterably the same, so far as God is concerned. But then 3, there is an experimental fellowship, or partnership, with the Father and with His Son, which consists in this, that all which we possess in God, as being the partners or fellows of God, is brought down into our daily life, is enjoyed, experienced, and used. This experimental fellowship, or partnership, allows of an increase or a decrease, in the measure in which faith is in exercise, and in which we are entering into what we have received in the Lord Jesus. The measure in which we enjoy this experimental fel*lowship with the Father and with the Son is without limit; for without limit we may make use of our partnership with the Father and with the Son, and draw by prayer and faith out of the inexhaustible fulness which there is in God.\emdash Let us now take a few instances in order to see the practical working of this experimental fellowship (or partnership) with the Father and with the Son. Suppose there are two believing parents who were not brought to the knowledge of the truth until some years after the Lord had given them several children. Their children were brought up in sinful, evil ways, whilst the parents did not know the Lord. Now the parents reap as they sowed. They suffer from having set an evil example before their children; for their children are unruly and behave most improperly. What is now to be done? Need such parents despair? No. The first thing they have to do is, to make confession of their sins to God, with regard to neglecting their children whilst they were themselves living in sin, a+nd then to remember that they are in partnership with God, and therefore to be of good courage, though they are in themselves still utterly insufficient for the task of managing their children. They have in themselves neither the wisdom, nor the patience, nor the long-suffering, nor the gentleness, nor the meekness, nor the love, nor the decision and firmness, nor any thing else that may be needful in dealing with their children aright. But their heavenly Father has all this. The Lord Jesus possesses all this. And they are in partnership with the Father, and with the Son, and therefore they can obtain by prayer and faith all they need out of the fulness of God. I say by prayer and faith; for we have to make known our need to God in prayer, ask His help, and then we have to believe that He will give us what we need. Prayer alone is not enough. We may pray never so much, yet if we do not believe that God will give us what we need, we have no reason to expect that we shall receive what we have asked for. So ,then these parents would need to ask God to give them the needful wisdom, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love, decision, firmness, and whatever else they may judge they need. They may in humble boldness remind their heavenly Father that His word assures them that they are in partnership with Him, and, as they themselves are lacking in these particulars, ask Him to be pleased to supply their need; and then they have to believe that God will do it, and they shall receive according to their need.\emdash Another instance: suppose I am so situated in my business that day by day such difficulties arise, that I continually find that I take wrong steps, by reason of these great difficulties. How may the case be altered for the better? In myself I see no remedy for the difficulties. In looking at myself I can expect nothing but to make still further mistakes, and, therefore, trial upon trial seems to be before me. And yet I need not despair. The living God is my partner. I have not sufficient wisd-om to meet these difficulties so as to be able to know what steps to take, but He is able to direct me. What I have, therefore, to do is this: in simplicity to spread my case before my heavenly Father and my Lord Jesus. The Father and the Son are my partners. I have to tell out my heart to God, and to ask Him, that, as He is my partner, and I have no wisdom in myself to meet all the many difficulties which continually occur in my business, He would be pleased to guide and direct me, and to supply me with the needful wisdom; and then I have to believe that God will do so, and go with good courage to my business, and expect help from Him in the next difficulty that may come before me. I have to look out for guidance, I have to expect counsel from the Lord; and, as assuredly as I do so, I shall have it, I shall find that I am not nominally, but really in partnership with the Father and with the Son.\emdash Another instance: There are a father and mother with seven small children. Both parents are believers. .The father works in a manufactory, but cannot earn more than ten shillings per week. The mother cannot earn any thing. These ten shillings are too little for the supply of nourishing and wholesome food for seven growing children and their parents, and for providing them with the other necessaries of life. What is to be done in such a case? Surely not to find fault with the manufacturer, who may not be able to afford more wages, and much less to murmur against God; but the parents have in simplicity to tell God, their partner, that the wages of ten shillings a week are not sufficient in England to provide nine persons with all they need, so as that their health be not injured. They have to remind God that He is not hard master, not an unkind being, but a most loving Father, who has abundantly proved the love of His heart in the gift of His only begotten Son. And they have in childlike simplicity to ask Him, that either He would order it so, that the manufacturer may be able to allow more wages; or that He /(the Lord) would find them another place, where the father would be able to earn more; or that He would be pleased somehow or other, as it may seem good to Him, to supply them with more means. They have to ask the Lord, in childlike simplicity, again and again for it, if He does not answer their request at once; and they have to believe that God, their Father and partner, will give them the desire of their hearts. They have to expect an answer to their prayers; day by day they have to look out for it, and to repeat their request till God grants it. As assuredly as they believe that God will grant them their request, so assuredly it shall be granted. \emdash Thus, suppose, I desired more power over my besetting sins; suppose, I desired more power against certain temptations; suppose I desired more wisdom, or grace, or any thing else that I may need in my service among the saints, or in my service towards the unconverted: what have I to do, but to make use of my being in fellowship with the Father and with 0the Son? Just as, for instance, an old faithful clerk, who is this day taken into partnership by an immensely rich firm, though himself altogether without property, would not be discouraged by reason of a large payment having to be made by the firm within three days, though he himself has no money at all of his own, but would comfort himself with the immense riches possessed by those who so generously have just taken him into partnership: so should we, the children of God and servants of Jesus Christ, comfort ourselves by being in fellowship, or partnership, with the Father, and with the Son, though we have no power of our own against our besetting sins; though we cannot withstand temptations, which are before us, in our own strength; and though we have neither sufficient grace nor wisdom for our service among the saints, or towards the unconverted. All we have to do is, to draw upon our partner, the living God. By prayer and faith we may obtain all needful temporal and spiritual help and blessings. In al1l simplicity have we to tell out our heart before God, and then we have to believe that He will give to us according to our need. But if we do not believe that God will help us, could we be at peace? The clerk, taken into the firm as partner, believes that the firm will meet the payment though so large, and though in three days it is to be made, and it is this that keeps his heart quiet, though altogether poor himself. We have to believe that our infinitely rich partner, the living God, will help us in our need, and we shall not only be in peace, but we shall actually find that the help which we need will be granted to us.\emdash Let not the consciousness of your entire unworthiness keep you, dear reader, from believing what God has said concerning you. If you are indeed a believer in the Lord Jesus, then this precious privilege, of being in partnership with the Father and the Son, is yours, though you and I are entirely unworthy of it. If the consciousness of our unworthiness were to keep us from believi2ng what God has said concerning those who depend upon and trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation, then we should find that there is not one single blessing, with which we have been blessed in the Lord Jesus, from which, on account of our unworthiness, we could derive any settled comfort or peace.\par \par IV. There is one other point which, in connexion with several portions of the word of God, which bear on the subject, I desire to bring before the believing reader, and it refers to the "scriptural way of overcoming the difficulties with which the believer now meets who is engaged in a business, trade, profession, or any earthly calling whatever, which arise from competition in business, too great a number of persons being occupied in the same calling, stagnation of trade, and the like." The children of God, who are strangers and pilgrims on earth, have at all times had difficulty in the world, for they are not at home but from home; nor should they, until the return of the Lord Jesus, expect it to be o3therwise with them. But whilst this is true, it is also true that the Lord has provided us in all our difficulties with something in His own word to meet them. All difficulties may be overcome by acting according to the word of God. At this time I more especially desire to point out the means whereby the children of God who are engaged in any earthly calling may be able to overcome the difficulties, which arise from competition in business, too great a number of persons being occupied in the same calling, stagnation of trade and the like.\par \par 1, The first thing which the believer, who is in such difficulties, has to ask himself is, Am I in a calling in which I can abide with God? If our occupation be of that kind, that we cannot ask God\rquote s blessing upon it, or that we should be ashamed to be found in it at the appearing of the Lord Jesus, or that it of necessity hinders our spiritual progress, then we must give it up, and be engaged in something else; but in few cases only this is needful. Fa4r the greater part of the occupations in which believers are engaged are not of such a nature, as that they need to give them up in order to maintain a good conscience, and in order to be able to walk with God, though, perhaps, certain alterations may need to be made in the manner of conducting their trade, business, or profession. About those parts of our calling, which may need alteration, we shall receive instruction from the Lord, if we indeed desire it, and wait upon Him for it, and expect it from Him.\par \par 2, Now suppose the believer is in a calling in which he can abide with God, the next point to be settled is: "Why do I carry on this business, or why am I engaged in this trade or profession?" In most instances, so far as my experience goes, which I have gathered in my service among the saints during the last fifty-one years and a half, I believe the answer would be: "I am engaged in my earthly calling, that I may earn the means of obtaining the necessaries of life for myself and family." He5re is the chief error from which almost all the rest of the errors, which are entertained by children of God, relative to their calling, spring. It is no right and Scriptural motive, to be engaged in a trade, or business, or profession, merely in order to earn the means for the obtaining of the necessaries of life for ourselves and family; but us should work, because it is the Lord\rquote s will concerning us. This is plain from the following passages; I Thess. iv. 11, 12; II Thess. iii. 10\emdash 12; Eph. iv. 28. It is quite true that, in general, the Lord provides the necessaries of life by means of our ordinary calling; but that that is not THE REASON why we should work, is plain enough from the consideration, that if our possessing the necessaries of life depended upon our ability of working, we could never have freedom from anxiety, for we should always have to say to ourselves, and what shall I do when I am too old to work I or when by reason of sickness I am unable to earn my bread? But if on the o6ther hand, we are engaged in our earthly calling, because it is the will of time Lord concerning us that we should work, and that thus labouring we may provide for our families and also be able to support the weak, the sick, the aged, and the needy, then we have good and scriptural reason to say to ourselves: should it please the Lord to lay me on a bed of sickness, or keep me otherwise by reason of infirmity or old age, or want of employment, from earning my bread by means of the labour of my hands, or my business, or my profession, He will yet provide for me. Because we who believe are servants of Jesus Christ, who has bought us with His own precious blood, and are not our own, and because this our precious Lord and Master has commanded us to work, therefore we work; and in doing so our Lord will provide for us; but whether in this way or any other way, He is sure to provide for us; for we labour in obedience to Him; and if even a just earthly master give wages to his servants, the Lord will surely see 7to it that we have our wages, if in obedience to Him we are engaged in our calling, and not for our own sake. How great the difference between acting according to the word of God, and according to our own natural desires, or the customs of the world, will be plain, I trust, by the following case. Suppose I were engaged in some useful trade. Suppose I had the certain human prospect, that within the next three months my labour would bring me in nothing, for certain reasons connected with the state of mercantile affairs. As a man of the world I should say, I shall not work at all, because my labour will not be paid; but as a Christian, who desires to act according to God\rquote s Holy word, I ought to say: My trade is useful to society, and I will work notwithstanding all human prospects, because the Lord Jesus has commanded me to labour; from Him and not from my trade I expect my wages. In addition to this the Christian ought also to say, Idleness is a dreadful snare of the devil, he has especial opportunit8y to get an advantage over the children of God when they are unoccupied; and, therefore, I will work though I have no human prospect of obtaining payment for my labour, but shall get only the cost price of the material, and shall have to give my work for nothing. Moreover the Christian ought to say, Though according to human probability I shall have to labour for nothing during the next three months, yet I will work, because the Lord may speedily alter the state of things, contrary to all human expectation; but whether He be pleased to do so or not, I labour because I am the Lord\rquote s, bought by His precious blood, and He commands me to labour.\emdash But there are motives still lower than to be engaged in our earthly calling merely that we may earn the means of obtaining the necessaries of life, why even Christians, true children of God, may be engaged in their calling, such as: to obtain a certain sum of money, and then to retire from business and to live upon the interest; or, to provide something 9for old age; or, to obtain a certain amount of property, without intending to give up business. If it be unscriptural to be engaged in our calling, merely, even for the sake of earning the means for procuring the necessaries of life for ourselves and family, how much more unbecoming that a child of God should be engaged in his calling for the sake of any of the last mentioned reasons.\emdash This second point, then, Why do I carry on this business? Why am I engaged in this trade or profession? ought first to be settled in the fear of God and according to the revealed will of God; and if we cannot say in honesty of heart, I do carry on my business, I am engaged in my trade, or art, or profession, as a servant of Jesus Christ, whose I am, because He has bought me with His precious blood, and He has commanded me to work, and therefore I work: I say, if we cannot say this in honesty of heart, but must confess that we work on account of lower motives such as, that we may earn our bread, or on account of still :lower motives, and such which are altogether unbecoming a child of God, who is not of the world but of God, such as, to obtain a certain sum of money in order to be able to live on the interest without having to work; or, to provide something for old age; or, to obtain a certain amount of property without intending to give up business: if these are our motives for being engaged in our calling, I say, can we be surprised that we meet with great difficulties in our business, and that the Lord in His abounding love to us, His erring children, does not allow us to succeed? But suppose this second point is scripturally settled, and we can honestly say that, because we are servants of Jesus Christ, we are occupied as we are\emdash we have further to consider: 3, Whether we carry on our business, or are engaged in our trade, art, or profession as stewards of the Lord. To the child of God it ought not to be enough that he is in a calling in which he can abide with God, nor that he is engaged in his calling, becau;se it is the will of his Lord and Master that he should work, but he should consider himself in his trade, business, art, or profession, only as the steward of the Lord with reference to his income. The child of God has been bought with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, and is altogether His property, with all that he possesses, his bodily strength, his mental strength, his ability of every kind, his trade, business, art, or profession, his property, &c.; for it is written: "Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price." I Cor. vi. 19, 20. The proceeds of our calling are therefore not our own in the sense of using them as our natural heart wishes us to do, whether to spend them on the gratification of our pride, or our love of pleasure, or sensual indulgences, or to lay by the money for ourselves or our children, or use it in any way as we naturally like; but we have to stand before our Lord and Master, whose stewards we are, to seek to ascertain His will, how He will have us use the proceeds oem in their calling during the week. Now, ought not the saints in our day also to act according to this word! There is no passage in the word of God, why we should not do so, and it is altogether in accordance with our pilgrim character, not only once or twice, or four times a year to see how much we can afford to give to the poor saints, or to the work of God in any way, but to seek to settle it weekly. If, it be said, I cannot ascertain how much I have gained in the course of the week by my business, and therefore I cannot give accordingly; my reply is this, Seek, dear brethren, as much as possible to bring your business upon such a footing, as that you may be able, as nearly as possible, to settle how much you have earned in your calling in the course of the week; but suppose you should be unable to settle it exactly to the shilling or pound, yet you will know pretty well how it has been with you during the week, and therefore, according to your best knowledge, contribute on the coming Lord\rquote s da?y towards the necessities of the poor saints, and towards the work of God, as He, after your having sought His guidance, may lead you. Perhaps you say, the weeks are so unlike; in one week I may earn three or even ten times as much as in another week, and if I give according to my earnings from my calling during a very good week, then how are such weeks, when I earn scarcely any thing, or how are the bad debts to be met? How shall I do when sickness befalls my family, or when other trials productive of expense come upon me, if I do not make provision for such seasons? My reply is, 1, I do not find in the whole New Testament one single passage in which either directly or indirectly exhortations are given to provide against deadness in business, bad debts and sickness, by laying up money. 2, Often the Lord is obliged to allow deadness in business, or bad debts, or sickness in our family, or other trials, which increase our expenses, to befall us, because we do not, as His stewards, act according to stewards@hip, but as if we were owners of what we have, forgetting that the time has not yet come when we shall enter upon our possessions and He does so in order that, by these losses and expenses, our property which we have collected may be decreased, lest we should altogether set our hearts again upon earthly things, and forget God entirely. His love is so great, that He will not let His children quietly go their own way when they have forsaken Him; but if His loving admonitions by His Holy Spirit are disregarded, He is obliged in fatherly love to chastise them. A striking illustration of what I have said we have in the case of Israel nationally. The commandment to them was, to leave their land uncultivated in the seventh year, in order that it might rest; and the Lord promised to make up for this deficiency by His abundant blessing resting upon the sixth year. However, Israel acted not according to this commandment, no doubt saying in the unbelief of their hearts, as the Lord had foretold, "What shall we eat iAn the seventh year? Behold we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase." Leviticus xxv. But what did the Lord do? He was determined the land should have rest, and as the Israelites did not willingly give it, He sent them for seventy years into captivity, in order that thus the land might have rest. See Leviticus xxvi. 33\emdash 35. Beloved brethren in the Lord, let us take heed so to walk as that the Lord may not be obliged, by chastisement to take a part of our earthly possessions from us in the way of bad debts, sickness, decrease of business, or the like, because we would not own our position as stewards, but act as owners, and keep for ourselves the means with which the Lord had intrusted us, not for the gratification of our own carnal mind, but for the sake of using them in His service and to His praise. It might also be said by a brother whose earnings are small, should I also give according to my earnings? They are already so small, that my wife can only with the greatest difficulty manage to makeB them sufficient for the family. My reply is: Have you ever considered, my brother, that the very reason, why the Lord is obliged to let your earnings remain so small, may be the fact of your spending every thing upon yourselves, and that if He were to give you more, you would only use it to increase your own family comfort, instead of looking about to see who among the brethren are sick, or who have no work at all, that you might help them, or how you might assist the work of God at home and abroad? There is a great temptation for a brother whose earnings are small, to put off the responsibility of assisting the needy and sick saints, or helping on the work of God, and to lay it upon the few rich brethren and sisters with whom he is associated in fellowship, and thus rob his own soul!\emdash It might be asked, How much shall I give of my income? The tenth part, or the fifth part, or the third part, or one-half, or more? My reply is, God lays down no rule, concerning this point. What we do we should do cCheerfully and not of necessity. But if even Jacob with the first dawning of spiritual light (Genesis xxviii. 22) promised to God the tenth of all He should give to him, how much ought we believers in the Lord Jesus to do for Him; we, whose calling is a heavenly one, and who know distinctly that we are children of God, and joint heirs with the Lord Jesus! Yet do all the children of God give even the tenth part of what the Lord gives them?\par \par That would be two shillings per week for the brother who earns 1l., and 4s. to him who earns 2l., and 2l. per week to him whose income is 20l. per week.\par \par In connexion with I Cor. xvi. 2, I would mention two other portions: 1. "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly: and he that soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." II Cor. ix. 6. It is certain that we children of God are so abundantly blessed in Jesus, by the grace of God, that we ought to need no stimulus to good works. The forgiveness of our sins, the having been made for evDer the children of God, the having before us the Father\rquote s house as our home: these blessings ought to be sufficient motives to constrain us in love and gratitude to serve God abundantly all the days of our life, and cheerfully also to give up, as He may call for it, that with which He has intrusted us of the things of this world. But whilst this is the case, the Lord nevertheless holds out to us in His Holy Word motives why we should serve Him, deny ourselves, use our property for Him, etc.; and the last mentioned passage is one of that kind. The verse is true, both with reference to the life that is now and that which is to come. If we have been sparingly using our property for Him, there will have been little treasure laid up in heaven, and therefore a small amount of capital will be found in the world to come, so far as it regards reaping. Again, we shall reap bountifully if we seek to be rich towards God, by abundantly using our means for Him, whether in ministering to the necessities of the poEor saints, or using otherwise our pecuniary means for His work. Dear brethren, these things are realities! Shortly, very shortly, will come the reaping time, and then will be the question, whether we shall reap sparingly or bountifully.\emdash But while this passage refers to the life hereafter, it also refers to the life that now is. Just as now the love of Christ constrains us to communicate of that with which the Lord intrusts us, so will be the present reaping, both with regard to spiritual and temporal things. Should there be found therefore in a brother the want of entering into his position as being merely a steward for the Lord in his calling, and should he give no heed to the admonitions of the Holy Ghost to communicate to those who are in need, or to help the work of God; then, can such a brother be surprised that he meets with great difficulties in his calling, and that he cannot get on? This is according to the Lord\rquote s word. He is sowing sparingly, and he therefore reaps sparingly. But sFhould the love of Christ constrain a brother, out of the earnings of his calling to sow bountifully, he will even in this life reap bountifully, both with regard to blessings in his soul and with regard to temporal things. Consider in connexion with this the following passage, which, though taken from the Book of Proverbs, is not of a Jewish character, but true concerning believers under the present dispensation also : "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal son shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." Prov. xi. 24, 25.\emdash In connexion with 1 Cor. xvi. 2, I would also direct my brethren in the Lord to the promise made in Luke vi. 38, "Give and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." This refers evidently to the Gpresent dispensation, and evidently in its primary meaning to temporal things. Now let any one, constrained by the love of Jesus, act according to this passage; let him on the first day of the week communicate as the Lord has prospered him, and he will see that the Lord will act according to what is contained in this verse. If pride constrain us to give, if self-righteousness make us liberal, if natural feeling induce us to communicate, or if we give whilst we are in a state of insolvency, not possessing more perhaps than ten shillings in the pound were our creditors to come upon us; then we cannot expect to have this verse fulfilled in our experience: nor should we give at any time for the sake of receiving again from others, according to this verse; but if indeed the love of Christ constrain us to communicate according to the ability which the Lord gives us, then we shall have this verse fulfilled in our experience, though this was not the motive that induced us to give. Somehow or other the Lord will aHbundantly repay us through the instrumentality of our fellow men what we are doing for His poor saints, or in any way for His work, and we shall find that in the end we are not losers, even with reference to temporal things, whilst we communicate liberally of the things of this life with which the Lord has intrusted us. \emdash Here it might be remarked: but if it be so, that even in this life, and with regard to temporal things it is true, that "To him that gives shall be given, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over," and that "He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully," then in the end the most liberal persons would be exceedingly rich. Concerning this remark we have to keep in mind, that the moment persons were to begin to give for the sake of receiving more back again from the Lord, through the instrumentality of their fellow men, than they have given; or the moment persons wished to alter their way, and no more go on sowing bountifully, but sparingly, in ordeIr to increase their possessions, whilst God is allowing them to reap bountifully, the river of God\rquote s bounty toward them would no longer continue to flow. God had supplied them abundantly with means, because He saw them act as stewards for Him. He had intrusted them with a little which they used for Him, and He therefore intrusted them with more; and if they had continued to use the much also for Him, He would have still more abundantly used them as instruments to scatter abroad His bounties. The child of God must be willing to be a channel through which God\rquote s bounties flow, both with regard to temporal and spiritual things. This channel is narrow and shallow at first, it may be; yet there is room for some of the waters of God\rquote s bounty to pass through. And if we cheerfully yield ourselves as channels, for this purpose, then the channel becomes wider and deeper, and the waters of the bounty of God can pass through more abundantly. Without a figure it is thus: At first we may be only insJtrumental in communicating 5l. or l0l. or 20l. or 50l. or 100l. or 200l. per year, but afterwards double as much; and if we are still more faithful in our stewardship, after a year or two four times as much, afterwards perhaps eight times as much, at last perhaps twenty times or fifty times as much. We cannot limit the extent to which God may use us as instruments in communicating blessing, both temporal and spiritual, if we are willing to yield ourselves as instruments to the living God, and are content to be only instruments, and to give Him all the glory. But with regard to temporal things it will be thus, that if indeed we walk according to the mind of God in these things, whilst more and more we become instruments of blessing to others, we shall not seek to enrich ourselves, but be content when the last day of another year finds us still in the body, to possess no more than on the last day of the previous year, or even considerably less, whilst we have been, however, in the course of the year the insKtruments of communicating largely to others, through the means with which the Lord had intrusted us. As to my own soul, by the grace of God it would be a burden to me to find, that, however much my income in the course of a year might have been, I was increasing in earthly possession; for it would be a plain proof to me, that I had not been acting as steward for God, and had not been yielding myself as a channel for the waters of God\rquote s bounty to pass through. I also cannot but bear my testimony here, that in whatever feeble measure God has enabled me to act according to these truths for the last fifty-one years and a half, I have found it to be profitable, most profitable to my own soul; and as to temporal things, I never was a loser in doing so, but I have most abundantly found the truth in II Cor. ix. 6, and Luke vi. 38, and Prov. xi. 24, 25, verified in my own experience. I only have to regret that I have acted so little according to what I have now been stating; but my godly purpose is, by the Lhelp of God, to spend the remainder of my days in practising these truths more than ever, and I am sure, that, when I am brought to the close of my earthly pilgrimage, either in death, or by the appearing of our Lord Jesus, I shall not have the least regret in having done so; and I know that should I leave my dear child behind, the Lord will abundantly provide for her, and prove that there has been a better provision made for her than her father could have made, if he had sought to insure his life or lay up money for her.\par \par Before leaving this part of the subject, I mention to the believing reader, that I know instance upon instance, in which what I have been saying has been verified, but I will only mention the following:\emdash I knew many years ago a brother as the manager of a large manufactory. Whilst in this capacity he was liberal, and giving away considerably out of his rather considerable salary. The Lord repaid this to him; for the principals of the establishment, well knowing his valueM to their house of business, gave him now and then whilst he thus was liberally using his means for the Lord, very large presents in money. In process of time, however, this brother thought it right to begin business on his own account, in a very small way. He still continued to be liberal, according to his means, and God prospered him, and prospered him so, that now, whilst I am writing, his manufactory is as large as the one which he formerly managed, or even larger, though that was a very considerable one. And sure I am, that, if this brother shall be kept by God from setting his heart upon earthly things, and from seeking more and more to increase his earthly riches, but shall delight himself in being used as a steward by God, cheerfully communicating to the need of God\rquote s poor children, or to His work in other ways, and doing so not sparingly, but bountifully, the Lord will intrust him more and more with means; if otherwise, if he shut up his hands, seek his own, wish to obtain sufficient propeNrty that he may be able to live on his interest, then, what he has to expect is, that God will shut up His hands, he will meet with heavy losses, or there will be an alteration in his affairs for the worse, or the like.\emdash I also mention two other cases, to show that the Lord increases our ability of communicating temporal blessings to others, if we distribute according to the means with which He has intrusted us, though we should not be in a trade or business, or profession.\emdash I know a brother who many years ago saw it right not only to spend his interest for the Lord, but also the principal, as the Lord might point out to him opportunities. His desire was not, as indeed it ought never to be, to get rid of his money as fast as possible, yet he considered himself a steward for the Lord, and was therefore willing, as his Lord and Master might point it out to him, to spend his means. When this brother came to this determination, he possessed about twenty thousand pounds sterling. According to the lOight and grace, which the Lord had been pleased to give he afterwards acted, spending the money for the Lord, in larger or smaller sums, as opportunities were pointed out to him by the Lord. Thus the sum more and more decreased, whilst the brother steadily pursued his course, serving the Lord with his property, and spending his time and ability also for the Lord, in service of one kind or another among His children. At last the twenty thousand pounds were almost entirely spent, when at that very time the father of this brother died, whereby he came into the possession of an income of several thousand pounds a year. It gives joy to my heart to be able to add, that this brother still pursues his godly course, living in the most simple way, and giving away perhaps ten times as much as he spends on himself or family. Here you see, dear reader, that this brother, using faithfully for the Lord what he had been intrusted with at first, was made steward over more; for he has now more than one-third as much in a yPear coming in, as he at first possessed altogether.\emdash I mention another instance: I know a brother to whom the Lord has given a liberal heart, and who bountifully gave of that over which the Lord had set him as steward. The Lord seeing this, intrusted him with still more, for through family circumstances he came into the possession of many thousand pounds, in addition to the considerable property he possessed before. I have the joy of being able to add also concerning this brother, that the Lord continues to give him grace to use his property as a steward for God, and that he has not been permitted to set his heart upon his riches, through the very considerable increase of his property, but that he continues to live as the steward of the Lord, and not as the owner of all this wealth.\emdash And now, dear reader, when the brethren to whom I have been referring are brought to the close of their earthly pilgrimage, will they have one moment\rquote s regret that they have used their property for the LordQ? Will it be the least particle of uneasiness to their minds, or will their children be the worse for it? Oh no! The only regret they will have concerning this matter will be, that they did not serve the Lord still more abundantly with their property. Dear reader, let us each in our measure act in the same spirit. Money is really worth no more than as it is used according to the mind of the Lord; and life is worth no more than as it is spent in the service of the Lord.\par \par Whilst the three mentioned points\emdash 1, That our calling must be of that nature that we can abide in it with God; 2, That unto the Lord we should labour in our calling, as His servants, because He has bought us with His blood, and because He will have us to labour; 3, That as stewards we should labour in our calling, because the earnings of our calling are the Lord\rquote s and not our own, as He has bought us with His blood: I say, whilst these three points are particularly to be attended to in order that the Lord\rquote s bRlessing may rest upon our calling, and we be prospering in it, there are, nevertheless, some other points to be attended to, which I mention in love to my brethren in the Lord, by whom they may be needed. 4, The next point is, that a believer in the Lord Jesus should do nothing in his calling, which is purely for the sake of attracting the world, such as for instance, fitting up his shop or rooms of business in the most costly manner, I do not in the least mean to say that his shop or rooms of business should not be clean, orderly, and of such a character as that there may be no positive hinderance to persons going there. All the needful conveniences that are expected may be there and ought to be there. But if any child of God seek to have the front of his shop, or the interior of his shop, or of his place of business fitted up in a most expensive way, simply for the sake of attracting attention, then let him be aware, that, just in so far as he is trusting in these things, he is not likely to succeed in Shis calling, because he puts the manner of sitting up the shop in the room of trust in the Lord. Such things the Lord may allow to succeed in the case of an unbeliever, but they will not prosper in the case of a child of God, except it be in the way of chastisement, just as the Lord gave to Israel in the wilderness the desire of their hearts, but sent leanness into their souls. Should any brother have fallen into this error, the first thing he has to do, when the Lord has instructed him concerning this point, is, to make confession of sin, and, as far as it can be done, to retrace his steps in this particular. If this cannot be done, then to cast himself upon the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. 5, Of the same character is : To seek to attract the attention of the world, by "boasting advertisements," such as "no one manufactures so good an article," "no one sells this article so cheap," "we sell the best article in the city," etc. Suppose these statements were quite correct, yet they are unbecoming for a chiTld of God, who has the living God to care for him and to provide for him, and therefore needs not to make use of such boasting, whereby he may seek to ensure custom to himself and keep it from others. The law of love is, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Matt. vii. 12. Now what do I wish in this particular that others should do to me, but that they should not seek to keep away persons from dealing with me; but if I use such like expressions in my advertisements, as have been mentioned, what do they imply but, that I wish all people should come to me, and deal with me. If, however, already under the old covenant it was said, "Thou shalt not covet," how much more sinful and altogether unbecoming is it for us children of God, who are in fellowship with the Father and the Son, to make use of such means, in order to ensure to ourselves pecuniary advantages. But, however much the Lord may allow a man of the world to prosper in using such means, they are only hinderances to Uthe child of God to getting on in his calling, because the Lord sees that they are substituted instead of trust in Himself; and should the Lord for a season allow His child apparently to be benefited by them, it will only be for his chastisement and connected with leanness in his soul. Therefore, my brethren in the Lord, I beseech you to put away all these things out of your calling, lest you should be hindering instead of furthering your real welfare. 6, Likewise of a similar character is the following point, which God may suffer to be a real hinderance to His children in their calling, it is, To seek the very best, (and therefore the most expensive) situations which can be had in a town or city. Now I do by no means intend to say, that in our trade, business, art, or profession, we should seek the most obscure, retired, out of the way place possible, and say, "God will provide, and I need not mind in what part of the town I carry on my calling." There are most assuredly certain things to be considered. VThe persons who are likely to buy the articles I sell, or employ me, are to be considered, and I have not to say, it matters nothing to me, whether I make them come a mile or two to my house, or to the most dirty and disagreeable part of the town; this would be the extreme in the other way. But whilst there is a certain consideration to be used with reference to those who may employ us in our calling, yet if the trust of the child of God respecting temporal prosperity is in the fact that he lives in the best situation, the Lord will surely disappoint him. He will have to pay a very high rent for the best situation, and yet not succeed, because his trust is in the best situation. He is substituting it for dependence upon the living God for customers. He is robbing his soul not only in not taking the customers as from the hands of the Lord, but he is also obliging his heavenly Father, in the very love of His heart, to cause him to be disappointed, because he is not trusting in Him. If the child of God were Wsaying and acting thus: the best situation would cost me 50l. a year more rent, than one which is not really inconvenient for my customers, nor in an improper neighbourhood, and the like, this 50l. I dedicate unto the Lord, to be paid in instalments for His work, or His poor saints, whenever the rent day comes, such a brother would find himself to be no loser, if this indeed were done in dependence upon the Lord, and constrained by the love of Jesus. But if the 50l. more is paid for rent, and yet the living God, in the very love of His heart, should be obliged to withhold prosperity from His child in His calling, because He sees that he is laying undue stress upon the situation of the house, then not only the 50l. extra rent per year is lost, but also that which the Lord is obliged to withhold from His child besides, in order to teach him the lesson; and thus year after year, by our own fault, we may have scarcely any thing to give for the work of God. 7, The next obstacle to prosperity in our calling whiXch I now would mention is, That children of God often use such expressions as these with reference to their calling: "this is our busy time," or "this is our dead time," which implies that they do not day after day deal with God about their calling, but that they ascribe their having much or little to do to circumstances, or to times and seasons. That the people of the world should do so is not to be wondered at; but that the children of God should act thus, who in the most minute affairs of life should seek the help of God, and deal with God about them, is a matter of sorrow to the spiritual mind, and is altogether unbecoming saints. But what is the result. The Lord, according to the expectations of His children, allows them to be without employment, because they say, "this is our dead season." "He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief," contains a truth which comes in here. But what is the right way of looking at the matter? It is this: the child of God should say, though generally aYbout this time of the year there is little employment to be expected, looking at it naturally, yet as a want of employment is neither good for the outward nor inward man, and as I only desire employment to serve God in my business, to have to give to those who are in need, or help in other ways the work of God, I will now give myself to prayer for employment, for I can by prayer and faith, as a child of God, obtain blessings from my heavenly Father, though not in the ordinary course of things. If thus the child of God were to say and to act, he would soon have employment in his calling, except the Lord meant to use his time otherwise in His work, which He would point out to him. 8, A further reason, why God may be obliged to resist children of God in their business, may be this, that they with the greatest carefulness seek to obtain persons for their shop who are considered "good salesmen," i.e. persons who have such persuasive ways, as that they gain an advantage over the customers and induce them not onZly to buy articles for which they ask, whether suitable or not, but that they also induce them to buy articles which they did not at all intend to buy when they came to the shop. Concerning this I notice in the first place, that if the child of God puts his dependence upon the "good salesmen," let him not be surprised if his heavenly Father should be obliged to disappoint him, because He sees His child lean upon the arm of flesh, instead of trusting in the living God; and therefore the business does not succeed. Further, it is altogether wrong for a child of God to induce the customers, by means of such men or women who have a persuasive tongue, to purchase articles whether they suit or not, and whether they are needed or not. This is no less than defrauding persons in a subtle way, or leading them into the sin of purchasing beyond their means, or at least spending their money needlessly. However such sinful tricks may be allowed to prosper in the case of a man of the world, in the case of a child of God [they will not prosper, except God allow them to do so in the way of chastisement, whilst leanness and wretchedness is brought into the soul. I knew a case of this kind where it was the whole bent of the mind of a professed believer to obtain such "good salesmen," and where even a Jew was kept outside the shop walking up and down to induce persons to come in and buy; and yet that same professed believer failed twice in his business. 9, Another evil with reference to business, and why children of God do not get on in their calling is, that they enter upon business often without any capital at all, or with too little. If a believer has no capital at all, or only a very small capital, in comparison with what his business requires, then, ought he not to say this to himself: "If it were my heavenly Father\rquote s will that I should enter upon business on my own account, then would He not somehow or other have intrusted me with the needful means? And since He has not, is it not a plain indication that, for the \present, I should remain a journeyman, (or shopman, or clerk, as the case may be)?" In a variety of ways the means might come. For instance, a legacy might be left to him, or money might be given to him by a brother in the Lord for that very purpose, or a brother or sister might propose to the individual to lend him money, yet so that if he were unable to pay it again, they would not consider him their debtor, or in many other ways God might intrust him with means But if in some such way the Lord did not remove the hinderance, and the brother would still go into business, he would, through the bill system and other things connected with the want of capital, not only bring great distress into his mind, and subject himself to the possibility of at last being unable to pay his creditors, whereby dishonour would be brought upon the name of the Lord, but he likewise could not be surprised (as he went into business contrary to the will of God, since He pointed out to him that he was not to do so for want of mea]ns,) if he should find that he cannot get on, and that the blessing of God manifestly is wanting. In such a case as this, if it can be done, the retracing our steps is the best thing we can do; but often this cannot be done, as others are involved in the matter, and then we have to make acknowledgment of our sin, and seek God\rquote s merciful help to bring us into a right position. 10, But suppose all these nine previous points were attended to, and we neglected to seek God\rquote s blessing upon our calling, we need still not be surprised if we met with difficulty upon difficulty, and could not get on at all. It is not enough that we seek God\rquote s help for that which manifestly is of a spiritual character; but we should seek His help and blessing by prayer and supplication for all our ordinary concerns in life, and if we neglect doing so, we shall surely suffer for the neglect. "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.\par \par These few remarks I commend affectionately to the prayerful consideration of all brethren and sisters in the Lord with reference to their calling; for though they are written by one who never was in business himself, yet the truths therein set forth have been learned by him in the school of God, and he has had them abundantly confirmed through his pastoral labours during the last fifty-one years.\par \par And now, farewell, beloved reader.\emdash Very many times have I sought the Lord\rquote s blessing before I began preparing this third part for the press, and very many times have I done so while writing it, and now I am most fully assured, that He will abundantly bless this part also, because of the abundance of supplication which He has wrought concerning it by His Spirit in my soul. I ask you also, dear reader, if you know the power of prayer, to unite with me in seeking the Lord\rquote s blessing upon this book, and then we shall rejoice togethe_r in the answers to our prayers, if not here on earth, at least in the day of Christ\rquote s appearing.\par \par \par \par [In 1856 was published the Fourth Part of this Narrative, as a second volume.]\par \par END OF THE THIRD PART\par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par 1My Journal gives the names of the individuals, whom the Lord has used as instruments, in supplying our wants; but it has appeared well to me, for several reasons, not to mention them in print.\par \par \par \par 2One bill I had to meet for a brother, the other was for money which in the form of a bill I had sent to the Continent; but in both cases the money was in my hands, before the bills were given.\par \par \par \par 3At the beginning the name was, The Scriptural Knowledge Society for Home and Abroad ;" but as the Institution was never a Society in the common sense of the word, there being nothing like membership, voting, a committee, &c., it appeared afterwards better to alter the name as above sta`ted, for the sake of avoiding mistakes. I mention, moreover, that in this eighth edition the Institution is spoken of in the way in which it is now existing, without further notice of the alterations which have been made since its establishment on March 5, 1834, as its original character is substantially the same.\par \par \par \par 4Only two Orphans were received under such circumstances. Since 1841 we have had no child on such conditions, as we now consider, that, if a relative would be able and willing to pay the average expense for the support of a child, such an Orphan could not be considered destitute. During the summer of 1855, thee Orphans were applied for, and their relatives offered to pay 50l. a year for these children to the funds of the Institution. They were, however, not only not received, but their names were not even entered on the list of those who are waiting for admission, as they could not be considered destitute. Our object is not to obtain funds for the Institution, but to proviade by means of it for truly destitute Orphans hence, though 50l. is more than the average expense for three Orphans in a year, we did not receive those three just referred to.\par \par \par \par 5The Schoolmasters, as well as the clergymen, in Prussia, are connected with the State.\par \par \par \par 6We continued for many months to break bread only at Bethesda, till at last, though it is a large chapel, the body of it was no longer large enough to accommodate all who were in communion with us, so that we were obliged to have the Lord\rquote s supper in two places. [Note to the second edition.]\par \par \par \par 7Since February, 1849, I hare been obliged to discontinue my walks in the fields entirely, on account of a weakness in my right foot.\par \par \par \par 8This little charity business was commenced in connexion with the church assembling at Bethesda and Salem Chapels, Bristol, for the purpose of seeking to provide employment for the poor believers, especially the poor sisters, when they were without work.\par \par \par \par 9The evening before my departure, I had invited a number of believers to tea, to spend some time together in prayer, reading the Holy Scriptures, and in intercourse on spiritual subjects.\par \par \par \par 10These were the expenses in 1850 and 1851; but, on account of the high price of almost everything now, in 1856, the average expenses of one day are. 12l. or upwards, for the support of the Orphans.\par \par \par \par 11 Preaching Tours and Missionary Labours of George Muller (of Bristol.) By Mrs. Mulller. 1883. London: J. Nisbet and Co., Berners Street. Price 3s. 6d. To be had also at the Bible and Tract Warehouse; at the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, No. 34, Park Street; and through all book-sellers.\par \par \par \par 12This third volume is still in print. Published by W. Mack, 38, Park Street, Bristol.\par \par \par \par 13The Funeral Sermon was afterwards preached and published, and is still in print.\par } mU01.03 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with Müeller{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang3082\f0\fs22 Narrative of the Lord's Dealings with George Muller. Part III\par \par PREFACE\par \par TO THE\par \par FIRST EDITION OF THE THIRD PART.\par \par \par \par THE reasons which induced me to publish this third part of the Lord\rquote s dealings with me are the same which led me to the publication of the second part, and which are stated in the prefaTd ever increasing variety of other occupations has kept me hitherto from arranging the materials for the press. 0f late, however, I have judged, for the following reasons, that I ought particularly to give myself to this service.\par \par 1, It has pleased the Lord so abundantly to bless the former parts of my Narrative to the comfort, encouragement, strengthening, and instruction of those who are young and weak in the faith, and to those unacquainted with the simplicity of the truth, that I consider myself to be the servant of such; and I feel that responsibility is laid upon me, to do what further I can, in this way, to serve them. And this, I confess, I do joyfully; for my spirit has oft times been not a little refreshed during the eighteen years which have elapsed, since I published the first part of my Narrative, by the many hundreds of letters I have received, giving an account of the blessing, which the writers of them have derived from the perusal of it; and I have thus been again and again encoueraged to go on with the work.\par \par 2, I think it important, that the reader of the first three parts of my Narrative should have a right impression of the work in which I am engaged. He may not be acquainted with the Reports of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, which have been published since 1844, and therefore he may know no more of the work in which I am especially engaged, than the first three parts of my Narrative give him. In that case he would not know how the work has been growing since that period; he would not be aware, that it is now three or four times as large as it was in 1844, and is still more and more increasing. He would not know in that case, that the principles of Holy Scripture on which the work of God in my hands was carried on, when comparatively small, and which then were found to be sufficient, even in these last days, are the same on which it is carried on now, though the work is now so large. This point has especially weighed with me, in desiring thfe publication of the continuation of the account of the Lord\rquote s dealings with me in the form of the first three parts, in order that the Living God may be glorified through this account. I judged, moreover, that, whilst the first three parts may especially furnish, to the believer in the Lord Jesus for his private life subjects for comforting and encouraging reflections; this part, besides doing the same still further, may especially be of help to the servant of Christ labouring for God on a large scale, or to the man of God who seeks to carry on business on a large scale, on Scriptural principles.\par \par 3, Though the Reports of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad have been issued generally every year or every two years; yet, as they are not bound together, they may be lost in part, and thus the chain be interrupted. Moreover, they contain, sometimes, matters which may be of moment for the time being, but not so important afterwards. The Narrative leaves out such points, angd introduces on the other hand things which were scarcely suitable for the Reports. My desire, therefore, has been to give in this fourth part the substance of the Reports, which have been published since July 1844, and to bring thus together in one volume what is contained in these nine different Reports.\par \par 4, The Reports give scarcely anything of the dealings of God with me personally, irrespective of the work in which I am engaged; but I have not only to speak well of the name of the Lord with regard to His service, but also with reference to His dealings with me personally and with my family; and I desire to serve the saints in relating to them instance upon instance of His kindness to me, hoping that thus many others may be encouraged more and more fully, unreservedly and habitually to trust in God; yea, to do so in the darkest seasons.\par \par The plan on which I have thought it best to bring the materials before the reader is, to relate in distinct periodical chapters: a, How I have beehn provided, simply in answer to prayer, with means for the support of the various schools of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Gospel Tracts and for the aiding of Missionary work. b, How I have obtained means for the support of the hundreds of 0rphans under my care. c, How the Lord has led me to, and provided me with means for, the building of a large Orphan-House, and how I am now occupied in seeking to build a second still larger. d, To state, periodically, a variety of miscellaneous points in connexion with the operations of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, in a separate chapter. e, To give separately and periodically a chapter, for relating matters connected with my own personal affairs or the work of the Lord in my hands, not immediately connected with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad. As, however, the whole book is intended for the spiritual profit of the believing reader, and to show to those who know not God, by His bliessing, the reality of the things of God, there will be found interspersed, throughout the book, such practical remarks, as the subjects may seem to call for.\par \par \par GEORGE M\'dcLLER.\par \par 21, Paul Street, Kingsdown,\par \par Bristol, June 18, 1856.\par \par \par \par \par A\par \par NARRATIVE,\par \par &c. &c.\par \par \par \par \par FOURTH PART.\par \par \par Supplies for the School\emdash Bible\emdash Missionary and Tract-Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from July 14, 1844, to\par \par May 26, 1846.\par \par \par Aug. 10, 1844. In the greatest need, when not one penny was in hand, I received 5l. from a brother at Hackney. I took half of this sum for these objects, and half for the Orphans.\par \par Sept. 7. Our poverty has been great ever since the accounts were closed on July 14th. Our Tract and Bible stock is very small, and we have much reduced it on account of sending supplies to Demerara. The rents for the School-Rooms are becoming due, and other expenses ajre to be met. Under these circumstances I received today with Philip iv. 6, the sum of 50l. The donor writes that he thinks he is directed by the Lord to send the money. How truly is it so! I took of this sum 20l. for the Orphans, and 301. for these objects.\par \par Oct. 1. This evening I received a bank order for 701., to be used as the Lord might direct me. This money came in most seasonably, as I am thus able to pay to the six teachers who labour in the six Day-schools, their salaries. I took 301. of the 70l. for these objects, and 401. for the Orphans.\par \par Dec. 14. The means for these objects have been very small for some time past. Under these circumstances I received this afternoon from a sister in the Lord, who is near the close of her earthly pilgrimage, a small box, containing five brooches, two rings set with twelve small brilliants, five other rings, one mourning ring, a pair of gilt bracelets, a gold pin, a small silver vinaigrette, some tracts, and a sovereign. The donor stated on ak paper, contained in the box, that the produce might be used for the Orphans or otherwise, as I might require. As these funds are in particular need, I took the contents of this little box for them, and the trinkets were soon disposed of. \emdash The sister fell asleep very shortly after. Will she need such ornaments before her Lord? Will she regret having given them for His work? Oh! no.\par \par Dec. 21. Today I have received the following trinkets, the produce of which I was at liberty to use for the Orphans, or my own personal necessities, or the printing of my Narrative, or for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary and Tract Fund. I have put the produce to the funds for these objects. A ring set with twelve small brilliants, a ring set with one brilliant, another ring set with one brilliant, a ring set with five brilliants, a paste ring, a large brooch, two large rings, two wedding rings, two other small rings, a ring set with small pearls, three other rings, two gold pins, four gold shirtl studs, and a gilt pin.\par \par Dec. 24. I have received still further the following trinkets, the produce of which was likewise taken for these objects, it being left to me to use them as most needed. A small gold chain, a ring set with seven brilliants, five gold seals, an eyeglass silver mounted, a ring set with a head, a gold pin, a gold buckle, a silver pencil case, a gold brooch, a brooch set with small pearls, a set of gold shirt studs, a small gold brooch, nine gold rings, a gold heart, a gilt chain, and a gilt watch-chain.\par \par Jan. 13, 1845. When there was nothing in hand towards our many necessities for these objects, I received today the following valuable donation: \emdash Three forty-franc pieces, two twenty-franc pieces, six five-franc pieces, seven two-franc pieces, eleven one-franc pieces, fourteen half-franc pieces, twenty-one quarter of a franc pieces, and fifty-two other small Italian and French silver coins.\par \par Feb. 3. Today, when I had again nothing at all in hand, mI received from W. P. 51.\par \par Apr. 8. When, once more, I had nothing in hand, I received today from Yorkshire 101., which, being left at my disposal, I used for these objects.\par \par Apr. 24. Today were sent to me a small old gold watch, a half sovereign, a half guinea piece, two twenty-franc pieces, six small Turkish gold coins, a quarter of a franc, a threepenny piece, a silver toothpick, and a brass pencil-case. The produce of these articles likewise was put to these funds.\par \par May 5. From Scarborough was sent to day 5l. for these funds, at a time when I had again nothing left.\par \par May 6. 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 1001. of it should be used for the work in my hands, and the other part for Brother Craik\rquote s and my own personal expenses. However, day after day passed away, and the money did not comen. 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\rquote 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 he 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 oto Himself. I was enabled to do so. We had not yet finished praying when I received the following letter:\par \par "Beloved Brother, May 5, 1845.\par \par Are your bankers still Messrs. Stuckey and Co. of Bristol, and are their hankers 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 701. 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.\par \par Ever affectionately yours,\par \par * * * *"\par \par 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\rquote clock this afternoon I received from the brother, who had, more than forty days ago, made that promise, 1661. 18s., as he this day received the money, on the strength of which he had made thapt promise. Of this sum 1001. are to be used for the work in my hands, and the remainder for brother Craik\rquote s and my own personal expenses. \emdash I took of these two sums, i.e. of the 701. and the 1001., half for the Orphans and half for these objects. When this money came in, there was only very little in hand. The last tracts had been given away, two or three days ago, but I had no money to order more: thus I was able to send off an order for 11,700. Bibles also needed to be ordered, but I had no money: I am now able to order some. It had been much on my heart to send a little help to some Missionary brethren, as a token of affectionate interest, and this I am now able to do. The Lord be praised for His goodness in helping thus so seasonably!\par \par From May 6, 1845, to May 26, 1846, we experienced no difficulty at all as to means, the Lord having always seasonably sent in the supplies, so that, without any one exception, I was always able not only to meet all the demands connected with the qDay-Schools, the Sunday-School, and the Adult-Schools, but I was also able to do more, so far as it regards means, in aiding the circulation of Tracts, and helping Missionary efforts, than at any previous period of the same length. Of the donations which came in from May 6, 1845, to May 26, 1846, I only mention the following: \emdash On June 23, with Philip. iv. 6, for circulation of Tracts and Bibles in foreign lands, or, as needed, 601. Oct. 12, 1501. On Feb. 26, 1846, I received 2001., of which 1001. was to be used for Missionary work in foreign lands, and 1001. for brethren who labour in England, in the word and doctrine, without any stated salary. In connexion with this donation three points are particularly to be noticed: \emdash I. The day before I received this sum, I had given 5l. to a brother, who was travelling through Bristol, and who was on the point of going out as a missionary, without being connected with any society. When I gave him this 51. 1 had but very\par \par little in hand, butr I said to myself, the Lord can easily give more. And thus it was. 2. Before I received this donation, I had been especially led to ask the Lord, that He would be pleased to condescend to use me more largely in helping missionary brethren. For this I had a still greater desire when I found that the money, which I had sent to British Guiana, at the end of November, 1845, amounted only to a few pounds for each brother who labours there, on account of there being so many. I had, on this account particularly, a desire to be able shortly to send another sum to British Guiana, which was thus granted to me. 3. I had also, from time to time, sought, to help brethren, who labour in dependence on the Lord for temporal supplies in various parts of England, and my desire especially had been, that, even in this particular, the Funds of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad might be more extensively useful. And thus, in this particular also, this donation cheered my heart, enabling me to assist, in ssome measure, several faithful labourers. Concerning this latter point I would especially notice, that whenever God has put it into my heart "to devise liberal things," He has not only blessed me in my own soul in doing so, but has also, more or less given me the means to carry out such a purpose. I mention further here, in connexion with this point, that henceforth, as God shall be pleased to supply me with means, I purpose particularly, in connexion with this work, to endeavour to assist brethren of good report, who labour in the word and doctrine, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, but who have no regular salary. If, therefore, any donations should be given henceforth for that particular object, they shall be, by God\rquote s help, applied to that; or, if no donations should be given for that particular object, yet, as God shall be pleased to intrust me with means, I purpose by His help, to have my eye particularly on brethren who preach the Gospel without charge, and who, perhaps, besitdes, for conscience\rquote sake, have relinquished former stipends or regular emoluments which they had in connexion with doing so. Have we not particularly to strive to be fellow-labourers with those who, seeking not their own things, but the things of Jesus Christ, preach the Word without being chargeable to any one? Many whom I know and love in the truth, are mindful of this; but others may not, perhaps, have sufficiently weighed the matter.\par \par On March 10, 1846, I asked the Lord for still further supplies for missionary purposes, and while I was in prayer a letter came from C. W. with 201. for missionary purposes. Thus also, about the same time, came in, from the neighbourhood of Ludlow, 21., and from Keswick 5l. for Missions, besides other smaller donations for the same\par \par purpose. -\par \par It must not be supposed that these are all the donations which I received for the carrying on these objects from July 14, 1844, to May 26, 1846; but those which are referred to came in under ruemarkable circumstances, or, more manifestly, as answers to prayer.\par \par I now proceed to give an account of the Lord\rquote s goodness in supplying me with means for the Orphans, from July 14, 1844, up to May 26, 1846; though here again only the most remarkable instances, on account of the great number of cases, can be given.\par \par \par Supplies for the Orphan Fund, sent in answer to Prayer, from July 14, 1844, to May 26, 1846.\par \par \par July 25, 1844. The need of today for the Orphans is 21. 5s. As there came in yesterday 21. as the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote bags, which are made by a sister in the Lord for the benefit of the Orphans; also two donations of 5s. each, through her; 5s. from a poor sister in the Lord; and 11. from Hackney, in all 31. 15s.; we have 11.10s. left. \emdash In the course of today the Lord was pleased to send in the following donations: \emdash by the boxes in my house 11.10s., in nine small donations 16s. 11d., and the contents of an orphan-box, 3sv. 0\'bd d. This evening also two Christian servants gave me the following trinkets: \emdash a ring, a gold pin, two brooches, and a silver toothpick. A precious gift, because of its seasonableness, and because it gave me joy in seeing these ornaments given up for the Lord\rquote s sake.\par \par Observe, dear reader, only eleven day\rquote s after the accounts were closed, we were again in fresh poverty, and had to go on day by day waiting upon the Lord for the necessities of about 140 persons.\par \par July 26. Only 6d. has come in today.\par \par July 27, Saturday. July 11. 14s. was in hand to begin the day with. With two of my fellow\emdash labourers I besought the Lord between nine and ten o\rquote clock this morning for help, when, at eleven o\rquote clock came in, by sale of articles, given for the purpose, 7s. 3d., by sale of Reports 1s. by sale of ladies\rquote bags ls. 6d., and by two donations 4s. 6d. There were sent also anonymously, two coats, a pair of trousers, and three waistcoats (wworn). When this parcel and money came, I was called on for money from the Orphan-Houses. In the course of the day came in still further, by sale of articles, 10s. Thus we have been helped through this day. Late in the evening was given 2s. 6d. besides.\par \par July 28. This morning, when there was now again only 2s. 6d. in hand, I received from Tavistock 61.; and this evening from Nailsworth, 2s. 6d.\par \par July 29. Yesterday was anonymously put into the Chapel boxes 21.; also by A. A. 11. Thus we are provided for today and tomorrow. There came in still further today 11., from an orphan-box at Barnstaple 1l., and by the profit of work, done by a sister, 5s. There was likewise given a little box, containing the following articles: a lady\rquote s bag, a pair of gloves, a silver fruit knife, a gold seal, a needle book with two farthings, a purse containing two-halfpence, 4\'bd francs, and a copper coin; a little tortoiseshell box containing two old sixpences, two fourpenny pieces, a shilling, a sixpxence, and a pebble; a silver vinaigrette, a seal, two patterns for worsted work, a microscope, and 6 embossed cards. This evening I received two silver pencil cases.\par \par July 30. By the boxes in the Orphan-Houses came in today 21. 4s. 6d., and by sale of Reports 5s.\par \par July 31. Immediately after having risen from my knees today, to ask the Lord for further supplies, I received 19s. by sale of stockings, knitted by the Orphan Boys. This evening was given to mc by A. A. 5l., and through ditto 2s.\par \par August 1. This morning I was called on for 51. for the Infant Orphans, so that again only a few shillings remained, not enough for, the other expenses of today, when I received, in the bag sent for the money from the, Orphan Houses, the following donations, 11., and 1s. 6d., 1s. ld., 1s. 1d., and 2s. 2d. Likewise came in 1s., and I found 2s. 6d. in an orphan-box in my house. Thus I had enough for today.\par \par Aug. 2. The day began with 2 \'be d. in hand. A little before ten o\rquote cylock in the morning the letter-bag was brought from the Orphan-Houses for money, in which I found a note stating that the need of today was 11. 17s,, but I had only 2 \'be d. to send. I wrote so to brother R. B. master of the Orphan Boys, intending to request him (to send up again in the afternoon, for what the Lord might have sent in the mean time. When I was going to put the 2 \'be d into the purse in the bag, I found half-a-crown in the bag, slipped into it before it was opened. This half-crown is a precious earnest that the Lord will help this day also. It was found by me just after I had risen from my knees, having been with some of the labourers in the work in prayer for means. Before I bad yet finished the note to brother B. B., a sovereign was given to me, so that I had 1l. 2s. 8 \'be d. to send off. About two o\rquote clock this afternoon I received by sale of articles 10s. 6d., by sale of stockings 6s. 8d,, and by the sale of ladies\rquote bags 9s. 4d. Thus I could send off the l4s. 6d. which wzas still needed for today, and had 12s. left.\par \par Aug. 3, Saturday. With the 12s. we began the day. My sou1 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."\emdash Between nine and ten o\rquote 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 hail brought from Barnstaple 11. 2s. 6d. for the Orphans. Thus we have 11. 14s. 6d., with which I must return the letter-bag to the Orphan-Houses, looking to the Lord for more. Evening. In the afternoon one of the labourers received 6s. for himself, which he gave for the Orphans. This evening I went to the usual prayer meeting, (which is held on Saturday evening at th{e Orphan-Houses, to ask the Lord\rquote s blessing upon the work generally), when I found that 2s. had been put into the boxes in the Orphan Houses in the course of the afternoon; also 7s. had come in by the knitting of the Orphan-Girls, and 3s. 6d. more one of the labourers was able to give. Thus we hail 21. 13s., which was enough for today. How very kind of the Lord thus to listen to the prayers of His children, and to help us day by day! \emdash We had not yet separated, after our prayer meeting, when a box was brought from Scarborough, containing 5s. and a number of articles. When I came home I found that there had come in still further, by sale of articles given for the purpose, l5s. 10d., and by sale of stockings knitted by the Orphans, 7s. 8d. Thus the Lord has greatly helped us today.\par \par Aug. 5, Monday. There came in from A. A. 1s., and anonymously was yesterday put into the Chapel-boxes 2s. 6d., ditto 2s. 6d.\par \par 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 today. \emdash Now see the Lord\rquote s deliverance! In the bag I found a note from one of the labourers in the Orphan\emdash 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. \emdash Thus we are supplied for today. In the afternoon, when I had now again nothing at all in hand, as I had paid out this 21., there was brought to me from Oxford 1l. 2s. A sister also gave 2s. 6d.\par \par Aug. 7. There came in, when there was Not one penny in my hands, 4s.and 3s. 6d. I only found 3s. in the boxes in my house, 10s. was given as the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote bags, and 2s. 6d. as the produce of "A forfeit-box at a young ladies\rquote school." Likewise were given to me, two gold rings, two gold watch-keys, a pair of earrings, a gold} brooch, two waist-buckles, a pair of bracelets, a watch hook, and a broken brooch. Thus we have a little towards the need of tomorrow.\par \par Aug. 8. The money which came in yesterday was not enough for the need of today. The boxes in the Orphan-Houses were therefore opened, as I had understood that some money had been put into them during the last days, and they contained 1l. 4s. Thus we have been supplied this day also.\par \par Aug. 9. It is just now striking eleven o\rquote clock, and I have not yet one single penny towards the need of this day. The bag is brought from the Orphan-Houses for money, but I have nothing to send, and am therefore obliged to return the bag without anything. But my soul is waiting for help. The Lord has so repeatedly helped as again during the last weeks, and so He will surely do this day also. Evening. At half-past twelve this morning I received two notes from two sisters who labour in the Orphan-Houses, the one from the sister who, on the 6th, had sent the 21., bein~g part of a present which she had received, and who now sent 11. more. She writes: The enclosed I thought of applying to another purpose; but His thoughts are not as ours. Please to use it as you think fit." The other sister, likewise one of the labourers, sent 10s. This 11. 10s. met our need for today.\par \par Aug. 10, Saturday. Only 3d., which had come in yesterday afternoon, by sale of a Report, was in my hands, when the day began. A little after nine o\rquote clock I received a post-office order for 5l. from Hackney, to he used as most needed. Of it I took one half for the Orphans, and the other half for the Day Schools. There came in still further, 21. 5s., 5s. 10d., 6d., and 3s. 4d.\par \par Aug. 12. Yesterday I received from a sister 5s., with James i. 17., 2s. 6d., 6d. was put into the boxes at my house, and 6d. was given by an aged friend. Thus, with what was left on Saturday, we had 11. 15s. 5d., which met our need today.\par \par Aug. 13. Nothing has come in, but one of the labourers, to whom 15s. was given last evening to buy herself a new gown, gave that. I am looking for more! The boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, in which 5s. was found. Thus we had enough, except 6s., which one of the labourers gave.\par \par Aug. 14. Nothing at all had come in, when the hag was brought from the Orphan-Houses for money, and I had therefore to return it without any. About half an hour after, the labourers had an especial prayer meeting. At this meeting one of the teachers of the Day-Schools gave me 10s., which he had put by to buy himself some little books, but he considered it now not to be the Lord\rquote s will to do so, but that he should give this money for the present need in the Orphan-Houses. Another of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave 5s. Thus we are provided with the absolute necessaries till tomorrow after breakfast.\par \par Aug. 15. Last evening I received 2s., just after our last public meeting about the Orphan-Houses and other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, at which I had testified afresh of my reliance upon the living God, though I had not then one single penny in hand for the work, which, of course, was not stated. \emdash Now this morning, between eight and nine o\rquote clock sister L. M. came to me and brought me 30s., which she had received for the Orphans. But this will not be enough for today. Yesterday and this morning, before this money came in, the trial of faith had been very sharp. \emdash Evening. At eleven o\rquote clock I received still further from A. A. 5s., and this afternoon, from one of the labourers, 5s., and from two donors 6d. each.\par \par Aug. 16. Our poverty is extremely great. The trial of faith as sharp as ever, or sharper. It is ten o\rquote clock, and there are no means yet for a dinner. I now thought of some articles which I might be able to do without, to dispose of them for the benefit of the Orphans, when one of the labourers gave me 11., which she had intended for another object, and which she now considers must be left alone for the present. There was also taken out of the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 1s. 6d., and by knitting came in 2s. 3d., and from A. A. 2s.\par \par Aug. 17, Saturday. The Lord has, in tender mercy, helped us, in sending in 31. for knitting done by the Orphan Girls, 9s. 10d. for stockings knitted by the boys, 11s. 11d. for things sold, which were given for the purpose, and 10s. 7d. put into the boxes at the Orphan-Houses.\par \par Aug. 18. There was put anonymously into the Chapel-boxes 1s., ditto 2s., ditto 2s. 6d., and A. A. gave 10s.\par \par Aug. 19, Monday. Only 3s. has come in today.\par \par Aug. 20. This 3s. was all there was in hand for this day, which was needed at the Boys\rquote Orphan-House towards the dinner. In the. other houses nothing was needed, but at the same time Nothing was left towards the next meal. Two o\rquote clock came, and we had nothing yet. After two o\rquote clock I opened the boxes in my house, in which I found a paper containing a sovereign and a half, and 2 half-crowns loose. Of this I took 30s. at once to the Orphan-Houses, whereby we were helped for this day. Our need had not been greater for a long time. Dear reader, join me in admiring and adoring Him, who caused that money to be put into the box, and, I have reason to believe, only a very short time before, and who led my mind to open it, to obtain thus the help which was needed. \emdash In the afternoon came in still further 31. 6s. by the sale of some old silver and a few trinkets.\par \par Aug. 21. There came in, by sale of Reports, 5s., and from Tewkesbury 11. This sovereign came in the greatest need. I took it at once to the Orphan-Houses, and by it we were supplied for the day. When I returned home I found that a little old gold watch had been given in the mean time. There came in also 3s.; and two half-sovereigns were given this evening by two little girls, through a sister in the Lord from Bath.\par \par Aug. 22. The two half-sovereigns, which were given last evening, were all we had at the beginning of today. There was found in the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 5s. 9d., and in a post-office order I received 11. So we had enough for one more day. \emdash And it is by the day I live. Were I to think of how it will be a year or even a month hence, I should be tried indeed\emdash yea, greatly tried. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," is my Lord\rquote s own precious warrant for this. He will not have me to be anxious about tomorrow, and therefore I cast my cares about tomorrow upon Him. As the weeks pass on, and I go on Saturday evenings to the prayer meetings at the Orphan-Houses, I praise the Lord for having sustained me one more week in this service, by enabling me to look to Him. Yea, as each day closes, I desire to be grateful to the Lord for having sustained my faith and patience, and enabled me to rely upon Him, especially in seasons of such great poverty, lasting for weeks, as we have been in of late. But this I must say to the praise of the Lord, that my soul is kept in peace at such times, and, through the riches of His grace, I am kept from questioning whether He will help me or not. And, indeed, it would be sinful ingratitude, after all the Lord has been doing for me in this work, not to rely upon Him. May He in mercy uphold me to the end in this service, and keep me from dishonouring His holy name, either by unbelief, or in any other way.\par \par Aug. 23. This morning the Lord greatly refreshed my spirit; for after a long-continued trial of faith, and after long and deep poverty, there was sent me from Devonshire a check for 201. There came in 6s. besides.\par \par Aug. 24. 11. 19s. 7 \'bc d. came in today.\par \par Aug. 25. From A. A. I received today 201. How exceedingly kind of the Lord, in an hour of such great need, on account of all the many and great wants in which I find myself just now, to have sent this sum! There came in 21. 0s. 6d. besides.\par \par Aug. 26. Received for Reports 11. 7s., and 3d. besides.\par \par Aug. 28. Altogether 11. 11s. 2d. came in today.\par \par Aug. 29. Received 2s. 11d. by sale of Reports, and\par \par 7s. 6d. from Bath. The brother in Bath, who sent me this money, wrote me that the 7s. 6d. was sent to him with the following letter.\par \par \par 27th August, 1844.\par \par "Sir,\par \par Part of the enclosed 7s. 6d. did belong to your dear Father, J. L., Esq., value of which I stole from him in my unconverted state. \emdash I, now a believer in Jesus, constrained by love to Him, return it to you with interest, praying that the Lord may richly bless you and yours.\par \par * * * *."\par \par \par J. L., Esq. has been dead more than fifteen years, therefore it must be longer than that period since the theft alluded to was committed. \emdash This 7s. 6d. came in in especially great need; for though 501. had been given during the last seven days, yet on account of our long-continued poverty, and the heavy expenses which were to be met, this 7s. 6d. was received when there was nothing at all in hand, and was sent off at once to the Orphan-Houses. \emdash This evening, when we were still in great need, and when means were required for tomorrow morning, 10s. was given to me. This money was sent off this evening to the Orphan-Houses, for the need of tomorrow morning. About nine o\rquote clock a sister came to my house, who had been to Shirehampton, and had there received 1l. 10s. 6d. for the Orphans. She gave also the remaining 6d. of the change of two sovereigns. The Lord inclined the heart of this sister to bring the money at once, and we are thus supplied for tomorrow. At half-past nine this evening I received another precious donation of 10s., with the following letter: \emdash\par \par Aug. 29, 1844.\par \par "The history of this money is this. I did some work in the country some time ago, and thought I should never get the money for it, as I had repeatedly written about it, and could not get it. But some time ago I was asking the Lord to incline the heart of the person who owed me the money, to send it to me, and I told Him, that, if He would do so, I would give 10s. for the Orphans. Three days ago I had such confidence, that I should have the\par \par money, that I was enabled to praise the Lord for it; and today I was going up Park Street, and met the person coming with the money. It had been put into the party\rquote s heart the day before yesterday to pay me the money. Now, dear brother, I fulfil my promise to the Lord by giving you the money. Help me, dear brother, to praise Him for it, and that I may be enabled to trust Him more than ever I have done yet.\par \par "Yours in Jesus,\par \par * * *"\par \par \par This brother is a poor tradesman, himself working with his hands.\par \par Aug. 30. Today 6s. 8d. came in by sale of Reports. This evening I met a sister from Bath, who is staying in Bristol for two or three days. She gave me her purse, and all that was in it, for the Orphans, being 5s., saying, she wanted nothing till she returned to Bath. This goes towards tomorrow\rquote s need, which will be at least 41., and for which we have as yet only 1l. 6s. in hand.\par \par Aug. 81, Saturday. There came in a few shillings besides, last evening and this morning, so that I had 11. 13s. 8d. to send to the Orphan-Houses; but I find\par \par 41. 5s. is needed. \emdash Evening. There came in still further, in the morning, 5s. 6d., by sale of stockings, 11. 8s. by sale of Reports, 15s. 1d. by sale of articles given for the purpose, 5s. 5d. by sale of ladies\rquote bags. And in the evening was received 21. 10s. 2d. besides, so that I had 21. l2s. 10d. more than was actually needed.\par \par Sept. 3, Tuesday. Since Saturday evening there has come in, in donations 18s. 10d., by sale of Reports 21. 3s. 1d., and by work done by the Orphan-girls 11. 3s. 8d. Thus, with what was left on Saturday, we have been supplied these two days.\par \par 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\emdash 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 connexion 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. Especially do not think, that because you may not be called by God to establish Orphan-Houses and Schools for poor children, therefore you are not warranted to rely upon God, in all your need; for the blessedness of depending upon the living God may be enjoyed by all the children of God, though they are not all called by Him to such a work as this Narrative describes. Nor must you suppose, that our only trials in this work arise from want of means, so that, in carrying it on, we have to rely upon God for nothing besides this. I assure you that the want of means is the smallest trial, and that I have had far, far greater exercises of faith on account of other things in connexion with this work than those arising from the want of means. But the trials connected with the want of means I dwell upon so particularly, because that is a matter which can be understood by all, and in which the senses themselves almost force us, so to speak, to acknowledge the hand of God. \emdash 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.\par \par A little after nine o\rquote 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\rquote clock the bag was sent from the Orphan-Houses, in which in a note it was stated that 1l. 2s. was required for today. Scarcely had I read this, when a fly stopped before my house, and a gentleman, Mr. \emdash\emdash\par \par 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 collection, and without personal application to any one, simply by faith and prayer, I obtained 20001. 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 21., as an exemplification of what I had stated to him. \emdash There came in still further this morning 10s., being profits froth the sale of ladies\rquote bags. From the same donor who had sent the sovereign this morning, I received, two hours later, a box containing the following articles: \emdash Three mourning rings, three other gold rings set with cameos, two gold watch keys, four gold lockets, a gold brooch, a silver snuffbox, six medals, three gold ear-drops, a pair of mourning earrings, a purse, two pairs of babies\rquote shoes, a pair of card-racks, two necklaces, five ornamental hair pins, a wafer-stamp, a paper-knife, two book marks, and a great variety of polished pebbles.\emdash Oh! how good is the Lord, and how seasonably comes His help, in our great, great need, when so much is required for clothes, &c. There came in likewise through a sister in Bath 11., and 5s. 6d. more. Thus, besides all the articles, which have been mentioned, altogether 41. l5s. 6d. has come in this day, at the commencement of which I had only One farthing left.\par \par Sept. 6. Besides the money, spoken of on the 4th, only 6s. 10d. more had come in, so that, after this day\rquote s necessities had been met, there was now again nothing at all in hand. Soon after I received 3s. 6d. this also was presently spent, except 9d., when a brother from Essex came, who gave me 2l.\par \par Sept. 7, Saturday. Having had to pay out 10s. more, immediately after the receipt of the 2l., this day began with 1l. 10s. 9d. in hand, whilst the need was 3l. 15s. This 1l. 10s. 9d. I sent off to the Orphan-Houses, trusting in the Lord for more. And this time also my hope in God was not put to shame; for in the course of the morning came in 10s. 6d. by sale of Reports, by a donation 10s., by sale of articles 2l. 8s. 8 \'bd d., by sale of stockings 1s. 8d., and by sale of ladies\rquote bags 4s. It was very kind of the Lord to send in this money in the course of the morning, thus providing us not only with the 3l. 15s. which was needed for housekeeping, but enabling us also to meet other unexpected expenses. In the Evening I received still further, after the need of the day had been met, but when all again was expended, a sovereign, four small old silver coins, a pair of coral earrings, and a brooch.\par \par Sept. 8 There was the sovereign in hand which came in last evening, as a little towards the need of Monday, when I received this morning 50l., to be used as most needed. It is impossible to express how seasonably this help came, as, though our daily wants had been met day by day, yet very much is required in the way of clothes, &c. But as the need for the other objects is as great or greater, I took of this sum 30l. for them and 20l. for the Orphans. We are thus greatly encouraged to continue in prayer. Our poverty has scarcely ever lasted longer than now, yet the Lord has helped us as our absolute need has required it. The donor of this 50l. wished me to enter it with the text Philip iv. 6, judging that this text must have been often a refreshment to me in seasons of trial, as indeed it as.\par \par From Sept. 8th to 17th came in 23l. 2s. 6 \'bd d.\par \par Sept. 18. From A. A. 5l., by sale of Reports, 13s. 8d., and by the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 14s. 11d.\par \par Sept. 19. This morning came in 10l. from Scotland. By this 10l., and what came in yesterday, I am able to meet the expenses of today, which were more than 16l.\par \par Sept. 21, Saturday. Yesterday came in from Clapham, at an hour of need, 1l. 12s. 10d., together with several articles, also 1l. from Clifton; and today by sale of Reports, 1l. 15s. 4d., and by sale of articles l4s. 9d. Thus we are brought to the close of another week, though the expenses of it have not been less than 110l. (part of which had been put by beforehand). At the close of the week I have not more than 3s. left but the Lord will provide.\par \par Sept. 22. Lord\rquote s-day morning. This morning I received from the neighbourhood of Crediton 101., and from Sidmouth 10l., of which 81. is for the Orphans, and 21. for my own personal expenses. Likewise from A. A. 2s. 2 \'bdd., for Reports 4s., and in the Chapel boxes was put anonymously 6d., ditto 2s. 6d. ditto 2s. 6d., ditto 6d. with these words: "Be still and know that I am God." How precious this word, and how have I seen today again the truth of it! \emdash Three days ago a sister in the Lord, who is a servant, came to me, and brought me 91. l6s. which she had drawn out of the Savings\rquote Bank, considering it the Lord\rquote s will that she should not keep it there any longer, but spend it for him. She gave me the money that I might do with it as I thought right. However, I sent her home again with the money, advising her to weigh the matter still further, and to pray still further about it, and to count the cost; and if she was of the same mind, after some days, to come again to me. Now this afternoon this sister came again, with her little all, 91. 16s. As she had now, for a long time, weighed the matter (according to her own statement), and as there had three days more passed away since I had sent her home again with the money, and as I found her grounded upon Scripture for what she was going to do, I could not refuse the money. See portioned it out thus: 21. for her father, brother, and sister, 11. 10s. for the poor believers in fellowship with us, 11. for the Chapel expenses, and 11. for missionary purposes. This left 41. 6s., of which she would give me 21. which I declined, in order that there might not be even the appearance as if I had persuaded this poor servant to draw her money out of the Savings\rquote Bank. She then wished me to give brother Craik 1l., which I accepted for him, and as I saw she wept, because I would not receive anything for myself, I said I would take a sovereign. This I did, that she might not think I refused her Christian kindness because she was a poor servant. The remaining 21. 6s. she gave for the Orphans. \emdash By the donations which have come in today I am able to meet almost all the expenses connected with the procuring of many articles of clothing and furniture, for which I have long been praying.\par \par Oct. 1. Since the 22nd many pounds have come in, though not any sums above 51. Now this evening I have received a bank order for 701., to be used as the Lord might direct me. The donor wishes me to let him know if anything particular should be connected with this donation. There is indeed much connected with it, as it comes most manifestly in answer to prayer; for thus I am able to supply all that is needed in the way of articles of clothes for the Orphans, for which I have been long waiting upon the Lord, and as the winter is now drawing near, the winter-clothes need to be got ready; further, I am able to have the Boys\rquote Orphan-House painted inside and coloured down, which is much needed; I am able to furnish all the labourers in the Orphan-Houses with some money for themselves, which, on account of our long-continued poverty, I had not been able to do for six months. Yet; though the donation comes in so seasonably, I cannot write to the kind donor thus, lest he should be induced to give more, by my exposing our circumstances, and lest also the hand of God should not be so manifest, in providing me with means for the work, as otherwise it would.\par \par \emdash I took of this money 401. for the Orphans, and 301. for the other funds. \emdash During the last two weeks I have had to pay out for the work about 2001., and this week I shall have to pay out again about 601. Thus the Lord helps continually.\par \par Nov. 1. Since Oct. 1st there has come in such an abundance, that without any difficulty I have been able to meet all the expenses for the Orphans, though during the week ending Oct. 5th I had to pay out 591., during the week ending on the 12th above 401., during the week ending on the 19th nearly 401., and during the week ending on the 26th about 50l. Of the many donations which came in during this period I will only mention the following: From a small town in the kingdom of Wirtemburg 1s. 8d.; from Nice, in France, 1l.; from a missionary in the East Indies 141. 12s. 6d. Notice, dear reader, how the Lord sends donations from Wirtemburg, France, and the East Indies! Great, however, as our income had been, we were now again poor, on account of the heavy expenses, when, in answer to prayer, there came in today, from some sisters near Coleford, 21. 10, by sale of Reports 2s., and from A. A. 10l. 7s. 7 \'bd d. The post was out this morning and nothing had come; but my heart said, the Lord still can send, though the post is out; and these donations were soon after given to me.\par \par Nov. 11. From Nov. 1st up to this day we went on easily. There came in again many donations. Now, however, we were again very poor, having had again very heavy expenses. In this great need a ten pound note was this afternoon put into an Orphan-box in my house. This evening I received also still further, from a brother who labours in Demerara, 11., and 1l. 10s. besides.\par \par Nov. 13. Yesterday and today came in again more than 10l. Our expenses having again been very great, as during these three days above 301. had been paid out for the Orphans, we were still poor, notwithstanding the considerable income during the last three days. Under these circumstances a ring was given to me this afternoon, set with one large and six small brilliants. How kind of the Lord, thus to help us continually in the work, and to listen to our supplications, which, day after day, we bring to him! Daring no time, since I have been engaged in this service, have the expenses been heavier than during the last four months; yet the Lord has always given us what we have needed.\par \par Nov. 18. The produce of the ring, together with about 10l, more, which had come in since the 13th, was nearly all gone again, on account of the expenses of the past week having been nearly 501., when this morning a Christian gentleman from Devonshire called on me, who, on leaving, left a letter on my table, containing two five pound notes, of which five pounds was for the Orphans and five pounds for three other objects. This evening I found a five pound note in one of the Orphan-boxes in my house. Thus we are again helped for the present. The name of the Lord be praised!\par \par Nov. 21. The need of today was 41. 5s., but there were only a few shillings in hand. I opened the boxes in my house, in which 1 found a sovereign and a shilling. The sovereign could have been put in only last evening. After family prayer I retired again for prayer, about the work as I do daily, by which means I have been helped not only to meet the very heavy expenses since July 15th, but have been helped through many and great difficulties in other respects, and have been enabled to bring many blessings upon the work. While in prayer, I received a letter from the neighbourhood of Leeds, with 5l. Thus we are helped for today. This afternoon came in still further, by sale of articles 1l. 9s., by the boxes in the Orphan- Houses 1l. 6s. 3 \'bd d.; and this evening I received 5l., being the profits from the sale of a Hymn book, which has been printed for the benefit of the Orphans. Thus we have something for the need of tomorrow also.\par \par Nov. 23. As yesterday\rquote s expenses had to be met out of what had come in on the 21st, only 11s. 10d. having come in yesterday, and as the need of today for housekeeping was 4l. 10s., we had not enough in hand. Our precious universal remedy, prayer, was now again resorted to. About ten minutes after, I received a Post-office order from Stafford for 21. About twelve o\rquote clock this morning came in still further, by the sale of some books and prints, given for the purpose, 31. 1s., by the sale of other articles 31. 7s. 9d., by the sale of Reports 1s. 1d., by the sale of ladies\rquote bags l3s. 5d., and by the sale of stockings 2s. 6d. This afternoon came in still further from Glasgow 5l. Thus the day, which commenced when we had not enough in hand for its necessities, has ended in comparative abundance, though there is still little in hand for present use, as we need to provide for the rent of the houses and for the purchase of oatmeal, and therefore put by a part of the money given today. Yet we are brought to the close of another week, having been able to meet all its expenses.\par \par Nov. 24. This morning I received a letter from the neighbourhood of Dublin, with four five pound Post-office orders. Thus the Lord has done according to my expectation; for in our usual weekly prayer meeting last evening at the Orphan-houses with the labourers in the work, I was enabled to praise the Lord, that He would provide for the need of this week also.\par \par Dec. 2, Monday. During the last week the income had been again about 361. But having had still many extra expenses, and, also to put by money for the rents due on the next quarter-day, there was nothing left at the close of the week. Yesterday came in 5s. 10d., 4d., 5s., 19s. 10d., and 1l. By this money we were able to meet the housekeeping expenses of this day, being only 21. 5s.; but, having 21. to pay out, besides the current expenses, and having understood that a brother in the Lord from Birmingham, with two other strangers, had visited the Orphan-Houses, and that money had been put into the boxes, they were opened, and 31. 3s. 1d. was found in them. Thus I was able to send off the 21. There came in also this afternoon 10s. for work done by a young lady, and this evening, by sale of Reports, 4s.\par \par Dec. 3. As only 1l. 15s. was required for housekeeping today, we had enough, by what had come in yesterday afternoon and evening, and I had twopence left.\par \par Dec. 4. The Lord has again, in the love and compassion of His fatherly heart, multiplied "the handful of meal in the barrel, and the little oil in the cruse." The twopence have been multiplied more than a thousand fold. Yesterday came in from Clapton 2s. 6d., from the county of Dorset 101., and from A. A. 10s., being (as the donor writes) "the produce of a needless article of jewelery."\par \par Dec. 7, Saturday. Only 21. 10s. 10d. having come in during the last two days (among which was a remarkable donation of 10s. from Calv, in the kingdom of Wirtemberg), I had again, after I had paid out yesterday what was required, only 21. 10s. 3d. left, which I knew would not be half enough for this day. Yesterday afternoon came in from Sherborne 6s. This morning I had an unusually full assurance that the Lord would help us this day again, though I knew that more than 81. would be needed today, towards which there was only 21. l6s. 3d. in hand. I praised the Lord repeatedly this morning beforehand for the help which He again would grant this day. By the first delivery arrived 10s. from the neighborhood of Kingsbridge. Thus we had 31. 6s. 3d.; but for housekeeping we needed 5l. 10s., and for other expenses 31. 1s. 5d. However, when the Orphan came with the letter-bag, to fetch the money, I received in it a letter from Bath, containing 5l. Thus we had enough, and more than enough, for the momentary need, as to the house-keeping expenses. About twelve o\rquote clock came in the following sums besides: by sale of articles 41. 5s. 8d., by sale of Reports 8d., by sale of stockings 2s. 2d., by sale of ladies\rquote bags 3s. 9d. This evening came in still further, from Dublin, for Reports 1l. 2s., and 1l. as a donation, together with some prints, some books, etc. for sale. Thus we had all we needed, to help us to the close of the week, and were able to put by some money for the weekly rents and other expenses, to be met on quarter day.\par \par Dec. 9, Monday. Though we had been helped abundantly on Saturday, yet, as some money needed to be put by, we had still nothing for the beginning of this week. Yesterday came in for Reports 7s. 4d., and anonymously was put into the Chapel-boxes 1s. and 2s. 6d. There was also anonymously put into the Chapel-boxes a 501. note, with these words: "251. for the Orphan-Houses, and 25l. for clothing and blankets for the poor." Thus we are again most seasonably helped, and are now almost entirely prepared to meet all the expenses coming upon us a few weeks hence.\par \par Jan. 18 1845, Saturday. Since Dec. 9th we had always supplies sent, before the last money was given out; it was a season of rich abundance, for there came in (including the 251. last mentioned) about 1401. Now, however, this evening, after all the expenses of the day had been met, there was nothing remaining. But admire with me, dear reader, the goodness of the Lord! This very evening He has again kindly supplied us with means for the commencement of another week. The boxes at the Orphan-Houses were opened (our need leading us to do so) in winch was found 10l. 16s., one of them containing a ten pound note. Is it not, dear reader, a precious thing to trust\par \par in the Lord? Are not ten pounds, thus received out of the hands of our Heavenly Father, as the result of faith in God, most precious? Will not you also seek to trust in Him, and depend on Him alone in all your everyday\rquote s concerns, and in all spiritual matters too? If you have not done so, do make but trial of the preciousness of this way, and you will see how pleasant and sweet it is; and if you have done so in a measure, do so yet more and more, and you will never have cause to regret it. But, perhaps, you are not a believer; if so, you cannot trust in God, and go in all circumstances to Him, as to your Father, except you are first reconciled to him through our Lord Jesus. What you have then to do is, to learn that you are a lost, ruined, guilty sinner, deserving nothing but punishment. But, at the same time, you have to remember that God, in the greatness of His love to sinners, sent His own dear Son, that He, in their room and stead, might bear the punishment due to them, make an atonement for their sins, and fulfil the law of God in their stead, in order that every one, who believes on Him, might obtain the forgiveness of his sins, and be reckoned righteous before God. If you believe in the Lord Jesus, i.e., if you receive Him as the one whom God has declared Him to be, even the Son of God (as to His person), and the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (as to His work), and if you rest upon Him, trust in Him for the salvation of your soul, then all your sins shall be forgiven. Though you have grown old in sin, though your sins have been very many and very grievous, yet the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. Do but believe, and you shall be saved. And when thus you are reconciled to God, through faith in His dear Son, walk before Him as an obedient child, seek in child-like simplicity to go to God for every thing, and do really treat God as your father.\par \par There arrived also this Saturday evening, from the Isle of Wight, a small box, containing 14s. and many articles for sale.\par \par Jan. 20, Monday. 31. 11s, has come in besides the 11l. 10s., which came in on Saturday evening; but as, in addition to the ordinary house-keeping expenses, I had this afternoon to order material for boys\rquote clothes, all the money which had come in since Saturday evening was now again gone. About an hour afterwards I found that two five-pound notes had been put into one of the boxes at my house, and at the same time I received a bank order for 16l. from a poor missionary brother, who labours about 3,000 miles from Bristol~ in dependence upon the Lord for his temporal supplies. Of this 161. the sum of 121. is to be employed in sending him Bibles and New Testaments, and 41. he gives to the Orphans. What ways has not the Lord to help His children who trust in Him! Who would suppose that a poor missionary would send 41. for the Orphans, from a distance of 3,000 miles? But rather must the ravens again bring supplies, as in the days of Elijah, than that the children of God, who trust in their Heavenly Father, should not have their need supplied. \emdash Thus the Lord has again given 14l. for the Orphans, when all was gone.\par \par Jan. 25, Saturday evening. We have been helped through the heavy expenses of this week, without lacking any thing; but now we have nothing left. \emdash This evening, about ten. o\rquote clock, I received from Barnstaple some articles for sale, and a Spanish dollar, two \'bc of a franc, and a sixpence; also 1l. and 2l. Also sixpence for Reports.\par \par Jan. 27, Monday. Yesterday I received from F. E. B. 2s. 6d., from "Friends to the Institution" 4l.; and 2s. 6d. was put into the Chapel-boxes anonymously, ditto 10s., ditto 2s. 6d. Thus, by what came in on Saturday evening and yesterday, I am able to meet this day\rquote s demands, being 41. 5s. 6d. \emdash Evening. This afternoon I received from Camerton 5l., of which 31. is for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and 2l. for the Orphans. Thus, as the money goes out, the Lord kindly sends in supplies, and all without speaking to one human being about our necessities, but making them known to Him only; yea, determined, by His help and support, rather to endure many trials, in order that through our difficulties the Church of Christ at large may be comforted, and those who are weak\par \par in faith be strengthened, than to go away from the door of our Heavenly Father to that of brethren.\par \par Feb. 1, Saturday. We are brought to the close of another week, and have been supplied with all we needed; but there is now again nothing left.\par \par Feb. 2. When now again there was nothing left last evening in my hands for the beginning of the coming week, there have been today, by two different donors, two five-pound notes put into the Chapel-boxes, ditto 2s. 6d., ditto 2s. 6d., and also 2s. 6d. was given besides. Thus we are again supplied fur the present. O Lord, fill my -heart with lively gratitude for all Thy goodness! Lord help me, not only to trust in Thee more and more, but also to love Thee more and more, seeing that Thou dost condescend to use such a poor sinful servant!\par \par Feb. 8, Saturday evening. Above 301. has come in during this week; but as there have been bought eight hundred weight of rice and eight bushels of peas, besides meeting the regular housekeeping expenses, again only a few shillings remain.\par \par Feb. 10, Monday. Yesterday 21. was sent to me, from a physician residing in Bristol; anonymously was put into the boxes at Bethesda Chapel 2s., ditto 1l., and ditto 2s. 6d. Also by A. A. was given to me 7s. 2d. I was thus able, with the few shillings that were left on Saturday evening, to meet the expenses of this day, after which 7s. 10d. remained. This morning I was kept, through pressure of engagements, from having prayer, on account of the work, at the usual time; but at half-past two I united with my beloved wife and her sister in prayer, and I asked the Lord, among other blessings, also for means. As to the latter, we had answer upon answer before the close of the day. For this afternoon 1l. 5s. 9d. arrived from Stirling. This afternoon also five sovereigns were put into the box in my room, which I happened to find out soon after. I received also this evening 5s., which had yesterday been anonymously put into the boxes at Salem Chapel. A poor brother likewise gave me 2s. Still further came. in 11s. 5d.\par \par Feb. 11. This morning I received still further a donation of 2l. This afternoon I received, as the profit of the sale of ladies\rquote bags, 1l., and 21. 17s. 4d. came in by sale of articles.\par \par Feb. 12. After I had sent off this morning the money which was required for the housekeeping of today, I had again only 16s. 2 \'bd d. 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,\par \par with my dear wife and her sister, for prayer, to ask the Lord for many blessings, in connexion with this work, and for means also. About one hour after, I received a letter from Devonshire, containing an order for 22l., of which 10l. was for the Orphans, 2l. for a poor brother in Bristol, and 101. for myself. \emdash 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 10l. for myself. \emdash This evening was left at the Infant Orphan-House an anonymous letter, containing a sovereign for the Orphans, with the letters C. T. D.\par \par Feb. 15, Saturday evening. 61. 1s. 4d. has come in since the 12th. All the wants of this week have been richly supplied, but now there was again scarcely anything left towards the coming week, when this evening, just before I was going to our usual Saturday evening prayer meeting at the Orphan-Houses, a bank post bill for 10l. came to hand, being the gift of an aged clergyman. Thus we have a little for the next week, and we have also been able to order two hundred weight of soap, which it was very desirable to have, in order that there might be no need of using new soap for washing.\par \par Feb. 16. Today the Lord has given still more. Anonymously were put into the Chapel-boxes the following sums: A twenty-pound note, a sovereign, 2s. 6d., and 6s. There was given also by A. A. 3s. 7d., and a lady from Nottingham sent 5s. It was part\par } Bm'01.05 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with Müeller{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang3082fmo01.04 Narrative of Lord's Dealings with Müeller{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\lang3082\f0\fs22 Narrative of the Lord's Dealings with George Muller. Part IV\par \par PREFACE\par \par TO THE\par \par FIRST EDITION OF THE FOURTH PART\par \par Twelve years have elapsed since the period at which the third part of the Narrative of the Lord\rquote s dealings with me closes. It has not been for want of matter, that this fourth part has not appeared sooner; but the increased andc\f0\fs22 Narrative of the Lord's Dealings with George Muller. Part V\par \par PREFACE\par \par TO THE\par \par FIRST EDITION OF THE FIFTH PART\par \par The reasons which have led me to write this volume, and the order of the book, are state in the introduction.\par \par GEORGE MULLER\par \par \par \par INTRODUCTION.\par \par \emdash\emdash\emdash\emdash\emdash\emdash\par \par \par For more than ten years I have asked the Lord daily, and often repeatedly in the course of a day, to allow me the honour and privilege, to write the continuation of the Narrative of the Lord\rquote s dealings with me, which was carried on to May 26, 1856; but I was never so situated as to time to be able to do so, till of late. Now, however, I feel not only particularly led to this service, but am also, through particular providential circumstances, able to do it, so far as it regards time. The reasons, which have induced me, year after year, and especially of late years, to desire to publish the continuation of my Narrative, are the following:\emdash\par \par 1, When the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad was formed on the 5th of March, 1834, its beginning was, as to outward appearance, most insignificant; and, though year after year it was enlarged, still it was small, comparatively, after ten years, in 1844; and though from 1844 to 1856, when the last part of my Narrative was published, the Institution had in all its five Objects been very much enlarged, it was even then small, in comparison with what it is now, in 1874. My desire, therefore, is to carry on the history of the Institution in this volume to the end of the fortieth year of its existence, and to show, how the very self-same principles on which it was established, and carried on, when small, are in practice now, and only these, while the Institution is large, very large, and very comprehensive; that with the same ease we go forward and find faith and prayer sufficient for everything, though the Institution is a hundred times larger than in 1834 and 1835, and though it is even five times larger than it was in May 1856, the time to which the account is carried on in the second Volume of this Narrative. I desire, therefore, to give the Continuation of the Narrative for the encouragement of the disciples of the Lord Jesus in general, and particularly for the encouragement of those who labour more especially for the Lord, and for the comfort of those who are in particular trials and difficulties.\par \par 2, A further reason why I desire to publish the continuation of this Narrative is, that those, who have read the first volume of it, and who saw, how in the year 1830 I took two momentous steps, (in beginning my service as I did in Devonshire in January of that year, solely in dependence upon the Living God, and how, in October of that year, I gave up my emolument in connexion with the ministry of the Word) may see, that verily I was guided by the Lord, and that He not only owned and helped me up to 1856, but that more than ever He has been pleased to make it manifest, since May 1856, how blessed is the man that trusts in Him and in Him alone.\par \par 3, The reader of the first two volumes of this Narrative, and especially the readers of the last fifteen Reports of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, will remember, how I have written again and again in my publications "about Stewardship," "consecration of our means to the Lord, together with all we have and are," and also about "systematic giving to the Lord\rquote s Work, and the poor." When writing on these subjects for the press, during the last thirty years, I have hinted at my own seeking to carry out these principles, but I have refrained till now, from giving a practical illustration from my own experience. Now, however, I purpose in this volume, to bring before the reader, how I have acted myself with regard to these various points, and how the Lord has not only blessed me in my own soul in doing so, but how He also, beyond the highest conception of most, in all probability, has recompensed me temporarily, and entrusted me so abundantly with means for myself, that the reader will marvel, except he is much himself acquainted with God, when he comes to the part of my Narrative where I write on this subject. I shall give minutely the account of my life in this respect during the last 43 years. But there remains lastly, one more reason.\par \par 4, When I began the Orphan Work, one of the especial objects, which I had in view, was to benefit the Church of God at large, by the accounts which I might be enabled to write in connexion with this service; for I expected, from the beginning, to have many answers to prayer granted to me; and I confidently anticipated that the recording of them would be beneficial to believers, in leading them to look for answers to their own prayers, and in encouraging them to bring all their own necessities before God in prayer. I likewise firmly believed, that many unconverted persons would, by means of such writings, be led to see the reality of the things of God. For the same reasons I began afterwards to publish "The Narrative of the Lord\rquote s Dealings" with me. As I expected, so it has been. In very many instances the reading of the Reports of the Institution, or the "Narrative of the Lord\rquote s Dealings" with me, has been blessed by God to the conversion of those who knew not our Lord Jesus. In many thousands of instances, likewise, believers have been benefited through them, being thereby comforted, encouraged, led more simply to the Holy Scriptures, led more fully to trust in God for everything, in a word, led in a greater or less degree, to walk in the same path of faith, in which the writer, by the help of God, is walking. The many thousands of instances of blessing which have been brought before me during the past 36 years (for almost daily I have heard of fresh cases), have only still further led me to earnestness in prayer, that the Lord would condescend to use these publications still more, and make them a blessing to many tens of thousands of His children, and to many tens of thousands of the unconverted. And now the reader will rejoice with me, when he reads what follows. I am led to relate the following, that the Godly reader more than ever may be encouraged to prayer, and also, that an accurate statement may be given of this fact, which has been referred to in many public places in connexion with Revival meetings, and which likewise has been several times stated in print.\par \par 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. M\'fcller 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\rquote 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 schoolhouse 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 we not have such a blessed work here, seeing that God did such great things for Mr. M\'fcller, 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.\emdash 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 Balleymena.\emdash 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.\par \par 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 those facts are stated, in order that it may be seen, what delight God has in answering abundantly the believing prayer of His children.\par \par Seeing, then, how greatly God has condescended to own these records in my Narrative, regarding His willingness to listen to prayer, made to Him in the name of the Lord Jesus, I am delighted to give the continuation of this Narrative, because it contains numberless other such instances, in order that thus further glory may redound to God, and that the readers may still further be encouraged to expect great things from God, and to trust in Him at all times, and under all circumstances.\par \par This volume will be divided into Five Chapters. The first will especially give particulars in connexion with the enlargement of the Orphan Work, by the building of the New Orphan Houses No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5, thus providing accommodation for 2,050 Orphans, instead of the 300 only, who were in the New Orphan House No. 1. The Second Chapter will refer to the way in which it pleased the Lord to supply the means for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract-Fund, from May 26,1856 to March 5, 1874. The Third Chapter will give the Lord\rquote s way in providing for the thousands of orphans, who were in the Five Orphan Houses on Ashley Down, from May 26, 1856, to March 5, 1874. The Fourth Chapter will give the statistics from May 26, 1856, to March 5, 1874, with reference to the Schools connected with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, Missionary operations, Tract circulation and Orphan Work, as to numbers, amount of means expended and blessing resulting from these operations, as far as it is known, &c. The Fifth Chapter will refer to the Lord\rquote s Dealings with myself personally. The whole volume, however, will be mixed with practical remarks, instructive for young believers, as the subjects may lead to them.\par \par \par CHAPTER I.\par \par \par Enlargement of the Orphan Work, by the building of the New Orphan-Houses No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5, on Ashley Down, near Bristol. Practical remarks, letters from donors and Orphans, &c.\par \par \par In the Fourth Part of this Narrative, Third Edition, from page 206 to 227, I gave minutely the reasons, which led me to seek to build, in dependence upon the Living God, premises large enough to be able to accommodate 700 more Orphans, in addition to the 300 already under our care. I afterwards detailed minutely, how the Lord had been pleased, in answer to prayer, to send one donation after another; and how, on May 26, 1856, I had actually in hand for this object \'a329,297 18s. 11\'bdd. I now proceed to relate, how, since then, God was pleased further to provide me with means for the Building Fund, but refer only to the more remarkable donations.\par \par June 19, 1856. Received \'a31700, the disposal of which being left to me, I took for each of the various objects an equal portion, i. e. for the Building Fund \'a3283 6s. 8d., for the support of the Orphans \'a3283 6s. 8d., for the various Day Schools, the Sunday Schools, and Adult Schools of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, \'a3283 6s. 8d., for the gratuitous circulation of the Holy Scriptures among the Poor \'a3283 6s. 8d., for Missions \'a3283 6s. 8d., and for the gratuitous circulation of Gospel Tracts \'a3283 6s. 8d.\par \par July 4. Received \'a3500, the disposal of which was left to me. I therefore took \'a383 6s. 8d. for the Building Fund, the same amount for the support of the Orphans, and the same amount for the various Schools of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, also \'a383 6s. 8d, for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, \'a383 6s. 8d. for Missions, and \'a383 6s. 8d. for the gratuitous circulation of Gospel Tracts.\par \par July 5. \'a3245 from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, Constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par Aug. 26. Anonymously 31 old Guinea pieces, with the following letter "Dear Sir, The produce of the inclosed coins to be applied as donations in the following proportions: \'a310 for Missionary labours, \'a310 towards your Building Fund, \'a35 for the Orphans, and what remains divide between Mr. Craik and yourself. A thank-offering for restoration to health."\par \par This is not only an answer to prayer for means, but especially also another answer to my oft repeated prayer, that the Lord would be pleased to incline the hearts of His children to send me their old gold and silver coins for His work, as well as diamonds, jewellery, costly apparel, and other valuable but needless articles.\par \par Jan. 20, 1857 Received \'a3500, the disposal of which was left to me. I divided, therefore, the amount equally between the Building Fund and the five different Objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, taking \'a383 6s. 8d. for each.\emdash\'a3l48 from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par Feb. 21. Received the following letter:\emdash "Beloved Sir, I enclose you \'a310 as \lquote The fruit from seed sown.\rquote I wish it appropriated for the support of the Orphans, unless the Building Fund still needs it, in which case half to each. In my deep humiliation last year, I consecrated a certain portion of my year\rquote s income to the Lord\rquote s service, and sent you \'a310 in anticipation of it, and the result is, that I have nearly \'a3100 to devote to Him during the present year. I have other objects dear to Him in view; but if He so directs me, you will probably hear from me again. I rejoice in being able to sympathize with you in the happiness resulting from trusting in, and working for, the Lord. I am, affectionately yours, * * * * *." The donation was taken half for the Building Fund, and half for the support of the Orphans.\par \par Let us ponder this letter, dear reader. The writer says, that the \'a310 sent is "The fruit from seed sown." Remember in connection with this: 1, There is such a thing as sowing and reaping in this way, according to 2 Cor. ix. 6. Teaching children, visiting from house to house, for the sake of benefiting persons naturally or spiritually; giving money, bread, clothes, &c., to the poor; using our money in any way for the Lord\rquote s honour and glory, is called, according to this passage, sowing; and, the recompense given by the Lord to Him who sows, in time and eternity, is called reaping. The recompense may be, and generally is, more or less, given even in time; often ten fold, yea, a hundred fold, as the Lord repays even in temporal things, through raising up friends for us, or giving his manifest blessing upon our earthly vocation, &c. But suppose, that, for some particular purposes, the Lord did not allow such reaping to take place here on earth, there will be, most assuredly, the reaping in the world to come. I have moved among children of God above 48 years; I have become acquainted with many thousands of them, and I have known very many, who sowed, and sowed bountifully, and I have not yet met with one single instance in which, even as to this life, the Lord has not acted according to His Word, so that as the sowing was, so was the reaping. This leads me to the second point of the verse: 2, "But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." These are the words of the Holy Spirit by the Apostle Paul. The figure here used is easily understood by every one. The farmer who sows sparingly, reaps sparingly. The two go together. Thus any Christians, who, according to their time, talents, opportunities, and means, do little for the saints temporally or spiritually; or, for unbelievers, temporally or spiritually, will reap little either in this life or in the life to come. God says so: I believe it. In my inmost soul I believe it. Now let any one seek to sow, on the contrary, bountifully, and such a one will reap bountifully, both now and hereafter, if the sowing be done to the Lord, and not from earthly motives, such as the desire of man\rquote s applause, &c. And now, it may be asked, 3, How much of our money, coming in by the labour of our hands, or by our business, or by our profession, &c., should we give to the Lord, for His work, or His poor saints, or in aiding unconverted destitute persons? No rule can be laid down concerning this. It would be unscriptural to say you must give a tenth, or fifth, or a fourth, or a third, or one half, of all the Lord may be pleased to give you; because, under this dispensation, no rule of this kind is laid down. Yet, while there is no such rule laid down, we have the word of the Lord speaking to us thus: "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." 2 Cor. viii, 9.\emdash "Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God\rquote s." 1 Cor. vi, 20.\emdash From Peter i, 18, 19; 2 Peter ii, 1; Rev. v, 9; &c., we learn that the precious blood of the Lord Jesus bought us, and redeemed us. Now, if we have been bought by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, and if we are not, therefore, our own (1 Cor. vi, 19), but belong to Him, with all we have and are; does it not appear most manifest, that our money, as well as every thing else we have, belongs to Him, together with ourselves? What, then, according to this, is the right state of heart for a disciple of the Lord Jesus, concerning his possessions? Is it not obviously this, to present himself with all he has before the Lord, and to say: all this is Thine, for I not merely receive all from Thee, but I myself belong to Thee; command, therefore, what Thou wouldest have me, Thy servant, Thy steward, Thy child, and Thy redeemed one, to do with what I possess. After such a state of heart we should seek; and not only to have it now and then, but habitually; so that not merely the twentieth part of what we may obtain should be His, nor the tenth, nor the fifth, nor a third, nor even one half, but all, if He call for it. But while I say this, yet would I give my counsel further.\par \par If the Christian reader has not grace at present, or has not light, to give himself with all his means to the Lord, after which he should aim, even to be ready, should the Lord call for it, to lay down all at His feet, he should, at least, as far as his love to the Lord leads him, dedicate a portion of his earnings or income to Him, a tenth, a fifth, a fourth, a third, or the half, so that, as the Lord may give to him, he should use the dedicated portion for Him. This plan helps the believer greatly. He will thus more easily be able to give, and to give even much, because that which he gives was dedicated by him to the Lord previously; it is His portion; he will feel it is not his own. In thus giving, say at first the tenth part, he will find how the seed sown produces fruit, how his soul is blessed in thus communicating of God\rquote s bounty, and he will also generally find, that, even in temporal things, he is no loser in thus acting, but, on the contrary, a great gainer, and this will lead such a Christian, after a time, gladly to dedicate the fifth part of all his income to the Lord. In doing so, provided it is done to Him, still more abundant blessing will come to the soul, and still more abundant temporal recompense in return, so that it may lead even to a fourth, a third, or the half of all the Lord may give, to be given back to Him; yea, at last, such a child of God may see it to be his privilege, to call nothing his own, but to hold all as a steward for the Lord. Not that, ordinarily, the Lord calls for all, but rather, ordinarily, such a child of His will obtain more and more even in temporal things. The reason why I propose this plan to my brethren in Christ, is, not to bring their souls into bondage, but to lead them into true liberty. Without some such plan, if there is not grace to hold every thing only for the Lord, there is often very little, yea, scarcely any thing done for Him, by many Christians.\par \par Many children of God have not only no desire that all they have should be the Lord\rquote s if He should call for it; but they have not reached even so far as Jacob had, who did not live under the present dispensation, and who at the first dawning of spiritual light, said to God, "Of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee." Gen. xxviii, 22. They do not give even the tenth part of all the Lord is pleased to give them back again to Him. They can readily lay out \'a35000 in the purchase of a house, \'a3200 a year upon the education of each of their two or three sons, keep five servants besides, and live in other respects in proportion with this, and spend, strictly speaking, not \'a3100 directly for the work of God, or for the support of poor saints, or in feeding hungry unconverted persons near them, who cannot earn their bread. What is the consequence? As they live more for themselves, or for their children, than for God, they are not really happy in God, as the real end, for which God has left them here on earth, is lost. But this has not merely to do with the rich or the middle classes of the children of God, but even with the poorer classes. The Christian man with a small salary, or a small business, or the journeyman who only earns his wages, says: I have so little, I cannot spare anything, or, if anything, it can be only the merest trifle. And what is the result? Either all, or almost all, is spent upon himself; or that which is not needed is put by for future days. The consequence is, that such individuals are not happy spiritually, and often also do not prosper temporally, because, as they are not faithful over the little with which God is pleased to intrust them, He cannot intrust them with more, except He do it as to Israel (Psalm cvi, 15) in the way of chastisement, and send leanness into their soul, or to lead them to see the vanity of such things. Often also, both in the case of the poorer classes, the middle classes, and the richer classes, God is obliged to send sickness, heavy losses, loss of business, &c., in order that He may take from His children what they would not gladly, constrained by the love of Christ, lay down at His feet. And now let me in the 4th and last place, tell the reader a little of what I have become acquainted with. A Godly man in London, in the employ of the Government, with 20 shillings per week, and eight in the family, had put by a little money for old age. About 26 years ago, he became acquainted with my Narrative and the Reports. God was pleased to bless them greatly to his soul. He felt that he had scarcely done anything for the work of God. His care about his family; his saying, how shall I provide for my family, had so filled his mind, that he had scarcely ever allowed himself to give away anything but the merest trifle. He now resolved, being greatly blessed in his soul, that he would send me \'a35 for the Orphans at once, and that he would give back to the Lord for His work one tenth of what He gave him. This was about 26 years since. What was the result? Immediately after, he was informed that his wages were raised two shillings per week, and that for the past sixteen weeks this increase should be paid to him at once. So he immediately received \'a31 12s. for the \'a35 which he had given, and this increase of wages since then, (to 1856), has amounted to about \'a350. From that time, yearly, once or twice, this dear man, whom I have never seen, has sent me something. He had found it difficult before to spare a sixpence; now he had the means to spare half crowns, half sovereigns, yea, sovereigns. About two or three years afterwards, he sent me another \'a35 for the support of the Orphans. Shortly after he was informed that his wages had been raised another two shillings per week. This has brought him, since then, between \'a330 and \'a340 more. No doubt, in other ways also, God has blessed him and prospered him: by keeping away sickness, by making a little go far, by prospering the endeavours of his children to earn something, &c. On May 8th, 1856, I received from this same dear man \'a310 for the work in which I am engaged: so much had God helped him, and prospered him temporally and spiritually, that, constrained by the love of Christ, this offering was made. In such a way life has its sweetness, even the life of a journeyman, or a day labourer. We feel, then, that we live for others, care about others, serve others. As for myself, I freely own that while I am ready to depart, if this be the will of the Lord; on the other hand, if He would only give me grace to live to Him, I would gladly stay fifty years longer in the world, and have the privilege of serving Him, and thus to sow seed for eternity. I fear that many true Christians do not practically remember, that, while we are saved by grace, altogether by grace, so that in the matter of salvation works are altogether excluded; yet, that so far as the rewards of grace are concerned, in the world to come, there is an intimate connexion between the life of the Christian here, and the enjoyment and the glory in the day of Christ\rquote s appearing.\par \par I give another instance. I knew about 40 years ago a very poor lad. This lad worked at that time at a factory. After some time he was converted, and by his Godly deportment and attention to his business obtained a better place in the factory, till, at last he, together with another Godly young man, became one of the managers of this factory. After some time, the one to whom I refer, entered into a little business on his own account, in which soon the Lord began to prosper him, and has prospered him now for more than 25 years. And what, dear reader, do you suppose is the secret of his success? It is this, that, as God has been pleased to prosper him, this dear man has opened his hand and communicated to the poor, or to the Lord\rquote s work bountifully, out of that which the Lord has given him. This Godly tradesman whom I well knew as a lad without a sixpence in his pocket, has, through liberality, after he had entered upon a little business, been able to give away many hundreds of pounds.\par \par Again, I know such, in the higher and richer classes, both in business, and out of business, more than one or two or three, who, having given thousands of pounds, yea many thousands of pounds to the work of the Lord, have had repayment from the Lord, in tens of thousands of pounds, yea, many tens of thousands of pounds.\par \par The following deeply interesting particulars are recorded in the memoir of Mr. Cobb, a Boston, merchant, which I judge so very valuable in illustrating what I have said above, that I insert them here.\par \par At the age of twenty-three, Mr. Cobb drew up and subscribed the following remarkable document\par \par "By the grace of God I will never be worth more than 50,000 dollars.\par \par "By the grace of God I will give one-fourth of the net profits of my business to charitable and religious uses.\par \par "If I am ever worth 20,000 dollars I will give one-half of my net profits; and if ever I am worth 30,000 dollars, I will give three-fourths; and the whole after 50,000 dollars. So help me God, or give to a more faithful steward, and set me aside."\par \par "To this covenant," says his memoir, "he adhered with conscientious fidelity. He distributed the profits of his business with an increasing ratio, from year to year, till he reached the point which he had fixed as a limit to his property, and then gave to the cause of God all the money which he earned. At one time, finding that his property had increased beyond 50,000 dollars, he at once devoted the surplus 7,500 dollars.\par \par "On his death-bed he said to a friend, in allusion to the resolutions quoted above, \lquote by the grace of God\emdash nothing else\emdash by the grace of God I have been enabled, under the influence of these resolutions to give away more than 40,000 dollars.\rquote How good the Lord has been to me!"\par \par Mr. Cobb was also an active, humble, and devoted Christian, seeking the prosperity of feeble churches; labouring to promote the benevolent institutions of the day; punctual in his attendance at prayer-meetings, and anxious to aid the inquiring sinner; watchful for the eternal interests of those under his charge; mild and amiable in his deportment; and, in the general tenor of his life and character an example of consistent piety.\par \par His last sickness and death were peaceful, yea triumphant. "It is a glorious thing," said he, "to die. I have been active and busy in the world\emdash I have enjoyed as much as anyone\emdash God has prospered me\emdash I have every thing to bind me here\emdash I am happy in my family\emdash I have property enough\emdash but how small and mean does this world appear on a sick bed! Nothing can equal my enjoyment in the near view of heaven. My hope in Christ is worth infinitely more than all other things. The blood of Christ\emdash the blood of Christ\emdash none but Christ! Oh! how thankful I feel that God has provided a way that I, sinful as I am, may look forward with joy to another world, through His dear Son."\par \par I have spent more than 46 years in service for the Lord. During this period, especially during the last 40 years, I have become acquainted with many thousands of believers, many hundreds of whom I have known intimately as well as their private affairs. Moreover, many, very many, have honoured me with desiring my counsel and advice in their private and secret affairs. What have I learnt, among other points, by this? That "there is that scattereth and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." Prov. xi, 24, 25. Many instances have I seen in which the children of God scattered, and yet increased; yea, scattered much, and yet abundantly increased; but far more have I seen, in which they withheld more than was meet, but it did tend to poverty. With all the desire to get on, very many were not able to do so, just because they only lived to themselves, they withheld more than was meet, and it tended to make or keep them poor. Bad debts, unexpected and unaccountable loss of custom, heavy family afflictions, &c., took away the money, which they sought to keep for themselves, contrary to the will of God. (I speak here of the children of God, and not of the world. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." The world is judged and condemned at the judgment day. 1 Cor. xi, 32).\emdash Again it is written: "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new Wine." Prov. iii, 9, 10. There is nothing Jewish in these two passages. They are, as to the principles contained in them, deeply important for the believer under the present dispensation. If any man will do the Lord\rquote s will, contained in them, he shall know, by happy experience, that to apply them to the present dispensation is scriptural. The natural mind in many professed disciples of the Lord may put aside such passages; but be not you robbed, esteemed reader, of the blessings connected with acting according to them, which blessings I have myself known for many years, whilst seeking to practice them. The reader who desires further information on this deeply important subject, may obtain some more hints by reading from page 575 to page 604, in the first volume of this Narrative. Ninth Edition. I now return to the income for the Building Fund.\par \par Feb. 21, 1857 \'a398 from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash April 11 From Staffordshire, \'a3100\emdash May 26. \'a348 from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par I add the following information:\emdash\par \par a. Up to this day, May 26, 1857, the total income for the Building Fund is \'a331,817 1s. 11d., so that only about \'a33,200 more will be required, as far as I am able to judge, to accomplish to the full my purpose respecting the accommodation for 700 more Orphans.\par \par b. The house for 400 Female Orphans, commenced in August, 1855, is now, with God\rquote s blessing, so far advanced, that it is shortly expected to be finished. The new house is intended for 200 Infant Female Orphans from their earliest days, and for 200 Female Orphans from about eight years of age, up to the time they are fit to go to service.\par \par I now give a few instances out of the many donations, received between May 26, 1857 and May 26, 1858, for the Building Fund.\par \par July 15, 1857. \'a310 from Bombay.\emdash Sept 18. I had just returned home from the newly-built house for 400 more Orphans, where I had tried the efficiency of the gas apparatus with its 150 burners, when I found a cheque for One Thousand Pounds from a brother in the Lord, who desires to spend the whole of his large income for the Lord, laying up no treasure on earth, and spending very little upon his own necessities. He writes: "Desiring that our heavenly Father will guide me as a steward of His bounty; and, after seeking His direction, I conclude it is good and profitable to invest a little in the Orphan Houses. Will you please to put the inclosed sum towards the Building Fund." I make the following remarks in connexion with this donation:\par \par 1, When I felt led to enlarge the Orphan-work, so that a thousand, instead of 300 Orphans, might be provided for, I had no natural prospect whatever, of obtaining the means. But while I had no natural prospects of accomplishing my desire, I had faith in God, and was assured that He would help me through all the difficulties. Accordingly He sent me one donation after the other, and by large and small sums encouraged me yet further and further to look to Him. This donor, at that time, had not the ability, however willing he might have been, to help me to such an extent; but God knew already, that He would give him the means, and make him one of the many helpers to carry out my plans, made after much prayer, concerning this enlargement.\par \par 2, The donor sent this donation, as he writes, after prayer, and concludes it is "good and profitable to invest a little in the Orphan Houses." Even as to the way of spending our money, we should not be led by mere feeling, much less be influenced by its becoming known, and our thus getting esteem from our fellow-men; nor should we do things because others do them; but, as the stewards of God, we should contribute the much or the little we have to give, as we are led after prayer, doing always what we do to God, and not to man.\par \par 3, The donor writes, he considers it "profitable to invest a little in the Orphan Houses." Do all the readers understand the meaning of this? The donor has not received any interest from me, nor will he have any from me on thus \'a31000; and yet, I doubt not, this investment will be profitable to him. In such cases I have found that the Lord, even in this life, has taken notice of such deeds, and given ample repayment, often tenfold, twentyfold, yea, in not a few instances, even a hundredfold, according to that word: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."\emdash Luke vi, 38. "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."\emdash 2 Cor. ix, 6. But while even as to this life we shall not be losers by acting faithfully as the Lord\rquote s stewards, yet what shall we say when looking at the day of Christ, when even the cup of cold water, given to a disciple in the name of a disciple, shall be rewarded. Were it more habitually before our minds, how brief this present life is in comparison with eternity, and how bright and glorious, and unspeakably precious the blessings are which await the believer in the day of Christ; how gladly should we seek habitually to spend and be spent for Him. Let the believer only realize the vanity of earthly things, and the preciousness of heavenly treasures, and he will seek to live for eternity, and among other things will be delighted to lay up treasure in heaven. It may not be that the money is given to an Orphan-Establishment, nor even to Missionary objects; but in some way or other such a one will consider it an honour and a privilege to be allowed by the Lord to use his means for Him.\par \par This donation helped me another step nearer the full accomplishment of my desires respecting the enlargement of the Orphan-Work.\par \par Nov. 12, 1857. The long looked for, and long prayed for, day had now arrived, when the desire of my heart was granted to me, to be able to open the New Orphan-House No. 2, for 400 additional Orphans. Much had I laboured in prayer and active engagements to accomplish what was to be done, previously; and now things were so far advanced, as that the new house was ready for use; and a few days after we began to receive the children into it. How precious this was to me, will be understood by those, who, having day by day prayed for a blessing for seven years, and often repeatedly on the same day, at last obtain the desire of their heart. Yet this blessing came not unexpectedly to me, but had been looked for, and had, in the full assurance of faith, been expected in God\rquote s own time. In connexion with this I also mention, that, for several years previously, yea, years before a stone had been laid for the building, I had daily asked God, that He would be pleased, by His providential government, and by the working of His Holy Spirit, to fit and qualify helpers for the work: and now, when the house was ready, the helpers also were ready, so that, without difficulty, and without advertising, they were obtained. Thus these thousands of prayers reaped a precious harvest in this particular also. Only continue, dear Christian reader, patiently to wait on God, and, as assuredly as your request is for the Glory of God, for your real good, and you ask in the name of the Lord Jesus, believing that God hears you, the answer will be granted. You may have to pray long, as I had in this case for nearly seven years; but the answer is certain. I now relate further how the Lord was pleased to supply me with means, and how, at last He gave me the amount needed for accomplishing fully the intended enlargement of the Orphan-Work, not for 400 only, but for 700 additional Orphans.\par \par Jan. 19, 1858. Received \'a33000, which was left to my disposal. I took of it for the Building Fund \'a3600, for the support of the Orphans \'a3600, and for the other objects of the Institution, viz., for Missions, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and for the various Schools \'a31,800\emdash Yesterday I received a letter, stating that a stranger had offered to pay One Hundred Guineas to the funds of the Institution, if, together with an Orphan girl, who was to be received, I would at the same time, admit her brother, whose turn was not come. This was of course, declined, as the cases of the Orphans are considered in the order in which applications are made, and according to the vacancies which occur for boys and girls, and money never influences me in the least.\emdash Now see, Christian reader, how God recompensed this acting in His fear, irrespective of the loss of the money.\emdash But I must further add, in connection with this, that the lady, who had offered the One Hundred Guineas, and who received this negative reply, an entire stranger to me, very kindly sent me \'a3300 a little while after, though the little boy was not admitted, because his turn was not yet come.\par \par Feb. 16. Received \'a3800, and from another donor \'a3700. Both these donations were left at my disposal, to be used as might appear best to me for the Lord\rquote s work. Of the \'a3800 I took, therefore, for the Building Fund \'a3200, for the support of the Orphans \'a3200, and for the various other objects of the Institution, viz., Missions, the circulation of the Scriptures and Tracts, and the various Schools, \'a3400. Of the \'a3700 I took for the Building Fund \'a3200, for the support of the Orphans \'a3200, and for all the other various objects of the Institution \'a3300\emdash Feb. 17. \'a3245 from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash As far as I am able to judge, I have now all that is required in the way of pecuniary means for the third house also, so that I am able to accomplish the full enlargement of the Orphan work to One Thousand Orphans.\par \par Pause, esteemed reader! Nearly seven years had I been, day by day, asking the Lord for the needed means, to carry out the desire of my heart, concerning the Thousand Orphans. Not a single day had elapsed since first I began to pray for means, in which I had not been enabled, in the full assurance of faith, that it would be granted, to bring my request before God, and generally I had prayed more than once a day concerning this matter. When I began my request for means, viz., to entreat the Lord to give me Thirty Five Thousand Pounds, I knew well what difficulty there was in the way of my obtaining this sum, looking at it naturally. I am too calm, too calculating a person, too much in the habit of weighing all the difficulties of a case, to be carried away by excitement or imagination. I knew I had no ground naturally to expect this large sum. For months, therefore, I had not prayed at all for means for this enlargement, but had only asked the Lord to show me very clearly whether it was His will that I should go forward; but, having once come fully to this conclusion, on the grounds stated at large in the Fourth part of this Narrative, from page 206 to page 227 of the Third Edition, I was as certain that the Lord would give me all I needed, as if I had had the money already in hand. It might, at that time, have been naturally said to me, and indeed it was said to me, "How will you be likely to obtain this large sum of Thirty Five Thousand Pounds for the Building Fund, and at the same time be able to meet the current expenses of the work already in existence?" The reply of faith was, I know not whence the money is to come, but I know that God, on whom I depend, is able to provide me with all I need, for the current expenses, and also to give me money for the Building Fund. When in November, 1845, contrary to all my former desires, I was led as by an unseen hand, to decide upon leaving the four rented houses, and to build the New Orphan House No. 1 for 300 children, it was considered strange that I should think of enlarging the work from 120 to 300 Orphans, when for years previously I had had almost habitually to wait upon the Lord day by day for daily supplies. Yet so it was, that the Lord gave me all I needed for the Building Fund, although that was no less than \'a315,055 3s. 2\'bcd., and I had \'a3776 14s. 3\'bed. more than I required. Moreover, all the current expenses were met in the meantime, and we were able to begin housekeeping at the New Orphan House No. 1 with about Five Hundred Pounds in hand, whilst, before I had thought about building that large house, we had had very rarely as much as \'a3100 in hand, and very often scarcely 100 pence. So this time, whilst the means for the Building Fund were coming in, I had to meet the current expenses, which for the Orphans alone amounted to \'a326,249 10s. from May 26, 1851 to Feb. 17, 1858, and for the other objects, in the same time, \'a325,670 9s. 6\'bdd., being altogether \'a351,919 19s. 6\'bdd.; and when the new house for 400 Orphans was opened on Nov. 12, 1857, I had in hand\par \par \'a32,292 0s. 11\'bed. for the current expenses of the Orphans. See, esteemed reader, how unbelief is put to shame, and natural reasoning is confounded. Had I, at my own bidding, or for my own honour, or for the gratification of self in some way or other begun this enlargement, I could have expected nothing but to be confounded. Or, good though my intentions had been, had I not been called for the work, I could have expected nothing but to be confounded. Or, had I regarded iniquity in my heart, whilst seeking to carry out this enlargement, I might have prayed much outwardly, but I should not have had my desires granted as to the obtaining of means. I dwell upon these matters for the profit of the reader, especially the young Christian reader, or even older believers whose faith is weak, in order that thus they may be helped on in the divine life.\par \par Up to May 26, 1858, I had received for the intended enlargement of the Orphan Work, to be able to accommodate 1000 Orphans instead of 300, the sum of \'a335,335 9s. 3d., being actually \'a3335 9s. 3d. more than I had been from the commencement praying for. Let this encourage the reader! I add the following remarks respecting the intended further enlargement of the Orphan work:\par \par For some time previous to May 26th, 1858, I had judged it to be far better to keep the ground belonging to the Orphan Houses free from buildings, and to purchase land for the intended third house. As soon, therefore, as I had obtained in January and February 1858 the large donations referred to, which furnished me with all I yet needed, I took active measures towards purchasing a field near the New Orphan Houses No. 1 and No. 2. The purchase was made; there arose, however, certain difficulties regarding the matter, which, for many weeks, it was hoped would be removed; but, on June 2nd, 1858, it was finally decided, that it would be undesirable to go on with the completion of the purchase. I could therefore do nothing, in going forward with the New Orphan House No. 3, until I had obtained suitable land.\par \par I refer now to some other donations, as specimens, how the Lord was pleased, over and above the Thirty Five Thousand Pounds, earnestly sought at His hands by prayer and faith, abundantly to supply us with means.\par \par Sep. 27, 1858. \'a395 from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par It has been stated before, that when I had received the means required for the third house, I was looking out for land for it. Regarding this I waited day by day upon God, but for many months it pleased Him to exercise my faith and patience. When, more than once I seemed to have obtained my desire, I again appeared further from it than ever. However, I continued to pray and to exercise faith, being fully assured that the Lord\rquote s time was not yet come, and that, when it was, He would help. And so it proved.\par \par At last, in September 1858, I obtained 11\'bd acres of land, quite close to the New Orphan Houses No. 1 and No. 2, and only separated from them by the road. On these 11\'bd acres of land a house was built. The price for house and land was \'a33,631 15s., being more money than I should have seen it right to expend on the site, had it not been of the utmost importance, that the third house should be quite near the other two, to facilitate the superintendance and direction of the establishment. Thus, at last, this prayer also was answered, concerning which I had been waiting upon God for so many months, and concerning which the difficulties as to sight and reason seemed so great, but respecting which my mind was continually at peace; for I was sure, that, as I was doing God\rquote s work, He would, in His own time, help me in this particular also. The longer I go on in this service, the more I find that prayer and faith can overcome every difficulty.\par \par Having now obtained land, and so much, my desire was to make the best use of it, and to build for 400 Orphans, instead of for 300, as I had previously purposed to do. After having had several meetings with the architects, and finding that it was possible to accommodate with comparatively little more expense 450 Orphans, instead of 400, I finally determined on that number, so as to have eventually 1150 Orphans under my care, instead of 1000, as for several years previously had been contemplated. The greatness of the number of destitute children, bereaved of both parents by death;\emdash together with the greatness of the Lord\rquote s blessing, which had during all the many years previously rested upon my service in this way;\emdash and the greatness of the Lord\rquote s help in giving me assistants and helpers in the work as well as means; and, above all, the deep realization that I have but one life to spend for God on earth, and that that one life is but a brief life:\emdash These were the reasons which led me to this further enlargement. To this determination of a still further enlargement, I came solely in dependence upon the Living God for help, though the increase of expense for the Building Fund, on account of the purchase of the land, and accommodation to be built for the additional 150 Orphans, more than had been from the beginning contemplated, would not be less than from \'a36000 to \'a37500 more than I had originally expected the total of the premises, which were to be erected, would cost; and though, in addition to this, the yearly additional expenditure for the maintenance of these 150 Orphans, beyond the intended number of 1000, could not be less than \'a31800 a year. But none of these difficulties discouraged me.\par \par It will now be interesting to the reader to see how the Lord dealt with me, since I came to this decision. I therefore go on to refer to at least a few of the donations, which came in for the Building Fund since October 29, 1858.\par \par Dec. 26. Received information that a glass manufacturer and a glass merchant will kindly supply gratuitously all the glass required for the New Orphan House No. 3, which is expected to contain about 350 large windows.\par \par Jan. 4, 1859. Received \'a37000, which, being entirely left at my disposal, I took \'a34000 for the Building Fund, \'a31000 for the support of the Orphans, \'a31500 for Missions, \'a3400 for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and \'a3100 for the various Schools.\emdash When I decided at the end of October, 1858, to build for 450 Orphans, instead of 300, I needed several thousand pounds more, and was fully assured that God would give me the required means, because in reliance upon Him, and for the honour of His name, I had determined on this enlargement; and now see, esteemed Reader, how the Lord honoured this my faith in Him!\emdash Jan. 6. From Brixton \'a32, as "A thank-offering to God for an unbroken family at the beginning of the year." From an anonymous donor at Manchester \'a3300, with the very kind promise to send me \'a3900 more, in the course of this year, for the Building Fund.\par \par Feb. 1. Received \'a31700, the application of which being left entirely to myself, I took for the Building Fund \'a3400, for the support of the Orphans \'a3300, for Home Missions \'a3350, for Foreign Missions \'a3350, for the circulation of Bibles \'a3100, for the circulation of Tracts \'a3100, and for the School Fund \'a3100\emdash Received likewise this day \'a31000, of which the application was left to myself, and of which I took for the Building Fund \'a3300, for the support of the Orphans \'a3200, for Foreign Missions \'a3200, for Home Missions \'a3100, for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures \'a3100, for the circulation of Tracts, \'a350, and for the School Fund \'a350.\par \par Do you perceive, esteemed Reader, how precious it is to trust in God? Do you see, that, if we ask God for that which is according to His mind, and ask it in the name of the Lord Jesus, and believe that He hears us, we do not wait upon Him in vain? Make but trial of this blessed way for yourself, in your own individual sphere, and under your own individual trials and necessities, and you will find, as we have, times without number, that you do not wait upon God in vain. But you must previously have decided, upon Scriptural ground, that that regarding which you pray, is for the glory of God; you must further ask it at His hands on the ground of the merits and worthiness of the Lord Jesus as a believer in Him for the salvation of your soul; and you must believe that God hears you, and will in His own time and way attend to your request.\par \par Feb. 8, 1859. \'a3245 from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par May 26, 1859. Up to this day has been received, towards the enlargement of the Orphan work, the sum of \'a341,911 15s. 11d. The New Orphan House No. 3 is intended for 450 girls from eight years old and upward, to remain till they are fit to be sent to service. The plans of the building of No. 3 are all completed, and in a few weeks it is expected that the building will be commenced, God willing.\par \par July 11. Received from A. B., anonymously, \'a3400.\par \par Dec. 31. From Lancashire \'a3300\par \par Jan. 1, 1860. From Lancashire \'a3200\emdash Jan. 31. Received \'a33000, left entirely at my disposal, to be used for the various objects of the Institution. I took, therefore, \'a3500 for the Building Fund, \'a3500 for the support of the Orphans, and \'a32,000 for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund. The previously mentioned large donations from A. B. and from Lancashire, together with this last one, and many smaller donations, not mentioned, received for the Building Fund, furnished me to the full with means for accomplishing the whole of the enlargement, though the amount required was somewhat more, when the estimates for No. 3 came in, than had been anticipated.\par \par May 16. \'a3270 from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash May 22. \'a3200 out of a donation of \'a32700, left at my disposal, was taken for the Building Fund, the rest for the other objects of the Institution.\emdash May 26, 1860. Up to this day I had received, altogether, for the contemplated enlargement, \'a345,113 14s. 4\'bdd. The building of the New Orphan House No. 3 Was commenced in July, 1859, and has been steadily going on up to this day.\par \par Apr. 9, 1861. Received anonymously, a gold ring set with five diamonds and two sapphires, a gold necklet with locket, a gold locket brooch, a gold pencil case, a gold cross, anchor and heart, a silver vinaigrette and a pair of silver bracelets.\emdash April 17. \'a3270 from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash May 17. A glass manufacturer and glass merchant kindly gave all the glass required for the 390 large windows of No. 3.\emdash May 26, 1861. Up to this day had been received for the enlargement of the Orphan work, originally intended for 700 more Orphans, but afterwards extended to 850 Orphans, the sum of \'a346,660 17s. 3d., so that the amount first prayed for, was exceeded by \'a311,660 17s. 3d. The reader will have, therefore, in this a fresh proof of the blessedness of committing our matters, great and small, temporal and spiritual, into the hands of our Heavenly Father, waiting patiently for the answer to our prayers. We did not obtain the answer to our prayers at once. Thousands of times, many thousands of times our request had to be repeated before our Heavenly Father, and faith and patience were exercised year after year, before the full answer regarding this matter was granted; but at last our prayers were not only answered to the full, but \'a311,660 17s. 3d. more was received than had been at first asked for.\par \par \par Contemplated further enlargement of the Orphan Work.\par \par The following statement was published in the Twenty-Second Report of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, in 1861, and is reprinted here:\par \par "It is now ten years, when, as by an unseen hand, I was led to that enlargement of the Orphan work, which is now, with the Lord\rquote s blessing, all but completed. The exercise of spirit I passed through, and the reasons which finally led me to that enlargement of the work from 300 to 1000 Orphans, and which, in 1858, was finally still further extended to 1150, may be fully seen in the fourth part of this Narrative, from page 206 to 227 of the Third Edition. I have now to inform the reader, that, as ten years ago, so again during the last months, day by day, my spirit has been exercised about a still further enlargement of the Orphan work, so that there should not only be 1150 destitute children, bereaved of both parents by death, cared for, in connection with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, but 2000; and that still further premises should be built, as two separate establishments, for 850 more Orphans, being a fourth and fifth Orphan House, in addition to the three already built. The reasons which, after daily prayer for guidance, self-examination, and looking steadfastly at all the many difficulties connected with this further enlargement have finally decided me, are the following:\par \par 1, The longer I go on in this service, and the more it becomes known, the greater is the number of destitute children, bereaved of both parents by death, who are applied for to be admitted into the Orphan Houses under my direction. Almost daily fresh cases are brought before me, and sometimes 3 or 4 or more at once; and it is not a rare thing, that in each such case there are 3, 4, or even more young children. I am, therefore, willing, to be yet further the servant of the Lord in this particular work, although I am unworthy, most unworthy, that He should condescend thus to use me.\par \par 2, But that which at first especially was used by the Lord to direct my mind to this further enlargement, was not only the greatness of the number of applications for Orphans in general, but for boys in particular. For girls we had the prospect of doing something more, when the house for 450 should be opened; but for boys we had no such prospect, nor anything like it, though about 400 were waiting for admission, and hundreds of applications for boys had been declined, as there was no prospect of being able to admit them. The reasons which have led me to care for girls to a greater extent with regard to numbers, than for boys, are these: a, Girls are the weaker sex, and therefore call more particularly for Christian sympathy. b, If neglected, they are still more exposed to the danger of being utterly ruined. c, Girls we have employment for, and can keep them without difficulty till they are 18 or 19 years of age, whilst boys need to be apprenticed when 14 or 15. But I have generally found, that the age from 14 to 18 or 19 is the most important as young persons, with regard to their spiritual state. They are, if cared for, at that age, generally speaking, more in earnest about the things of God, than when younger. This has been my experience during the past 27 years though God has made numberless exceptions during the last three years, while His Holy Spirit has been so mightily at work; and we ourselves have had very many children brought to the knowledge of the Lord, before they were 14 years old.\emdash Because, then, girls are the weaker sex; and are still more exposed than boys to utter ruin if neglected; and we can easily keep them till they are 18 or 19 years of age; I was led more especially to care for them. But now, having to a considerable extent, by the help of God, been enabled to provide for them, I was led to consider whether something more might not be done for boys also, to prevent, if possible, the necessity of refusing the boys of a family, when the girls could be received. I do not mean to say that the whole of the intended enlargement is for boys, yet a part at least, should be appropriated to them. Though, then, my mind has been, and is still led more particularly to care for girls, yet the desire to provide for boys also, to a greater extent than hitherto, was that which, in the first instance, particularly led my mind to this further enlargement.\par \par 3, The third reason, which has led me to this enlargement, is, the entirely inadequate accommodation in the Orphan Institutions already in existence in the United Kingdom. If they were multiplied many times, yet would there be an abundance of destitute Orphans to fill them. But even if there were room in them, which is not the case, still, the existing rules of admission by votes, which are in use in most of them, make it difficult, if not impossible, for the poorest and most destitute persons, to avail themselves of them. In referring to the practice of admission by votes, I do not blame any one; for I have reason to believe that many, who use this practice, wish it were otherwise; but I mention it simply as an existing fact. Thousands of votes, sometimes even many thousands, are required, in order that the candidate be successful. But the really poor and destitute have neither time, money, ability nor influence, to set about canvassing for votes; and therefore, with rare exceptions, they derive no benefit from such Institutions. Some time since I had an application for some Orphans, whose mother, a widow, in attempting to obtain votes for one of her fatherless children, was actually so worn out, that one day she came home, over-fatigued by canvassing for votes, sat down and died. I repeat it, I blame no one, yet I would humbly but solemnly entreat presidents, vice-presidents, and committees of such Institutions, to consider in the fear of God, whether it is right to impose such overwhelming work, and such heavy expense on the poor applicants, and whether it is not more Christ-like to bestow the bounty, which is to be bestowed, in a more easy way. I do not know whether it may please God to use this feeble word of suggestion, or not; but this I must say, I do feel myself called upon, to the utmost of my power, to make an easy way for the admission of poor destitute Orphans into an Orphan Establishment; and this, as well as the want of room in the already existing Orphan Institutions, has led me to contemplate this further enlargement by seeking to build for 850 more Orphans, so as to have altogether 2000 under my care.\par \par 4, In intimate connexion with this latter point stands the question, What is to become of the Orphans, who are left destitute, if they cannot be received into Orphan Houses, for want of room, or on account of the voting system? There remain the Unions, it may be answered. Yes; but have you considered, esteemed reader, what the moral and spiritual state of the Unions is? Vice abounds in them, on account of the kind of inmates, who, generally speaking, are found there. For this reason, and justly so, many of the respectable, and especially religious, poor, cannot bear the idea that their nephews, or nieces, or grandchildren, who are Orphans, should go to a Union. So they would rather keep them, though themselves most poor. But the result is, generally speaking, they can neither provide for them the necessary food, nor proper education; and the end is often an early grave for want of proper food; or a neglected, uncultivated mind and heart. By the help of God, I will seek, therefore, yet further, to be the Orphan\rquote s friend, and have not only accommodation for 1150, but for 2000.\par \par 5. In addition to these reasons, the physical, mental, and spiritual benefit, which many Orphans have derived during a quarter of a century, from being under our care, has weighed especially with me, in seeking, to the utmost of my power, to extend my services still further in this particular.\par \par As to the health of the children, the reader needs to keep in mind, that the very fact of young children being bereaved of both parents by death, except through causality, shows, humanly speaking, that they are the offspring of parents with bad constitutions, and that, therefore, ordinarily, they are themselves unhealthy. Thus we find it, with rare exceptions. And yet, notwithstanding this, so abundantly has God been pleased, especially during the last 20 years, to bless the means which we employ for the invigoration of the constitution of the children, by a healthy locality, thorough cleanliness, perfectly regular habits, plain but nourishing food, exercise, etc., that, a few months after their reception, a marked difference for the better is perceived in their countenances, except they were already sunk too low; and as to the mortality among the children, it is so exceedingly small, especially remembering who these children are, that it is the surprise of all who have considered it. In all this we own the hand of God, without whose blessing all these means would avail nothing; yet we cannot hide it from ourselves, that He is pleased to use these means, and that, for want of them, humanly speaking, one half of the children of the poor die very young, who perhaps would not have died, had they been situated as the children are under our care,\par \par Further, many of the children whom we have received, though thirteen years old, or older, could not even read. Their minds had been utterly uncultivated. In this state, humanly speaking, they would have remained, but for our receiving them. We have had, thus, the joy of educating hundreds, who otherwise might have had no mental cultivation; besides teaching them a great variety of other things which are profitable for this life, in order to make them useful members of society. But further, and most of all, our chief aim concerning the Orphans, from the beginning of the work on Dec. 9, 1835, has been their spiritual welfare. All physical and mental improvement regarding them could never satisfy us. All would be exceedingly little in our estimation, if they were not spiritually benefited. We aim, by the help of God, after the former two points with earnestness; but we labour day by day in spirit for the latter. And this blessing has been granted to us, not concerning 20 or 50 of the Orphans, but concerning hundreds. Yea, so assured am I, that we do not labour in vain concerning this point, judging from the means we use, and the earnestness in prayer God gives us, that I expect but very few of the Orphans to be wanting in heaven. The longer I have gone on in this service, the more abundantly God has blessed the work regarding the Orphans in all these three particulars, as to their bodily and mental improvement, but especially as to their spiritual state; and with reference to the last, within the past three years in particular.\par \par This abundant blessing, then, which God has caused to rest upon our labours among the Orphans, year after year, has greatly encouraged me, among other reasons, to seek yet more to enlarge this work. The longer I live, the more I am enabled to realize, that I have but one life to live on earth, and that this one life is but a brief life, for sowing, in comparison with eternity, for reaping. The consideration of these truths, while they have a practical influence upon my life, in general, also lead me, in particular, to labour for Orphans, poor destitute Orphans, who have no helper and friend, and whose helper and friend, under God, I seek to be yet further and further, unworthy though I am, to be thus highly honoured.\par \par 6. In connexion with the foregoing reasons stands also the fact, that the Lord has been pleased to give me gift for this work. I do not take credit to myself for this. There is not the least honour due to me on account of it. The germ was first implanted by the Lord, and He caused it to grow and to increase. The gift which He had been pleased to impart, for such service, was used, at first, while the work was small; for I began with 30 Orphans. Afterwards were added 36 more, and then after a year again 30 more, and finally after the lapse of several years 30 more. Thus, for above 13 years, the number of orphans under my care never exceeded 126; but then it grew to 300, with the opening of the New Orphan House No. 1, and with the opening of No. 2 to 700; and now, with God\rquote s blessing, it will shortly be 1150. Thus, with the enlargement of the work, the gift, which the Lord had been pleased to give me, was further and further developed, as the whole work grew up under my sole and immediate direction.\par \par No president, vice-president, or committee stand in this position. However wise, Godly, and in other respects suitable they may be for their post, except they have been in a similar position to mine, as the sole and immediate director of such establishments, they cannot have ga\par } preaching tours, of which a brief account is given in the last chapter of this volume.\par \par I refer also again minutely, in writing about myself in the last chapter, to the blessed results of systematic giving, as the Lord may prosper us, as exemplified in my own experience.\par \par The author has now entered upon his eighty-first year, and greatly desired to show in his advanced age, that he is acting on the same principles as he did 56 years ago, trusting in God alone for everything, and is more and more assured of the blessedness of these principles, and desires that the reader if he does not act on them, may know their blessedness for himself.\par \par Lastly, the author suggests, that this book should not be read like a common narrative, but only a few pages at a time; that that which is read should be pondered over, and that the whole book should habitually be read with self application.\par \par GEORGE MULLER,\par \par January 1, 1886.\par \par New Orphan Houses, Ashley Down, Bristol.\par \par (Permanent Address.)\par \par \par \par A\par \par NARRATIVE,\par \par &c. &c.\par \par \par SIXTH PART.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from March 5, 1874, to May 26, 1885. Practical remarks, Letters from Donors, &c.\par \par In the third volume of this Narrative, the account regarding the income for the first four Objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad was carried on up to March 5th, 1874, as that date finishes its history, in this particular, for the first forty years of its existence; and we now go on with the narrative in what follows.\par \par March 7, 1874. From Ireland, for Missions, \'a3150.\par \par April 1. \'a3100. from a shipowner, instead of insuring his vessels.\emdash \'a3100. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash From Wales \'a3100., with \'a336. for the support of the Orphans, being the receipt on New Year\rquote s Day in a house of business, carried on on the ready money system.\par \par May 4. From "Needy," \'a36. 4s. ld. This donor gives month by month similar amounts, as God prospers him. About eight years ago he sent a few shillings, I think 4 or 5, but continued to send, under the name of "Needy," these small amounts. After some time they were somewhat enlarged, and after a year or two they became much larger. Now he sends about \'a360. a year, in monthly instalments, always varying; no doubt as God prospers him.\emdash May 6. \'a3100. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash May 9. \'a333. with the following letter: "My Dear Sir, Please to accept the enclosed cheque for \'a333. as from the Lord. I had a very handsome bracelet, and years ago I made up my mind, that, if a certain person died, I would sell it, and send the money to you. Pray make what use of it you please, keeping \'a35. for yourself. I always read your Reports every year, and my faith gets greatly strengthened, and I generally give several away. Sometimes I used to fear that I should never be able to sell my beautiful bracelet and send you the money. Being almost poor, compared with what I once was, to have sent you the money, was entirely out of my power. However, now when I am upwards of seventy years of age, my Heavenly Father has answered my prayer. That the Lord may greatly bless you, is the fervent prayer of your sincere sister in the Lord * * * *." I have given this letter as another instance of the remarkable way in which it pleases the Lord to supply us with means, but all comes in answer to prayer; we only speak to Him about our need. And this we have continually to do. Whilst I am writing this for the press, we have scarcely anything left for these first four Objects of the Institution, as the income has been exceedingly little for many days, and the outgoings have been exceedingly large. But I hope in God, and doubt not, that long ere this is out of the press, and before the eye of the public, He will again send in the means more bountifully, which He now, for the trial of our faith, for a while is pleased to withhold from us.\emdash May 13. The following letter, containing ten shillings, is from one of the Orphans now in service, who has been long a believer, and who left our care more than twenty years since: "Dear Mr. Muller, Please to accept the enclosed trifle, towards the support of the great work you have in hand. The sum is very small, but it is given in the earnest desire to lay up treasure in heaven, and also to discharge the duty I think is laid upon every one, to help forward the work of. God, in spreading the gospel all over the world. Take my mite for the purpose which requires it most, and may it bring down a blessing, both to the receiver and to the giver. With the hope that you are well and strong in the Lord, I am, your unworthy Orphan, * * * *."\emdash May 18. From Worcestershire \'a390. for Missions, with \'a310. for myself.\emdash May 21. \'a3100. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash May 23. From Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope, \'a38. 10s. in eight donations.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Bridgend \'a39. 6s. from donors who give as the Lord prospers them.\emdash May 26. \'a3980. 9s. 7d. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible,\emdash Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1874, to May 26, 1875. Letters from Donors, Practical remarks, &c.\par \par At the commencement of the last period, from May 26, 1874 to May 26, 1875, the balance in hand, for these Objects of the Institution, was \'a3167. 1s. 3\'bdd. We were thankful to have even this small balance in hand, though it was very little indeed, considering that during the previous year the expenses for these Objects alone had amounted to \'a316518. 5s. 5d. Yet, little as the balance was, we were not in debt, and looked out now for help to our infinitely rich Treasurer, the Living God, and were not confounded. Again and again, when either all, or almost all was gone, for these Objects, He was pleased to send us fresh supplies. I refer now to some of the ways, in which it pleased Him to help us.\par \par July 10, 1874. \'a3149. 19s. 9d. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash July 13. From one of the former Orphans, a Christian, now in service, 10s., "instead of buying herself a new bonnet."\emdash July 28. From Scotland \'a337. 10s., \'a310. for Missions to the Jews, \'a320. for the Orphans, \'a31. 7s. for books, and \'a35. for myself.\par \par August 1. From Scotland \'a3150., with \'a310. for myself.\emdash August 8. From Ireland \'a3100. for Missions in Spain, \'a3100. for Missions in Italy, \'a3100. for Missions in China, and \'a3200. for the Orphans.\emdash Aug. 25. From India \'a387. 16s. 0d.\emdash Aug. 27. When the new year for this Institution commenced, three months since, we began the operations of these four Objects with the balance of \'a3167. 1s. 3\'bdd. Since then we have expended \'a32526. 6s. 6d., and yet this day we have \'a3553. 7s. 2d. left. Thus the Lord has again helped us, during these three months also, in answer to believing and expecting prayer.\par \par Sept. 2. From Sale \'a366. 4s., with \'a350. for the Orphans.\emdash Sept. 7. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash Sept. 21. From Cardiff \'a3125.\emdash Sept. 27. Within the past four months we have expended for these Objects \'a34193. 15s. 11\'bed., and yet the balance of \'a3167. 1s. 3\'bdd. which we had, when we began this period, is increased to \'a3207. 5s.\emdash Sept. 30. From one of the Midland Counties \'a3450. for Missions, with \'a350. for myself.\emdash From London \'a350., with \'a350. for the Orphans.\par \par Oct. 13. From Slapton \'a35., "as a thank-offering for an abundant harvest."\par \par Nov. 2. From Ireland \'a3I00.\emdash\'a3200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven\emdash Nov. 14. \'a3200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash Nov. 20. From Yorkshire \'a3200. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and \'a3100. for the Orphans.\emdash Nov. 26. From Sale \'a340., with \'a3100. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself.\emdash Nov. 27. From Cambridge, for Missions, \'a331. 15s. 8d.\emdash We had now expended \'a37360. 18s. 6d., though we commenced only with the balance of \'a3167. 1s. 3\'bdd. on May 27th, and had \'a3128. 14s. 6\'bcd. left, as the result of waiting upon God in believing prayer.\par \par Dec. 16. From the neighbourhood of Henley-on-Thames \'a3100.\emdash From Bedfordshire \'a35., with \'a35. for the Orphans\rquote treat and 6d. for a Report, from a small shopkeeper, who many times has sent \'a35. as the Lord is pleased to prosper him.\emdash Dec. 23. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash Dec. 27. During the past seven months we have been enabled to expend for these Objects \'a38687. 13s. 1\'bdd., though, when this period began, we had only \'a3167. 1s. 3\'bdd. in hand. Now, however, all our means are gone. We have nothing at all left.\emdash Dec. 28. See how soon the Lord has again sent us means, in answer to prayer, for these Objects. Received from a Christian Gentleman \'a3181. 18s. 1d., with \'a350. for the Orphans, being the entire proceeds of a field, set apart for the benefit of this Institution.\emdash Received also \'a310. from Menton in France for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and ten other donations besides, amounting altogether to \'a39. 8s. 1d. Thus above \'a3200. came in at once, when all our means were completely expended, for these first four Objects of the Institution.\par \par Jan. 1, 1875. With the new year, the Lord was pleased to send us, as the result of many prayers, many donations. I only mention, as specimens, the following:\emdash From Ireland \'a350.\emdash From Scotland \'a3110.\emdash Jan. 4. From Cork \'a350.\emdash Jan. 5. An aged Christian near Spilsby, who, being too aged to continue his ordinary work, having yet a desire to do something for this Institution, and having some strength left, made 40 beehives during the past year, for its benefit, which be sold for \'a34. and sent the money. This affords another proof, how all, who really have it in their heart, may do something for the work of God.\emdash Jan. 12. Received 15s. from one of the former Orphans, who went to service about 24 years since, and who has been for many years a believer. The donation was sent with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I have the pleasure of once more giving you my mite towards carrying on the great works in your hands. I send fifteen shillings for that part which requires it most; and may the dear Lord bless you in receiving, and me in giving the same. The thought crossed my mind the other day, that it was a great privilege to be used in the smallest degree as an instrument in answer to prayer, that is, I know that you pray earnestly every day for means to work with, and if I am inclined to send a small portion of my means, then I look upon it, that I ought to esteem it a great honour to be allowed in that way to be a co-worker with you. I desire your prayers on my behalf, that I may be preserved faithful unto the great day of the Lord, or the end of time allotted for me to live in this world. I am, dear Sir, your affectionate Orphan * * * *."\emdash Jan. 18. From Algiers \'a310.\emdash Jan. 22. From one of the former Orphans \'a36. 10s. The donor has been a Christian for many years, is now in business on his own account, and had taken one of our Christian Orphan Boys as an apprentice. When the one half of the premium was sent to him, he returned it, with a grateful letter for the benefit he had himself received at the Orphan Houses.\emdash Jan. 23. Anonymously from Birmingham \'a3400.\emdash From Hampshire \'a3100. for Foreign Missions, \'a375. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, \'a3300. for the support of the Orphans, and \'a325. for myself.\emdash Jan. 27. Today it was found, that we had expended for these Objects within the past eight months \'a310349. 8s. 10\'bdd., though we had at the beginning of the period less than One Hundred and Seventy Pounds in hand, and today we have \'a3322. 15s. 11\'bdd. left, whilst a month since we had nothing at all; but more than this, we have been able to meet the monthly expenses, amounting to nearly Seventeen Hundred Pounds.\par \par Feb. 6. By sale of gold and silver articles, given to be sold, \'a350.\emdash Feb. 12. From one of the Midland Counties \'a3450. for Home Missions, with \'a350. for myself.\emdash Feb. 16. Received \'a3250. with the following letter: "My dear Brother in Christ, After 54 years of natural life, and nearly as long since my \lquote birth from above,\rquote during which interval the earth has, mostly, brought forth unto me plenty of thorns and thistles (of results painful and results dry and barren) I have now for the first time received what is to me an important supply of earthly riches; but without my own labour, and from a totally unexpected source, and after equally unexpected losses, risks and delays, during four years in receiving it. Therefore I desire to take the earliest appropriate day to express recognition of my Heavenly Father\rquote s bounty, in having, according to my petitions, protected this from again wholly vanishing: and more especially for having preceded it with equal bounty of various spiritual riches for which I had been petitioning. I beg you to accept, therefore, the enclosed cheque for \'a3250., being \'a3120. for the important faithful and scriptural Missionary work; \'a370. for the Bible Fund, SCHOOLS and Tracts on correct Scriptural principles, greatly needed by the rising generation in these evil days, before Christ\rquote s Church is translated to meet Him. \'a350. for the Orphans, that great work which shows the blessing and reality of "walking" truly and Scripturally by Faith. \'a310. for the personal use of yourself, as having been set forth by God as an instructive example of a believer "having Christ\rquote s words abiding m him," and of the practical fulfilment of the promises attached thereto. Various other Christian works are pressed on me in God\rquote s providence, to which to apply other portions of what God has entrusted to me; but, as my faith (besides knowledge of God\rquote s will in worship and walk) has been greatly strengthened and helped (as could not be done by any mere words) during the last 25 years, by the Holy Spirit through your Autobiography and Orphan work, I feel it a privilege thus to testify this first (having specially prayed for wisdom) in beginning to employ this Divine bounty, while as yet the blessed powers of natural life are continued to you and to me. In former years I have gladly sent you a pound or a few pounds, from time to time, as I have felt able, without expecting, at all, that I should ever be so well enabled to send this. May our Father\rquote s blessing continue on yourself and, on your works; and be on the expenditure, by you, of this comparatively small item toward your great works so graciously sustained in the Lord. Ever yours sincerely in Christ, * * * *." This donation, as unexpectedly received by me from the kind donor, as the money was unexpectedly received by him, which enabled him, to send it, was one of the various means, whereby the Lord was pleased to carry us through the expenses of the past year.\emdash \'a312. from Glasgow, with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I think it but right you should have the first fruits of the tenth of my business, which plan has been adopted by me within the last few weeks, solely from reading your publications (The Lord\rquote s Dealings with George Muller.) I prayed fervently that the Lord would incline my heart also to give systematically to Him, as others did. I say fervently, as I had to contend with a grasping, money loving disposition, which, I am glad to say, has been so far conquered victoriously, that I can now put on one side the Lord\rquote s Tenth after the close of each day\rquote s transactions, without any feelings of regret. I ask an interest in your prayers, that I may become one of the Lord\rquote s stewards, and give still more largely to Him "who daily loadeth me with benefits." From this amount, \'a312., you will greatly oblige me by retaining \'a35. for yourself; the remainder apply as you think best. Trusting the Lord in His infinite goodness will spare you for many years to come, not only as a father to poor Orphans, but as a shining light to bring those out of darkness as once was yours sincerely and affectionately * * * *."\emdash\'a3200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven. \emdash Feb. 27. Saturday. Up to this day we had been enabled, by the help of God, as the result of prayer and faith, to expend within the past nine months, for these Objects alone, \'a312237. 12s. 1d., though we began the year with so small a balance, and we had now \'a352. 4s. 10\'bdd. left for these Objects, which this very day was entirely expended, and we had now nothing at all in hand; but our infinitely rich Treasurer, the Living God, remained, and in Him we trusted, and to Him we made known our requests.\par \par March 1. Monday. Since Saturday, when we had nothing at all left for these Objects, the Lord has graciously been pleased to give us, in answer to prayer, altogether \'a3333. The donors who kindly helped us, will feel interested in knowing how God used them as His instruments to send, us help when we had nothing left, which I did not tell them, when I sent their receipts, as otherwise it would have been like an indirect request for further help. I never speak of the state of the funds to any one, not connected with the Institution, except when the yearly Report is issued.\emdash I received this day \'a3160. from London with the following letter: "My dear Sir and Brother, For the past nine years I have not been giving systematically of my income to the Lord\rquote s work, as He has prospered me, though never thoughtlessly, I trust, disregarding any call, which came under my notice. On examining my books I find, that, after deducting my entire drawings from the business, which I started in my own name in 1866, a considerable sum has accumulated, and of this I have put aside Ten per Cent. to be more especially devoted to the Lord\rquote s work, and desire to acknowledge that all I have and myself also are His, whilst I gratefully remember that what He has, and He Himself is mine. It was through reading the third Volume of your Narrative that I have been led to do this, and therefore send you the first payment out of this fund, say \'a3160. herein, of which please retain \'a310. for yourself, and appropriate the \'a3150. to any one or amongst all or any of the Objects of the Lord\rquote s work in your hands. Etc."\emdash Besides this donation, I received from Scotland \'a3100., with \'a310. for myself.\emdash From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a374. 19s. 11d.\emdash From Budleigh Salterton \'a32.\emdash From Grogan, Ireland, \'a33. 3s. 0d.\emdash From L. C. J. \'a31. 0s. 6d.\emdash From Leicester 10s.\emdash From Attelborough \'a3l.\emdash From Edinburgh \'a31.\emdash Through the chapel boxes 15s. 6d.\emdash The Lord be praised for this precious help, received thus today in answer to prayer, when we had nothing at all left in hand for these Objects!\emdash March 2. The Lord has still more abundantly helped us. I received from Yorkshire One Thousand Pounds. \'a313. 9s. 11d. came in besides.\emdash How soon is God able to help us, and to replenish our stores! May all the readers be increasingly led to trust unreservedly in God. I have joyfully dedicated my whole life to the object of exemplifying how much may be accomplished by prayer and faith.\emdash Received from London a diamond ring and 2 silver coins for the Bible and Tract Fund, with these words : "The engaged ring of my wife, for whom to die was gain, to be sold for the benefit of the Bible and Tract Fund."\emdash March 19. \'a3100. from Wick, for Missions to the heathen.\emdash March 23. From Sale \'a3100.\par \par May 12. From New Zealand \'a325. for China Missions, \'a320. for the Orphans, and \'a35. for myself.\emdash May 19. \'a3200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash May 21. From Plympton for the School Fund \'a320.\emdash May 26. \'a3280. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par I have thus given specimens as to the way in which it pleased the Lord to supply us with means, during the past year, for the operations of the first four Objects of the Institution. Though we began the year with only \'a3167. 1s. 3\'bdd. in hand, yet God so helped us by prayer and faith, without asking any one but Himself, that we were able to expend for these Objects during the year \'a316,895. 4s. 7\'bed., and had a balance of \'a318. 14s. 4\'bdd. left on May 26, 1875. Only very few of the donations have been here referred to.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1875, to May 26, 1876. Letters from Donors, Practical Remarks, &c.\par \par When we began the period, we had, on May 26, 1875, the balance of \'a318. 14s. 4\'bcd. left for these Objects. When it is considered, that we had expended for them, during the previous year \'a316895. 4s. 7\'bed., and that during the year from May 26th, 1875 to May 26th, 1876 our expenses for these Objects were \'a317643. 15s. 0\'bdd., the reader sees, how small our balance was, to begin the year with, especially as we do not go in debt; yet, small as it was, it was a balance in hand. Our hope was now again in the Living God, who for more than forty-one years had never failed us. We trusted in Him, and in Him alone; and He graciously was pleased to supply us during the past year also with what we needed. I give now some instances as to the way, which God was pleased to use for our supply, in answer to our daily prayers. On May 28, 1875 we received from Nova Scotia 7 dollars, 4 dollars, and 4 dollars.\par \par June 5. From Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope, \'a31., \'a33., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31., 10s. 6d. and 10s.\emdash June 16. From Ireland \'a3100.\par \par July 17th. Received from Ireland \'a330., with the following letter: "My dear sir, I enclose herewith first half notes for \'a330., the premium on insurance against losses in trade and on stock, which insurance I effect in the office of the Living God, in whose service I hold my stewardship; and I believe I am acting in accordance with His will in remitting it to you, to use it in His service. Please apply \'a35. of this sum to your own use, and remaining \'a325. as you think fit, according to His guidance. With my best wishes for the success of the undertaking committed to your charge, accept my regards and esteem. Yours sincerely ****."\emdash L200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven. \emdash July 19. Received \'a3250. with the following letter: "Dear Brother in Christ, only 5 months have passed, since I wrote to you, mentioning our Heavenly Father\rquote s most unexpected earthly bounty, the first (of any material amount pecuniarily) in 54 years of varied and continual discipline. Out of that I begged you to use \'a3250. in recognition by me of the Giver, and of the great spiritual benefit to me (for faith and walk) wrought by means of the history of the Orphanage and through the principles taught in your book "The Lord\rquote s Dealings with you." Yet more unexpectedly, if that were, possible, God has, again so soon, showered upon me yet further, though smaller, supplies of money, unsought by me, from a source which, I had always reckoned, must flow to others, and not, by human possibility, to myself. Therefore,\emdash with deep sense of the Giver, and with prayer that these gifts may be accompanied with the personal blessings to me of fitness for His service and the needed health, to turn the attention of very many fellow-Christians correctly to Scriptural teachings much neglected, and with the power and demonstration of the Spirit therewith,\emdash I again enclose a cheque for \'a3250. to be applied as before, by you, in the service of Him whom we are awaiting from heaven, even Him who is our Great God and Saviour, Christ Jesus. Namely \'a3120. for that large, important, faithful and Scriptural Missionary work, which is under your hand. \'a370. for your Bible Fund, Schools and Tracts, greatly needed by the rising generation, in these evil days, before Christians are to be translated to meet Him. \'a350. for the Orphanage, that great work on which God\rquote s blessing shows the reality of the promises to him in whom Christ\rquote s words abide. \'a310. for yourself, as having been the instrument eminently owned of God, to teach to your fellow-Christians precious truths of faith and walk, for growing "strong in the Lord" and for acceptableness to Christ in the soon coining day. 2 Cor. v., 9, etc." This donation was one of the various ways, coming as unexpectedly to us, as the means came to the donor, whereby it pleased the Lord to carry us through the heavy expenses of the year; it also shows, how abundantly the Lord had been pleased to repay the donor for his former kindess.\emdash July 21. By sale of gold and silver articles \'a3125.\emdash July 24. \'a312. 10s. "instead of insuring 500 acres against hail-sto rms."\par \par Aug. 2. From Scotland \'a3150.\emdash Aug. 4. From New Zealand \'a340.\emdash From India \'a35. for Missions with \'a35. for the Orphans.\emdash Aug. 11. \'a3500 for Missions and the circulation of the Holy Scriptures in Spain and Italy. The donor of this amount sent me a few years since his first donation, being Five Shillings. From that time he began to give, as the Lord prospered him. In this way not only his own soul has been greatly benefited, but the Lord from that time has so prospered him, that he has again and again been able to send me \'a3500. as also \'a3100. or \'a3200. at a time.\par \par Sep. 2. Received 10s., with the following letter, from one of the former Orphans under our care. "Dear and Honoured Sir, May I be allowed the privilege of writing to you, after so many years have passed, to thank you for the kind and fatherly care you showed me, while in the dear Orphan House, and to ask your forgiveness, for not doing so before. It is now seven years, since I left, and I can never think of it, without a bitter pang, at the remembrance of my ingratitude. I can never thank God enough for placing me there, and oh! if I had my time to spend over again, how different it would be. I know, dear sir, that we all have your prayers, and also the prayers of the dear teachers and helpers, although we have been away some time, and I know also what joy it will give you and them, to know that there is one more lost sheep found. It is some time, since I began to realize what a sinner I am, and also before I could find peace; but I rejoice to say, that at last I am able to put my whole trust in Jesus, and know what a precious Friend He is. I can now see the loving care He has shown me, ever since I was left an Orphan, which is now 18 years ago; and I can say, truly the promise has been fulfilled to me, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." Since I left your fatherly care, I have been in 3 situations, and I am now living in a clergyman\rquote s family a s head-nurse, and have been here two years and six months. May I ask your prayers on my behalf, that my feet may not slip, but that I may go steadily on, and be able to show by my life, that I belong to Christ\rquote s fold, and help others on the way; and may I also ask your acceptance of this trifle enclosed, as a very small token of my gratitude, and please use it in whatever way you think best. I know it is impossible ever to repay you, but one day you will be repaid. Oh! how I hope to meet you all again, where we never more shall part; and it is my hope now, that in this world I may be permitted to see the dear Orphan Houses once more. I do not know, whether there are any of the teachers in No. 1 that remember me; but if so, I know how pleased they will be, to see this. May I so far intrude on your valuable time as to tell them how very sorry I am for all the trouble I gave them, and to ask their forgiveness for me, and please give my kind duty to them. Believe me to be your very grateful but unworth y Orphan ****." This letter has been given to show, how, though sometimes the appearance may be, as if our labours were in vain, yet in the end it is made manifest, that they were not; and also, that, though it seems, as if our prayers were not answered, yet, in the Lord\rquote s own time, they are answered. May parents, and guardians, and teachers be greatly encouraged by this letter! On Sep. 16th a gentleman called at the Orphan Houses, who up to that time had been unknown to me, and left, with valuable documents, the following paper: "I **** hereby present to the Orphanage and the other Institutions, conducted by Mr. G. Muller of Bristol \'a33,000 **** 5 per cent. Railway Stock and 25 shares of the same Company, \'a310 per share paid, to be disposed of as Mr. Muller shall think best." These documents were sold in the London market and produced \'a33734. 7s. 6d., of which four-fifths were taken for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, being \'a32987. 10s. and one-fifth ( \'a3746. 17s. 6d.) for the support of the Orphans. See, esteemed Reader, how able and how willing God is, to help those who seek to honour Him, by depending on Him alone. To the Living God, and to Him alone we look for all the means we require for this great work, and these means He supplies us with, simply in answer to prayer, year by year, and has done so now for more than forty-two years, though we need now about Forty Four Thousand Pounds yearly. But not only with regard to means, but for everything else we may require, we look to our Heavenly Father, making known our requests to Him, and He ever helps us, though sometimes we have had many times to repeat our requests to Him, before the answer has come. And what He condescends to do for us, in connection with this Institution, which is now so extensive, He is willing to do for all His children in their particular necessities as to their families, their business, their labour and service for Him, and as to every other way in which they may stand in need of His help. This large donation, just referred to, so kindly given by that donor, helped us to a considerable degree over the heavy expenses connected with these first four Objects of the Institution, during the past year.\par \par Nov. 15. From India \'a377. 16s. 0d.\emdash \'a3200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash Nov. 20. Received the following letter with \'a3150. "Dear sir,\emdash I have great pleasure in again forwarding my mite to be used by you, in carrying on the Lord\rquote s work in your hands. Enclosed is \'a3150., \'a3120. of which is to be used in the work as you think best, the remainder is for your own private use. I would beg to add my testimony to many others, which you have received, as to the blessedness of giving systematically. I have been a farmer for about 20 years, and for about half that time did not act on that principle; and while giving my business as much care and more concern than now, still it was all I could do to make ends meet. About that time I had the subject of \lquote giving as the Lord prospered\rquote brought under my notice, when I there and then vowed to the Lord, that I would give one-tenth of the profits of the farm to His cause, should He be pleased to give me any. From that time I have been prospered in my business far beyond what I ever could have anticipated; I have truly experienced the fulfilment of the promise contained in Luke vi, 38. I continued for a short time giving a tenth, but was gradually constrained to give more and more, until for some years I have been giving one-half, and can truly say, that the longer experience I have in this way, the more blessed do I find it to be. I heard you in Glasgow lately, and beg to thank you for your address on prayer. I trust many of us will have good cause to bless God for your visit. Please unite with me in asking God to give me more and more of His Holy Spirit\rquote s influence, so that I may be enabled to live more by faith and less by sight, continually realising my relation to Him in Christ, and therefore be constrained to live more for His glory. That the Lord may long spare you, to be a testimony to the world of the power of faith, and that you may see much fruit from your tour at this time, is the earnest prayer of yours most sincerely, ****." I make the following remarks on this most instructive and profitable letter. The writer says: "I would beg to add my testimony to many others, which you have received, as to the blessedness of giving systematically." The reader may say, What is meant by giving systematically It means, Not to leave the giving to a certain impulse, to feeling, to powerful emotions under a charity sermon; but to give according to a certain order, or system, viz., "as God prospers us." This order we find laid down by the Holy Ghost through the Apostle Paul in I Cor. xvi, 2. It is true, that this commandment was given with reference to a particular circumstance, but it is most profitably applied to our times, and holds good with regard to ourselves. There is not only no reason, why we may not apply this to ourselves, but rather ought to do so, and upon the first day of the week "lay by in store, as God has prospered us." The following points are particularly to be noticed: 1, "As God has prospered us." If God has been pleased to give unto us much during the week, it is suitable that, constrained by gratitude and love, we should give much back to him in return, for His work or His poor. 2, If it be asked, How much should I give of what God is pleased to give to me? The reply is, no rule can be laid down. According to the grace and the knowledge the individual believers have, it is left to them. The Lord desires willing, cheerful givers; and therefore no law is given, under the present dispensation, regarding this point; yet, let it be remembered, that if the Israelites after the flesh were commanded to give the tenth, we, the Israel of God, the believers in the Lord Jesus, whose calling is a heavenly calling, not only may give the same, but should seek to give considerably more. 3, They were to attend to this every Lord\rquote s day, every first day of week. Regularly, orderly, they were to attend to this. In most cases it can be known, how much the Lord has been pleased to give to us, during the previous week; but, suppose that, through particular circumstances, we could not fully ascertain this, then we should act according to the best of our judgment in the matter; and, should it afterwards be clearly seen, that we had not given enough, we may add to what we did give. But perhaps one may reply: If I acted thus, how are my bad debts to be covered; how shall I make up for other losses: how for flat and dull times in my business, etc.? Have you weighed before God, dear reader, that often God allows "bad debts," "losses in other respects," and "flat and dull times in business" to befall His children, because they withhold more than is meet; and that they would escape these things were they to act more as stewards and not as owners? 4, Notice especially that this commandment was not only given to one class of the believers, but to the rich, the middle class, and the poor; for though, at certain times, those who are poor, might have nothing to give, yet, at some time or other they might be particularly prospered, and have something to give. No class therefore was exempted. 5, Should it be said, How should I lay by in store? the reply is, that we may actually lay aside what we set apart for the Lord (and that in most cases may be the best); or we may keep a memorandum book, entering, how much we have put aside, for the Lord\rquote s work and the poor; and how much, out of this, we have expended, and from time to time make up the account.\emdash The writer of the letter goes on: "I have been a farmer for about 20 years, and for about half that time did not act on that principle; and while giving my business as much care and more concern than now, still it was all I could do to make ends meet." The writer attended with carefulness to His business; as he was a Christian, we have also reason to believe that he sought God\rquote s blessing, but he practically forgot to look upon himself as a steward; and so it came, that he did not prosper as was the case afterwards. He goes on to write: "About that time I had the subject of \lquote giving as the Lord prospered\rquote brought under my notice, when I there and then vowed to the Lord, that I would give one-tenth of the profits of the farm to His cause, should He be pleased to give me any. From that time I have been prospered in my business far beyond what I ever could have anticipated; I have truly experienced the fulfilment of the promise, contained in Luke vi, 38." Notice, how the prosperity in business was brought about. The writer had not previously neglected it, and only now paid attention to it; but previously he did not carry on his business as a steward for the Lord, but for himself as owner thereof. He now altered his course, and became the Lord\rquote s steward, and thus acting according to the mind of the Lord, the Lord needed no longer to withhold prosperity from him; but could intrust him with more.\emdash Have all my readers weighed the passage, to which the writer of the letter refers: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosoms"? Luke vi, 38. The word was spoken by the Lord Jesus. It refers evidently to the present dispensation. This word will be fulfilled in the case of those who act according to this verse. The writer of the letter found it thus. I have found it thus, thousands and tens of thousands of the children of God have found it thus. Of course, if any one from vanity or other unholy motives were to give, God could not fulfil this word.\emdash Lastly the writer says: "I continued for a short time giving a tenth, but was gradually constrained to give more and more, until for some years I have been giving one-half, and can truly say, that the longer experience I have in this way, the more blessed do I find it to be." Notice 1, He gives after a short time more than a tenth. So great is the blessedness of giving, both temporarily and spiritually, that, if we do give from right motives, we are blessed in our souls and so blessed in our basket and store, that we shall give more and more, even as the writer gave only for a short time a tenth. The very blessing he received led him to give more than a tenth. He did not miss the tenth; he was not a loser on account of giving a tenth, but a gainer, both temporally and spiritually. And it was this which led him to give a fifth, a fourth, a third of his profits, yea soon one half. How is it in this respect with the Reader? How much, dear Reader, do you give back to the Lord? 2, The writer says: "I can truly say, that the longer experience I have in this way, the more blessed do 1 find it to be." Notice this particularly. Here is no acting under excitement. More than ten years have passed, during which the writer of this letter has acted on these principles, and the more hundreds and thousands he spends for the Lord, the more blessed does he find it. Now, esteemed Reader, whether you belong to the wealthy, the middle class, or the poor, if you have not previously acted on these principles, I beseech you to do so. I have done so for forty-seven years, and can assure you that both temporally and Spiritually, I have been abundantly blessed in doing so.\par \par Dec. 23. Anonymously left at my house \'a325. for Missions, and \'a325. for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 30. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash Dec. 31. Great as our expenses have been, during this year, the Lord has habitually helped us, and brought us now to the close of it; and, in the full assurance of faith, that He, in His faithful love, will help us during the coming year also, we go forward to it.\par \par March 9, 1876. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash March 15. From Wales \'a36. 15s. 6d. for Missions in Italy and Spain, with \'a310. for the support of the Orphans. The kind donor has often sent a similar donation.\par \par May 1. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash May 8. From Bengal, India, \'a310.\emdash From Adelaide, South Australia, \'a320.\emdash May 12. Received \'a31. 5s. 6d. from one of the former Orphans, with the following letter: "Dear Sir, It is with feelings of deep gratitude, that I now write again, to thank you for all the kindness I received when under your paternal care; for it was there that I first learned to love my Saviour, in whose footsteps I have been trying to walk ever since. I feel very grateful for having been put in so comfortable a situation as that in which I have just completed my five years\rquote apprenticeship, and I have now great pleasure in sending you 5s. 6d., my first week\rquote s wages [besides board and lodging]. My master very kindly gave me \'a35., on completing my apprenticeship, one pound of which I beg also to enclose for disposal as you may think proper. I have engaged to live with my master for another year, and I hope that this year may be as happy a one as each of the five that I have already served him. I thank you for the Report you so kindly sent me, the reading of which afforded me much pleasure. I thank you also for the kindness manifested towards my sister, who I suppose is still under your care. Praying that God may still spare your life many more years to be the Orphans\rquote friend, I remain your grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash May 16. From Otago, New Zealand, \'a3l0.\emdash May 23. From Oxfordshire \'a3100. for Foreign Missions.\emdash May 26. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1876, to May 26, 1877. Letters from Donors, Practical remarks, &c.\par \par When we began the period, we had, on May 26, 1876, the balance of \'a3356. l9s. 4\'bcd. left for these Objects. When it is considered, that during the year from May 26th, 1875 to May 26th, 1876 our expenses for these Objects were \'a317643. 15s. 0\'bdd., the reader sees, how small our balance was, to begin the year with, especially as we do not go in debt. Our hope was now again in the Living God, who for more than forty-two years had never failed us. We trusted in Him, and in Him alone; and He graciously was pleased to supply us during the past year also with what we needed. I give now some instances as to the way, which God was pleased to use for our supply, in answer to our daily prayers.\par \par June 6, 1876, From Pennsylvania, United States of America, \'a310.\emdash June 8. From ten donors in Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope, \'a315. 8s. 6d.\emdash June 13. From Victoria, Australia, \'a35. 5s.\emdash From Adelaide, South Australia, \'a35.\emdash June 21. From Ireland for Missions, \'a3100.\par \par July 5. Received \'a3500. from a donor, whose first donation to the Institution was 5s. He had long been undecided, as to whether he could afford to give anything at all to the Lord\rquote s work, as he considered that he ought first to be more prosperous in his business before he began to give; but at last he came to the decision, that he would wait no longer for greater prosperity, and give, according to his means. Since then the Lord began to prosper this donor so, as that he was able to send me much larger sums, and shortly hundreds of pounds, and repeatedly since \'a3500. at once; having stated to me, that since he began to act as a steward for the Lord, he could send me with greater ease \'a3500., than the first donation of 5s.\emdash July 19. From New Zealand \'a34., with \'a34. for the Orphans.\emdash July 22. From Jersey \'a350. for Missions.\emdash July 24. \'a3200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash By sale of gold and silver articles, dentist gold and diamonds, given for the benefit of the Institution, \'a3161. 13s. 6d. See Christian reader, how much may be obtained, by putting aside for the work of the Lord such superfluities. Were we all more in earnest, to see how much we can do for the spread of the Gospel, for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and evangelical Tracts, for the instruction of poor children, for the support of the poor, etc., it would be found that there is in the church of God an abundance of pecuniary means to accomplish ten times as much as is accomplished now, in so far as regards means. We should say to ourselves individually, What can I do? How much can I spare? What needless articles have I to give? How can I practice self-denial, that I may have more to give? And thus could not only far more be accomplished than is now accomplished, but our own souls would thus be greatly blessed, whilst, by withholding more than is meet, we not only hinder the progress of the work of God, but injure our own souls.\emdash July 27. Received 5s. from one of the former Orphans, who for more than twenty years has known the Lord, and walked in the ways of the Lord, with the following letter: "Much loved and honoured Sir, I write to ask your acceptance of the enclosed trifle, to be used as most needed. I am thankful, that I can send even so small a sum, to be used for God, as it is my earnest desire by my life and conversation to speak to others of a Saviour\rquote s love, and tell how great things He hath done for me.\emdash I have, indeed, much cause to praise Him for having directed your steps to Liverpool, as it was there our Heavenly Father was pleased to bless the preached Word through you, to the salvation of my beloved brother; and I most earnestly pray, you may still have strength to continue your work and labour of love for many years to come, together with all your faithful helpers in the work. Please to excuse this intrusion on your precious time, and believe me to remain, dear Sir, Your ever grateful Orphan, ****." The brother to whom the former Orphan refers, was also once an Orphan under our care, but did not, as his sister, leave the Orphan Institution as a believer in the Lord Jesus. He was, however, followed by our prayers; and, there is reason to believe, that many hundreds of prayers ascended to the Lord from the heart of his Christian sister. While I was preaching in January and February, 1876, in the immense Victoria Hall in Liverpool, erected for the dear American brethren, Moody and Sankey, the brother of the Orphan who writes this letter, and who is now commander of a merchant ship, came to hear me, and was, the very first time that I preached there, converted. Thus the Lord answered our prayers, and the prayers of his Christian sister for him, though only after many years. May through this the Christian reader be encouraged to continue to pray for his unconverted relatives!\par \par Aug. 1. From the Bengal Presidency, India, \'a390. for these Objects, with \'a310. for myse1f.\emdash Aug. 8. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200,\emdash Aug. 21. From Ireland for Missions, \'a3l00.\emdash Aug. 29. From London \'a3160. with \'a310. for myself.\emdash From Berlin \'a334. 15s. 5d. This donation comes from a disciple of the Lord Jesus, who considers it a privilege to give to the work of the Lord a little capital, which he had saved, but which he now considers better spent for the Lord than to be kept. Since this donation was received, I have had the opportunity of becoming personally acquainted with the donor, and to hear from him, how greatly the Lord has been pleased to bless his soul through this act.\par \par Sep. 5. From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a324. 5s. 3d. for Missions, \'a3100. for the support of the Orphans, and \'a35 . for myself.\emdash From a donor, who repeatedly has thus helped us, 19 Interest Warrants for these Objects, amounting to \'a374. 1s. 3d., deducting the Income Tax; and 10 Interest Warrants, amounting to \'a325. 7s. 10d., for the Orphans.\emdash Sep. 19. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\par \par Oct. 7. \'a3500. from two children of God, who, through the sale of some property, which had been left to them, were able to give this sum.\emdash Oct. 9. From Christian Friends in Berne, 300 francs for the Schools in Spain, and 500 francs for the support of the Orphans.\emdash From Heinrichsbad, Switzerland, \'a35. 18s. 5d.\emdash From St. Gallen, Switzerland, 83 francs.\emdash Oct. 11. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a356. 7s. 6d.\emdash Oct. 13. From Switzerland 1,000 francs.\emdash Oct. 14. From San Francisco, California, \'a31. L0s. 0d. The re!ader will have observed from what a variety of places not only, but also countries, the donations are received; yet all, without application to any individuals, only in answer to prayer. Not one out of fifty of the donors we know personally, and by far the greater part not even by name, till we receive their donations. Thus the Lord works for us, and helps us with means to carry on this Institution, and has done so for forty-three years now.\par \par Nov. 2. \'a3500. from two children of God, who, through the sale of some property, which had been left to them, were able to give this sum.\emdash Nov. 11. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash Nov. 17. From Cambridgeshire \'a381. 1s. 8d.\emdash Nov. 18. From the neighbourhood of Stirling \'a3100. with \'a310. for my own personal necessities.\emdash Nov. 21. From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a325. for Missions, \'a370. for the Orphans, and \'a35. for myself.\emdash "Nov. 27. From Jersey \'a350. for Missions in China, India, and Spain.\par \par Dec. 15. From Reutlingen in Wurtemberg 220 Mark and 2s.\emdash From Ober-Urbach in Wurtemberg 135 Mark and 60 German Pence.\emdash Dec. 29. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash Dec. 31, 1876. We have, in connection with this Institution also, abundant reason for praise and thanksgiving, at the close of another year. Since this new period commenced, on May 26, 1876, the Lord has in every way, as He is wont to do, helped and blessed the labour of our hands; and during these seven months and five days the total income for the various Objects of the Institution has been above \'a323,000., as the result of prayer and faith. Truly we do not wait upon Him in vain! May the Christian reader thereby be encouraged, in all his various necessities, of whatever kind they may be, to come with them to God, and he will find, as we do, that it is not in va#in to wait upon God; but that He is now the Living God, ready to listen to the supplications of His children, as in the days of the prophets and apostles of old. These remarks are not made, as if I meant to convey thereby, that all the children of God should establish schools, or found Orphan Institutions, and trust in God for the needed funds: for such work an especial call is needed; but I mean to say, that in all our family matters, in our earthly occupation, in our labour in general for the Lord, in our spiritual conflict, in our trials and afflictions, we should thus be encouraged to come to the Lord and expect help and support from Him through prayer and faith, which I have found for 48 years my universal remedy for all my difficulties and necessities. When in the year 1835 I began the Orphan work, I had, in doing so, particularly in view, through this work to prove to the world at large, and to the church at large, that the Living God is now, as thousands of years since, the Living God, and that we$ may reckon on Him, as those did who really knew Him thousands of years ago. That end has been particularly answered by this Institution. Tens of thousands of souls have indeed been converted through the operations of the various Objects of the Institution, for which I adore and magnify the Lord; but the greatest blessing, which I have reason to believe, which has resulted from it, is, that thereby hundreds of thousands of children of God, in very many parts of the world, have been encouraged, in all simplicity to trust in God. While I am writing this, at Nimwegen in Holland, another precious proof of this kind has just been brought under my own eyes, of which I have had, I might almost say numberless instances, it is this: A Christian evangelist, simply through reading about the Orphan work in Bristol, had it laid on his heart to care about Orphans, and was encouraged by my example, solely in dependence on the Lord, to take them up. He began in the year 1863 with three at Nimwegen in Holland, and he has %at present 453 in an Institution, near Nimwegen, through which I and my dear wife went, and which we saw with our own eyes with the deepest interest.\par \par In the same way that I began to work, and have gone on in for more than 42 years, he has now worked about fourteen years, trusting alone in God, never going in debt; and year after year the Lord has enlarged the work and given him everything that he has needed. Very many Orphan Institutions similarly have been begun in various parts of the world, the founders being encouraged through what God has done for us in Bristol. His name be magnified for it!\par \par Jan. 1, 1877. As the old year has closed with blessing, so the new year began in the same way. Many donations, and some considerable ones, were received this very day.\emdash Jan. 5. From Hampshire \'a375. for Foreign Missions, \'a375. for the Bible Fund, \'a3300. for the Orphans, and \'a350. for myself. The kind donor wrote, with regard for the donation for myself, that it was especially se&nt, on account of my considerable expenses in moving about on the Continent from town to town, and from country to country.\emdash From Heidelberg 120 Mark. Also on Jan. 1st were received 20 Mark, and on the 3rd 40 Mark from Heidelberg.\emdash Jan. 15. From Bonn \'a34. 12s. 6d., with \'a34. l2s. 6d. for myself.\emdash Jan. 16. From Bonn 16s.\emdash Jan. 26. \'a3200. from two children of God, who, through the sale of some property, which had been left to them, were able to give this sum.\emdash From Cologne 40 Mark for Missions.\par \par Feb. 6. From Wesel 3 Mark, ditto 3 Mark, ditto 227 1/5 Mark.\emdash From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3250.\emdash Feb. 8. From Ireland \'a3250. for Missions.\emdash Feb. 9. Legacy of the late Mrs. Mc. M. \'a330., with \'a310. for the Orphans\emdash Feb. 12. From Ireland for Missions \'a3102. 18s. 4d.\emdash Feb. 21. From Norway \'a36. The reader cannot but observe from what a variety of coun'tries our donations come. The Lord, in many parts of the earth, in answer to our prayers, inclines the hearts of His children, to remember our need.\emdash Feb. 26. \'a3300. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par April 2. \'a3200. from two children of God, who, through the sale of some property, which had been left to them, were able to give this sum.\emdash April 3. From a small shopkeeper in Bedfordshire \'a35. The donor sends us help, as the Lord prospers him in his business, and has sent to us very many times a similar sum.\emdash April 10. \'a3200. from two children of God, to whom this sum had been left as a legacy, and who thus had the privilege of being able to give this amount.\emdash April 23. Legacy of the late Miss B. \'a319. l9s. for circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and \'a319. 19s. for the support of the Orphans. April 25. From Kent \'a3151. l7s. 10d.\par \par May 2. From Lubeck 40 Mark for Missions in Chi(na, and 20 Mark and 5 Mark for the Orphans.\emdash May 5. From Hanover 20 Mark and 40 Mark.\emdash May 14. From Yorkshire for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures in foreign lands \'a3150., and for the support of the Orphans \'a3150.\emdash May 16. \'a35. 11s., with the following letter: "My dear Sir, I enclose a cheque, value \'a35. 11s., for your good work, being a penny for every pound\rquote s worth of goods, sold since the 1st of January. Use it as you think best. Since I have given systematically to God\rquote s cause, I have had many times my faith severely tried. I have had losses in business, losses in health, etc., and I have been sometimes tempted almost to give it up. But I thank God I have been brought through thus far; and I feel assured, if I continue to trust in Him, I shall be brought through. Last year was a bad year for business men generally. I continued to give to God\rquote s cause much the same, as I had been accustomed. A few days before I made up my yearly accounts, I received a) letter from a gentleman, an acquaintance, saying that he bad just been balancing up his accounts for the year, and knowing I had been afflicted, etc., he hoped I would accept the enclosed cheque for \'a350. for my own private use. How kind of my Heavenly Father, to remember me in such a noble manner! Yours sincerely, ****." The reader has to notice, how this present of \'a350. repays what would be given on the receipt of \'a312,000. at one penny per pound.\emdash May 21. From a farmer in South Africa \'a350.\emdash May 23. From North Wales I received the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose you in Post Office Orders the sum of \'a311. 6s. 7d., which I leave to your best judgment. Since I received your last Report in September last, I have put by threepence on every pound that I have received in business, for your Institution; and although the times are become so poor, I am happy to say, we do meet our bills continually. I believe circumstances are nothing in the Lord\rquote s way, if we trust in Him, e*tc."\emdash May 26. From Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope, from eight donors \'a314. 3s. 6d.\emdash \'a3200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par The Lord has helped us through one more year, to meet the expenses connected with the school\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund; but again and again all our means for these first four Objects of the Institution were gone, completely gone. Under these circumstances our Universal Remedy, prayer and faith, was used, and only this. My helpers in Bristol, I and my dear wife in Switzerland, Germany, or Holland, waited upon God, and He helped, without our appealing to any one, without making even known our need to any one, except speaking about it, in believing prayer, to our Heavenly Father. We had His ear and His heart, for Jesus\rquote sake, and were helped; and thus it has been, that we have been able to accomplish what we have, in connection with these first f+our Objects of the Institution, and are even able, with a small balance in hand for them, to close the year. It is unspeakably blessed so to know God, as to be able fully to confide in Him, at all times and under all circumstances, even the most trying; and in order that my younger brethren in Christ may be helped so to do, therefore do I write as I do, and therefore I seek now also, as far as my position in Bristol allows of it, to go from city to city, and from country to country, to spend the evening of my life, to testify to the blessedness of truly knowing God in Christ, as He has revealed Himself in the Holy Scriptures.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1877 to May 26, 1878. Letters from Donors, Practical Remarks, &c.\par \par At the beginning of the last year, we had only the small balance of \'a371. 19s. 2\'bdd. in hand. Our expenses for these Objects had been \'a316,430. during the year before; therefore ,our balance was not enough for the fourth part of the requirements of one single week, according to our average expenses. But, poor as we were, our infinitely rich Heavenly Father remained to us; to Him we betook ourselves in prayer, and, as He had done many thousands of times before, during the previous forty-three years, so He helped us during the forty-fourth year also, though not once, nor twice, but again and again all our money, to the last shilling, for these Objects, was gone. I particularly mention this, because some of our Readers suppose, that we had trials of faith, with reference to pecumary supplies, only many years since, and think that at present we continually abound. I refer now to some of the means, which the Lord was pleased to use in supplying our wants.\par \par June 27. We entered today upon the second month of this new period of the Institution, without a penny in hand for these Objects, when in the course of the day came in from Redland, from a most unexpected donor, to make the- hand of God the more manifest, \'a350.; and from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200. Also from Rotterdam 40 florins=\'a33. 2s. 8d.\emdash June 28. From a small tradesman in Bedfordshire, who contributes as the Lord prospers him, \'a35. Received also from Belgium, \'a320. On June 30th, when again all money was gone for these Objects, I received from Scotland \'a3500. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, It has been in my mind for some days to send you the enclosed for the work of the Lord in your hands, believing it His will for me so to do. He has bid us lay up treasure in heaven. I am glad to see you are going to America. The Lord bless you and your dear wife, and manifest Himself to you more and more, Yours very truly ****." By these and other donations, though repeatedly during the past month all was expended, we were carried to the beginning of July, having, in answer to much prayer, been able to meet all our expens.es.\par \par July 9. A servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, having most unexpectedly received \'a356. 4s. 11d., gladly gave it for these Objects.\emdash July 11. From Ireland \'a3500. for missions. The donor will now have joy in being informed, which, when the money came to hand, was purposely not written to him, that, when his kind donation was received, all our money was gone for this Object, and the donation was the fruit of many prayers.\emdash July 14. From Greenock \'a3100., with \'a320. for my own personal expenses.\emdash July 25. By sale of gold and silver articles, diamonds, dentist gold, &c., \'a3190. 19s.\emdash From Sussex \'a393. 18s. ld.\emdash July 28, From Wales \'a3100., with \'a339. for the Orphans and \'a330. for my own personal expenses.\emdash July 30. Received \'a310. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Herewith is Banker\rquote s Draft for Ten Pounds, which please apply as you shall judge best, on behalf o/f the several or either of the Objects under your charge, and kindly acknowledge as above. The amount should have been sent in instalments previously, the writer having some years since resolved, before God, to discontinue a habit of doubtful character, and send the cost of it to your Institution. The resolution formed in time of trouble was not adhered to, but God has recently brought my sin to my remembrance, by again sending distress; and not only so, but through the ministry of His Word some months since ("Grieve not the Spirit of God") gave me victory over the habit referred to. I calculate, the practice costs something like 26s. per annum, and the enclosed covers a period from seven to eight years to about this time. I shall be a debtor to your Institution in that sum as long as I am spared, or the Lord come, and hope to send it annually. I do not wish my name to appear\emdash my position is a very humble one\emdash but shall be obliged by an interest in your prayers, especially as being now placed 0in perplexing circumstances, that I maybe able to rely upon God, when circumstances are mysterious and perplexing, and that I may grow in conformity to our dear Lord. With Christian love I remain, Dear Sir, yours truly ****."\emdash From Tobago \'a35.\emdash July 31. From the neighbourhood of Chippenham \'a3100. for Foreign Missions.\emdash On the same day we received from London, \'a325. for Home Missions, \'a325. for Foreign Missions, and \'a320. for the Orphans. And yet further from Kensington \'a330. for Missions, \'a320. for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash and Tract Fund, \'a330. for the Orphans and \'a320. for myself. These, and other donations, not referred to, carried us through the month of July, in which we had been again reduced to great poverty, but in which, as in thousands of times before, we were helped, not by exposing our need to our fellowmen, and asking them for help, but by taking it in confiding prayer to our Heavenly Father.\par \par Aug. 2. From Wales \'a31. for Foreign Missions1, "instead of insuring cows."\emdash Aug. 9. From Brazil \'a38.\emdash Aug. 13. From China \'a32. 10s. with \'a32. 10s. for the Orphans.\emdash Aug. 14. From Scotland \'a3100.\emdash From Clifton from a poor Christian 1s. for Missions to the Jews.\emdash Aug. 18. From a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash Aug. 20. From Somersetshire \'a397.\emdash Aug. 23. From Scotland \'a350. for Foreign Missions, \'a390. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself. During the past three years and three months, whilst almost constantly moving about from city to city and country to country, in connection with my preaching tours, the Lord was pleased, as during the 45 years previously, to supply all my need; so that while I was travelling about for l4\'bd months in England, Scotland and Ireland, with my dear wife, at a very heavy expense, God helped us. Afterwards I was 10\'bd months labouring in the Word in Switzerland, the German Em2pire and the Kingdom of Holland, when the expenses were still greater; yet again God bountifully supplied me. Now on the day on which this last mentioned present for myself arrived, I went with my dear wife on board a steamer to sail for America. The passage money and extra preparations for that country, took a considerable sum: but God supplied all. Then, on our arrival in the United States, we had to travel many thousands of miles and to live at Hotels at a very heavy expense; but God supplied all our need; and after all was accomplished, though our return to Europe required the expenditure of a considerable sum, yet we lacked nothing. And thus, with the prospect before me, of spending the evening of my life in going from country to country, and of having to meet all the heavy expenses connected with this mode of life, which are three times greater than our former housekeeping, I find it unspeakably blessed to have my Father in Heaven to go to for the supply of all my wants; for I am sure, that He will 3never leave me nor forsake me.\par \par Sep. 22. From Berkshire forty-two coupons, amounting to \'a3147. 6s. 5d.\emdash Sep. 24. From Greenock \'a350.\emdash From Ireland \'a350. for labourers in the Gospel in India, and \'a350. for Foreign Missions generally\emdash Sep. 25. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, to whom had been left a legacy, \'a3500.\emdash Sep. 27. Received 1s. 6d. from one of the former Orphans, with the following letter: "Dear and Respected Sir, I am very pleased to be able to send you my letter on your birthday. May it please our Heavenly Father to spare you to see many more. Please to accept my best wishes, both for yourself and dear Mrs. Muller. I hope you are both well. I must thank you very much indeed for the Report you so kindly sent me. I have read it through with very great pleasure. It seems glorious to read of all God\rquote s work and the dear missionaries far away. Please to accept my mite for them4; it will buy some poor heathen a Bible. I have been very poorly, but, thanks to our kind Father in Heaven, I am a little better, When I was ill, I felt such a longing to go home to glory; but it is sweet to be able to work a little longer. Praying that God may be with us all, I remain, your affectionate and grateful Orphan ****."\par \par Oct. 6. From the neighbourhood of Orkney \'a33., with this statement: " Since I began to devote a regular proportion of my earnings to the cause of God, He has, I rejoice to say, greatly increased both my ability and my desire to do so."\emdash On Oct. 16th we received the following letter, with \'a32. 2s. 6d. for Foreign Missions and \'a38. 10s. for the Orphans: "Dear Sir, I enclose \'a310. 12s. 6d. with the following remarks. On 19th June 1871 I commenced to pray in regard to a financial loss, which I suffered in India; and at different times I marked down ten per cent, for your Orphans and two and a half per cent, for your Foreign Missions, besides something else t5o the Lord; and now I have got a settlement for \'a385. as a compromise. This is a gracious answer to prayer, as the people offered me only \'a314., which I refused, and still prayed on. Several times lately I rose before daylight, and was on my knees for three hours, praying about this and other matters, this being No. 1 on the list of business, which I laid before the Lord. Glory to His name, He has now answered me! I am yours truly, ****." May this letter greatly encourage the reader yet further and further, and more earnestly than ever, to bring his necessities in prayer before God, and it will be seen in the end, though it may be after a long time only, that we do not do so in vain.\emdash Oct. 25. A lady in Clifton, near Bristol, gave an American Railroad Company\rquote s Bond for One Thousand Dollars.\emdash Oct. 26. From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a380., with \'a3100. for the Orphans and \'a320. for myself.\emdash This last mentioned donation came in most seasonably, for we had nothing at a6ll in hand for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary and Tract Fund, and it was thus the fruit of many prayers.\emdash\par \par Nov. 3. Received 11s. 8d. for Foreign Missions and 5s. for Tracts, with the following statement: "Last month I was in need of certain articles, which I could not afford. Satan suggested, that I was acting very foolishly in sending money for the cause of the Lord, when I was in such need myself. Malachi iii, 8\emdash 12, stopped his mouth. A few days after this, the articles I needed were given to me by a brother, after asking the Lord to let me prove His faithfulness." A very profitable paragraph.\emdash Nov. 5. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, and who had a legacy left to him, \'a3500.\emdash Nov. 29. Though we have been helped now through one half of the present year, yet we have to begin the seventh month of this present period, without any means whatever for the School\emdash , Bible\emdas7h , Missionary and Tract Fund; but our eyes are upon the Lord, believing that He, who is sustaining this work in the forty-fourth year, will yet help us, and not suffer us to be confounded.\emdash Nov. 30. From Cambridge, for Missions in India, \'a367. 12s. 3d.\par \par Dec. 1. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, and to whom had been left a legacy, \'a3500.\emdash Dec. 5. From Paisley, \'a32, with the following statement: "This is sent you as a thank-offering to the Lord for hearing and answering prayer on behalf of a sick horse. The veterinary surgeon had given him up for lost. So I arranged, when laying the case before the Lord, that, if the horse got well, I would send you two pounds. The horse is now as well as ever, and I herewith gladly send you the two pounds." This case should be a further encouragement to the reader, to commit all matters into the hands of our Heavenly Father, even when all natural prospects of help have8 completely vanished.\emdash Dec. 10. From Scotland, \'a3l00.\emdash Dec 12. Legacy of the late Mrs. C. W. \'a350., with \'a350. for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 26. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, and who had a legacy left to him, \'a3500.\emdash Dec. 27. The seventh month we began with nothing in hand, but in the course of it the Lord was pleased to give to us, in answer to much prayer, \'a31,890., so that we were able, not only to meet the many demands for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, but are able to begin the eighth month of this period with \'a3259. 19s. 9d. in hand.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Manchester, \'a330. for the Bible\emdash , Tract\emdash and Mission-Fund, \'a360. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself.\emdash Dec. 31, 1877. We are brought to the close of another year regarding our School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash , and Book and Tract Operations, and have9 again abundant reason to praise the Lord for His goodness to us. In every way, as usual, He has helped us during the past year, and though our difficulties have not been few, especially in reference to the schools at Home and Abroad; yet the Lord has always, in the end, supplied us with teachers and everything else we required; and, as to pecuniary means, though we have been again and again without a pound in hand for the first four objects of the Institution, we are brought to the close of it with a balance of about \'a3200. in hand. And now, in the full assurance of faith, that we shall be helped during the coming year also, we joyfully enter upon the year 1878.\par \par Jan. 1, 1878. On this first day of the new year we received various donations, of which I only refer to the following. From Scotland \'a3100. From Weston-super-Mare \'a320. for Missions and \'a320. for the Orphans. From a Bristol donor, \'a313. for Home and Foreign Missions.\emdash Jan. 2. \'a31., with this statement: "I have declin:ed insuring my goods and stock against fire this year, and send you the money it costs, instead."\emdash Jan. 3. From one of the former Orphans, \'a33.\emdash Jan. 14. From Berlin, \'a33.\emdash Jan. 16. From Hampshire, \'a3150. for the Bible and Mission Fund, \'a3300. for the support of the Orphans, and \'a350. for myself. The last amount was especially sent by the kind donor on account of my heavy expenses in going about from city to city and country to country in the service of the Gospel.\emdash Jan. 21. From Madras, \'a337. 16s. 0d.\emdash Jan. 27. Through the eighth month, also, we have been helped, by means of prayer and faith, have been able to meet again all the many demands for these four Objects, and enter with a balance of \'a351. 13s. 8\'bdd. upon the ninth month.\emdash Jan. 28. From Paris, \'a310.\emdash Jan. 31. From Cork, \'a350.\par \par Feb. 1. From Berkshire in railway and other coupons, \'a3157. 5s. 3d.\emdash Feb. 25. Received from a former Orphan \'a31. with the following letter: ;"Dear and honoured Sir, It is with much pleasure ask your acceptance of the enclosed small sum, which please to appropriate for the object most needed.\emdash It is with feelings of deep gratitude that I now write, to thank you for the kind parental care bestowed upon me, while in the dear Orphan House, and upon my younger brother; who, I am happy to say, is at present progressing favourably under a firm of nursery gardeners.\emdash It is now three months since I completed the term of my apprenticeship, and am at present working for a master builder in London, where I hope to improve myself, as it is a first class shop. Dear Sir, if it is convenient, will you please to let me have my Indentures, as I may be required to produce them at some future time. I hope the Lord may still spare you for many years, to carry on your great and good work of feeding, clothing and educating poor Orphan children. Please remember me to Mr. Wright and Mr. French, and, dear Sir, please to accept the grateful love of an Orphan< boy, who has, through your instrumentality, found a good place on earth, and I hope a resting place in heaven. I remain, dear Sir, your grateful Orphan,****."\emdash Feb. 26. From Norway as the legacy of the late Miss H. P. \'a35. for Missions to the Jews, and \'a35. for Missions to the heathen.\emdash Feb. 27. The heavy expenses of the ninth month also the Lord has enabled us to meet through prayer and faith, and we are able to enter upon the tenth month of this period with a balance of \'a390. 12s. l\'bdd. in hand for these four objects.\par \par March 4. From Ireland \'a3100. for Missions.\emdash March 9. The only income today for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary_ and Tract Fund was 10s. from King\rquote s College Hospital, London. The reader may place himself in our position, considering how our eyes, under such circumstances, need to be directed to the Lord.\emdash -March 11. \'a3200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in= heaven, and to whom had been left a legacy.\emdash March 12. Only 8s. was received today, for the expenses of these four Objects.\emdash March 16. Today nothing at all has come in for these four Objects; but our eyes are up to the Lord.\emdash March 18. From a lady in Clifton, \'a315. for Missions.\emdash March 23. From Darmstadt 19s. 6d., with 19s. 6d. for myself. This was the only donation received for these four Objects today.\emdash March 26. From Norwich \'a32. 8s. for the Orphans and \'a31. 10s. for Missions, with the following letter: "Sir, I have much pleasure in sending \'a32. 8s. for the use of the Orphans, being the dividend up to February last on six shares, which I have in a Temperance Hotel Company in Manchester, and which sum I have devoted annually, and whilst I live (D.V.) intend to do, for the use of the Orphans. But in addition I send for the labourers in Mission Work, either at Home or Abroad, as under. Monday, February 18 last, I met with an accident, by which I broke my left arm and> had other injuries, but am indeed thankful, it was not my right arm. I give 10s. as a thank-offering to a loving Father for that mercy. How grateful that it was not my neck or head. I offer as a feeble expression of praise to that gracious Being, who watches our every step, \'a31. for such a remarkable providence, and feel the preciousness of I Chronicles, xxix, 14. May the Good Lord still greatly bless you, and all the noble staff of workers, and all your work. I am, dear Sir, yours respectfully in the best of bonds, ****."\emdash March 27. During the month from Feb. 27 to this day our faith has been greatly tried, in reference to means for these four Objects, as again and again nothing at all has been in hand. Under these circumstances we encouraged ourselves in God, and seek to rely upon His faithful word of promise. We also are mindful of the fact, that for forty-four years the Lord has upheld this work, and that He will not now suffer us to be confounded, though our expenses for all the various depa?rtments are so great. We have to enter upon the eleventh month of this period, without any thing in hand for these Objects.\emdash March 29. From believers at Cork, for Missions, \'a34. 5s. 6d.\emdash From Weston-super-Mare \'a310. for the Bible Fund, \'a320. for Missions, and \'a310. for the Tract Fund. Also from the same place \'a35. for Missions, and \'a35. for the Orphans.\par \par April 2. From a Christian servant \'a35.\emdash April 3. \'a325. with "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."\emdash April 12. \'a350. (less legacy duty) as the legacy of the late Miss M. A. R. for Missions.\emdash April 15. From Stuttgart \'a34., with \'a31. for the Orplaans.\emdash April 26. \'a315., with "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."\emdash April 27. The eleventh month was like the tenth, constant trial of faith; and we have again to enter in poverty upon the twelfth month, yet are expecting larger sums from our Heavenly Father and His faithful help, which we have enjoyed for so many years.\par@ \par May 2. \'a3600. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash May 21. From believers near Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, for China and other Foreign Missions, \'a38.\emdash May 25. From Graham\rquote s Town, Cape of Good Hope, \'a31., \'a310., \'a35., \'a35., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31. and 10s. 6d.\par \par We were brought to the close of the year in which our faith had been so greatly and so many times tried in reference to means, as well as in other respects; yet we were helped through all. Poor as we had been so many times, still we saw it close with the small balance of \'a341. 17s. 8d. in band. Delighted we should have been, to have done far more for the dear missionary brethren, both at Home and Abroad, had we possessed the means; but, as we had them not, we bowed under the hand of God with patient submission rather than contract debt, and expect that the Lord, in His own time, will again give to us the joy of doing mAore in this particular also, even as He has been pleased to honour us in accomplishing as much as we have in the School\emdash , Bible\emdash and Tract operations.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1879 to May 26, 1880 Letters from Donors, Practical remarks, &c.\par \par With a balance in hand of \'a341. 17s. 8d. for these Objects, we began the last year. This sum is not the average expense for one day in the year, for these Objects. But we had to provide the average expenses for 365 days, in order to be carried through the year; and every shilling of the total was only to be obtained by prayer and faith, as no one is asked directly or indirectly for anything. Therefore there was again abundant room for the exercise of faith and for much prayer. I state this, because many are entirely mistaken in supposing that, whilst several years ago our faith was tried, this is not the case now. The truth, however, isB this, that, whilst formerly our faith was exercised about little things, comparatively, it is exercised about great things now, so that for the hundreds of pounds we needed then we require now Tens of Thousands; and for the six Schools we had to provide for at that time, we have now twenty times as many; for the hundreds of copies of the word of God we circulated then, we circulate now tens of thousands; for the few missionaries we sought to aid then, we gladly seek to assist now above 150; for the few tens of thousands of books, pamphlets and tracts we circulated then, we circulate now Millions, through the condescension of the Lord. But all this makes prayer and faith more than ever needful; and we find, at the same time, how blessed it is, to have an infinitely rich and loving Friend in heaven, to whom we can unbosom ourselves, and who is ready to help. I give now some of the ways, in which it pleased the Lord, during the past year again, to give us help to accomplish, regarding these first four ObjecCts of the Institution, what we have been able to do.\par \par July 9. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the Love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3117. 2s. 2d.\emdash July 11. From Scotland \'a3100. This \'a3100 came in when we had nothing at all left.\emdash July 17. From Redland we received \'a330., when all our means for these Objects were gone.\emdash July 22. The total income of today and yesterday was \'a33. 7s. 7d. The Lord allowed us to be brought thus low, before He was graciously pleased to send us means, and more means than we have ever received, within the same time, during all the 45 years that the Institution had been in existence.\emdash There is now nothing at all in hand for these Objects.\emdash July 27. Received by sale of gold and silver articles, dentist gold, gold and silver watches, gold and silver coins, diamonds, etc., \'a3243. 10s.\emdash From Scotland, \'a3130., with. \'a320. for my own personal expenses.\emdash July 30. From H. B. \'a3100.D, as a thankoffering, for Missions. Most gratefully was this donation received for Missions, because it is greatly in our hearts to aid missionary brethren.\par \par Aug. 5. From Adelaide, South Australia, \'a320., \'a31., and \'a31.\emdash Aug. 14. From Sussex \'a3250.\emdash Aug. 19. The total of the Income for these Objects, from May 26th up to this day, has been \'a33326. 11s. 2\'bdd. The total of the expenditure, for them, has been \'a33057. 11s. 9\'bed., so that, while we began the year with \'a341. 17s. 8d. in hand, we had, after being able to meet the expenses of nearly three months, \'a3268. 19s. 4\'bed. left.\emdash Aug. 22. Received \'a322. with the following letter; "Dear Mr. Muller, I have much pleasure in sending you the enclosed cheque for \'a322., the price realized for a cow. It was given to me as a calf, after which, to all human appearance, it would have died; but the gracious Lord spared its life, I believe, in answer to prayer. It was thus laid on my mind, that the price realized, wEhenever sold, I should send to you, for the Lord\rquote s work under your care. Please place it for what purpose you think best. May the Lord\rquote s blessing still rest on you and your labours, is my humble prayer. I remain, Dear Sir, yours truly, ****."\emdash Aug. 31. From India \'a3100., with \'a320. for my own personal expenses.\par \par Sept. 3. From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a320., with \'a390. for the Orphans, and \'a38. 14s. 9d. for myself.\emdash Sept. 4. \'a39. from the students of Wellesley College, United States of America.\emdash From Coonoor, India, \'a310.\emdash\'a3200. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven. Up to this day we have been enabled to pay out for these Objects \'a33564. 16s. 3\'bcd., yet have \'a3988. 3s. 8\'bcd. left in hand for them, though we began the year with so small a balance in hand.\emdash Sept. 7. \'a3100. from Dundee for Foreign Missions.\emdash Sept. 18. From Somersetshire \'a3100. fFor Home and Foreign Missions.\emdash From Yorkshire \'a3172. 10s. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, chiefly in Foreign lands, \'a3172. 10s. for the support of the Orphans, and \'a35. for myself. On Sept. 19 was received another donation from the same donor of \'a3350., for the same Objects.\emdash On Sept. 19 was also received \'a3175. 19s. 4d. in 53 coupons.\emdash Sept. 20. From Edinburgh \'a350.\emdash Sept. 21. From Linton \'a33., "Instead of insuring premises."\emdash From Newcastle-on-Tyne \'a35., "Instead of insuring business and furniture against fire."\emdash Sept. 24. From Gloucestershire \'a350.\emdash Received \'a32. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Please to accept the enclosed towards the work of the Lord in your hands, and appropriate it as you think best; and may God bless you in your good work! Perhaps you would like to know, that some years ago, when in a situation, I was led, through reading your books, to devote a regular part of my salary to God\rquote s work, and I rGejoice that I have been able to do so till now. Although I am only in a small way of business, yet I have always something to give to a good work, and I find the amount to increase each year; and I believe I shall do so still. With kind Christian regards, I am yours sincerely, ****."\par \par Oct. 2. From New Zealand \'a310.\emdash Oct. 3. Received \'a310. 7s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, As usual I send you my cheque, being 1s. each on an article of my make, the sale for which has steadily increased, ever since it was put in my heart, to give the 1s. each to the Lord\rquote s cause. Wishing you every prosperity and blessing in your noble efforts, and also for you to appropriate this as you think best, Yours very truly, ****,"\emdash Oct. 7. \'a3500. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven. He had some cottages left to him, which he sold, and thus was able to give this amount.\emdash Oct. 16. Received \'a35. with the followingH letter: "Dear Sir, I have sent you the first half of a Five Pound Note for Foreign Missions, to help to send the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor heathen, who have not yet heard of His blessed name. I send it, instead of keeping a dog for the house. From your humble servant, ****." Will the reader observe the variety of ways, which the Lord is pleased to use, in supplying us with means? May I also ask the Christian reader, Do you practically take an interest in spreading the truth as it is in Jesus? Do you care for the salvation of the souls of the heathen? Do you pray for them? Do you do what you can to send the Gospel of the grace of God to them? How much do you think, you have given in your whole life for missionary purposes? How much during the past year? What act of self-denial have you practised for this purpose? Do you think you give even the thirtieth part of all God intrusts you with, for this Object? Remember, dear Reader, there are about a Thousand Millions of souls, who have not yet had theI Gospel preached to them, and be henceforth in earnest, if this has not been the case hitherto, to do what you can, to send the Gospel to them. It is also on my heart to press upon my Readers the certainty of the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ, who says, "Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. xxii. 12. How will it be with you, dear Reader, in the day of Christ\rquote s appearing?\emdash Oct. 28. The following letter, with 11s., was received from one of the former Orphans: "Dear and honoured Sir, Your welcome and deeply interesting Report was forwarded to me, coming, it would seem, like a messenger from heaven. Tears of sympathy with the dear Orphans\rquote letters and other details, mingled with loving remembrance of our revered earthly father, makes the reading of it no easy matter. Precious it is to mark the continued favour and goodness of our God to you and your noble work. How much I sympathize with the pleasure those OrphanJs must have experienced in listening to your preaching, and the after privilege of shaking hands with one so enshrined in our hearts\rquote affection. I feel I cannot renew my thanks once too often for the loving care experienced by my two sisters and self, whilst in that dear home of our childhood. One of my sisters is comfortably married, and the other sister is in the same situation. When we meet, it is our delight to sing our old school songs and talk over the old time, especially the happy Christmas time, which was rendered even more happy by the eagerly looked for visit of beloved Mrs. Muller and yourself, to witness our festivities and rather magnificent decorations. Many an Orphan, scattered far and wide, will acknowledge with me, that those were the happiest days in our life.\emdash I have now a comfortable situation as lady\rquote s maid, and as we are constantly travelling, I shall probably have left England ere this reaches you. Praying and believing that the Lord Jehovah will still hold you Kand your work, and all connected with it and benefited by it, in the hollow of His Almighty Hand, I beg to remain, Dear Sir, another grateful Orphan in your large family, ****. P.S. Please accept the enclosed mite, being 8s. for the Orphans and 3s. for Mission work."\par \par Nov. 8. Received \'a310., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I thank you for the Report you so kindly sent. It cheers one\rquote s drooping spirit, and strengthens my faith in the Living God: for He does all things well. This year has been one of great trial to me. I have lost about half of my means; but I do not look upon what I possess as mine. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be His name! I bow submissive to His will. I enclose a Post Office Order for \'a310., five of which I promised to send as a thank-offering to Him for helping me through thus far, although I do not know how things will end. But I am quite calm, for I know that all things will work together for good. I was glad to hear of your safe returLn from America. I hope your precious life will be spared to carry on the Lord\rquote s work. I remain, Dear Sir, your obedient Servant, ****."\emdash Nov. 13th. Received \'a31., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose you a Post Office Order for \'a31., which I will thank you to use as the Lord may direct you, for His work in your hands. I have many times been blessed and helped from reading your Reports and Narrative. I thank God for them. I am a draper by trade, and adopted some time since the plan of laying by threepence in the pound of my cash takings to be given away to the Lord\rquote s service and work, as occasion may be presented; so, every week, or monthly, this amount is taken and added to the Lord\rquote s bag, and I am glad to say, ever since I did that, I have never been short of supplies to give away to help on God\rquote s work." Etc.\emdash Nov. 15. From S. S. for Missions, \'a350.\emdash Nov. 22. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lMay up treasure in heaven, \'a3800. Some cottages had been left to him as a legacy, and, having sold them, he was enabled to give this amount for Missions.\emdash Nov. 29. From Cambridgeshire \'a395. 18s. 4d. As the Lord prospers the donor, so he gives. His first donation was about the twentieth part of this amount.\par \par Dec. 11. For labourers in the Gospel, at Home and Abroad, \'a3100. from Ireland.\emdash From Clifton \'a33., "instead of insuring a house."\emdash Dec. 20. Received \'a31. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I thank you for the Annual Report of your various charities, which arrived very seasonably, and proved very refreshing to my faith. It came to hand just after the receipt of very bad news, which told of the loss of a large proportion of my income. Knowing how marvellously your wants have been provided for, during so many years, I could only receive your Report as a lesson, to faint not. The enclosed cheque for One Pound please to place to any object you please. I hope soon to bNe able to send you a larger donation, as I am sure, in the present state of things in the country, you will want all the help that can be given. Wishing you God speed in your undertaking, I remain, Yours truly, ****."\emdash Dec. 23. From Clifton for Missions, \'a320.\emdash Dec. 26. Again we have nothing at all in hand for these first four Objects of the Institution; but our eyes are unto the Lord for help.\par \par Jan. 9, 1879. From the neighbourhood of Swansea \'a31. 6s. 6d. for Foreign Missions, as "All the money taken in my shop on New Year\rquote s Day."\emdash Jan. 10. From S. S. \'a350, for Missions.\emdash Jan. 11. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in Heaven, \'a377.\emdash Jan. 14. From Stuttgart 15 Mark, as "A little thank-offering to God for preservation from a perilous railway accident."\emdash Jan. 17. From a considerable distance \'a3150. for the Bible and Mission Fund, \'a3300. for the Orphans and \'a350. for myself. Jan. O20. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a355. \emdash Jan. 21. From M. C. \'a350.\emdash Jan. 30. Received \'a31., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, several years ago the Lord showed me the duty and the privilege of systematic giving. I was earning but little at the time, but commenced, so doing, to the extent I conscientiously felt able. I have carefully and regularly ever since kept to my resolve, and I may also say, I have been encouraged in so doing; for since I so commenced dealing faithfully with Him, the Lord has prospered me greatly, so that now I am able, inter alia, to send you, out of the money so set apart for the Lord\rquote s work, a Post Office Order for \'a31., to be used as to you may seem best. I thank the Lord He ever showed me His will on this point, and I would not discontinue systematic giving for very much. Trusting the Lord will continue to bless you, and the work under your charge, I remain, yours in CPhrist Jesus, ****."\emdash Jan 26. We have now again a balance of \'a3243. 2s. 5\'bcd. for these objects.\par \par Feb. 17. From Malta \'a350.\emdash Feb. 24. \'a32. 10s. as a thank-offering "From one whose life was spared when he met with an accident, which might have been fatal."\par \par March 11. From the neighbourhood of Manchester. \'a390. for Missions, \'a3158. for the Orphans, and \'a310. 8s. 2d. for myself.\emdash By 47 coupons \'a3165. 14s. 1d. from a donor who has kindly helped us in this way again and again, and whose donation this time especially came in most seasonably, as we were greatly in need of means. Of the amount, \'a3135. 14s. 1d. was for these first four objects, and \'a330. for the Orphans. Most seasonable likewise was the donation from the neighbourhood of Manchester, on account of our low state of funds for these objects.\emdash March 14. From Clifton Down \'a315. for Missions.\emdash A young Christian gardener, who resides at a distance of about 160 miles from Bristol, brougQht this day to the Orphan Houses thirty sovereigns, ten for Foreign Missions, ten for Home Missions, and ten for the support of the Orphans. The donor had thought of leaving this sum as a bequest, but decided on giving it at once.\emdash \'a3100. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash March 16. \'a31. as "A thank-offering for the recovery to health of a valuable horse."\emdash March 29. From Weston-super-Mare \'a320. for Missions with \'a320. for the Orphans.\par \par April 7. Received \'a35. for Foreign Missions, "Instead of keeping a dog, in the hope that some poor heathen may be brought to the knowledge of the Saviour."\emdash From Glasgow 10s., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I send you enclosed an order for 10s., which please take for what you think best. My husband, like so many others in Glasgow, lost all his means this winter. I had this money laid aside for you, since November; but as there are now ten of us, aRnd I feared for our daily bread, my faith was not strong enough to send it. But in whatever strait we were, I found I could not use it. It was only this week I told my husband I had it, and he said to send it at once. God give me more faith! Trusting you keep well and strong, and that you may be long spared to cheer us by your example, and with every good wish for the noble work, you and your fellow workers are doing, I am, very truly yours, ****."\emdash April 9. Received \'a3200. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose a cheque for \'a3200. in your favour, of which sum I wish \'a3125. to be applied to the use of the Orphans under your care, \'a320. for yourself, and the remainder to be applied as you may deem best, or for such of the other objects of your Institution, as may at present be most in want of assistance. I intended leaving this sum of \'a3200. by Will, to be paid to you at my decease, but now prefer paying it myself. I am aware of your absence at present, but direct this according toS instructions in your last Report, as no doubt you have deputed some one to sign and act for you, and that I shall get an acknowledgment in due course; and trusting that your works in the service of the Lord may be abundantly blessed as heretofore, I am yours sincerely ****."\emdash April 15. From H. B., for the Bible and Mission Fund \'a350. and \'a350. for the support of the Orphans.\emdash April 16. Received \'a33. with the following letter: "My dear Brother in Christ, I enclose a Post Office Order for \'a33., \'a32. of which for the Orphans and the other \'a31. to be appropriated according to your discretion. For the glory of God I must tell you the circumstances. This amount (\'a33.) has been owing to me over six years, and I have applied again and again for the money, but in vain. About three years since I decided to apply no more, and give it up as a bad debt; but a few months ago I thought of the dear children at Bristol, and laid the case before my Heavenly Father, asking Him, if it was His holy Twill, to incline the heart of my debtor to send me the amount, without my having to ask for it. Last week he called (after much difficulty in ascertaining my new address), and left the money, with six years interest, and apologized for the delay. Is not this a proof that the Lord is gracious. In fact, my prayer is more than answered; for not only can I send you the \'a33., but with the interest I am enabled to meet a claim that will fall due in a few days. Yours faithfully in Him ****."\emdash April 22. \'a3100. from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven.\par \par May 5. From a servant of the Lord Jesus who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a377. 2s. 9d.\emdash From Ireland \'a3100. for Missionaries and Mission work.\emdash May 7. From Swansea \'a35. as "A thank-offering for signal mercy."\emdash May 13. Received \'a3130. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, It is with pleasure I send you the encloUsed cheque for \'a3130., which please apply to the good work in your hands as follows, \'a360. for the Orphans, \'a360. for Missions, etc., and please accept \'a310. for your own personal use. It was my intention to leave the above as a legacy, but I have lately had it laid upon my heart to see it paid. \lquote Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!\rquote I remain, Dear Sir, Yours faithfully, ****."\emdash May 21. \'a31,000. as the legacy of the late Miss J. R.\emdash It was very graciously so ordered of the Lord, that this legacy was now paid, a little before the legal time had expired for its payment, as we were almost entirely without means, and as we particularly desired to be able to send more help to the labourers in the Gospel.\emdash May 22. Received \'a324, 10s, 6d. being nine donations from Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope.\emdash \'a35. from Constantinople.\emdash I have thus referred to a few out of the hundreds of donations, by means of which the Lord enabled us to meet the expenses coVnnected with the first four objects of the Institution during another year. Though our average expenses for one day for this part of the work were forty-six pounds during the past year, and we began the year with only \'a341. 17s. 8d., therefore not enough for one single day; yet God helped us not only to meet all the expenses, but through the large income just at the close of the year to leave a larger balance than usual in hand. His holy name be magnified!\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1879 to May 26, 1880. Letters from Donors, Practical remarks, &c.\par \par May 27, 1879. We began our new period with the balance of \'a3519. 4s. 7d. in hand; a balance so great as this we had not had for many years. But great as, comparatively, this balance was, it was only a very small portion of what we needed in the course of the year. It therefore was very soon expended, and we had to look to the Lord for further sWupplies, as had been the case during the previous forty-five years of the existence of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution; and we found (as always before) that we bad not to wait upon Him in vain. I mention now some of the ways, in which it pleased God to supply us with means.\emdash May 31. From Geneva, \'a315.\par \par June 4. From Greenock \'a3110., with \'a320. for myself.\emdash June 26. Notwithstanding the considerable balance, with which we began our year, and the income of \'a3739. 0s. 11d. during the past month, we are now reduced to \'a3140. 11s. 0\'bdd. for these Objects, viz.: we have not enough for the average expenses of four days; but we have the Living God as our Friend and Helper.\par \par July 8. From Scotland \'a3100, with \'a310. for myself.\emdash July 10. From Scotland, \'a3100.\emdash July 12. From French Switzerland 600 francs with 200 francs for myself.\emdash July 18. From Yorkshire \'a3150. for Foreign Missions with \'a3150. for the Orphans.\emdash July 24. From the pupilsX of a ladies\rquote school \'a3l0.\emdash July 26. Our balance in hand, for these Objects of the Institution, is now reduced to \'a325. 10s. 8d., viz. to about one half of what we require, on an average, for one day for them. Our eyes are directed to our Heavenly Helper, who in the forty-sixth year of the work is now upholding it, being fully assured, that, as He has helped us hitherto, He will do so yet. Many of our friends suppose, that in the early years only of the history of this Institution, we had exercises of faith, but that these trials have now long been over. Such friends are entirely mistaken; for our trials of faith have continued, in every respect, as they were 34, 38, 40 and 43 years ago, even as to pecuniary supplies, but with this difference, that, whereas then the work was comparatively small, our trials of faith were about small matters, whilst now, as the work is large, our faith is tried regarding great things. However, as God helped us from 1838 to 1849 whilst our difficulties were Yalmost constant, from day to day, so He has helped us in 1879 and 1880 also. His name be magnified!\par \par Aug. 5. From Adelaide, Australia, \'a320. \'a35. \'a31. \'a31.\emdash Aug. 9. From Malta \'a350.\emdash Aug. 12. From Natal \'a350.\emdash Aug. 16. From San Francisco \'a32.\emdash From Saxony \'a34.\emdash By sale of gold and silver articles, &c. \'a3147. 18s. 0d.\emdash Aug. 22. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3300. 4s.\emdash Aug. 25. From the same donor for Missions \'a345.\emdash Aug. 26. Our balance, which a month ago was \'a325. 10s. 8d., the Lord has been pleased so to increase, that we have today \'a3491. 3s. 0\'bdd. in hand, although we have expended many hundred pounds during the month. We have thus again proved the readiness of our Heavenly Father to listen to the supplications of His children, who trust in Him.\par \par Sep. 2. \'a310. from the neighbourhood of Wakefield. "Five pounds from the sale of Zboots, \'bdd. on every pair sold during the year, and \'a35. instead of insuring stock, &c. against fire."\emdash Sep. 5. From Newcastle-on-Tyne \'a32. 10s. for Missions, and \'a32. 10s. for the Orphans with the following statement: "Annual thank-offering for protection from fire, and instead of insurance. A great fire was a short time ago on my left, next door but one. House and shop gutted next door to me. My shop free. A few years ago a fire next door on my right. Two smouldering fires, at different times, discovered on the premises, fires all around; but the Lord Himself a wall of fire round about me. Blessed be the name of the Lord!"\emdash Received also \'a33. from Sunderland "As a thank-offering for past mercies, and instead of insuring against accidents."\emdash From the mother of a pupil in one of our Day Schools in Cardiff 10s., with the following statement: "Please to accept 5s., a widow\rquote s mite, for Missions, and 5s. from my little boy\rquote s money, which he has saved. He wishes to giv[e it for the Orphans as an offering to God for His goodness to him, in saving his soul. He is one of those who have been brought to the Lord in Tredegerville School."\emdash Sep. 9. Received from the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a390., with \'a3153. 18s. 1d. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself.\emdash Sep. 12. Received \'a35. from Glasgow, with the following words: "Miss \emdash\emdash encloses a Post Office Order for the sum of \'a35. to Mr. Muller, for Missionary purposes. She may state, that it was owing to reading the short paragraph at the head of page 13, of the last Report, which moved her to give, and to this special object." The paragraph alluded to is as follows, which I repeat here, because I judge that the Church of God at large needs to have the subject again and again brought before her. "May I ask the Christian reader, Do you practically take an interest in spreading the truth as it is in Jesus? Do you care for the salvation of the souls of the heathen? Do you pray for them? Do you do\ what you can, to send the Gospel of the grace of God to them? How much do you think, you have given in your whole life for Missionary purposes? How much during the past year? What act of self-denial have you practised for this purpose? Do you think you give even the thirtieth part of all God intrusts you with, for this Object? Remember, dear Reader, there are about a Thousand Millions of souls, who have not yet had the Gospel preached to them, therefore be henceforth in earnest, if this has not been the case hitherto, to do what you can, to send the Gospel to them. It is also on my heart to press upon my Readers, the certainty of the personal return of the Lord Jesus, who says, \lquote Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be,\rquote Rev. xxii, 12. How will it be with you, dear Reader, in the day of Christ\rquote s appearing?" I affectionately commend this paragraph to the prayerful consideration of the Christian Reader.\emdash Sep. 19. \'a3100. wi]th the words: "Thine own."\emdash Sep. 24. Received \'a312. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, I received your last Report, and have again the pleasure of handing you cheque for \'a312. for Foreign Missions, thanking the Lord for His goodness to you in all your labours for Him, and praying that you may long be spared to build up His Church through your various preachings and writings. I am thankful to be able to help you a little, from time to time. I too, through your work, first began to put by 1s. a week for the Lord\rquote s work, and since then He has given me mach increase; and, as long as I live, I hope to continue to give, as the Lord may prosper me. Yours faithfully, ****."\emdash Sep 24. Received from a Christian gentleman, who has often helped us in a similar way, 13 Queensland coupons (\'a368. 10s. 10d.), 20 United States (\'a350.), 1 Colombo (\'a3l7. 2s. 9d.), 8 Russian (\'a314. l3s. 9d.), and 5 City of Ottawa (\'a314. 13s. 9d.).\emdash Sep. 30. From A. P., \'a310. as "A thank-offering ^for an unexpected legacy."\emdash .\'a325. for Foreign Missions, given on the return of the donor\rquote s wedding day._Received from one of the former Orphans, who very many years since left the Orphan Houses, \'a31., with the following letter, dated Sep. 27: "Dear and Honored Sir, Please accept the enclosed Post Office Order for \'a31., and use it as you think best in the good work. I have lately been told by some Christian friends, that the practice, which I have observed for more than nine years, of devoting one-tenth of my income to the cause of God, unduly impoverishes me, and that it is my first duty to make the very best provision I could for those dependent on me, giving, of what was left, some portion to the Lord. I am thankful to say, that I have not yielded to such persuasions, but that I have found my faith more than ever strengthened by reading over again two or three of your previous Reports. I believe that God is more pleased to receive of the first fruits of our store, than of what is lef_t, after our own wants are satisfied. I still feel that the portion that I give back to the Lord is a small one, compared with His gifts to me, and that, when we have done our all (which we seldom do) we must say, \lquote We are unprofitable servants; we have done that, which it was our duty to do.\rquote Although my present income is not by any means too much, yet I have abundant cause, when I review the past, to admire the loving kindness of the Lord to me and mine. I do not forget, that this day is the anniversary of your birthday, and I pray God that He will in mercy spare you yet many years to work in the vineyard, and to build up in the faith those who love our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth. I am, dear Sir, yours very respectfully, ****."\par \par Oct. 11. From Worcestershire \'a3100. for Home and Foreign Missions.\emdash Oct. 15.\emdash From Somersetshire \'a3101.\emdash Oct. 20. From Zeist, in Holland, \'a34., with \'a31 for the Orphans.\emdash Oct. 24. With the following` letter from the Isle of Wight, 3s. 4d.: "Dear Sir, Many thanks for the Report. Will you kindly accept the enclosed 3s. 4d. in stamps for the China Mission? I fully believe that, if Christians would put by every week a small part of their income, the Lord would bless them more. When we first began, we could only give one shilling, then one and sixpence, and so on. Now, by the Lord\rquote s help, we give ten Pounds or more yearly to different objects, and the poor in our neighbourhood. Yours in the coming Lord Jesus, ****."\emdash Oct. 28. Received from a Christian Merchant, \'a3200., with the following instructive letter: "My dear Mr. Muller, I would just mention for your encouragement, and to the praise of our Heavenly Father, that I have followed the good advice, so repeatedly given in your Reports, of systematic and proportioned giving, for many years; and the last half year is the best we have had, although trade generally has been so depressed. I therefore have the pleasure of handing you cheque for a\'a3200., \'a3100. towards the Orphans, \'a310. for your own use, and balance as you may consider most required. With kind regards, yours sincerely, ****."\par \par Nov. 7. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash Nov. 10. From the Punjaub, India, \'a39. 18s. 6d.\emdash Nov. 13. \'a319. 19s. for Missions, as the legacy of the late Mrs. K.\emdash Nov. 22. For Missions, 10s., with this statement: "What I send you, I have earned by doing a gentleman\rquote s washing for one month."\emdash Nov. 24. From a Christian Cook, at a Sheep Station in New Zealand, who seeks to honour the Lord with his means, \'a320.\emdash Nov. 25. "From a friend at Burnley," \'a350.\par \par Dec. 1. From Wales, \'a3100.\emdash Dec. 9. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash Dec. 15. From Ireland \'a3200. for Missionaries and Evangelists. Our hearts rejoiced in tbhis donation, as it afforded to us (in answer to prayer, much prayer) further means to help brethren who labour in word and doctrine.\emdash Dec. 16. Received \'a31. from one of the former Orphans, now an apprentice, with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Enclosed is a Post Office Order for \'a31., for disposal as you may think best. I send it as a thank-offering to the Lord for my recovery from a short, but severe illness. Allow me also to thank you for the Reports you have so kindly sent me through my master, the reading of which has given me much pleasure. That God may spare your life many more years, to be a father to the Orphans, and a messenger to bear the glad tidings of the ever blessed Gospel to distant isles, is the prayer of your ever grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash Dec 19. From Bedfordshire \'a35., with \'a35. for the Orphans, from a Christian man in a small business, who for many years has sent, as God may have prospered him in his business.\emdash From London \'a364., with \'a316. for the Orphcans,\emdash Dec. 23. From a Christian family, \'a35. 5s., for Missions and \'a311. for the Orphans. Father, mother and children had, during the year, occupied some of their time in earning this amount.\emdash Dec. 26. This day we have no money at all left for these Objects, but are looking, by God\rquote s grace, to our Heavenly Father for help, who has never left us, and who has already again carried us through the first seven months of this new period.\emdash Dec. 27. Today we received for Missions from Weston-super-Mare, \'a340., when we had nothing at all in hand.\emdash Dec. 29. Received from a London donor, then at Ryde, \'a313. for missions in Italy, \'a34. for missions in China, and \'a313. for the support of one Orphan for one year. \emdash There was given anonymously at Bethesda, \'a36.\emdash Dec. 30. From Liverpool \'a35., from New Brunswick \'a32.\emdash From Downend \'a31., "Instead of insuring my cottages."\emdash From Hereford \'a310.\emdash Frorn Thame \'a31., for the circulation of the Sdcriptures in Spain, with \'a32. 18s. for the Orphans and 2s. for Reports.\emdash From Redland \'a31., for Missions in Demerara, with 10s. for the Orphans.\emdash From Chagford 10s. for Foreign Missions, and 10s. and 13 silver coins for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 31, From Kent \'a310.\emdash From Paddington \'a350., with \'a350. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself.\emdash From Sunderland 5s.\par \par Jan. 1, 1880. From a Bristol donor, \'a314., with \'a32. 10s. for Reports; and through ditto also \'a32., with \'a32. for the Orphans.\emdash From Scotland \'a3l00.\emdash From Uplyme \'a35. All these donations, and \'a38. 7s. besides, were received after all our funds for these Objects were gone, and we were in the greatest need.\emdash Jan. 3. \'a35. was received with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Wright, A dear sister in the Lord, J. A., who has for many years sent all she could to dear Mr. Muller, departed to be with Christ a few weeks since. Her sister, G. E., has found a little spare money, left bye her sister, and knowing what her wish would be, sends the \'a35. for the Lord\rquote s work in Mr. Muller\rquote s hands. To see J. A., you would never think she had 1s. to give to any one. She never spent more than was absolutely necessary on herself. She was formerly a servant, saved a little money, built a few cottages, lived in one, and lived on the rent of the others. She is now gone beyond the power of helping, or doing anything for the Lord; but she being dead, yet speaketh. Her works follow her. \lquote She has done what she could,\rquote may truly be applied to her. Her life was so consistent. Etc."\emdash Jan. 14. From Ireland \'a350.\emdash Jan. 21. From Hampshire \'a3150., with \'a3300. for the Orphans and \'a350. for myself.\emdash Jan. 26. During the past month the Lord has been pleased to send us for these first four Objects of the Institution about Twelve Hundred Pounds, so that we have been enabled to meet all demands upon us, and have \'a328. 13s. 8d. left.\emdash Jan. 27. Received \'af347. 3s. 10d. with the following letter from Scotland: "Dear Brother, Enclosed is Bank Draft for \'a347. 3s. 10d., \'a310. of that sum is from Messrs.\emdash\emdash , to whom please acknowledge receipt, to be applied same way as before. The balance, \'a337. 3s. 10d. is from us. To Orphans \'a315., Missions \'a315., yourself \'a37. 3s. 10d.\emdash To the praise and glory of God my Saviour, I would like to inform you, that about eight years ago I was, through the reading of your Reports, led to devote one penny per Pound of tea, I sold, to the Lord\rquote s work under your care. I had for some years previously given \'a31. yearly, and when I did on my knees before the Lord engage to continue to give that small donation, with what might come out of the tea engagement, I have to say with a heart moved by a sense of His love and grace \lquote Hallelujah! Praise His name for the results, which I subjoin\emdash 1872, \'a38. 14s. 9d.; 1873, \'a311. 7s. 5d.; 1874, \'a311. 19s. 1d.; 1875, \'a312. 7s. 9d.; 1876, \'ag311. 6s.; 1877, \'a314. 9s. 9d.; 1878, \'a325. 19s. 10d.; 1879, \'a336. 3s. 10d.\emdash Yours in the Lord, ****."\emdash Jan. 29. Legacy of the late Miss M. R. \'a3100.\par \par Feb. 5. At a time of the greatest need, we received, as the result of many prayers, \'a3500. from Ireland for these Objeots.\emdash Feb. 10. From a servant of the Lord Jesus \'a3300. He having had a house left to him, constrained by the love of Christ, and seeking to lay up treasure in heaven, sold it.\emdash From Penang \'a35.\emdash Feb. 11. From Edinburgh \'a340. for Home and Foreign Missions, with \'a310. for the Orphans, \emdash From Spain \'a32.\par \par March 11. From Yorkshire \'a3190. for Foreign Missions, with \'a310. for myse1f.\emdash From Malta, from one of the former Orphans, \'a32.\emdash March 15. From Ireland \'a3100. for Missions.\emdash March 16. From South Australia \'a310. 2s. ld., with \'a310, 2s, for the Orphans.\emdash March 18. From a Christian gentleman who has repeatedly helped us in a similar way, hand whose donation this time arrived at a time of great need, 47 coupons, value \'a3157. 10s. 3d.\emdash March 23. From the neighbourhood of Plymouth \'a3100.\emdash From Java 50 florins.\emdash March 26. Our balance in hand for these four Objects of the Institution is again reduced to \'a319. 18s. 3\'bcd.\emdash March 27. The Lord, in the riches of His grace, has immediately, in answer to our daily supplications, sent help. There came in today from Edinburgh \'a31. From Bedfordshire \'a35. From Liverpool \'a33. 0s. 6d. and 3s. From Weston-super-Mare \'a340. for Home and Foreign Missions. From Amersham \'a35. From Edinburgh \'a310. for Missions, with \'a310. for the Orphans. From Asbburton 10s.\par \par April 22. "Five Pound Note (instead of insuring my cows)" for Foreign Missions.\emdash " With the grateful love of two former Orphans," 10s. for Foreign Missions and \'a31. for the Orphans.\emdash April 23. \'a315. from Clifton Down, for Missions.\emdash April 26. At the close of the eleventh month of tihis period, we have nothing at all in hand for these Objects.\emdash April 30. Within the last three days, the Lord has been pleased to send us \'a3164. 10s. 11d.; for besides various smaller donations we received in our great need from the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a3100. for these Objects, with \'a3200. for the Orphans and \'a310. for myself.\par \par May 17. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3400.\emdash May 18. From Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope, \'a31. 10s., \'a35., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31., and 10s. 6d.\emdash May 21. From Tananda, South Australia, \'a313.\par \par Thus we have been carried through another year, and, though we have been several times without anything in hand for these first four Objects of the Institution, we have been brought to its close with a balance of \'a361. 5s. 8\'bdd. in hand. All the demands, connected with the 117 Schools, entirely supported by the funds of the Institutiojn, we have been able to meet. With regard to the circulation of the Holy Scriptures we have been enabled to accomplish far more than at any time during the 45 years. The circulation of books and tracts also has been very large. But in reference to Missionary Work we have been able to accomplish far less than we have desired.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1880 to May 26, 1881. Letters from Donors, Practical remarks, etc.\par \par When our new year commenced, on May 27, 1880, we had at hand for these Objects, \'a361. 5s. 8\'bdd., viz. a sum which was a little more than would suffice for the current expenses of a single day. The reader will see, therefore, that we were during the past year, as 30, 40, and 47 years ago, entirely dependent upon God for help; for in all our necessities we look to Him alone. Thus it came, and only thus, that during the past year also we were helped with means. I will now veryk briefly give some specimens of the manner in which it pleased the Lord to supply our need.\par \par June 5, 1880. The income, up to this day, had been so small that our balance in hand was still further reduced, when, today, we received \'a3150. from Ireland for Missions, for which we had no money at all left. Thus the Lord has very graciously again appeared on our behalf in answer to prayer.\emdash June 9. From an English donor staying at.Lausanne, Switzerland, \'a312. 10s. for the Bible Fund, and \'a312. 10s. for the support of the Orphans.\emdash June 10. From Southgate, London, \'a310.\emdash June 11. From Scotland, \'a3120.\emdash June 15. From Sussex, \'a346. 1s. 1d.\emdash June 25. From Clifton \'a340. for Missions. June, 27. At the beginning of the second month of the new year, we had no money at all in hand for these Objects; and for our 119 Schools, the extensive circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and our missionary operations were needing help. What did we do under these circumstlances? only what we have done during the past forty-seven years. We made known our requests unto God; this was all we did. Thus we have gone on year after year, in order to encourage our fellow believers, by our example, increasingly to trust in God and commit all their matters to Him, in believing prayer. And now see, dear reader, how God was pleased to help us again, as He had done thousands of times before.\emdash On June 29, we received from Colchester \'a310. and from P. 3s.\emdash On June 30 from Torquay \'a350. From Cardiff \'a390., with \'a310. for myself. From Newport, Monmouthshire, \'a32.\par \par On July 1 from the neighbourhood of Ampthill \'a35.\emdash July 5, received \'a35. from New Zealand, with the following letter "Dear Sir, it is with much pleasure I enclose you a Post Office Order to be used as you think best. For a long time now I have given away, as God has directed me, one tenth of what money I have received. I cannot tell you the pleasure it gives me to do so, or how thankful I mfeel to our Heavenly Father who put it into our hearts and has given us grace to continue to do so, even when brought very low as it regards money. Last year we lived in Bristol, in sight of your Orphan Houses, and the very sight of them was a constant renewal of our faith. At one time I was for eight months out of work, and I only received seven shillings per week to support myself and family. Yet God never suffered us to want anything. When things looked their very blackest, the sight of all those windows lit up at night was, what my wife called, "a thousand promises," and, I may add, "a thousand fulfilments."\emdash We have only been in New Zealand three weeks, but our trust is in the same God who never Left us, and never will forsake us. He has promised so, and I take His promises always as fulfilments. He found work for me the first day I came. May He guide me in the way that I should walk, and give me grace to continue in His way! I am, Sir, thankfully yours, ****." This donation, coming as it does nfrom New Zealand, many thousands of miles distant, was one of the means whereby, in July, 1880, we were helped in our great need, in answer to many prayers.\emdash From "H. G.," of Constantinople, \'a35.\emdash From Halifax, 14s.\emdash From Dawlish, \'a35., with \'a35. for the Orphans.\emdash July 6. From Glasgow, \'a321.\emdash July 8. From "A. C. W.," \'a310.\emdash July 9. From Derbyshire, for the Bible Fund, L100.\emdash July 12. From Clifton, \'a350.\emdash From Southgate, \'a310.\emdash From Chicago, \'a35. 2s. 8d.\emdash From Dayton, \'a34.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Stockport, \'a3100. for Missions. July 13. From the neighbourhood of Stonehouse \'a35. for China Missions.\emdash July 17. By sale of gold and silver articles, diamonds, coins, etc., \'a3220. Together with \'a390. by sale of dentist gold, plate, etc. for the support of the Orphans. From Sussex, \'a351, 19s. 9d. for Missions, with \'a313. for the Orphans.\emdash From Scotland \'a3100.\emdash From Clifton, about two years ago, oa Railway Debenture was received for 1000 dollars, without coupons, up to this time. Therefore we could not sell the debenture. But now, in this our great need, it became negotiable; and, as it bore six per cent. interest, I obtained the high price of \'a3261. for it. In like manner, about four years before, while preaching in Dublin, I received a Victoria Government Debenture for \'a3100., intended one half for Missions, one-fourth for the Schools, and one-fourth for the Orphans. This debenture I now sold, in this our great need, for \'a3105., whereby \'a352. 10s. came for Missions, \'a326. 5s. for the School Fund, and \'a326. 5s. for the Orphans.\emdash July 24. From Middlesex, \'a315.\emdash From India, \'a3100., with \'a320. for myself.\emdash July 26. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in Heaven, \'a3200. July 27. As stated before, on June 27 we had no money at all in hand for the first four Objects of the Institution, but in the course pof this one month the Lord was pleased to send us, in answer to much prayer, \'a31936. 4s. 11\'bed. for these Objects, besides \'a31415. 18s. 8d. for the support of the Orphans. It is an unspeakably blessed thing to have in God an Almighty Friend, ever willing to listen to the supplications we offer in our time of need. Thus we were able to meet all the current expenses of the month, and had \'a3711. 3s. left for these Objects.\par \par Sept. 1. From Wales, \'a35. instead of insuring cows.\emdash Sept. 9. From the neighbourhood of Manchester, \'a3100. for these Objects, with \'a3150. for the Orphans, and \'a39. 7s. 11d. for myself.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Lismore, Ireland, \'a35. as "The first fruits of the harvest."\emdash From Ireland, \'a3200. for Missions.\emdash Sept. 13. From the neighbourhood of Witney, \'a350. for Missions.\emdash Received \'a3150. with the following letter "My dear Mr. Muller, I have read over your Report for 1879-80 with much pleasure, and with much spiritual benefit.q I notice you purpose making another visit to America. My earnest prayer will be that your preaching may be blessed to the conversion of sinners and the edifying of believers. I have just been delivered, without injury, from a very serious railway accident, by which three persons were killed, and about twenty more or less very much hurt; and I beg to enclose you \'a3150. as a thank-offering to my Heavenly Father for protecting me in such perilous circumstances Will you kindly apply \'a330. towards your travelling expenses as you see most needed? Wishing you a prosperous voyage, a safe return, and much blessing, I am, Yours very sincerely, ****." For about fifty-one years I have had no salary in connection with my pastoral labours, and the ministry of the Word, nor as Founder and Director of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution; nor have I any property whatever of my own; but for more than half a century I have relied entirely upon God for the supply of all my own temporal necessities, and those of my famirly, and have received from Him, by prayer and faith, all that I have needed. He has put it into the hearts of His children, in various parts of the world, to supply my wants. The last-mentioned donation, coming a distance of several hundred miles from a Christian gentleman I have never seen, is one out of many instances of the way in which it has pleased God to supply us with money for our travelling expenses, during six years and upwards. With reference to all these heavy expenses the Lord has continually been mindful of us, and we have never been obliged to cease labouring in this way for want of means.\emdash Sept. 21. Received 5s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose 5s. in postage stamps for whatever purpose you deem most needful. I am now reduced to one room, and the recipient myself of charity; but I lay aside weekly for the Lord a portion of whatever I am able to earn. This year it has been less than usual, which will account for the smallness of my donation. That God may prosper you ins all your works done for His Glory, is the prayer of, Dear Sir, with Christian love, yours respectfully, ****." P.S. "I had the pleasure of hearing you preach in Rome last year." This instance shows how the Lord supplies us with money through those also who are in very limited circumstances; and, at the same time, gives another illustration of how we may yet have the privilege of giving, though comparatively poor, if we do it systematically.\emdash Sept. 27. Four months of the new year have now elapsed; we have been helped hitherto, and expect to be helped further. On Aug. 27, we had a balance left for these Objects of \'a3425. 2s. 3\'bdd. and, today, a month later, we have \'a3578. 9s. 4\'bdd. in hand, though thousands of pounds have been needed for the current expenses. Sept. 29. From two believers, \'a325. for Missions, "given on their wedding day."\emdash Sept. 30. Received 13 Queensland coupons, 20 United States coupons, 1 Colombo coupon, 8 Russian coupons, 5 City of Ottawa coupons, 4 Portuguese couptons, and 3 Auckland coupons, all of them amounting together to \'a3177. 19s. 7d. Again and again this donor has kindly sent us similar donations, which invariably have come in most seasonably.\par \par Oct. 1. Received from Scotland \'a3100.\emdash Oct. 2. From Yorkshire \'a31. "Instead of insuring the glass of the shop windows."\emdash Oct 7. "From H. B. a thank-offering" \'a3100.\emdash Oct. 12. From Scotland \'a350. for Foreign Missions.\emdash Oct. 15. \'a34. as "A thank-offering to the Lord for sparing me for the last eighty-five years this month."\emdash Oct. 21. From a former Orphan and his wife, who have now three Orphan boys as apprentices in their house, \'a34., with the following letter; "Dear and honoured Sir, I desire to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the second half of premium on account of C. B. You will be pleased to hear he is getting on very nicely with his trade, and his behaviour is all we could desire. The same can be said of J. D. He confesses his faith in the Lord Jesus Churist, in whom also J. D. is rejoicing. As regards ourselves, we daily continue to pray, as we have done for many years, for blessing on the dear Orphan Work, and those engaged in it. We greatly rejoice in its continued prosperity, as well becomes us, who have received such inestimable spiritual and temporal blessings through its instrumentality. Will you please use \'a33. 10s. of the enclosed for the support of one Orphan for three months, and the remaining 10s. for Foreign Missions? and accept with it the grateful love of two former Orphans, ****."\emdash Oct. 23. From Clifton Down \'a315.\emdash From Somersetshire \'a3102.\emdash 18s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I now take pleasure in sending you five shillings and also thirteen shillings from my wife, as a thank-offering to God, because I have not been discharged, whilst others have been, where I work. The above amount has been put aside threepence per week for some time. I am happy to say that many times, when work has been very slack, work vhas come in, in answer to our prayers, and I hope God will answer our prayers still. Please to use this money for sending Missionaries abroad. I hope you will accept this trifle from us, as we are desirous of laying up treasure in heaven, where I hope we shall meet at last, to enjoy a happy eternity with Christ our Saviour. I remain, yours truly, ****."\emdash Oct. 25. From Naples \'a35.\emdash Oct. 26. Received \'a3318. 7s., being the payment of a legacy, consisting of eight Russian Bonds, less legacy duty. The testatrix not only was entirely unknown to me, but I had never even heard her name; yet the Lord inclined her heart, in answer to our daily supplications for help, to leave to me this legacy.\par \par Nov. 1. From Malta, \'a35.\emdash Nov. 5. From India, \'a337. 16s.\emdash Nov. 15. From a Christian gentleman in Ireland, \'a32. 10s., being 1s. "For each sheep sold during this year."\emdash Nov. 23. Received as legacy, left by the late Miss A. C., the sum of \'a372. 16s. 9d. for Missions, and \'aw372. l6s. 9d. for the Orphans.\emdash Nov. 25. From Cambridgeshire, \'a355. l7s. 2d.\par \par Dec. 1. From S. S., \'a350. for Missions.\emdash Dec. 11. From Ireland, \'a3200. for Missions. A very seasonable help, as scarcely anything is left for this Object.\emdash Dec. 13. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3100.\emdash From Ireland, \'a33. with the following letter: "Dear Sir,\emdash Enclosed is a cheque for \'a33 (towards Foreign Missions) as a thank-offering for disturbance averted, by the hand of God, on this property. Pray for the Christians in Ireland, that they may have wisdom to act in these seriously difficult times. Yours in Christ, ****."\emdash From Queensland, \'a32.\emdash Dec. 16. From the Neilgherries, East Indies, \'a310.\emdash From Ivy Lane, London, \'a384., with \'a321. for the Orphans. How seasonably this donation came in, will be seen under the 27th of this month.\emdash Dec. 20. From a Widow in Liverpoxol, \'a32. 5s. 3d., who puts aside from her business, as the Lord prospers her, with \'a34. 10s. 6d. for the Orphans\emdash Dec. 21. "From a Mother and her Three Children, the result of their united work through the year, \'a32. 14s. 1d. for Missions, and \'a35. for the Orphans."\emdash Dec. 22. From Edinburgh, \'a340., with \'a310. for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 27. On October 27th the balance in hand for these Objects was \'a3451. 14s. 0\'bcd., and on Nov. 27th, \'a3811. 0s. 6\'bed.; so that, notwithstanding our heavy outgoings, we were able comfortably to meet all the demands upon us. Thus it has been also during this month (December); but today, 27th, we have only \'a310. 6s. 11\'bed. left for these Objects. The donors who have given during this month, and especially during the latter half of it, will see how seasonably their donations came in. Thus we prove continually the power of prayer, and are helped. Now observe, dear reader, how the Lord again appeared on our behalf on December 27, 1880, when oury balance in hand for these four Objects\emdash the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund\emdash was reduced to \'a3 10. 6s. 11\'bed. On the same day we received from the neighbourhood of Newton, Mearns, Scotland, \'a312., with \'a33. for the Orphans.\emdash From Dalkeith, \'a31. 10s., with 10s. for the Orphans.\emdash From a Bristol donor, \'a3l.\emdash From Exeter, 10s., and from Clifton, 4s., with 8s. for the Orphans.\emdash From London, \'a320. for Missions in Italy, \'a310. for Missions in China, and \'a310. for Missions in Spain.\emdash On the next day, Dec. 28, we received \'a320. from Hereford for Foreign Missions.\emdash From an Edinburgh donor, then at Ilfracombe, \'a380., with \'a320. for the Orphans.\emdash From Redland, 15s. for Missions in China, and 15s. for the Orphans.\emdash On Dec. 29, \'a32. came in from Totterdown for Missions; also, \'a36. and a locket for the Orphans, with 2s. for Reports.\emdash From Devonshire, \'a350., with 2s. for Reports.\emdash Frozm Newton Abbot, \'a35. ; also, \'a31. 4s. for Missions, and l2s. for the Orphans.\emdash From Canada, \'a35.\emdash Dec. 30. From Eday, Orkney, for Missions, \'a31.\emdash From Abbey Wood, \'a310.\emdash From S. S., \'a350.\emdash From Hull, \'a35., with 5s. for myself.\emdash From Shaw, Scotland, \'a310. From Kirkdale, \'a32. 8s. 4d.\emdash From Morristown, for Spanish Missions, \'a310. and \'a3l5.\emdash From Cotham, 10s., with 10s. for Orphans and 10s. for myself.\emdash Dec. 31. From Sutton, \'a32. 2s.\emdash From Clifton, \'a310.\emdash From Paddington, \'a330. for Missions, \'a320, for the School Fund, \'a310. for the Bible and Tract Fund, \'a350. for the Orphans, and \'a310, for myself.\emdash From one of the former Orphans in the neighbourhood of Exeter, 10s.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Newton Stewart, \'a33. 4s.\emdash I have referred to all these donations, which came in from the morning of December 27 to the evening of December 31, to show how the Lord, in answer to our supplications, help{ed us, and also what varied instrumentality, in different places and countries, He was pleased to use. Thus the year 1880 ended with help from the Lord, even as year after year He has cared for us.\par \par Jan. 1, 1881. The new year began with blessings. We received from Kent \'a312. 10s. for Missions and \'a312. 10s, for the Orphans.\emdash From Scotland, \'a3100.\emdash From Cotham, \'a34., with \'a32. for myself.\emdash Jan. 6. \'a35. as "A thank-offering for answer to prayer in reference to my little girl, in the removal of a gathering, which threatened to destroy the sight of one of her eyes."\emdash From Kent, \'a350. The donor, who sent \'a325. on the 1st of January, writes: "I did not expect to send anything again so quickly; but it is our Lord\rquote s doing." Truly it was the Lord\rquote s doing, and this help came in answer to our daily prayers. The money was taken for Missions, as directions were given that it might be used as most required.\emdash Jan. 6. From. the neighbourhood of Henley-|on-Thames, \'a3100.\emdash From Greenock, \'a3100.\emdash From Plymouth, \'a310.\emdash Jan. 13. From Birmingham, \'a35., as "A thank-offering to our Heavenly Father for the recovery of a little boy from sickness."\emdash Jan. 17. From Hampshire, \'a3150., with \'a3300. for the Orphans and \'a350. for myself.\emdash Jan. 21. From one of the former Orphans, 10s. for Foreign Missions, with \'a33. 10s. for the support of an Orphan for 3 months.\par \par Feb. 21. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3100.\emdash Feb. 23. Received the following letter from an Orphan formerly under our care: "Dear and respected Sir,\emdash Enclosed is a cheque for \'a326. 13s. 4d. from my brother-in-law, also a Post Office order for 16s. from myself, which we have much pleasure in sending. Please use the money for whichever part of the work it is most required. Eleven years ago today I left the dear Home, which had sheltered me for so many years. I o}ften think of the happy hours spent there, and shall be ever thankful for the great kindness I received while under your care," etc.\par \par March 1. Received 13 Queensland coupons, 20 United States coupons, 8 Russian coupons, 5 City of Ottawa coupons, 4 Portuguese coupons, 1 Colombo coupon, and 3 City of Auckland coupons, amounting altogether to \'a3177. 15s. 2d. This donation came in again most seasonably to help us with means for the first four Objects of the Institution.\emdash March 7. From a Student of the University of Tubingen, Wurtemberg, \'a31.\emdash March 16. When the funds for the first four Objects were almost entirely expended, and we were in great need of money for them, on account of expenses to be met in a few days, we received today from Sussex, for Missions, \'a3165. 10s.\emdash From Edinburgh, \'a310. for Missions, \'a310. for the Orphans, and \'a35. for myself.\emdash From Manchester, \'a3100.\emdash March 17. From Dunbar, \'a310., and \'a36. 10s., with the following letter: "Dear~ Sir, I herewith enclose \'a36. 10s., which I have laid by weekly, as I have done for some time (a stated sum). Although the depression in trade is very great, and the future, humanly speaking, dark, yet I have not discontinued my practice, believing that the Lord can and will make all things straight," etc.\emdash We received further, on March 18th, from Kingstown, Ireland, \'a31.; from Liverpool, \'a310.; and From Farnborough, \'a35.\emdash On March 19th. From the neighbourhood of Lismore, \'a35.\emdash March 21. From Halifax, 10s. for Missions, and 10s. for the Orphans.\emdash March 22. From Stourbridge, \'a34. 0s. 3d., with \'a35. for myself.\emdash From Ireland, for Missions, \'a3200.\emdash March 23. From Bedminster, \'a37. 7s.\emdash March 24th. From Banbridge, 5s.\emdash March 25th. From Kilbarchan, \'a3l.\emdash From Calne, \'a35.\emdash From Ilkely, \'a312. 2s. 6d., with \'a33. for myself. Thus we were able to meet the heavy expenses which we had before us, regarding the Home and Foreign Schools, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and to aid Missionary Operations; but the money was only enough to do this, and we have nothing left this day, March 27, Two months since, January 27th, we had in hand for these Objects \'a3527. 3s. 1\'bdd. On February 27th we had a balance of \'a3274. 14s. 8d. Today, March 27, though we have \'a342. 10s. 2\'bed. still in hand, as a few accounts have not yet been presented for payment, we must consider that nothing at all remains, and have therefore to wait further upon God. The expenditure for the first four Objects of the Institution, during the past month, has been nearly \'a31,400. 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 every 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\rquote s help, to continue waiting upon Him, in order to shew 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. I now continue the account. On March 29th, 30th, and 31st, \'a337. came in in various donations, besides \'a350., with II Cor. ix. 15.\par \par On April 1st, \'a31. 10s. was received, as "Price of the first calf this season." We also had \'a3100. from Scotland, and 10s. from Ridgeway. April 2. Received \'a35., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose a cheque for \'a35., \lquote instead of insuring stock-in-trade,\rquote which please use as the Lord may direct you. I have done so for several years, and can rest assured that the Lord will preserve me and mine, when put into the hand of the Almighty God, who never slumbers nor sleeps. I am, dear Sir, yours in Jesus, ****."\emdash The following letter, with 10s.: "Dear Sir, Please to accept the enclosed half-sovereign, as a trifle towards the spread of the Gospel. I send it as a thank-offering to God for His mercies towards me and my family during the past six months, while out of a situation. I am pleased to say that He has opened up to me another situation, and what I have sent to you is a part of my first week\rquote s wages. I am, dear Sir, yours faithfully, ****."\emdash April 11, \'a310., as "A. Census thank-offering."\emdash April 20. Two bonds (\'a3100. each) of the Association of Land Financiers.\emdash April 21. \'a350., with II Corinthians ix. 15.\emdash April 23. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3100. April 25. From Durdham Down, \'a3100.\emdash 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 \'a31,000., and have \'a323. 8s. 6\'bcd. left. With this small sum we enter upon the last month of this present period, during which we shall yet need many hundred pounds, being assured that our Heavenly Friend, who has helped us for more than 47 years, will not forsake us.\emdash 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 \'a3532. 14s. 5d., gave \'a3500. of it for these Objects.\par \par May 2. From Scotland, \'a3100.\emdash May 20. From Plymouth, \'a310.\emdash May 25. From Swansea, \'a315.\emdash May 26. The Lord has, in the riches of His grace, so helped us, as that during this month also we have been enabled to meet the necessary expenses, though a month ago we had only \'a323. 8s. 6\'bcd. left, and we are thus brought to the close of the year, and have a small balance left in hand.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1881, to May 26, 1882. Letters from Donors, practical remarks, etc.\par \par At the commencement of our new year, on May 27, 1881, we had in hand for these Objects, \'a3124. 6s. 2\'bdd. viz., a sum which would only supply the average expenses of three days. To the balance in hand we could not therefore look, and, by God\rquote s grace, had no desire so to do; but to Him, and to Him alone were our eyes directed, and He helped us many times, when all the money in hand was entirely expended, in answer to our believing, expecting supplications. In the following pages I will now give some instances as to the manner in which the Lord was pleased to help us.\par \par June 7, 1881. From a Scotch Lady, then at Perth, \'a380. for these Objects, with \'a320. for the Orphans.\emdash On June 8th we received \'a33. 5s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Cheque \'a33. 5s. for the Lord\rquote s work. Use the money for what you like. It is a thank-offering. My two houses in B\emdash\emdash H\emdash\emdash were preserved from damage last Saturday week, while some very near were injured during the storm. With sincere respect, ****."\emdash June 16th. From Yorkshire \'a3190. for Foreign Missions, with \'a310. for my own personal expenses.\emdash From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3300.\emdash June 17. From Scotland \'a3270., with \'a330. for my own personal expenses.\emdash 8s. 7\'bdd. "Saved during 23 weeks, by using \'bc lb. butter less per week."\emdash June 21. From Ireland \'a3200. for Missions.\emdash Do you see, dear reader, that we do not wait upon the Lord in vain? He helps us, in answer to prayer. To Him alone we look, and we do not do so without being helped.\emdash June 22. From Australia \'a35.\emdash June 24. From Batavia 50 florins, with 50 florins for the Orphans.\par \par July 5. All our money for these Objects was gone, though 8 days since \'a3189. 17s. 6d. was in hand, and many donations had come in since. Under these circumstances I received this morning the following letter from a distance of several hundred miles, containing a cheque for \'a3250. "My dear brother, it has pleased the Lord so to prosper me, that from time to time I have been able to take out of our business sums of money, which I have tried to use for His glory. The last I took out was two or three months ago. I have from time to time been asking the Lord what I am to do with it, and (I hope guided by Him) have resolved to send part to some brethren who may be in need in Ireland, and the rest to you, which kindly use as you think best. I should be pleased that a portion, more or less, go for missions. Yours very truly in Jesus, ****," I took of the amount \'a3150. for Missions and \'a3100. for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash and Tract Fund. Thus the Lord was pleased to help us, when we had nothing at all left for these Objects.\emdash July 13th. By sale of dentist gold, gold and silver articles, pearls, diamonds, etc. for the Bible, Missionary and Tract Fund, \'a344. 5s., with \'a3120. for the Orphans.\emdash July 16. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash 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. In the course of the day there came in altogether for the various Objects \'a369. 11s. 10\'bdd. I am looking for further answers to prayer.\emdash July 29. The total income today has been \'a327. 4s. 11\'bcd., and the expenses have been \'a3230. But my hope is in God. 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. July 30. Saturday. Today \'a333. 15s. has come in."\par \par Aug. 1. "Monday. The total income today has been \'a3134. 17s. Six, seven, eight times daily I am praying with my dear wife for means; we are looking out for answers, and we do not wait on the Lord in vain.\emdash Aug. 2nd, The total income today \'a3130. 4s.\emdash Aug. 3rd, \'a361. 18s. 2d.\emdash Aug. 4th. \'a391. 4s. 6\'bed.\emdash Aug. 5th. \'a3204. 16s. 5d. has come in for all the various Objects today. Of late the outgoings have been about \'a3200., sometimes nearly \'a3300 per day; therefore the kindness of the Lord in giving us this day\rquote s income is very great. We still pray daily, six, seven, eight times or more for means.\emdash Aug. 6th, Saturday. Total income \'a333.\emdash Aug. 8th, Monday. Total income \'a327. Above \'a3300. was expended today.\emdash Aug. 9th. \'a320. has come in.\emdash Aug. 10th. \'a336. 13s. 6\'bdd. was received today.\emdash Aug. 11th. In all \'a3260.\emdash Aug. 12th. \'a346. 15s. 7\'bcd., and a large silver teapot and cream jug have been received today.\emdash Aug. 13th. \'a322. 5s. 8\'bed. has been received today. This is Saturday. The outgoings of this week have been about \'a3l,500.\emdash Aug. 15th, 1881. The balance for the Orphans is now reduced to \'a3332. 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\'bd days. But our eyes are upon the Lord. I look to my heavenly Provider. The total income of today has been \'a328. 5s, 2\'bdd.\emdash Aug. 16th. The income today, after constant waiting upon God, has been for the Orphans \'a3106. 8s. 8d., and for the other Objects \'a339. l3s. 10d., in all \'a3146. 2s. 6d.\emdash Aug. 17th. The income for the first four Objects has been \'a373. 2s., for the support of the Orphans \'a377. 19s. 8d., in all \'a3151. 1s. 8d.\emdash Aug. 18th. \'a35. 8s. 10\'bdd. for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, and for the Orphans \'a3124. 6s. 9d., in all \'a3129. 15s. 7\'bdd.\emdash Aug. 19th. For the first four Objects \'a36. 17s. 3d.; for the Orphans \'a357. 9s. 7d., in all \'a364. 6s. 10d.\emdash Aug. 20th, Saturday. The total income about \'a360.\emdash Aug. 22nd, Monday. \'a317. has come in for the first four Objects, and for the support of the Orphans \'a31,036.; part of a legacy, left years ago, \'a31,000, was paid, as the answer to many prayers."\par \par What I have recorded here, with reference to July 28th, 1881, up to Aug. 22nd, I wrote down at the time, as here copied out, and I now add a few practical remarks:\emdash 1. During all this time we did not make known our circumstances to our friends, whether wealthy or otherwise; but to God alone. 2. Far less had we a desire to ask them for help, from which we refrained, not, because we considered it sinful; but in order that, by waiting upon God alone, we might show to the Church of God at large, how much, at the latter part of the Nineteenth Century, can still be obtained by prayer and faith, that thus other children of God may be encouraged to wait unceasingly upon Him, and that their faith may be strengthened. We did it also that an unbelieving world might see the reality of the things of God. 3. Those readers, who are acquainted with the early part of the history of the Institution, will remember, that, what I have just now stated under No. 2, was the especial reason, why I founded the Orphan Institution; and I have to mention to the praise of God, that in the day of Christ it will be seen how vast the number of His disciples will than be who will have received blessings through these records, which have been published yearly. 4. I only add, that on the next day to the one last spoken about, Aug. 23rd, my dear wife and myself left for the Continent of Europe, that, as I had arranged before, I might enter upon my eighth long preaching tour; and I had now to leave the whole responsibility of the Institution in the hands of my son-in-law, Mr. Wright, and his numerous efficient helpers, the value of whose assistance I had long experienced. My dear wife and I could wait upon God in distant lands, and trust in Him for help regarding the work at home, quite as well as we could in Bristol, and this we did habitually. The following record will show how greatly the faith of Mr. Wright, and of our fellow helpers was exercised, but also how our united waiting upon God, they at home, and we thousands of miles off, was recompensed, and how day by day the wants of the Institution were supplied, and it remained in existence to enter upon the new period from May 26th, 1882, to May 26th, 1883.\par \par I now refer further to donations received after July 28th, 1881.\par \par Aug. 11th. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, constrained by the love of Christ, \'a3100.\emdash Aug. 17th. From the same donor \'a350. for these Objects, and \'a350. for the Orphans.\par \par  Sept. 1st. Received \'a39. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, I enclose cheque, value \'a39., which please use as you think best. May God spare your life for many years, to be the Orphans\rquote friend. About \'a35. of this sum is the result of putting by a halfpenny for every pair of boots sold during the year. I wish I could do more. I shall be glad if you will send a Report when the yearly account has been published. I am, your humble servant, ****."\emdash Sept. 7th. Today the income for these Objects has been \'a317. 8s. 4d., and the expenses have been \'a3167. 6s. 4d. The income for the Orphans has been \'a340. 2s. 4d., but the expenses have been \'a3288. 7s. 7d. Under these circumstances ALL we do is, to wait upon God; to Him alone we look, and we are helped.\emdash The next day, September 8, the income for the Orphans was \'a373. 15s. 1\'bdd., and the expenses were \'a3242. 16s. 3d.\emdash Sept. 12. From Edinburgh, in a Bank Order, \'a310. for Missions, \'a310. for the Orphans, and \'a35. for my own personal expenses.\emdash Sept. 26th. \'a32. 10s. for Missions, and \'a32. 10s. for the support of the Orphans, "Instead of insuring the donor\rquote s cows."\par \par Oct. 1st. From the neighbourhood of Oxford, from a donor who has often helped us, when we were in great need, \'a3153. 14s. 3d.\emdash Oct. 4th. From the neighbourhood of Adelaide, South Australia, an Australian \'a35. Note; and from Adelaide \'a320.\emdash Oct. 11th. The total of the income for the various Objects of the Institution has been today \'a371. 18s. 7d., and the total of the expenses \'a3513. 0s. 3d. Again and again it is thus, so it is necessary that the eye of faith be steadily fixed upon the Lord and His precious promises, in order that the heart be kept in peace. Read, in connection with this last sentence, the following letter, written on Oct. 12th, and sent from a considerable distance: "My dear Sir, Please receive cheque for One Hundred Pounds, to assist you in your good work in connection with your Orphan Homes, which the Spirit has moved me to send, in answer to your prayers; and may God abundantly bless all your efforts! I am, yours truly, **** ." Notice, that the donor writes: "which the Spirit has moved me, to send in answer to your prayers." This was truly the case. The donation came in answer to our many prayers.\emdash Oct. 19th. We have nothing at all in hand for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund.\emdash Oct. 20th. Admire the Lord\rquote s kindness, dear Christian reader. In this our poverty, having not a single penny in hand for the first four Objects of this Institution, we received \'a3400. for them, \'a390. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself, from the neighbourhood of Manchester.\par \par Nov. 10th. Received \'a31. 10s. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, since I began to subscribe a pound each year to the Lord\rquote s work under your charge, He has been pleased to bless me in my undertakings, instead of being poor in consequence. I am astonished to find that the more He lays it on my heart to give to His cause, the more I increase in means even here, so that I lose nothing, by giving, even now, and then the joy of knowing, that it will be all credited, when we are taken to be for ever with Himself, Matt. xxv. 40. Since last year I have been in rather ill health, but the Lord has restored me again, for which, as a small thank-offering, I increase my subscription to \'a31. 10s., to be used as the Lord may guide you. I know His grace has qualified you to be a faithful steward. Yours in Him to the praise of His grace, ****."\emdash Nov. 14th. Received from Ireland, for Missions, \'a3200. Nov. 22nd. Received \'a310 with the following letter: "Dear Sir, About twelve months since, my only son, 19 years of age, was very ill. I had placed him with a chemist to learn his business. I fetched him home, and was told by my doctor that the only thing that would do him good was a warm climate; it was the only means for him, all his vitals were so weak. I could not see my way clear to send him abroad, but believed the Lord would do as much for him here. So, in my distress, I waited upon the Lord and He has heard me. My son has improved greatly in health. I now enclose a cheque for \'a310., one pound for foreign missions; the other nine pounds as a thank-offering for the Lord\rquote s kindness to me and my dear child. Please use this as you see best. I remain, Dear Sir, yours truly, ****."\emdash Nov. 26th. From the neighbourhood of Hurstpierpoint \'a3100. for the first four Objects of the Institution, \'a370. for the support of the Orphans, and \'a330. for my own personal expenses. This donation was received by afternoon mail, when the balance in hand for the first four Objects was only \'a38. 0s. 8\'bed. Admire, dear Christian reader, with us the Lord\rquote s kindness and faithfulness, who thus continually, for the sake of our Lord Jesus, in answer to our believing, expecting prayers is pleased to help us. Will not you also, if you have never acted in like manner, confide in God in all your various trials, difficulties and necessities; and will you not also look out for answers to your prayers? Make but trial of this way, and you will find out in your own happy experience, how precious it is, thus to walk in fellowship with God.\par \par Dec. 5th. We have again nothing at all in hand for the first four Objects of the Institution.\par \par Under these circumstances, the following donations were received, whereby the Lord again was graciously pleased to help us. Dec. 5th. From Madrid \'a35. for the Schools.\emdash Dec. 6th. From Wellington Park, Clifton, 15s. with 5s. for myself.\emdash Dec. 7th. From Westbourne Place, Clifton, \'a310.\emdash From Toppesfield \'a35.\emdash Dec. 8th. From Hammersmith 9s. 10d. for Missions.\emdash Dec. 9th. Legacy of the late Mr. T. S. F. \'a319. 19s.\emdash Dec. 12th. From Teddington \'a35.\emdash From Glenburne \'a310. with \'a35. for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 13th. Left anonymously at 34, Park Street, Bristol, \'a35.\emdash Dec. 14th. From London \'a315. for Missions in Italy, \'a310. for Missions in Spain, and \'a35. for Missions in China.\emdash Dec, 15th. Received \'a3200., of which \'a390. was for these Objects, \'a375. for the support of the Orphans, \'a325. for my own expenses and \'a310. for Tracts, in various languages, Gospels, etc. The donor writes: "Your last Report, like the former ones, has much gratified me, especially your remarks on giving systematically, a fixed portion to the Lord. About 25 years ago I commenced with a tenth; and, as the Lord increased my gains, so I increased my proportion, and can say with much joy, \lquote It is more blessed to give than to receive.\rquote " Again and again this donor has kindly helped us; and again and again his donations have come to hand, when we were low in funds. So, as the foregoing account shows, it was this time in particular; for, when the donation came to hand, all that had come in between Dec. 5th and 14th was again spent, and we had nothing at all remaining for these Objects, but were thus helped for the moment.\emdash There came in also, on the same day, from the neighbourhood of Stourbridge \'a312. 2s. 6d.; and from Kells for Missions \'a31. 8s., \'a31. l7s. 6d., \'a32. and \'a3l.\emdash Dec. 19th. \'a312. 12s. 6d. with the following statement: "The united work of a father, mother and their three children, and given with great pleasure for the work, \'a35. For Missions and \'a37. 12s. 6d. for the Orphans."\emdash Dec. 21st. \'a350. for the first four Objects with \'a350. for the Orphans. The donor of this \'a3100. is 82 years of age, and has been a believer 62 years. He had left \'a3100. as a legacy, by his will, for this Institution, but decided to pay it in his lifetime, and thus to save the legacy duty.\emdash From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, constrained by the love of Christ, \'a350.\emdash Dec. 26th. There is again not a penny in hand for the first four Objects of the Institution. Under these circumstances we received from Calcutta \'a31. on Dec. 27th.\emdash Dec. 29th. \'a34. from Kircaldy.\emdash On Dec. 30th, from Hereford \'a320. for Missions and from Dalkeith \'a35. From Newark, New Jersey, \'a310. 5s. 4d.\emdash Dec. 31st. On the last day of the year we received for these Objects from believers near Tretherne \'a36. for Missions.\emdash From Paddington \'a330. for Missions, \'a330. for the School\emdash , Bible and Tract Fund, with \'a350. for the Orphans and \'a310. for myself.\emdash Also \'a35. from Kingsdown Parade, Bristol. Thus the year, during which we had had again and again nothing at all in hand, closed with mercies. We had a little remaining.\par \par Jan. 2nd, 1882. The year began with fresh manifestations of the kindness of our Lord, in granting to us answers to our prayers. We received from Scotland \'a3100. with \'a310. for myself.\emdash From Clifton \'a32. for Missions, \'a31. for the Schools, \'a33. for the Orphans, and \'a35. for myself.\par \par \emdash From Horningsham, 10s.\emdash From Cotham, \'a34. 10s.\emdash From Clifton 5s.; also 5s. for Bible and Tract Fund, 10s. for Missions and Orphans, and 5s. for myself.\emdash\'a32. from Cape of Good Hope, with the following deeply important letter: "My dear Mr. Muller, Herewith I send a Post Office Order for \'a32. to be used as you think best. Believe me, my dear Mr. Muller, yours faithfully, ****." P.S. My last contribution was made in lieu of insuring my house against fire. Soon after, it was burnt with most of its contents. This I believe was permitted to try my faith. It has been tried, and, I trust, strengthened. I have been enabled to rebuild my house on a smaller scale, but have no intention to insure it, except as before, by trusting in the Lord. With Christ Jesus He gives us all blessings, and if He sees good to take away some of them, it ill becomes His children to murmur or to doubt His word, that "all things work together for good to them that love God."\par \par \emdash May I beg the Christian reader again and again to ponder this last sentence, and indeed the whole of this postscript. I have now been for 56 years and 9 months a believer in the Lord Jesus; many scores have been my trials, difficulties and losses; but regarding EVERY ONE OF THEM, without a single exception, I have found already in this life, that they have worked for my good, and I have had to praise God for them all.\emdash From Redland 10s. for the Bible Fund, 10s. for Missions, \'a31. for the Orphans, and \'a31. for myself. From a donor in St. Paul\rquote s, Bristol, \'a312. with \'a34. for the Orphans, and \'a32. 10s. for Reports.\emdash Through ditto \'a32., with \'a32. for the Orphans.\emdash Received also \'a320. with the following letter: "Dear Brother, I enclose you one hundred dollars for your excellent work for the Lord. Please divide it equally among the different Objects of the Institution, and send a few of your Reports for circulation, so that our people may know what good the Lord is doing, when His people are willing to come back to His plan of collecting funds and carrying on Missions. Yours in Christ, ****."\emdash From Eltham \'a325.\emdash From Austria 10 Florins.\emdash From S. S. \'a350. for Missions.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Wick, \'a31.\emdash From Gloucester \'a32.\emdash Jan. 10. From Scotland \'a3120. with \'a330. for myself.\emdash Jan. 11.\emdash A very aged believer, past his ordinary occupation, but desirous of doing a little yet for the Lord, makes bee-hives and sends for the Institution the money thus obtained, \'a32. 0s. 6d. and 1s. 6d. for Reports.\par \par \emdash Jan. 12. From Havre \'a31. 3s. 9d.\emdash Jan. 16. From a widow in business, who gives twopence in the pound of her takings, \'a36. 8s. 11d. for the Orphans, with \'a32. l7s. 7d. for the first four Objects.\emdash Jan. 18. A lady sent \'a3250. for Home and Foreign Missions and \'a3250. for the support of the Orphans, as "A thank-offering to my Heavenly Father, in grateful remembrance of His many mercies, patience and long-suffering with one so undeserving."\emdash The lady had intended to leave this \'a3500. by will to the Institution, but now prefers to pay the money in her lifetime, whereby \'a350. are saved for the Institution, as no legacy duty is to be paid. The \'a3250. for Home and Foreign Missions came in very seasonably, as the funds for these Objects were almost entirely exhausted.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Ledbury \'a35. "instead of insuring premises."\emdash Jan. 24, From Hampshire \'a350. for the Bible\emdash , Missionary and School Fund, \'a3100. for the Orphans, and \'a350. for my own expenses. The last sum the kind donor particularly sent in consideration of our heavy travelling expenses in the Lord\rquote s service.\emdash Jan. 27. From S. S. \'a350. for Missions.\emdash Jan. 31. From India \'a316. 15s. 5d.\par \par Feb. 2. Ten shillings with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I purpose, the Lord helping me, to lay aside, specially for His work in your hands, ninepence on every empty Petroleum Barrel I sell. The enclosed is the first 10s. Please use it as you most need; and may it be to His praise! From yours most sincerely, ****."\emdash All our money for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary and Tract Fund is again completely gone. Nothing at all is left.\emdash Under these circumstances we received on Feb. 3, from Aberdeen \'a35. for Missions and Schools.\emdash From San Remo, Italy, \'a32. 10s. for Bibles and \'a32. 10s. for the Orphans.\emdash From Teignmouth on Feb. 4, from A. R. \'a35.\emdash From Kent \'a315.\emdash Feb. 7. From one of the former Orphans \'a36.\emdash From London on Feb. 8, \'a38., with \'a34. for the Orphans.\emdash Feb. 9. From Eltham \'a350. for Missions.\emdash Received \'a320. 5s. 5d. with the following letter from Canada: "My dear Sir, Kindly allow me to state to you, my beloved wife departed this life Jan. 7, 1882. Before her departure she instructed me to send to you one hundred dollars to help forward the work of the Lord in which you are engaged. I feel pleasure in enclosing the cheque for this amount, hoping it will reach you safely. I remain, lovingly yours, ****."\emdash Thus, with the addition of the income in connection with the sale of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts and School Receipts, we have been able to meet the expenses for these Objects since Feb. 2, and have a balance of \'a369. 15s. 2d.\emdash Feb. 14. \'a32. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, enclosed I beg to send \'a32. for the Orphan Houses or for other purposes, at your discretion. Your work is an incentive to thousands of Christians to complete trust in God. Yours truly, ****." Regarding the last sentence I can only add, may it be so more and more! I joyfully dedicated my life to this, to show to the Church of God and to the world that the Living God is precisely what He was 3000 and 4000 years ago; and that we may still obtain vast blessings from Him by prayer and faith, as the first disciples obtained them in the days of the Apostles.\emdash Feb 17. From H. H. \'a31. 18s. 7d. for the Bible Fund, \'a35. for Missions, and \'a327. 2s. 8d. for the support of two Orphans for one year.\emdash Feb. 18. With II Cor. ix, 15, \'a310.; also \'a31. 5s. 9d. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Please accept enclosed as a thank-offering for blessing on business during the past year, and for being allowed to suffer loss in it for Christ\rquote s sake, which I esteem an honour. The money may be used for any branch of the Lord\rquote s work under your care you may think proper. Yours in Him, ****."\emdash Feb. 23. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3100., with \'a3100. for the Orphans.\emdash Feb. 26. The funds for the first four Objects of the Institution are again reduced to nothing. There is not one penny in hand for them.\par \par March 2. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3150., and \'a350. for the Orphans.\emdash March 15. There is not one penny in hand, either for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary and Tract Fund, or the support of the Orphans. We look to God for help.\emdash March 16. Only \'a335. 18s. 7d. has come in for all the various Objects this day.\emdash March 17. Received today, in this our great need, from a lady who had received some money through the death of a relative, \'a310. for Missions to China, \'a310. for Missions to India, \'a35. for Missions to the Jews, \'a35. for Missions to Italy, Spain and Germany, \'a34. for the Bible Fund, \'a31. for the Tract Fund, \'a35. for Day Schools in Bristol, \'a310. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself.\emdash March 20. From Blackfriars Road, London, \'a310. for Missions.\emdash \'a35. from Clifton.\emdash \'a35. from Hopton.\emdash March 21. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a350.\emdash From India \'a35. for Foreign Missions, with \'a35. for the Orphans.\emdash "\'a31. from an increase of salary, and 10s. as the result of small weekly savings, with praise to God for the opportunity and privilege of giving."\emdash \'a350. with II Cor. ix, 15.\emdash March 22. From the neighbourhood of Newton Stewart, \'a3l.\emdash Received also, in this our poverty, 41 coupons, amounting to \'a3157., and a dividend warrant for \'a321. 10s. 10d. from a donor whom the Lord has often used to help us, when in great need. Thus we were, for the moment, again delivered out of our difficulties.\emdash March 29. From Melbourne, Australia, \'a32. for Missions,\emdash March 31, From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3100., with \'a350. for the Orphans.\par \par April 1. From Ireland \'a3200., for labourers in the Gospel.\emdash April 5. From Ayrshire \'a330., with \'a330. for the Orphans.\emdash April 12. From Perth \'a35., as "A thank-offering for recovery from sickness."\emdash April 13. \'a33. "For special mercies in the conversion of our three children."\par \par May 1. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a350.\emdash With II Cor. ix, 15, \'a380.\emdash\'a33. as "A thank-offering for letting a house, without a house-agent."\emdash May 12. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3189. 5s.\emdash May 17. From India \'a337. 16s.\emdash May 26. From readers of "The Christian," per Messrs. Morgan and Scott, \'a36. for Missions and \'a358. 18s. 6d. for the support of the Orphans.\emdash From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3217.\par \par After having been many times during the past year without one penny for these Objects, we were brought to the close of this period with the small balance of l3s. 7\'bcd. in hand.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1882 to May 26, 1883. Letters from Donors, practical remarks, etc.\par \par We began the year with the balance of 13s. 7\'bcd. in hand, for these first four Objects of the Institution. There was now, looking at things naturally, not only this exceedingly small balance as a cause for discouragement, but also the great trial of faith, we had had with reference to means, during the whole of the previous year. Yet, notwithstanding these natural appearances, we were not cast down, but in peace, because we truly sought the honour of God in connection with this Institution, and really continued to trust in Him. The new period, therefore, was begun with the fullest expectation, that God would help us, though we knew not how; and the following pages will now show, in what manner help came.\par \par On May 29th, 1882, we received from Manchester \'a350, for these Objects, with \'a350. for the Orphans. On May 30, \'a35. came from Bedfordshire, with \'a35. for the Orphans, from a Christian tradesman, who, for many years past, has sent us from time to time, as the Lord prospers him, a similar donation.\par \par On June 3rd, \'a310. was received from a Bristol donor, who has often also sent us a similar donation; and on June 5th, \'a370. came in from Bath, with \'a320. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for my own personal expenses. On the 6th and 7th, \'a312. 15s. was given by various helpers at the Orphan Houses. On June 8th, \'a340. was sent from Edinburgh with \'a310. for the Orphans; and \'a310. from another Scotch donor near Auchterarder, with \'a310. 0s. 6d. for the Orphans.\par \par Thus, within the first few days of the new period, God was pleased, by giving these and some other smaller donations, to refresh and comfort us, and afterwards sent other amounts for these Objects, which were larger still.\par \par On June 17th, \'a3150. was received from Scotland for these first four Objects, with \'a3150. for the support of the Orphans, and \'a350. for my own personal expenses. On the same day \'a350. arrived from another Scotch donor for these Objects, with \'a350. for the Orphans. From Batavia, on June 19th, 75 florins (\'a35. 18s. 9d.) came in, with the same amount for the Orphans. From L. N. W. \'a325., with \'a325. for the Orphans; and from C. H. G. Esq., \'a36., with \'a36. for the Orphans. On June 20th, \'a315. arrived from Ireland for the Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, and \'a35. for the Orphans; and on the 22nd, \'a3200. was received from Ireland for Missions. On June 23rd, we obtained \'a38. 16s. 7d. from Swanton, Ohio; and thus, before one month of the new period had passed, had received about \'a31,800. for these Objects, as the result of waiting upon God, and of speaking to Him only, in childlike simplicity about our wants.\par \par July 2nd. From Christchurch, New Zealand, \'a35., with \'a311. 10s. for the Orphans, and \'a33. for my own personal expenses.\emdash July 25th. A Bristol donor gave \'a350. for these Objects, and \'a350. for the Orphans, instead of leaving this amount in his Will.\emdash On July 26th, \'a325. was received from Doctors Commons, London, for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash and Tract Fund, \'a325. for Missions, \'a325. for the Orphans and \'a325. for my own personal expenses.\par \par Aug. 2nd. Legacy of the late Miss L. for Missions, \'a3100.\emdash Aug. 5th, \'a35. 5s. for the Bible Fund, with \'a325. 7s. for the support of 4 Orphans for six months, from the neighbourhood of Norwich.\emdash Aug. 8th. From Essex \'a33., with \'a32. for the Orphans, as "a Thankoffering to the Lord for the first fruits of harvest gathered in."\emdash From believers at Cork for Missions, \'a315.\emdash Aug. 10. From Blairgowrie \'a370., with \'a320. for the Orphans and \'a310. for myself.\emdash Aug. 21st. From S. M. T. \'a325. for the Bible Fund, \'a325. for Missions, and \'a350. for the Orphans.\par \par Sep. 1st. Received \'a310., with the following letter: "Many months ago I was led to devote to the Lord a natural history collection of some value, intending, if it should realize its price, to send the money to a Foreign Mission in which I felt a deep interest. Month after month passed away, and I sometimes wondered why no purchaser came forward. I believe now, it was that, instead of sending it, as I intended, it should be sent to you for use as you may require, either for the Orphans or for any other object of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. I have now pleasure in handing you cheque for \'a310." \'a35. of this money was taken for Foreign Missions and \'a35. for the Orphans.\emdash Sep. 6th. From Essex \'a33., with \'a32. for the Orphans. "A thank-offering for harvest, through much mercy, gathered in first class condition." It gives joy to the heart of the believer, to see God\rquote s hand owned in these things.\emdash Sep. 9th. From London \'a32. for the Bible Fund, \'a326. 10s. for the support of two Orphans for one year, and \'a31. 10s. for myself.\emdash Sep. 15th. From the neighbourhood of Fairford \'a330., with \'a320. for the Orphans.\emdash Sep. 18th. From Kent \'a350. for Missions.\emdash From Naples \'a35.\emdash Sep. 20th. From "Trust" \'a35.\emdash Sep. 21st. From South Toledo \'a310.\emdash From Charfield \'a37. 6s. 8d., with \'a312. l3s. 4d. for the support of one Orphan for one year.\emdash Sep. 22nd. From New Orleans \'a32. 5s. 2d.\emdash Sep. 26th. Received \'a35. 5s., with the following letter from a physician: "My dear Mr. Muller, Yesterday a Christian friend put one of your Reports into my hand. I am simply astounded at the blessed results of prayer and faith. God grant, in future I may go to my knees in a very different spirit! I consider your \lquote Brief Narrative\rquote the most wonderful and complete refutation of scepticism it has ever been my lot to meet with. I enclose a cheque for \'a35. 5s.; use it as you like, you know best. Yours in the Lord Jesus, ****." The money was taken for the first four Objects of the Institution. To produce such results, I began nearly half a century ago to labour as I did, and, God be praised! I have not laboured in vain. Thousands of such testimonies I have had while yet in the body; but Hundreds of Thousands I expect to have in the glory.\emdash Sep. 27th. From India \'a310. for Missions, with \'a310. for the Orphans.\emdash Sep. 30. Received 41 coupons and 1 dividend warrant from a donor in Berkshire, amounting altogether to \'a3175. 2s. 1d. This kind Christian gentleman has often been the Lord\rquote s instrument in helping us, and often when in great need; thus it was also when this donation was received. We had nothing at all in hand for these Objects.\par \par Oct. 4th. From H. B. \'a340., with \'a310. for the Orphans.\emdash Oct. 13th. From Albrighton \'a35., as "A thank-offering for restoration to health, and for spiritual blessing."\par \par Nov. 8th. From Haverstock Hill, London, \'a350. for Foreign Missions.\emdash From an East India donor \'a3100., with \'a320. for myself.\emdash Nov. 10th. From Scotland \'a3100.\emdash From Shrewsbury \'a318. 14s. 6d.\emdash From Ale County, United States, \'a310., with the following letter: "Dear Brother, It has been three months since you have received from this quarter, though I have been labouring hard and preparing a harvest for the poor under your care; and now, for the winter season, the Lord willing, it will be forwarded to you, as it comes in. Enclosed find 50 dollars; one half for Missions, the remainder where most needed. Your Brother in Christ, ****." The second half was taken for the Orphans.\emdash Nov. 11th. Received from Yorkshire \'a3150. for Foreign Missions, with \'a3150. for the Orphans.\emdash On the same day \'a32. came in with the following letter from the neighbourhood of Edinburgh: "Dear Sir, My dear wife departed this life on the 24th October. She was in the habit of laying aside one half penny each day for the Mission in Spain. The last she sent was in August last year. She requested me to make it up to the day of her death, and send it to you. I now enclose \'a31. for the Mission in Spain, and \'a31. for the Orphans; and that God may bless the work in your hands, is my earnest prayer! I have felt this affliction a sore trial, and yet God has wonderfully supported me under it. I praise His holy name, I am not called to mourn, as those that have no hope; for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also, which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with Him. I desire to thank the Lord for the resignation to His holy will, which He granted unto His handmaid. She was enabled to leave everything in His hands, and to rejoice in Jesus as all her salvation and all her desire. She has left seven children. The eldest is only eleven years of age, and the youngest eight months. She died of consumption. I remain, Dear Sir, Yours in Jesus ****." Here, dear Reader, you see one halfpenny daily put aside for the Lord\rquote s work. Thus we receive help from wealthy donors, and also from those who have no large sums at their command; but whether the help comes through the one channel or through the other, it is equally the Lord who sends it to us, in answer to our daily prayers; for we have Him only to go to, and we do verily trust in Him. Thus, and thus alone it has come, that the work, though apparently like the burning bush which was not consumed, has existed for so many years, and I have now been permitted to enter upon the Fiftieth year of my service in connection with this Institution. You also see from the above letter, how the heart can be at peace; even under such circumstances, as this dear Christian mother was in, because she knew the Lord Jesus.\emdash Nov. 16th. Legacy of the late Miss L., \'a3150. for Missions and \'a3150. for the Orphans. Of late I have been asking the Lord again and again to grant, that legacies may not only be left for the support of the Orphans, but for Missions also, and the other objects of the Institution. During the last twelve months, this prayer has in several instances been answered, and will be answered yet further, I doubt not.\emdash Nov. 16th. From X. Y. Z. \'a350., with \'a327. 19s. for the Orphans.\emdash Nov. 22nd. From a friend at Burnley \'a350.\par \par Dec. 2nd, From a Bristol donor \'a380., with \'a320. for the Orphans. "This Christian donor decided to give this amount in his life time, instead of bequeathing it by Will."\emdash Again \'a316. with \'a34. for the Orphans from a donor who resides in the outskirts of Bristol.\emdash Dec. 4th. The donor in Ale County, United States, sent another \'a310.\emdash From Ireland, a gold ring set with a Ceylon sapphire, for the Bible and Mission Fund.\emdash Dec. 6th. From Bedfordshire \'a35., with \'a35. for the Orphans\rquote Christmas treat.\emdash Dec 7th. From Cookbury \'a31. as a "Thank-offering for a good harvest."\emdash Dec. 15th. Again from Ale County \'a35. for Missions and \'a35. for the Orphans.\par \par Should one or the other of the readers of this Report not know the blessedness of this way of living, from experience, I would affectionately entreat him to seek to know it for himself; but, in order to confide in God as a father and a friend, it is first of all needful to be reconciled to Him, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; to have guilt removed from the conscience, by knowing experimentally the power of His blood, who, as our Substitute, died for our sins. This faith is obtained, by looking to God for it in earnest prayer; and, when received, a good conscience is retained by not doing anything which we know to be hateful to God, and by seeking to walk in His ways. Should we at any time err, and the Holy Spirit admonish us of our transgressions, we should at once humble ourselves before God, by confessing our sin, and exercise faith in the power of the blood of Christ afresh, in order to obtain forgiveness from our Heavenly Father. Real confidence in God, at all times and under all circumstances, in temporal as well as in spiritual things, gives the peace of God which passes all understanding, and makes even life on earth, before we reach our Heavenly Home, and while yet in a body of humiliation, a most blessed one. For more than half a century I have known this blessedness, and therefore earnestly long that all my fellow-believers may partake of it. To seek to do what I can in this particular, is one of the many objects I have in view, during my long Missionary tours.\emdash Dec. 16. \'a35. as "Profits on a small stone quarry, with 11s. from a box for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 18th. From London \'a315. for Missions in Italy, \'a35. for Missions in China, \'a37. for Missions in Spain, and \'a313. for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 20th, \'a36. 16s. for Missions, with \'a312. for the Orphans, as "The proceeds of the united work of a father, mother and their children."\emdash Dec. 22nd. From "Trust" \'a35.\emdash Dec. 30th. From S. S. \'a350. for Foreign Missions.\emdash From Hereford \'a325. for Missions.\emdash From London \'a330. for Missions, \'a330. for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash and Tract Fund, \'a350. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself. Thus, to the end of the year 1882, we were helped, the Lord enabling us to meet the demands connected with the first four Objects of the Institution, and about \'a3100. was left in hand on Saturday evening, Dec. 30th, 1882.\par \par Jan. 1st, 1883. On the first day of the new year the Lord sent us further supplies, of which I only mention \'a3100. from Scotland.\emdash \'a33. 10s. from Cotham.\emdash From a Bristol donor, living in the outskirts of Bristol, \'a310.\emdash From Bootle, \'a35.\emdash From London \'a325.\emdash From Brighton \'a32. for the Bible Fund, \'a32. for Missions, with \'a34. for the Orphans, and \'a32. for myself.\emdash From M. L. M. \'a35.\par \par \emdash From "Needy" \'a35.\emdash Jan. 3rd. From Williamstown, South Australia, \'a35., \'a31. 18s. and \'a31.\emdash From Bath 5s. 6d., being a penny a week, saved for the Lord\rquote s work."\emdash From Devonshire 10s., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I herewith enclose a Post Office Order for 10s., which please to apply as best suits your purpose. With the same I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year. Each, as it passes, brings us nearer to the gates of the golden city, and to Him who is the light thereof, our glorious Redeemer, to see Him face to face, and dwell in His presence for ever. Every change we see appears to whisper His near approach, and that the time is short. The busy world little dreams how near the end is, and are eagerly looking for better times, forgetting Him to whom time belongs, and who has measured it out to the day of trouble fast approaching. May the Lord bless and prosper you greatly, with showers of heavenly peace and love from Him who first loved us, together with all your household and the dear ones He has placed under your fatherly care, and all your work and labour of love in promoting His glory. Faithfully yours ****."\emdash Jan. 5th. \'a31. 6s. 6d. as "One penny for every third order I have received during 1882."\emdash Jan. 11th. \'a315. 6s. 9d. from a Solicitor in London for fees received for "affidavits from March to December l882."\emdash Jan. 12th. "In memory of a mother" \'a320., with \'a35. for the Orphans.\emdash Legacy of the late Miss S. M., 4 sixths of the residue of her estate = \'a3636. 0s. 8d. for the Bible,\emdash Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund; with 6 tenths = \'a3954. 1s. 1d. for the Orphans.\emdash The lady who kindly left these two sums, I never saw nor knew any thing of her until we were informed about the legacy. The reader, I trust, will see the hand of God in this, to whom we look for help, and who is pleased for the sake of the Lord Jesus to listen to the supplication of His children.\emdash From a widow in Liverpool, who contributes as the Lord is pleased to prosper her, \'a33. 6s. 11\'bdd. for these Objects and \'a37. 19s. 3\'bdd. for the Orphans.\emdash Jan. 15th. From Scotland \'a3120., with \'a330. for the Orphans and \'a320. for myself.\emdash Jan. 17th. From Sussex \'a358. 18s. 11d., with \'a313. for the support of one Orphan for one year.\emdash Jan. 18th. From Sussex \'a350. for Missions, \'a350. for Missions to the Jews, \'a370. for the Orphans, and \'a330. for myself.\emdash From "Hants" \'a3100. for the Bible and Mission Fund, \'a3200. for the Orphans and \'a350. for myself. The \'a350. for myself was sent by the kind donor especially in consideration of my long, expensive missionary tours. \emdash Jan 19th. From believers at Braunton \'a35. for Missions.\emdash Jan. 20th. From believers at Purton \'a31. 1s. 7d. for Missions.\emdash Jan. 24th. \'a3100. as "a Thanksgiving from Essex."\emdash Jan. 29th. From believers at Exeter \'a310. for the School Fund.\par \par Feb. 6th. \'a32. 4s. for Missions, "Our first taking for milk, since we came to this farm."\emdash Feb. 9th, From H. B. \'a3100.\emdash Feb. 10th. From Paris \'a325., with \'a375. for the Orphans.\emdash Feb. 12th. From New Zealand \'a38., with \'a310. for the Orphans, and \'a33. for myself.\par \par March 19th. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash March 26th. From St. Gallen, Switzerland, \'a37. 18s. 8d.\emdash March 27th. From believers at Cork for Missions \'a310.\emdash From St. Petersburg, 2 gold rings, (one set with diamonds and rubies,) for Missions.\par \par April 9th. From Paris \'a3100., with \'a350. for the Orphans.\emdash April 10th. From Wales \'a3100., with \'a380. for the Orphans and \'a320. for myself\emdash From Dublin \'a350.\emdash April 23rd. From a Bristol donor \'a380., with \'a320. for the Orphans.\emdash April 24th. From Sussex \'a380. 15s. 8d.\emdash April 27th. Eleven months of the new period have passed. The Lord has enabled us to meet all our expenses during this time, and we have for the Orphans in hand \'a34052. 5s. 3d. and for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund \'a3817. 0s. 9\'bcd. The reader will see by this, how kind the Lord has been to us; how he has answered our prayers; and how important it is to carry out the light which He is pleased to give to His children. We did so, at the beginning of this period, and have been helped.\emdash April 30th. From the late Mr. J. G. \'a310. for Missions.\par \par May 2nd. From "Trust" \'a35.\emdash May 3rd. From Berkshire 41 coupons and 2 dividend warrants, value \'a3194. 14s. 10d.\emdash From a donor residing in the outskirts of Bristol \'a315.\emdash May 16th. \'a37. 10s. with II Cor. ix., 15.\emdash From Swansea \'a310., with \'a35. for the Orphans.\emdash May 18th. From Haverstock Hill \'a330., with \'a34. for Missions to China and \'a320. for the Orphans.\emdash May 22nd. From readers of "The Christian," per Messrs. Morgan and Scott, 10s., with \'a36. for Missions, and \'a3163. 15s. for the Orphans.\emdash May 26th. From a servant of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seeks to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3300.\par \par The previous donations, which have been noticed, form only a very small part of the whole; these are merely given as specimens.\par \par At the close of the year we had in hand for these Objects a balance of \'a3610. 18s. 10\'bed., though we had begun with 13s. 7\'bcd. only, and had to meet all the expenses for the Schools, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and the Mission Department.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1883 to May 26, 1884. Letters from Donors, Practical remarks, &c.\par \par We began our new period with \'a3610. 18s. 10\'bed. in hand, for these objects, a balance larger than we have had for several years past, yet so small, that, unless a considerable increase of the funds had come in, soon after May 27th, 1883, nothing would have remained to meet the regular expenses. We expected help, however, from God, and were not disappointed. I give some specimens now as to the way in which He supplied us.\par \par June 2nd. A donor, residing in the outskirts of Bristol, sent for these objects \'a310., with \'a35. for the support of the Orphans. We received \'a320. also from a lady residing near Ipswich. On June 5th \'a38. arrived from New Zealand, with \'a310. for the Orphans, and \'a33. for my own personal expenses. June 7th. Received from H. C. J. \'a340. with \'a310. for the Orphans. June 8th. From Swanton Ohio, \'a38. 12s. 4d. June 18th. From New York, \'a320. for Missions, \'a310. 17s. 8d. for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , and Tract Fund, and \'a310. for the Orphans.\emdash From Scotland \'a3200., with \'a350. for the Orphans, and \'a325. for myself.\par \par July 7th. From Scotland \'a3100. July 16th. This day the following letter was left at the Orphan Houses, with some strawberries, some cream, and 5s. for ourselves. Though asked for, no name could be obtained. "Dear and honoured Sir, Will you and dear Mrs. Muller please to accept this small trifle from one who has had the privilege of being one of the Orphans? Words cannot express the gratitude and love I feel towards you for all the kindness and love I received whilst under your fatherly care; but I am sure you will be fully rewarded, when you enter into that everlasting joy you so sweetly speak about. I love to think, dear Sir, of the welcome home you will receive, first of all from our blessed Lord Jesus, and then from the dear children who are gone home before. It makes me wish I may be there to be one of them; but if our dear Lord has not come and taken us all home before then, you will have the pleasure of seeing your Orphans coming through those pearly gates one by one. Trusting, dear Sir, that our heavenly Father will spare you for many years to be the Orphans\rquote friend is the earnest prayer of one who has the pleasure of being one of the former happy Orphans. Dear Sir, will you please to excuse my name?\emdash July 19th. \'a31. as a "thank-offering on sale of heifers."\emdash July 21st. From Mr. and Mrs. \emdash\emdash , former Orphans, \'a31. 10s. for Foreign Missions, and \'a33. 10s. for the support of one Orphan for 3 months. Every three months the same amount is sent by these donors for the same objects.\emdash July 28th. From Essex, \'a350.\emdash From Oregon, \'a37. for Foreign Missions.\emdash July 31st. From Manchester, \'a3100. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, with \'a3100. for Foreign Missions.\par \par Aug. 1st. From the neighbourhood of Newcastle-on-Tyne \'a3100., with \'a3100. for the Orphans.\emdash Aug. 29th. From "a mother" \'a325. for the Bible Fund and Missions, and \'a325. for the support of the Orphans.\par \par Sept. 3rd. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, and who had a legacy left to them, \'a3250., with \'a3250. for the Orphans.\emdash Sept. 6th. From Scotland \'a330., with \'a330. for the Orphans, and \'a340. for my own personal expenses.\emdash Sept. 12th. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, having had a legacy left to them, and constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3250., with \'a3250. for the support of the Orphans.\emdash Sept. 15th. With II. Cor. ix. 15, \'a33. 10s., with \'a33. 10s. for the Orphans.\emdash Sept. 18th. From Illinois, \'a315. for Foreign Missions, with \'a315. for myself.\emdash From the Isle of Wight \'a350., with \'a350. for the Orphans.\emdash Sept. 26th. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3250., with \'a3250. for the Orphans.\par \par Oct. 11th. From Essex \'a320., with \'a370. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself.\emdash Oct. 12th. From Yorkshire \'a3150. for Foreign Missions, with \'a3150. for the Orphans.\emdash Oct. 23rd. From Gloucester \'a325., with \'a325. for the Orphans.\emdash Oct. 29th. From Ale County, U.S.A., \'a310. for Missions.\emdash Oct. 30th. \'a31. as "A thankoffering for prayer answered."\par \par Nov. 2nd. \'a321. 10s. 10d. as a Dividend Warrant, with coupons for \'a3153. 14s. 7d. for the support of the Orphans, from a kind Christian donor, who has repeatedly helped us in a similar way.\emdash Nov. 6th. From a former resident in India \'a320., with \'a380. for the Orphans, and \'a320. for myself.\emdash Nov. 12th. \'a32. for Missions, "From a bereaved mother, in loving remembrance of her departed daughter."\par \par Dec. 7th. Balance of the legacy of the late Miss S. A. W. L., \'a382. 13s. 4d. for Missions, and \'a382. 13s. 4d. for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 18th. From London, \'a37. for Missions in China, \'a310. for Missions in Italy, and \'a313. for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 20th. \'a37. 9s. 6d. for Missions, and \'a312. for the Orphans, as "The result of the united work, through one year, of a father, mother, their three children and a servant, herself a former orphan."\emdash Dcc, 21st. From St. Kilda, Victoria, Australia, \'a310. for Missions.\emdash Dec. 24th. \'a3149. 9s. 11d., with \'a3150. for the Orphans, from two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven.\emdash Dec. 27th. From the same donors, \'a3100.\emdash Dec. 29th, From the neighbourhood of Swindon, \'a33., "Instead of insuring stock," for Missions in Ireland,\emdash Dec. 31st. From a Christian widow in Liverpool, \'a33. 14s, 10d., being one penny in the pound of all her takings in the year, in memory of her departed mother; and \'a37. 9s. 7d. for the Orphans, being two pence in the pound, together with \'a32. 5s., the total of her receipts on the anniversary day of the opening of her business." This widow has trusted in God from the time she became a widow, and has been helped.\par \par Thus we were brought, by the help of the Lord, to the close of another year, enjoying His blessing; and, peacefully, trusting in God, we entered upon the new year.\par \par Jan. 1st. 1884. From Pembrokeshire, \'a35. for Missions, "Instead of insuring cows."\emdash From Paddington, \'a310. for the School-Fund, \'a350. for Missions, \'a350. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself.\emdash Jan. 4th. From Sussex, \'a35. for Missions, with \'a336. 4s. 4d. for the Orphans.\emdash Jan. 7th. From Kansas, \'a310., with \'a310. for the Orphans.\emdash Jan. 17th. From Java, 50 florins, with 50 florins for the Orphans.\emdash Jan. 24th. From Hampshire, \'a3100. for the Bible and Mission Fund, \'a3200. for the Orphans, and \'a350. for my own expenses.\emdash From Sussex, \'a350. for Missions and \'a3100. for the Orphans.\emdash Jan. 25th. From Hereford, \'a320. for Missions.\par \par Feb. 5th. From Ale County, U.S.A., \'a35., with \'a35. for the Orphans.\emdash Feb. 20th. From Christchruch, New Zealand, \'a31. 17s. 6d., and 2s. 6d. for Missions in China.\emdash From New Zealand \'a310., with \'a324. 7s. 6d. for the Orphans.\emdash Feb. 22nd. From H. H. \'a33. 9s. for the Bible Fund, \'a37. for Missions, and \'a327. 5s. 8d. for the support of two Orphans for one year.\par \par March 4th. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who had a legacy left to them, and who, constrained by the love of Christ, lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3500., with \'a3500. for the Orphans.\emdash From Paris \'a325., with \'a3100. for the Orphans.\emdash Today, March 5th, it is fifty years, since, by the help of God, I founded this Institution. Since that I have received for it, in answer to prayer, a Million and Ten Thousand Pounds sterlings.\emdash March 8th. From Scotland \'a360., with \'a350. for the Orphans. March 11th. From Haverstock Hill, for Missions in China, \'a350.\emdash In 41 coupons, \'a3153. 14s. 7d. from a donor who has repeatedly helped us in a similar way, and when we were in need, so that his donations were obtained as marked answers to our prayers.\emdash March 12th, From the neighbourhood of Manchester, \'a3150., with \'a350. for the Orphans. This kind Christian gentleman also the Lord has again and again used, in answer to our prayers, to help us in time of need.\emdash March 17th. From one of the former Orphans, now in service, the following letter, with \'a33. 5s.: "Dear and respected Sir, Will you use the enclosed \'a33. 5s. for whichever part of the work you think best? As it is a larger amount than I have been able to contribute before, I should tell you, that it is the sum I obtained by disposing of some jewellery that had been given to me some months ago, belonging to a relative now with Jesus, and which I have been in the habit of wearing until very recently, when I was led by the word of God (I. Peter iii. 3) to put from me that which was not in accordance with its teaching, and desiring ever to keep in mind that He would have me to be a doer and not a hearer only of His word, have sought to honour Him, though in so small a way, who has redeemed me by His most precious blood. Etc."\par \par April 1st. From Glenely, South Australia, \'a37. 10s., with \'a37. 10s. for the Orphans.\emdash April 15th. From Ale County, U.S.A., for Missions, \'a310.\par \par May 3rd. From Haverstock Hill, \'a325., with \'a326. 12s. for the Orphans.\emdash May 5th, II. Cor. ix. 15, \'a325., with \'a325. for the Orphans.\emdash May 7th. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who seek to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3100., with \'a3100. for the Orphans.\emdash May 9th. From Redland, \'a320. for Missions.\emdash May 13th. From Haverstock Hill, \'a310. 10s. for Missions.\emdash May 16th, From Readers of "The Christian," per Messrs. Morgan and Scott, \'a313. for Missions, and \'a365. 12s. 6d. for the Orphans.\emdash May 17th. From Ale County, U.S.A., \'a310. for Missions.\emdash May 20th. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, having had legacies left to them, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3750., with \'a3750. for the Orphans.\emdash From Worcester, \'a369. 6s. 2d. for Missions, with \'a315. for myself.\emdash May 22nd. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who desire to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3312. 3s. 1d., with \'a3312. 3s. 2d. for the Orphans.\emdash May 26th. From Norfolk, \'a325. for Missions, with \'a325. for the Orphans.\par \par Thus the Lord brought us to the last day of the financial year of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, and enabled us to do a little in connection with its various departments. We confess we are not worthy to be allowed to help more abundantly in bringing up the rising generation in the fear of the Lord, by setting the truth of the Gospel before them in the various Schools, which are supported by the Funds of the Institution; nor are we worthy to be honoured by circulating the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, in order thus to spread the truth; nor by aiding Missionary operations, however great the need of labourers amongst idolaters, Mahometans, the various fallen Churches, or amongst nominal Protestant Christians; nor are we the least worthy in ourselves to help in caring for destitute Orphans; but we hide ourselves in Jesus. We say to God, our Heavenly Father, "Look upon the face of thy Anointed." We trust alone in His blood and Righteousness, and therefore expect, unworthy though we are in ourselves, yet further, for Christ\rquote s sake, to be used, and supplied with means to carry on this Institution.\par \par In the previous pages a very small portion only of the donations for the first four Objects has been referred to.\par \par Supplies for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary\emdash and Tract Fund, from May 26, 1884 to May 26, 1885, sent in answer to prayer. Letters from Donors, practical remarks, etc.\par \par We commenced the financial year of the Institution with a balance of \'a3523. 0s. 6\'bed. in hand. Much, however, as this may appear to some of my readers, it would last a short time only if no further income were added. This the Lord graciously gave. I will now give specimens as to the mode in which He was pleased to supply us:\emdash\par \par June 6th, 1884. From Christian friends at Swanton, Ohio, 56 dollars = \'a311. 4s. for Missions.\emdash June 16th. From Ale County, U.S.A., for Missions \'a310.\emdash June 23rd. From Enniscorthy, \'a39. 10s. for the Bible Fund.\emdash June 26th. From Scotland \'a3130.\par \par July 11th. From Sussex, \'a346. 3s. 2d. for Missions in India, with \'a315. for the support of one Orphan for one year.\emdash July 18th. From Ale County, U.S.A., \'a310.\emdash From Perpignan, France, 16s. and \'a32.\emdash July 21st. From two former Orphans, \'a31. 10s. for Foreign Missions and \'a33. 10s. for the support of one Orphan for three months. July 25th. From Maryland, U.S.A., \'a331. 17s. 10d.\emdash July 26th. From Dundee, \'a350.\emdash July 29th. Received \'a35., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose \'a35., which please apply to the Lord\rquote s work under your care as most needed. It is now 12 years since I sent you my first donation of \'a32. 11s. (i.e. in July, 1872). I have always been thankful to the Lord that I was led to adopt the Scriptural plan of systematic giving. It may interest you to know that my income has continued to increase, so that now it is nearly three times as much as it was then, and that I have increased the amount of my donations accordingly, so that, instead of about \'a310. per year given to the Lord, as at first, I find it has increased to about \'a330., and the year before last it amounted to \'a335. 15s. I recognize also the loving care of God over me and mine by preserving us from illness, losses, etc. I remain, dear sir, yours sincerely, ****."\emdash July 30th. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, and who had a legacy left to them, \'a3300.\emdash From the Punjaub, \'a310.\par \par Aug. 8th. From Radlett, for Indian Missions, \'a350.\emdash Aug. 11th. From Crawford County, U.S.A., \'a340. 17s. 3d. and 50 dollars.\emdash From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, and to whom a legacy had been left, \'a3300.\emdash Aug. 12th. From Mauritius, \'a36.\emdash From Yorkshire, \'a3150. for Foreign Missions, with \'a3150. for the Orphans and \'a310. for myself.\emdash Aug. 14th. From Ceylon, \'a32. for Missions in Italy and Spain, \'a33. for the Orphans, and \'a32. for myself.\emdash Aug. 15th. From Fairford, \'a350.\emdash From Ale County, U.S.A., \'a310.\emdash Aug. 18th. From Plymouth, \'a310.\emdash Aug. 22nd. \'a32. 0s. 6d., with \'a353. for the support of four Orphans for one year, and \'a32. for myself, from London.\emdash Aug. 23rd. \'a37., with II. Cor. ix. 15.\emdash Aug. 30th. From Manchester, \'a3100. for the Bible Fund, \'a3100. for Missions, and \'a3100. for the support of the Orphans.\par \par Sept. 6th. Received 13 Queensland Coupons, 8 Russian, 5 City of Ottawa, 3 City of London, 4 City of Wellington, 4 Portuguese, 1 Colombo, and 3 Auckland, all of them amounting to \'a3153. 14s. 7d. for these Objects, together with a New Zealand warrant for \'a321. 10s. 10d. for the Orphans.\emdash Sept. 20th. Received from a Christian gentleman in business the following letter, with \'a320: "Dear Sir, I enclose cheque, which I hope will arrive safely, \'a315 for the Orphans and \'a35. for Foreign Missions. This makes the 34th year since I first read your Narrative, which decided me to give a certain portion of my income every year, and God has prospered me, and returned it to me in many ways, which I never could have expected. Since I read your Narrative, I think I must have given away about \'a33,000. to various objects, and I know I am only the richer for it. My example has been followed by several of my friends. Yours truly, ****."\emdash Sept. 23rd. Received froth Devonshire \'a33., with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I enclose a cheque for \'a33., which a brother in Christ desires me to send you, to use as you consider best. This same brother sent you, through me, \'a31. in January and \'a31. in April, and now \'a33. I mention this, as he is only a labouring man, and desires that a few pounds that he has managed to save from his hard earnings should be used for the service of God. He cannot write himself so asks me to send it for him. Hoping that the Lord may continue to bless you in your work of faith and labour of love, believe me, yours very truly, ****."\par \par Oct. 3rd. From Baltimore, \'a34.\emdash Received from Westmoreland \'a32., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I beg to forward Two Pounds\emdash\'a31. as a thank-offering for the safe delivery of a valued servant and a sow from an enraged bull, and the other as a sincere thank-offering for a good season for gathering in our crops, which is a great blessing in this part, having had a succession of rainy seasons, which has caused great distress at times. That God may abundantly bless and prosper you in all your undertakings, is the earnest wish and prayer of yours very sincerely, ****."\emdash From Ohio, \'a32. 11s. 4d. for Missions, \'a31. 5s. 8d. for the Orphans, and \'a31. 5s. 8d. for myself.\emdash From Berlin, 20 mark.\emdash Oct. 4th. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3300.\emdash Oct. 6th. From Holborn, \'a311. 10s.\emdash Oct. 7th. From Madras \'a310., with \'a310., for the Orphans.\emdash Oct. 9th. Received from Vienna, Austria, the following letter, with \'a31. 1s.: "Dear Mr. Muller, beloved brother in the Lord, enclosed I send you my small annual donation (\'a31. 1s.) for whatever object you may think best. A few days ago I received your last Report, which is more faith-strengthening and soul-refreshing than many a sermon. It was so particularly to me, after I had just had to wade through the speech of some French infidel, who boldly affirms that of all the millions of prayers uttered every day not one is answered. I wish I could have sent him your plain but wonderful statement of facts.\emdash Respected brother, the following, which was told me only two days ago, on the best authority, may be encouraging to you if you or your helpers ever need such support. There is a child in this city, 10 years, of age, belonging to Protestant parents, not in any sense believers. Through one of our friends, the boy got one of your Biographies or Reports, and after reading a portion he has ever since been occasionally heard to pray, \lquote God, teach me to pray like George Muller, and hear me as Thou dost dear George Muller.\rquote The child has expressed a wish to become a preacher. The mother, now a widow, would not listen to anything of the kind; and objected, among other reasons, that the boy had not learned enough to enter a grammar school, which is here the necessary preparatory step to further studies. The boy rejoined, \lquote I will learn and pray, and God will help me through, as He has done George Muller.\rquote And the fact now is that, to the surprise of all concerned, the boy has successfully passed his examination, and is now actually received at the school. \lquote Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings God is perfecting praise.\rquote Oh for the simple faith of the little child! Yours in the love of Jesus, ****."\emdash Oct. 10th. From Enniscorthy, \'a312. 15s.\emdash Oct. 14th. From Scotland, \'a3100.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Mancheser, \'a3160., with \'a340. for the Orphans.\emdash From Southport \'a340., with \'a310. for the Orphans.\emdash Oct. 16th. From Ale County, U.S.A., \'a310.\emdash Oct. 21st. From Leamington, \'a320.\emdash Received today \'a31. 10s. for Missions, and \'a33. 10s. or the support of one Orphan for three months, with the following letter: "Dear and honoured Sir, I have to form you that C. B. completes today the term of his apprenticeship. Will you kindly send his indentures when convenient. We have found it a happy work to train the four orphan boys we have had, because of their general good conduct, and because the Lord\rquote s blessing has rested on our endeavours. The three who have served their time are doing well as it regards their trade, and are each one in Church fellowship with us. I should have asked you to let me have another lad, only having one son learning the trade and another about to commence, prevents me having a vacancy just yet. My dear wife joins me in sending you the enclosed sum, with our grateful love. Please use it as at other times. We remain, dear sir, your grateful orphans, ****." The donors, husband and wife, who were both former orphans under our care, send quarterly \'a35. for the same objects. They left the Orphan Houses about twenty years since, and have both walked as consistent believers for about twenty-five years. They have had, as the letter states, four orphan boys as apprentices. We have many such cases in which former orphans now have orphan boys apprenticed to them.\emdash Oct. 25th. From the neighbourhood of Bedford, \'a340. for Foreign Missions.\par \par On Nov. 18th I received from Ale County, U.S.A., \'a310.\emdash Nov. 22nd. \'a37., with II. Cor. ix. 15.\emdash Nov. 26th. \'a340. by sale of plate, etc., left for Missions by the late Miss F\emdash\emdash .\par \par Dec. 11th. Received \'a380. from an entire stranger in Worcestershire. Observe, esteemed reader, the way in which God is pleased to supply our need in answer to prayer. In like manner we have been helped from most unexpected quarters many thousands of times during these 51 years.\emdash Dec. 22nd. "From a father, mother, their three children, and their servant (herself a former orphan), the fruit of one year\rquote s work," \'a39. 12s. 4d. for Missions, and \'a312. 17s. 8d. for the support of one Orphan for one year.\emdash Dec. 26th. From South Australia, \'a34. 8s., being 2s. for every swarm of bees."\emdash Dec. 29th. From Ale County, U.S.A., \'a310.\emdash Dec. 30th. "From a widow who trusts in God," \'a33. 16s. 7d., with \'a39. 18s. 8d. for the Orphans.\emdash From Edinburgh \'a370., with \'a330. for the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 31st. Received \'a320., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I herewith enclose cheque value \'a320., viz., \'a35. in memory of G. O., \'a35. in memory of J. C., \'a35. instead of insuring crops, and \'a35. as a thank-offering for a fine harvest, which please to apply as most needed. Yours truly, ****."\emdash From Paddington, \'a310. for the Schools, \'a350. for Missions, \'a350. for the Orphans, and \'a310. for myself.\par \par Jan. 1st, 1885. As the old year had been closed with mercies, so the new year brought fresh blessings. Twenty-one donations came in this day for these objects, amounting altogether to \'a3162. 4s. 6d.\emdash Jan. 2nd. Received \'a35. from one of the former Orphans, now in service, with the following letter: "Dear and honoured Sir, Once again I am privileged to contribute my mite towards the great work in which you are engaged for the glory of God and for the lasting benefit of the Orphans. Kindly use the enclosed \'a35. for whichever part of the work you think best. Having myself received so much from the dear Home in which I was an inmate ten years, together with my three elder sisters and younger brother, I feel it indeed a most blessed privilege to be able to show my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for all He has bestowed upon me; especially do I desire to thank Him for the mercies of the past year. As I look back upon it, how marked have been His care and watchfulness over me, in making things that seemed dark at the time work together for my good, and in drawing me, I trust, nearer to Himself. Oh, that in the year we have entered upon I may live more to His glory, and realize increasingly His life and power within me! One pound of the enclosed was given me for the Orphans by a friend and sister in the Lord, after reading the Report which I sent to her. She was deeply interested in it, and desirous to help as far as she was able. The family with whom I live are so far restored to health that we hope to return to Bristol some time this month, and thus again I hope to be present with the brethren, and able to attend the meetings which in the past have been blessed to my soul. I was rejoiced to meet with a small company of the Lord\rquote s people here. May the Lord\rquote s richest blessings rest upon your work and labour of love among the Orphans, and may you indeed have your desire that none of those instructed in that privileged Home may be missing when we meet in heaven! Remember me gratefully to dear Mrs. Muller and dear Mr. and Mrs. Wright. Trusting you and Mrs. Muller are in your usual health, I remain, dear Sir, yours gratefully, ****." The writer of the letter states that she and three other sisters and a brother of hers were together in the Orphan Houses. As it has been in this case, so it occurs frequently that three, four, or five Orphans of the same family are received, for we delight in being able to take in as many as possible of the same family, so that the bereaved Orphans may not be separated from each other. The writer of the letter also states that she had been ten years in the Orphan Houses, but very frequently we have had Orphans not only ten, but twelve, thirteen, or fifteen years under our care, and have even had them with us for seventeen years, as we receive children again and again who are only a few weeks old.\emdash Jan. 10th. From Ontario, Canada, \'a310.\emdash Jan. 12th. Received from Scotland \'a3100., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Enclosed find bank order for \'a3100., ten of which please to take for your own use, the remainder to be applied to which ever department of the Lord\rquote s work, in which you are engaged, you think best. I trust you will long be spared to 1abour for the Master, in whose work you have so long and faithfully laboured, and that at last you may have many souls for a crown of rejoicing. I owe you many thanks for leading me to see the Christian duty of giving, and that systematically, to the Lord\rquote s cause. It is blessed to do so, and I have felt it. I began with giving a tenth, but gradually increased until for some years I have given half of all the profits from my business; and this year, as a thank-offering to the Lord for restored health, I am giving Him all the profits, which accounts for the sum being larger than formerly. Yours faithfully, ****." Are all the Christian readers giving systematically to the Lord\rquote s work, or are they leaving it to feeling, to impression made upon them through particular circumstances, or to striking appeals? If we do not give from principle systematically, we shall find that our one brief life is gone before we are aware of it, and that, in return, we have done little for that adorable One who bought us with His precious blood, and to whom belongs all we have and are. As the Lord is pleased to entrust us with means by the labour of our hands, or in our business or profession, or even through presents, legacies, or in any other way we may be supplied by Him with means, we should consider that we are His stewards, and that He would have us to use our money for Him. By this I do not mean, that ordinarily we should give away all that we possess as fast as we receive anything from the Lord; but, after considering our duty to our families and other particular obligations, we should ask ourselves, "How much can I now spare for the poor or the work of God? As the Lord prospers us, as He entrusts us with means, we should give, or lay aside for giving till calls are made upon us. The princaple of thus acting is plainly set forth in I Cor. xvi. 2\emdash "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God has prospered him." This passage, it is well known, refers as to its literal application to a collection to be made for the poor Jewish believers in Palestine who were in need at the time this letter was written to the Church at Corinth; but, though this is the case, the principle laid down in it holds good now. 1. Not 3 nor 4 times in the year those believers were to consider how God had prospered them, but weekly, and accordingly were to set aside regularly a portion out of this amount. Thus we too may not only act now, but should find it profitable, both temporally and spiritually, to do so. Generally speaking, there will be no difficulty in carrying out this principle, but should hindrances arise, God will enable us to overcome them if we really desire His help. 2. This exhortation is given to all classes of believers\emdash to the rich, the middle classes, and even to the very poor, for the very poorest persons also may at some time be particularly prospered by God, and thus have a little to give away, and that little God delights to accept if it be willingly and cheerfully laid down at His feet, as it becomes all to do who "know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, for though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor that we through His poverty might be rich." 3. it may be asked, How much shall I give; what proportion of my prosperity shall I set aside for the poor or the Lord\rquote s work? The answer is, No command is given regarding this. It is left to the measure of knowledge and grace which we have. God loves a cheerful giver, and therefore gives no command to us under the present dispensation. But if as yet the reader has not grace enough to stand before the Lord with everything that he possesses, let him fix upon a certain proportion of his income, however small, rather than leave what he gives to feeling and impression; only, what little he has determined on, that let him give, habitually, faithfully, and under all circumstances, and he will find himself so blessed spiritually and even temporally, that he will soon desire to give in larger proportion. Thus have thousands of systematic givers found it to be, and thus the writer of the letter before us has found. He writes: "I began with giving a tenth, but gradually increased until for some years I have given half of all the profits from my business, and this year, as a thankoffering to the Lord for restored health, I am giving Him all the profits." Why did the writer go from the tenth to the eighth, the fifth, the third, the half of all his profits? Evidently because he was so blessed, both spiritually and temporally, that he joyfully increased the proportion that he gave away. There is a length, and breadth and height and depth of blessedness contained in that word of our Lord, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," of which the great majority of believers, I fear, know but very little. In a goodly measure, through God\rquote s wonderful grace, I have experienced its preciousness myself for fifty-six years, and for that reason am led to say that, from what I have known of Christians during my extensive travels, my full conviction is that, if believers were to enter into what is contained in that word, at least twenty times more would be done by the Church of God for Missions, for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and tracts for the spread of the truth throughout the world, for all kinds of Christian work, and for the poor, than is now accomplished. I say this advisedly, having, through providential circumstances, seen so much of many tens of thousands of believers. Beloved reader, will you not seek to know for yourself the blessedness of thus giving? It may be late with one or the other of my readers, but it is not too late. Begin at once. The writer of this letter, which I have given, began to do so at once after he, through my writings, had been instructed on the subject, and God began to bless him immediately. This he wrote me in another letter some years ago.\par \par Jan. 12th. From Philadelphia \'a310.\emdash Jan. 19th. From Sussex \'a331. 16s. 9d. for Missions, and \'a312. for the Orphans.\emdash Jan. 22nd. From Surrey \'a350. for Missions.\emdash Jan. 23rd. From Hampshire \'a350. for the Bible and Mission Fund, \'a3200. for the Orphans, and \'a350. for myse1f.\emdash From Hurstpierpoint \'a350. for Missions, and \'a350. for the Orphans.\emdash From Washington County 25 dollars.\emdash Jan. 29th. From Ale County \'a310. for Missions.\par \par Feb. 7th. Received from a former Orphan \'a35., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Will you please to accept the enclosed \'a35. for whatever part of your work you may see fit to use it? I thank you for the Report that you so kindly sent me. I read it with interest and pleasure, as for twelve years I was an Orphan under your care. It is now ten years since I left, and I thank God that I have been safely carried through the twenty-four years since I lost my father and mother. My two sisters join me in thanking you for all the care we received while in the Orphan House, our great wish being to visit it again. I remain your grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash Feb. 10th. From Victoria Camp, Egypt, \'a31. 10s.\emdash From Greenoch, \'a37. 5s.\emdash Feb. 12th. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3200.\emdash Feb. 16th. From Bangor, from a donor who has repeatedly sent donations of late, \'a310.\emdash Feb. 19th. From Scotland \'a3125., with \'a315. For myself.\emdash Feb. 20th. From Bangor, from a donor who gives as the Lord prospers him, \'a35.\emdash Feb. 21st. \'a37. with II Cor. ix, 15.\emdash Feb. 25th. From one of the former Orphans \'a31. 5s., with the following letter: "Dear and beloved Sir, I put by a little every week last year for my dear Saviour out of my own earnings, independently of what my husband gave me for housekeeping, as I do a little needlework when I can get it. For every piece of work under a shilling, I put by a halfpenny; and a penny for every piece of work above a shilling. At the end of September I was taken very ill, and had to keep my bed five weeks, and for some time after was quite unable to do anything for myself; but God in His love has given me back my health. My doctor says, I shall never be strong again; but still I feel well, for which I am very thankful. I have sent one pound of what I put by. It is my birthday today, and my sister in London has sent me five shillings as a present. It will give me far more pleasure to give the money back to my dear Saviour, as a thank-offering for all He has done for me; so will you, dear sir, please to accept the sum of \'a31. 5s., and use it for whatever you think best. You will be pleased to hear that my dear Saviour is still very precious to me, and I try to keep very close to Him. I hope yourself and dear Mrs. Muller, also dear Mr. and Mrs. Wright, are quite well. My husband has promised me that I shall go to Bristol this summer, all being well. It will be such a pleasure to me to see my dear Orphan Home, as it is 16 years since I was there. I hope, dear Sir, you will be at home, that I may have the pleasure of seeing your dear face once again. Please forgive me for writing so much. With many kind regards and Christian love to your dear self, Mrs. Muller, dear Mr. and Mrs. Wright, and the teachers of No. 2, I remain, dear Sir, your grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash From Paris \'a325., with \'a3100. for the Orphans.\emdash Feb. 27th. From Ale County \'a310.\emdash Feb. 26th. From S. S. \'a330. for Foreign Missions.\par \par March 5th. From a Berkshire donor 41 coupons and a New Zealand warrant, amounting altogether to \'a3173. 19s. 3d.\emdash March 10th. From Croydon \'a350.\emdash March 13th. From H. B. \'a3100.\emdash March 24th. From Ale County \'a310.\emdash March 30th. \'a32. 11s. as "A thank-offering for 51 years\rquote mercies."\emdash March 31st. From Christian friends at St. Gallen, Switzerland, 200 francs.\par \par April 2nd. From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3138. 13s. 1d.\emdash April 15th. Legacy of the late Miss E. R. \'a34. 10s. for Foreign Missions, \'a34. 10s. for the Bible Fund, and \'a39. for the Orphans.\emdash April 16th. Day after day, for about six weeks (with rare exceptions), the income has been comparatively little. During the past week, from April 8th to April 15th, the total income was \'a3268. 10s. 5\'bed., instead of about \'a3800. required. What was to be done under these circumstances? More prayer, more patience, and the continuation of the exercise of faith, our universal remedy under all difficulties, was all we did. We encouraged ourselves in God. We continued to look to Him for help. And now, today, He has again appeared on our behalf; altogether about \'a3140. has come in.\emdash April 17th. From Peckham \'a315.\emdash April 24th. From Ale County \'a310.\emdash April 29th. Legacy of the late Miss R. P. \'a35. for Missions.\par \par May 2nd. From London \'a350. for Foreign Missions, and \'a345. 3s. for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash and Tract Fund.\emdash From a former Orphan \'a35.\emdash May 6th. From the outskirts of Bristol \'a315., with \'a310. for Missions.\emdash May 18th. Legacy of the late D. B., Esq. \'a3144. 5s., with \'a336. 1s. 4d. for the Orphans.\emdash May 26th. With II Cor. ix. 15, \'a37.\emdash From two servants of the Lord Jesus, who, constrained by the love of Christ, seek to lay up treasure in heaven, \'a3126. 8s. 2\'bdd.\emdash I have thus referred to some of the ways, which God was pleased to use in answer to our habitual daily waiting on Him, to supply us with means for the first Four Objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. From the beginning of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, on March 5th, 1834, I have received altogether, in answer to prayer, up to May 26th, 1885, One Million Fifty-four Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty-eight Pounds,\par \par  \par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par CHAPTER II.\par \par The Lord\rquote s way of providing for the thousands of Orphans, who were in the New Orphan Houses, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, on Ashley Down, Bristol, from March 5, 1874, to May 26, 1885. Practical remarks, Letters from donors and Orphans, etc.\par \par In giving the account as to the way in which it pleased God to provide me with the means to support the Orphans under my care, we came in the third volume of this Narrative to March 5th, 1874, from whence now the account will be continued.\par \par March 7, 1874. From the neighbourhood of Thetford \'a312. 10s. for the support of one Orphan for one year.\emdash March 10. From a Bristol donor \'a325. 18s. for the support of two Orphans for one year.\emdash \'a310. from the Neilgherry Hills, India.\emdash March 17. For about 8 days the income for the Orphan Work had been very little, in comparison with the outgoings, which generally of late had been about \'a3100. per day. I therefore gave myself especially to prayer with my dear wife, praying 2 or 3 times a-day together, besides our usual season for prayer, that the Lord would be pleased to send us more means. Yesterday morning, however, came but very little, only about \'a310. by the first delivery, and nothing at all by the next three deliveries. Now this morning we prayed again, before opening the letters of the first delivery, and the first letter contained a cheque for \'a3300. from London, from a kind donor whom I have never seen, but who has several times sent \'a3200. or \'a3300. at a time. There came in that day \'a311. 2s. 8d. besides for the Orphans. The next day, March 18, came in altogether for the Orphans, in 18 donations, \'a325. 16s. 4\'bdd.\emdash On March 19th the total of the income was \'a3268. 13s. 3\'bdd. Of this amount \'a3200. was from "W," with \'a350. for myself. \'a328. was sent with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Enclosed you have 14 days draft, value Twenty Eight Pounds, for the support of Two Orphans, in grateful acknowledgment of God\rquote s goodness in restoring two of my children to health, who had been brought to the gates of death. Please acknowledge. Yours respectfully, ****."\emdash\'a320. was sent from Stoke Bishop. Thus the Lord manifestly answered prayer at that time.\par \par April 11. Legacy of the late Miss M. B. \'a360. 11s. 1d. The testatrix had left \'a3200., but her personal effects not having been properly considered, and certain defects found in the will as expressed, only \'a360. 11s. 1d. came to the Institution. If kind friends to the Orphan Work wish to leave legacies, it is needful that the will should be properly drawn up, and the money be left out of that, which is applicable to legacies for charitable purposes, as otherwise the legacy may either not at all, or only in part come to the Institution. For this purpose I had a proper form drawn up for legacies by an experienced legal practitioner, which is found on the last page of each Report.\emdash April 20. From Norwich \'a31. 5s. 9d., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I have the pleasure to enclose you a Post Office Order for \'a31. 5s. 9d. It is the mite of a poor widow in this neighbourhood, dependant for her maintenance on the parish allowance of 2s. 6d. a-week. About 3 years since she read a Report of the Orphan School at Bristol, and purposed in her mind to give to it one penny from each pair of stockings that she knitted. This, at the time of her death, amounted to 5s. 9d., and was all she expected to give. A few days before her death, she said to the friend who was appointed to manage her funeral, and pay the exrpenses from a sum she had deposited in a burial society, "If anything should be left, after paying every one their due, let it go for the dear little boys, in the Orphan Asylum." One pound was left, which I now send with the 5s. 9d., assured that you will find in it another cause of thanksgiving to God, who has stirred up so many hearts to bountifulness through your labours of faith and love. I remain, dear Sir, with sincere Christian regard, Yours truly, ****."\emdash April 21. Legacy of the late T. W. H. Esq. \'a3100.\emdash From one of the Midland Counties \'a360.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a350.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Weymouth \'a350.\emdash April 24. Five tons of potatoes.\emdash From Maidstone \'a343. 9s. 5d.\emdash Received 10s. from one of the former Orphans now in service, with the following letter: "Dear and honoured Sir, You will, I know, rejoice to hear, that another of your Orphan children has found the Lord; and it is as a small expression of gratitude to God for His unspeakable gift, that moves me to forward this small donation, to be used as you see fit.\emdash The older I grow, the more sensible, and, I hope, more thankful to God, I am for the great benefits I received, whilst under your care; for I cannot but notice the difference in education of those, with whom I come in contact. And more especially, since I found peace in Jesus, do I value the excellent Bible teaching, which we all received. Many sweet lessons and addresses come back to my mind, with the speakers as well. So carefully were we taught the plan of salvation, that, while I was yet unchanged in heart, I was the instrument in God\rquote s hand of leading one of my fellow-servants, who had long been seeking peace, to the Saviour, where she found peace and joy in believing, by just merely telling her the same, as I had been told over and over again. I shudder to think of the justly deserved punishment in store for me, had I still continued in the neglect of so great salvation. And now my heart is full of love to Him, and my chief ambition to do something for Him.\emdash Dear Sir, I must thank you for your "Narrative," which I find such a help to me in my Christian walk. Although it was in my possession so long, I never read it quite through; but I can thoroughly enjoy it now.\emdash I hope this will find you enjoying good health, and that God will still continue to bless you and your family, together with the great work you are engaged in, shall be the earnest prayer of your grateful Orphan,****."\par \par May 26. From Dorsetshire \'a350.\emdash From "Prodigal," Philadelphia, \'a31.\par \par Means for the support of the Two Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty-One Orphans, who were under our care from May 26, 1874 to May 26, 1875, sent in answer to prayer. Letters from Donors and Orphans. Practical remarks, etc.\par \par Instead of having at the beginning of the new period \'a314726. 2s. 5\'bed. in hand, as was the case three years previously, we began the new year with \'a34057. 12s. 9\'bdd., which, though a considerable sum, was yet only sufficient for about seven or eight weeks for our Orphan work. However, as I have stated before, I trusted in God, the infinitely rich Treasurer of the Institution; and I have now to record to His praise, that, as He had helped me in this service for nearly forty years, so he helped me this year also. My heart was assured, that, as He had unmistakeably called me to this work, sustained me in it for so many years, enlarged it almost year by year, so He would do still, as I was enabled, with unshaken confidence to confide in Him. Moreover, I depended on the Lord Jesus, in whose name I sought the help of God. And lastly, the Object itself, for which I sought God\rquote s help, provision for poor destitute Orphans, bereaved of both parents by death, encouraged me, to expect help from God, "the Father of the Fatherless," and therefore especially the One who would care for those who have been bereaved of both parents.\par \par It may be, not all the readers of this Report have solemnly considered, either how much good maybe done, by caring for poor destitute Orphans, or how, on the other hand, if they are left to themselves, and arc thus neglected, they may not only be ruined themselves, but bring untold misery upon scores or hundreds, if not thousands of others. Some time since I read a most affecting account in an excellent Christian paper, published in America, which was sent to me, regarding a neglected child, which affected me so much that I have thought it profitable for the reader to reprint here the article referred to.\par \par ONE NEGLECTED CHILD.\emdash The power for good or evil that resides in a little child is great beyond all human caleulation. A child rightly trained may be a worldwide blessing, with an influence reaching onward to eternal years. But, a neglected, or misdirected child, may live to blight and blast mankind, and leave influences of evil which shall roll on in increasing volume till they plunge into the gulf of eternal perdition.\par \par "A remarkable instance was related by Dr. Harris, of New York, at a recent meeting of the State Charities Aid Association. In a small village in a county on the Upper Hudson, some seventy years ago, a young girl named \lquote Margaret\rquote was sent adrift on the casual charity of the inhabitants. She became the mother of a long race of criminals and paupers, and her progeny has cursed the county ever since. The county records show two hundred of her descendants who have been criminals. In one single generation of her unhappy line there were twenty children; of these, three died in infancy, and seventeen survived to maturity. Of the seventeen, nine served in the State Prison for high crimes an aggregate term of fifty years, while the others were frequent inmates of jails and penitentiaries and almshouses. Of the nine hundred descendants, through six generations, from this unhappy girl who was left on the village streets and abandoned in her childhood, a great number have been idiots, imbeciles, drunkards, lunatics, paupers, and prostitutes: but two hundred of the more vigorous are on record as criminals. This neglected little child has thus cost the county authorities, in the effects she has transmitted, hundreds of thousands of dollars, in the expense and care of criminals and paupers, besides the untold damage she has inflicted on property and public morals."\par \par Who can tell how many of the descendants of those people who saw this helpless child sent adrift on the world, have been wronged, robbed, contaminated, or ruined by her descendants? The sceptic who finds fault with the God of the Bible for "visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children, to the third and fourth generation," will please explain how his God, the God of Nature, is any better, in view of ten thousand such instances of transmitted depravity which abound on every hand. And those respectable people who neglect the poor and helpless, and make no effect to reclaim the vicious and train the wayward, but wrap themselves up in comfort, with the Cain-like plea, "Am I my brother\rquote s keeper ?" will do well to consider what a harvest of murderers, thieves, incendiaries, and harlots they are allowing to grow around them to plague themselves and ruin their offspring. None of us liveth to himself. The interests and destinies of humanity are interlinked. We must save the lost, or, as they go down to wretchedness and ruin, they may drag after them those that are nearest and dearest to our hearts.\par \par There, go now, and try and save one neglected child. Seal up a fountain of grief, and woe, and cursing, and open a fountain of joy, and peace and blessing, and "know that he that converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and HIDE A MIULTITUDE OF SINS."\par \par This is the article. I trust it will make on the reader the same impression, which it made on my own heart, and lead him, gladly to embrace the opportunity, which God may give to him, to seek to rescue neglected children.\par \par I now refer to some of the ways by which it pleased the Lord to supply me with means for the support of the Orphans, during the year, simply as specimens.\par \par May 30, 1874. From Burnham, Somersetshire, \'a350.\par \par June 15. From Norfolk \'a320., "instead of insuring against hailstorms."\emdash From a former Orphan \'a32.\emdash June 17. From Blackheath \'a320.\emdash June 19. From Cornwall, from a house of business, \'a31. 18s., being one penny in the pound of the receipts for one month. Similar amounts have been sent monthly for a considerable time. Other houses of business have done the same. This shows how much may be done, even on the smallest scale of giving systematically.\emdash June 27. By sale of gold and silver articles and dentist gold, \'a393.\par \par July 18. From Oxfordshire \'a314. 5s. instead of insuring against hail storms\emdash July 22. From Kent \'a3100.\emdash July 24. A diamond ring.\par \par Aug. 10. \'a350. as the legacy of the late Mrs. B.\emdash Aug. 21. From Torquay \'a340., "as God\rquote s Tenth."\emdash Aug. 25. By sale of gold and silver articles, \'a353. 10s.\emdash Aug. 26. Received from a Bath donor \'a3100.\emdash From "F. M," anonymously, \'a3500. See, dear reader, the blessedness of waiting upon God. "F. M." is not personally known to me. I do not even know his name. But day by day I wait upon God, and I do this not only myself, but with some of my dear fellow labourers. We call upon God for help, and He hears us, and again and again proves to us, that our waiting upon Him is not in vain. See how much work, and how much expense is thus saved by not having to call on individuals for help. Moreover, in this way we are sure, that every donation is given spontaneously, as otherwise it might have been withheld. My chief object, however, why I began this work on the principles on which I did, was, to prove, "How much may be accomplished by prayer and faith." From Cardiff \'a325.\emdash Aug. 27. Though yesterday alone had come in for the benefit of the Orphans \'a3650., our balance is now reduced to \'a32378. 18s. 10\'bcd., which is only enough for about four weeks and a half, to supply the average expenses for the Orphan work. But my trust is in the Living God, that He will help further\emdash the reader will see from what follows, how God helped.\emdash Aug. 31. Anonymously from Otago, New Zealand, \'a315.\par \par Sept. 1. From Herefordshire \'a390.\emdash Sept. 3. \'a3100. from a clergyman in the neighbourhood of Bristol.\emdash\'a350. from the neighbourhood of Fairford.\emdash From Hull \'a350.\emdash Sept. 8. \'a3100. as the legacy of the late Mrs. B.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Leeds \'a310. 10s. as "A thank-offering for being free from fatal accidents for several years at the colliery, which I had the charge of."\emdash Sept. 18. Today we received, as the legacy of the late T. B. Esq., \'a31800. I had never seen this gentleman, nor did I even know him by name; but he was constrained thus to help us, in answer to our daily waiting upon God. This was a considerable help to us. Sept. 21. From Christian friends at Little Tew \'a317. 3s. 9d., and at Cleavly \'a31. 7s. as "thanksgivings for the harvest."\emdash Sept. 23. Received in one donation \'a35327. 7s. 6d. This donor I never saw, though he had five or six times previously contributed \'a3200. or \'a3300. at a time.\emdash About two months afterwards he died. I have every reason to believe, that he gave this money, (which would have come to us by his will), during his lifetime, in order that he might save the Institution the heavy legacy duty. Thus the Lord most abundantly helped us in our low state of funds.\emdash Sept. 25. From Glasgow \'a360.\emdash Sept. 26. From the neighbourhood of Hurstpierpoint \'a320. "In lieu of the first fruits of the harvest."\emdash Sept. 27. This day a month ago, our balance in hand for the Orphans was \'a32378. 18s. 10\'bcd.; today it is \'a39623. 17s. 1\'bed., though we have expended during the month for the Orphans \'a31949. 16s. 5d. The total income for the various objects of the Institution, during this one month, was \'a311,309. 4s. 5\'bcd. See, dear reader, what God can do! All this was the result, not of an extraordinary effort made on our part, but simply the result of prayer and faith. When the appearance was, a month ago, that soon everything would be expended, then God made it again manifest, how able He is to help us. For more than twelve years our funds had not been nearly so low, though the number of the Orphans had been in the meantime more than doubled. However, I had in the darkest times been assured, that all this comparatively little income was not to break up the Institution, but to make it afresh apparent, what can be obtained through prayer and the exercise of faith. The Lord be magnified for His kind help!\emdash Sept. 29. Received \'a35. from a former Orphan with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Will you please to accept a small present from me? I was 21 years old on the 15th of September, and I have received the little legacy which my parents left me. I enclose a Post Office Order for Five Pounds, as a token of gratitude for what you have done for me, Sir. I am quite well and in a comfortable situation. I have been nearly three years in it and am doing well, and also glad to inform you, that my sister is in good health, and doing well; she has also entered on her third year in her place. I remain, Dear Sir, ever your grateful Orphan, ****."\par \par Oct. 17. \'a3500. (less legacy duty and expenses) as the legacy of the late L. H. S. Esquire.\emdash\'a35. from Nottingham as "A thank-offering for being unhurt after having been thrown from a horse."\emdash Oct. 19. From Tunbridge Wells \'a389. 7s. 11d. for the support of seven Orphans. The kind donor sent about six years since the average expenses for the support of three Orphans, according to the number of his own children. After some time the Lord gave to him a fourth child, then a fifth, a sixth and a seventh child, and, as the number of his own children increased, so he added, with each child, the average expenses for an additional Orphan, acting thus in the opposite way from the principles of the world. I state here, that out of the 2261 Orphans, who were under our care from May 27, 1874 to May 26, 1875, eighty-six Orphans have been provided for, by donors sending to me the average expenses for one year for one, two, three, four, five, six, seven or even eleven Orphans. The reader may see, that the amount sent is not always the same, which arises from the fact, that the donors did not take their information, given on the last page of each Report, from the same Report, or sometimes a few shillings were sent more, to make it a round sum.\emdash Oct. 22. From a Bristol donor \'a346. 7s. 6d.\emdash Oct. 28. From Tobago \'a310.\emdash Oct. 30. From Newcastle-on-Tyne \'a3100.\emdash Oct. 31. \'a35. as "A thank-offering from a mother for the recovery of her eldest child from inflammation of the lungs."\par \par Nov. 7. From Rosshire \'a3l00.\emdash Nov. 7. Anonymously by post seven sets of artificial teeth, set in gold. Nov. 10. By sale of gold and silver articles \'a3105. 16s. 3d.\par \par Dec. 8. From a Bristol wholesale house, 40 half boxes of raisins and 5 boxes of oranges for the Orphans.\emdash From another Bristol donor, one barrel of currants, 15 half boxes of raisins and 7 barrels of flour, for the Orphans\rquote Christmas puddings.\emdash Dec. 10. From Leamington \'a3100.\emdash Dec. 12. From the neighbourhood of Harlow \'a350. and \'a325.\emdash Dec. 16. Legacy of the late Miss M. K. \'a345.\emdash Dec. 18. From Scotland 2189 yards of Winsey cloth and 302 yards of linen ditto.\emdash Received 10s. from a former Orphan, now in service, with the following letter: "Dear and respected Sir, I received the Report you so kindly sent me last week. I enjoyed reading it very much, and was thankful to see how the Lord was still blessing you in your work for Him. I feel I must again thank you for all your kindness to me, while under your fatherly care in that Happy Home, and for the situation in which you placed me. I have left now seven years, and am still in the same place. Trusting that the Lord will spare you, the Orphan\rquote s friend, for many years to come, with kind love and best respects to yourself, the teachers in No. 2, and all the dear helpers in the work, I remain your grateful Orphan, ****. P.S. I have sent you a Post Office Order for 10s. Please accept of it for the Orphans."\emdash Dec. 21. \'a310. 10s. from one of the pupils in the first Day School for Boys of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.\emdash Dec. 22. From near London \'a3290. with \'a310. for myself.\emdash Dec. 23. \'a310. with the following letter: "Sir, Enclosed I have sent you a cheque for \'a310. for the Orphans, as a thank-offering to the Almighty for the recovery of a stolen horse. After all worldly means seemed to have failed, I made a promise to the Almighty, that if I got the horse, I would give \'a310. to Mr. Muller\rquote s Orphans, and I am pleased to say, very shortly the horse came back to me. Yours respectfully, ****."\emdash From Berkshire \'a375. for the support of 6 Orphans for one year.\emdash Dec. 24. Received \'a35. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Enclosed find cheque \'a35. towards the support of the Orphans. In reading one of your Reports it advises to lay aside weekly a portion as the Lord prospers you. For the past few months I have done so, and I trust I may always do so, and others, that have not done so, I would urge them to do the same. I would just say, as it regards this world\rquote s goods, God has abundantly blessed me; for during the past few months, since I commenced laying aside weekly, God has given me more than during the same length of time, since I have been in business. I am, Dear Sir, yours sincerely, ****."\emdash From Leeds \'a340. for the support of three Orphans for one year, according to the number of the donor\rquote s children.\emdash Dec. 29. \'a35. from "A soldier of Christ in India."\emdash Dec. 31. From Clifton \'a3150.\par \par Jan. 1, 1875. The past year, during which the Lord bad graciously helped us so manifestly with means for the Orphan work, ended with further considerable help on the last day, as \'a3300. came in yesterday. This day the Lord has again sent us very many donations, like an earnest that He will during this year also be mindful of us. Jan. 2. From Calcutta, India, \'a37. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, I have the pleasure to hand you herewith a draft for \'a37., which kindly accept for the Orphans. The Lord put it into my heart to devote one day\rquote s earnings to them. I usually earn about \'a32. a day, but having asked the Lord, especially to bless that day\rquote s work, that I set apart for the Orphans, he answered that prayer, as you see, by sending \'a37. that day. This is indeed a special indication to me, that the Lord is hearing my prayers." Etc.\emdash Received also this day, \'a311. 8s. 7d. from India, with the following letter: "My dear Sir, I have the pleasure of enclosing first of exchange for \'a311. 8s. 7d., the amount of an offertory in Christ Church, Simla, for the Ashley Down Orphanage, to be applied as you think best. I am sorry that the amount is so small. I wish that Professor H. and others, who think that prayer is mere waste of breath, would try how long they can support Two Thousand Orphans without asking any one\emdash GOD OR MAN\emdash for help. The Lord bless you and yours, and your holy work, with sufficient means and abundant success. Yours sincerely, ****." These two donations from India belong to the Thousands of proofs, which the Lord has given to me for about forty years, that He is mindful of the Orphan work.\emdash Jan. 12. From believers meeting at Wilmcote \'a313. 6s. 2d.\emdash From Christians meeting at the Sand Area Chapel, Kendal, \'a336. 11s. 8d.\emdash From Watford 17s. "Instead of insuring plate glass windows."\emdash Jan. 16. From Buckfastleigh \'a362. 6s. 4d.\emdash Jan. 18. A gold bracelet made of 3 guinea pieces, 4 half guinea pieces, a seven shilling piece, and an American gold dollar.\emdash Jan. 19. \'a34. 7s. 1d. from Limerick, from a mercantile firm, instead of insuring goods, coming by water.\emdash Jan. 29. From London, for the support of one Orphan for one year \'a313.\emdash From Newcastle-on-Tyne \'a3100.\emdash Jan. 30. Received 4 old five shilling pieces with the following letter: "Sir, I send you a box, containing 4 old five shilling pieces. Their history is this. Many years ago there was a wedding at a village church in Kent. After the party had returned home, the bridegroom gave the bride a handful of five shilling pieces. She said, as they were her husband\rquote s first gift, she would not spend them. She kept them and gave one to each of her grandchildren. My mother was her granddaughter and these four descended to her. We naturally prize them very much; but if we kept them, they would do no one any good, and we think they will, perhaps, be more acceptable to God, because they are dear to us. Please accept them for the benefit of the Orphans. I remain, yours sincerely ****." When the bridegroom gave these crown pieces, and the bride determined not to spend them, neither of them thought, that a hundred years or more after, four of them would come forth, in answer to our prayers, to help providing for the Orphans. Numberless old coins, both of gold and silver, have we received within the last forty years for the benefit of the Orphans, which had long been hoarded up for some reason or other; also the greatest variety of jewellery, gold and silver watches, clothes, and numberless other artic1es for which year after year a considerable sum has been obtained. During the past year alone we realised, by the sale of articles, sent for that purpose, \'a3856. 17s. 5d.\par \par Feb. 1. Legacy of the late W. T., Esq., \'a3500. less legacy duty.\emdash Feb. 4. \'a350. as the legacy of the late Mrs. F.\emdash Feb. 6. \'a345. 9s. 3d. by sale of gold and silver articles.\emdash Feb. 10. \'a313. 12s. 4d. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Enclosed is a cheque for \'a313. 12s. 4d., which I have much pleasure in forwarding, being profits on an agency, taken up for the benefit of your Orphans. Yours very truly, ****." See how the Lord cares for the Orphans! Observe, dear reader, how God is pleased to answer our prayers! The donor is an entire stranger to me. He lives far from Bristol; but God, in answer to our prayers, leads him to undertake an agency for the benefit of the Orphans, and this amount sent is the result. Did all my dear fellow-believers know the power of prayer, and the mighty results of trust in the Lord, many of them would in greater simplicity and with more earnestness give themselves to the exercise of prayer and faith.\emdash Feb. 15. From British Honduras \'a31. This dear servant of Christ, though very poor as to this world, has sent me many times within the last fifteen years a similar donation.\emdash Feb. 19. From Newcastle-on-Tyne \'a375.\par \par March 2. From the neighbourhood of Weybridge \'a350.\emdash This day also was sent to me as a gift the scrip for 200 Ten Pound Shares in a Limited Liability Company, fully paid up, of which the kind donor intends One Hundred and Fifty for the benefit of the Orphans or the other Objects of the Institution, as the need may be, and Fifty for my own personal expenses. The kind donor is personally unknown to me. This is another striking proof of the willingness of the Lord, to provide both for the work and my own requirements, simply in answer to prayer.\emdash March 4. From Glasgow \'a351. 0s. 3d. The donor of this amount sends me once a fortnight one penny in the Pound of all his receipts, and sent now \'a350. extra.\emdash March 24. From Victoria, Australia, \'a340.\emdash Contents of an Orphan Box at Majorca, in Australia, \'a34. 5s. 6d.\par \par April 5. From Kidderminster \'a353. 15s. 6d.\emdash From Buxton 5 pieces of artificial teeth (4 of them set in gold).\emdash April 28. Some young ladies, from sale of canaries, for the benefit of the Orphans, \'a33. 10s.\par \par May 8. \'a318. 3s. "Proceeds of a tea-service which had been bequeathed."\emdash May 12. From Basle, Switzerland, \'a38. 13s. 6d.\emdash May 13. Legacy of the late Mr. T. \'a3200., less duty.\emdash May 25. Legacy of the late Mr. P. \'a3150., less duty.\emdash May 26. \'a364., as "proceeds of sale of work from young ladies in a school."\par \par I have thus given some specimens as to the way in which it pleased God to provide, in answer to our prayers, the means for the support of the 2261 Orphans, who were under our care from May 26, 1874 to May 26, 1875. The Lord has carried me through another year, in supplying bountifully the means for the Orphan Work. Though the expenses, for this part of the Institution alone, amounted to \'a325,043. 17s. 3\'bcd., and though at the beginning of the year not only, but for three months after the last period had commenced, we became poorer and poorer; so that the appearance was, that shortly we should have nothing at all left.\par \par Means for the support of the Two Thousand Two Hundred and Seventy Orphans, who were under our care, from May 26, 1875 to May 26, 1876, sent in answer to prayer. Letters from Donors and Orphans. Practical remarks, &c.\par \par Though our faith had been exercised so greatly, during the previous year, in that at one time there was so little in hand for the support of the Orphans, as that the natural appearance was, that in a short time all the means for them would be gone; yet the Lord so abundantly helped us, as the result of prayer and faith, that we had more than twice as much at the end of the year, than when the year began. Our balance in hand on May 26, 1875, was \'a38406. 13s. 11\'bed., whilst on May 26, 1874, it had been only \'a34057. 12s. 9\'bdd. Thus is God willing to answer prayer and to honour faith in Him. But great as this balance may appear to those who are not accustomed to great expenditure, it was only enough to meet the expenses of about four months, for our large family. We had, therefore, to do, what, by God\rquote s grace, we had been enabled to do in connection with this Institution for forty-two years before, viz.,\emdash not to look to the amount in hand, nor to former donors, nor to any probabilities, but to the Living God, who had never failed us. Nor did we trust in Reports; for were we to do so, God would soon show to us, that we were leaning on a broken reed.\par \par I refer now, as specimens, to a few of the donations given during the year for the support of the Orphans.\par \par June 3. Legacy of the late W. G. S., Esq., \'a31342. 7s. 3d.\emdash June 4. A legacy of \'a3200. had been left by Miss M. B.; but of this amount, through circumstances, only \'a360. 11s. 1d., when the legacy became due, could be paid. Now this day \'a3139. 8s. 11d. was paid to the Institution by G. S., Esq., to make up the full amount of \'a3200. Thus the kind stranger acted towards the work, without being under the least obligation so to do.\emdash June 14. \'a3100. as the legacy of Lady H.\emdash June 28. \'a310. 10s. from an old scholar of the first Boys\rquote Day School of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, who has repeatedly sent the same amount\emdash From Ireland, a diamond ring.\par \par July 3. From Ceylon \'a312.\emdash July 6. From Christian friends at Basle, Switzerland, \'a318. 15s.\emdash July 15. From Wales \'a370., with \'a36. 16s. for myself.\emdash July 19. \'a360. from one of the Midland Counties.\emdash July 21. From a clergyman of the Church of England \'a318., with the following letter: "My dear Sir, The enclosed mite as a thank-offering for mercies during a voyage, kindly place to credit of your Orphan Fund, and oblige yours faithfully, ****."\emdash Received the following letter from one of the former Orphans, now in service: "Dear and honoured Sir, It is a very great pleasure and privilege to be able to write to you, and thank you for all you have done for me, during the four years I was under your kind care in the dear, dear Orphan House, which I have now left for nearly five months. How can I sufficiently thank you, next to my Heavenly Father, for the blessings of that dear Home, and also for that in which I am now; it is such a comfortable, happy one, with such a kind master and mistress! How kind and gracious is my Heavenly Father, who, with all He has given me of the blessings of this life, has, more than all, brought me to know the dear Lord Jesus as my Saviour and Friend. May I ever be kept close to His side, seeking to live only for Him! I sincerely hope dear Mrs. Muller is quite well and yourself too. Will you please give my love to dear Mrs. Muller, Mr. and Mrs. Wright, and accept the same yourself, with my grateful thanks for all you have done for me? I remain, dear Sir, your respectful and grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash July 22. One of the former Orphans, who has been for a number of years a believer in the Lord Jesus, and who is now in business on his own account, has one of the Orphan lads apprenticed to him. When we sent the half-yearly premium of \'a36. 10s., the Christian master and former Orphan returned the amount, as he had done the half-year before, with the following letter: "Dear and respected Sir, I have pleasure in returning the enclosed cheque. Please use the amount for the benefit of the Orphans. You will be pleased to know that\emdash [here the name of his Orphan apprentice is given]\emdash is well, and that he is a consistent Christian lad, and is doing nicely in his business. Please to give my respects to Messrs. Wright, Brown, Short, and any other friends that knew me in the Orphan House. Tendering thanks for all kind benevolence shown to me in years gone by, and with respectful and kind regards, I remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully, ****."\emdash July 23. From Reading, two sets of artificial teeth and some gold springs.\emdash July 24. Left at my house four pieces of artificial teeth, three of them set in gold.\emdash July 26. From Dulwich, two sets of artificial teeth, set in gold. During the past year again a considerable amount has been obtained by the sale of the gold, in which the artificial teeth were set.\emdash July 28. Received \'a31. from one of the former Orphans, in a situation in Ireland, with the following letter: "Beloved and respected Sir, May I be permitted the privilege of sending you this small trifle for the dear Orphans? I thank Almighty God that I have so great a pleasure as to be able to send it to you; for His holy Word says, "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver," and day by day I see His Almighty arm guiding and guarding me from many dangers. When I see so many flocking Sunday after Sunday to the Roman Catholic chapel, kneeling and worshipping the Virgin Mary, it is then that I think most of the happy Home that I myself and so many besides were brought up in, where we were taught to believe the blessed Bible, that Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man. Often do I sit and think over the many happy years I spent under your fatherly care. I shall never be able to thank you enough for the kindness shown me there; but may God ever prosper and bless you, is the prayer of your grateful Orphan! And may you long be spared to be the Orphans\rquote friend; and when your blessed work is finished in this life, may you see one and all gathered around the throne of God, where we shall meet to part no more! Please to remember me gratefully and respectfully to dear Mrs. Muller and Mr. and Mrs. Wright. Hoping you are enjoying the great blessing of health, believe me, beloved Sir, your ever grateful Orphan,****."\emdash July 30. \'a310. as a birthday thank-offering.\emdash July 31. From a Bristol donor, who sets apart a certain part of his business for the Orphans, and has done so for many years, \'a365. 18s.\par \par Aug. 2. From a lady who had already kindly sent us \'a3500. in the early part of the year, \'a3175., with \'a325. for myself, sent especially on account of the great additional expenses, occasioned by much sickness among the Orphans.\emdash Aug. 12. \'a3200. as a legacy of the late Miss M.\emdash Aug. 13. \'a334. by sale of gold and silver articles.\emdash Aug. 18. From a Christian brother in business in Glasgow \'a351. 2s. 7d. He sends a donation every two weeks, as the Lord prospers him; but this time he sent \'a350. additionally.\emdash Aug. 23. From Nelson, New Zealand \'a35. 15s., ditto 5s., ditto \'a31., ditto \'a31.\emdash From Wellington, New Zealand, \'a31. 0s. 4d.\emdash Aug. 25. Received from the Royal Hospital, Putney, 5s., with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, It is more than twenty-three years since I first wrote to you, and now I do it, that you may have it, when I have entered into rest. I enclose 5s. as my last donation, feeling truly thankful to our dear Lord for having enabled me to do some little for the dear Orphans. You need not acknowledge this, as there will be no one to receive the letter. Farewell, till we meet in glory, ****." This poor woman was habitually an invalid and sufferer, but for more than twenty years worked little things for the benefit of the Orphans, and, according to her means, being herself supported by the love of Christians, sent little donations. At last she was received for life into the Royal Hospital, Putney, and sent even from thence now and then small donations, till this came, which we received after her having fallen asleep in the Lord. Thus the Lord is pleased to lay this work even on the hearts of the very poor, and to send to us help through them.\emdash Aug. 26. Legacy of the late Mr. T. C. \'a390.\par \par Sep. 1. Anonymously \'a3100.\emdash Sep. 2. \'a3100. as a legacy of the late Miss S. W.\emdash Sep. 10. \'a33. 4s. 6d. from a mercantile firm in Ireland, instead of insuring their goods sent by sea.\emdash Received Sep. 11 from a considerable distance three valuable rings, three sets of gold buttons, a diamond cross, a cameo brooch, a brooch and earrings, a pair of gold earrings, a gold locket, two pairs of earrings, and a brooch and bracelet. Altogether a very valuable donation.\emdash Sep. 16. "From a poor labourer, who has worked through the harvest, in his 77th year" 2s. 6d.\emdash Sep. 20. \'a390. 7s. 3d. from a military officer in India.\emdash Sep. 21. \'a32. 2s. 8d. from Italian evangelists.\emdash From the pupils of our school at Torano, Italy, 6s. 9d.\emdash Sep. 25. \'a340. as "God\rquote s Tenth."\emdash\'a322. 5s. 4d. from Friends at Little Tew, and \'a32. 19s. from friends at Clevely, as "Thankoffering for the harvest."\par \par Oct. 9. Legacy of the late W. A. R., Esq., \'a3332. 16s. 3d. The kind testator was an entire stranger to me, which gives another proof, how the Lord is pleased to help us in answer to prayer. Not one out of twenty donors have I ever seen, far less am I intimate with them. But we give ourselves to prayer for means, and so the Lord is pleased, in answer to prayer, to influence the hearts of His stewards to help us. Thus this work has now been upheld for forty-two years, and though generally year by year it has been enlarged in one or more of its departments, God has never failed us, but always supplied us with the needed pecuniary necessities. How could this be wanting, if the work in which we are engaged is His work; if we are the persons to do this His work; if the time is come when we should be honored to do this His work; and if, at the same time, we trust in His power and willingness to help us? But all these four different points need carefully to be attended to. We have then, in the first place, to be sure that the work in which we are engaged is really the work of the Lord, and fully so. I lay stress on this, because I have seen, how, in order to keep persons from certain evil things, there have been substituted other evil things, which, though in the sight of some they may be less objectionable, yet are of such a character, as that they are unworthy of the name of God\rquote s work. How then could help be expected from God under such circumstances? Next we have to ascertain, that we are the persons to be engaged in that work, which is really God\rquote s work; for we are not our own, but we are bought with a price, the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. We therefore may not spend our time, our talents, our bodily, mental and spiritual strength as we please; but we have to seek to know, whether the Lord would have us to be engaged in such and such a way or not. But even this is not enough. We have still further to seek to ascertain, by patient waiting upon God, watching His hand, whether His time is come, that we should do this His work. How important these last two points are, we have clearly shown to us in the building of the temple. The work was a good work, and quite according to the mind of Jehovah; but His time was not yet come, that this work was to be done, when David desired to build the temple; nor was he to be the man to do it, but his son Solomon. Suppose now lastly, that the work is not only God\rquote s work, but that we also are the persons to be engaged in that work, and that His own time is come, when we are to be engaged in this His work, we have lastly to trust in Him for all the help we need. If we do not do so, how could we expect to go on well? And here I state, that the pecuniary necessities for which we have to wait upon the Lord, great though they are, amounting to about forty-four thousand pounds yearly, are very far from all we need. We have constantly to look to the Lord for counsel and guidance in our difficulties; and but for His constant guidance, we should make only mistakes and take wrong steps. We have further continually almost to ask the Lord for the needed helpers either for the Orphan Houses or the very many schools, or other branches of the Institution. And this is not a little matter, to obtain not only truly godly helpers, but, at the same time, persons who in other respects also are fitted for such service. Further, we have to wait upon the Lord not a little, to know how, in certain circumstances, to deal with regard to the children; for it is not of rare occurrence, that our circumstances, in this respect, are of a most perplexing character. Further, the Orphans are to be placed out, whether the boys as indoor apprentices, or the girls to be sent to service. Here we are entirely thrown upon God, to find masters and mistresses, who not only are Christians indeed, and not in name only, but who also in other respects, as far as we are able to judge, are suitable to have the care of these Orphans, when they leave us. Then we have the difficulty of grave illness on the part of the helpers in the work or the children under our care, and this sometimes of a very alarming character, in such epidemics as scarlet fever, small pox, &c. But God, to whom we seek to look continually for help, at all times and under all circumstances, helps us, and we have never been confounded. A number of other things might be referred to, to show, that money is not the only thing which we need, and for which we trust in the Lord. I mention here, just by the way, that it is a mistake to suppose that persons, who have real trust in God, because they know Him, could only depend upon Him regarding one or the other thing, such as their health, their daily supplies, or something else. He who knows God, truly knows Him as He has revealed Himself in the Holy Scriptures, is able to trust a Him generally, according to Psalm ix. 10, "They that now Thy name, will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.\emdash Oct. 15. From Burnham \'a350.\emdash \'a3500. as the legacy of the late Mrs. J.\emdash Oct. 19. \'a350. from the neighbourhood of Abingdon.\emdash From London \'a363. 0s. 10d. for the support of five Orphans for one year.\emdash Oct. 30. \'a35. 10s. with the following letter: "My dear Mr. Muller, to my surprise \'a35. 10s. has just been brought to me for your Orphanage from a servant, who has recently lost an only child. Her husband and herself wish it to be given in remembrance of her. Kindly enter it \lquote From R. V. and M. V. in remembrance of their beloved and only child Lizzie,\rquote " &c.\emdash From Aldershot 10s. "From a soldier who, having passed a successful examination, his pay is increased 1s. per diem."\par \par Nov. 8. Received 10s. from one of the former Orphans, who was apprenticed from the Orphan House as a Christian lad, and who is now in an honourable way able to support himself: "Dear and Honored Sir, I have enclosed a Post Office Order for ten shillings, which please take towards the support of the Orphans.\emdash It is now more than ten years since I left the Orphan House; but I shall never forget the happy days I spent at Bristol, nor the good of which I was the recipient, whilst under your care.\emdash Please accept my repeated expressions of thankfulness for all the kindness I received at the Orphan House, and remember me to the dear masters, who, I trust, are still spared to help you in the work. My wife joins me in best wishes and regards. I am, Dear and Honored Sir, your obedient servant, ****."\emdash Nov. 12. From Yorkshire, for the support of four Orphans, for one year, \'a349. 8s. 8d.\emdash \'a3100. as the legacy of the late Mr. E. C.\emdash Nov. 13. Legacy of the late Mrs. L. \'a31756. 4s. 4d. The kind testatrix was an entire stranger to me. I had not even heard of her name, until I received information from the solicitors of the Principal Probate Court about the legacy.\emdash Legacy of the late Miss E. W. \'a319. 19s. Likewise an entire stranger to me.\emdash Nov. 30. From Tobago \'a36. The reader will observe that the means for the support of the Orphans do not come merely from various parts of England, nor even merely from parts of the United Kingdom; but almost from every part of the earth. There are few countries, from which we have not at some time or other received donations. Our Heavenly Father has the hearts of all men at His disposal, and we give ourselves to prayer to Him, and He, in answer to our prayers, lays the necessities of this work on the hearts of his stewards; and thus it has come to pass, that we have now received from Him, in answer to prayer, more than Seven Hundred Thousand Pounds. Should anyone question this statement, we reply, whom did we ask for anything? Let the individuals come forward to prove that it is otherwise. But if this cannot be done, as it cannot, then, will not the reader see, how much power there is in believing prayer, and how much may be obtained through the exercise of faith? Though the real power of prayer is by certain individuals denied, yet the Orphan Houses on Ashley Down, erected at a cost of about One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Pounds, without anyone being asked for anything, but God only; and more than Two Thousand Orphans being yearly provided for at an expense of Twenty-five Thousand Pounds or upwards, besides all the other departments of the Institution being provided for at the cost of Seventeen or Eighteen Thousand pounds, without going to anyone for help but to God; plainly shows that even in the latter part of the Nineteenth Century much may be obtained from our Heavenly Father, simply through prayer and faith. And thus the Scriptural Knowledge Institution has now been carried on not for some months or even a year or two, but for more than forty-two years, whilst we become more and more convinced of the blessedness of depending upon the Living God alone.\par \par Dec. 6. From friends in South Africa \'a335.\emdash Dec. 11. From London \'a3100. 17s. 4d. for the support of eight Orphans for one year.\emdash Dec. 15. Received \'a36. 6s. from one of the former Orphans with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I am anxious to redeem a vow made some years since by my dear departed wife, that she would give a certain proportion of some earnings for the support of the Orphans.\emdash I can scarcely express my gratitude to you, dear Sir, for the fatherly interest you took in the matter of her personal salvation, as the wife of one of your Orphan boys. She never forgot the firm kindness with which you pressed home the one important question, \lquote Did she love the Saviour?\rquote and, her having to respond to that, was a means of grace of which the influence was never lost. We saw many sorrows afterwards, but our God was more to us than our fears, and He has now enabled me to redeem her vow for the Orphans.\emdash I would desire again to thank you, dear Sir, for the great interest you took in me, while under your care; and I often reflect on happy days, spent in New Orphan House No. 1.\emdash You will be glad to know, that the Lord has been pleased to use me in His service. For nearly fourteen years I have been employed in preaching the Gospel in dark villages in this neighbourhood; and for about seven years have been deacon of the Congregational Church here; and I have too the happiness of knowing, that, by His blessing upon my labours, some have been added to the Lord. This I say, as desiring alone to glorify His name, and because I feel it is right you should know, that He thus owns and crowns your labours for Him, by enabling those, whom you have rescued, to be the means of hastening His kingdom.\emdash I have also to thank Him for a second help-meet, who also is devoted to His service, and whose constant endeavour it is, to bring up my three little girls as her own children, and as in trust for the Lord.\emdash Feeling sure, dear Sir, of your fatherly interest and sympathy, I shall not add any apology for thus writing of my family affairs.\emdash Please accept my respectful Christian love, and give the same to Messrs. Brown and Short, should they be still labouring with you; and  trusting this will find you and Mrs. Muller in good health, I remain ever faithfully and respectfully yours, ****." The writer of this letter, and his brother, were the first two Orphans received in the New Orphan House No. 1. His brother was brought to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and, after having walked very consistently for a considerable time whilst under our care, was sent out. He has been a decided follower of the Lord Jesus Christ ever since, has been engaged for about eighteen years in the ministry of the Word, has been the instrument of leading not a few to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and is now a clergyman in the Church of England. The writer, as has been seen, labours in a different sphere for the Lord, but has also been used by Him, in the winning of souls. These first fruits of the removal of the Orphans to Ashley Down, and the building of the five large houses for 2050 Orphans, have been followed by the conversion of many hundreds of Orphans, yea by hundreds who have  been already safely removed into the presence of the Lord. Thus, in the midst of difficulties, trials of faith and patience, and sometimes also disappointment with regard to some of the Orphans, we reap already abundantly even now; but the chief part of the harvest is yet awaiting us.\emdash On this day, Dec. 15th, 1875, we also received from a Bristol wholesale house 8 barrels of flour, 16 half boxes of raisins and a barrel of currants, for the Christmas puddings of the Orphans. From Oporto \'a3l.\emdash Dec. 21. From Denmark \'a3l.\emdash Dec, 22. From the neighbourhood of London \'a3290., with \'a310. for myself.\emdash Dec. 24. From a wholesale house in Bristol, 40 half boxes of raisins, for the children.\emdash Dec. 29. From Pupils of the High School, Dundee, \'a358., with \'a310. for myself.\emdash Dec. 31. Received 10s. from one of the former Orphans, now in a situation, with the following letter: "Dear and Respected Sir, Once more I have the great pleasure of writing to you, and thank you for your kind fatherly care of me whilst in the dear Orphan Home. And now I wish to rejoice your heart, by telling you, that, during the past year I have been led to trust in the dear Saviour. May I ask your prayers, dear Sir, that I may be kept day by day near to Him, who gave Himself for me. I desire not only to bear the name of a child of God, but to walk before the world as one. Dear Sir, I was indeed much cheered by the addresses you gave at the Conference Hall, Mildmay Park, London, where I have the privilege of attending, and where I found peace in Jesus. I sincerely hope your valuable life may be yet spared much longer, to be the Orphan\rquote s friend, and to help and cheer younger Christians on their journey. May I ask to be remembered very kindly to dear Mrs. Muller, Mr. and Mrs. Wright and all the dear helpers in the Orphan work. Will you kindly accept the enclosed 10s. for the Orphans. With grateful love, I remain, yours respectfully, ****."\par \par We were now helped to the close of another year, during which our expenses for the Orphans alone had been above Twenty Five Thousand Pounds, and the expenses for the other Objects of the Institution about Eighteen Thousand Pounds, having before us expenses for the coming year, not only as great but rather greater, as generally year by year they have been increased. But our hope was in God, looking with the full assurance of faith to His inexhaustible treasures and His loving heart; and we were not confounded. He helped us in the new year, as He had done in the old one. I give now a few other particulars, as to the way in which it pleased Him to supply us, though only about one out of a hundred donations can be referred to.\par \par Jan. 11. "From a person in Yorkshire, who desires to be a faithful steward of the Lord\rquote s possessions," \'a3500. When this donation came to hand, I did not in the least degree know the kind donor. This furnishes another proof, of how much may be obtained simply by waiting upon God, as day by day we do.\emdash Received from Westmorland \'a33. 5s. 9d. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I inclose Post Office Order for \'a33. 5s. 9d., which is the amount found in the money box of a dear little boy, who died at the age of three years. We, his earthly parents, cannot devote the savings of the one, who is now glorifying God in heaven, to a better purpose than trying to promote His glory on earth in the way pointed out by yourself\emdash that of helping the poor Orphans. Please to accept it with our best wishes for the success of your great Christian work, and believe us, yours truly ****."\emdash Jan 12. From believers, meeting at Sand Area Chapel, Kendal, \'a335. 1s. 3d.\emdash \'a3100. as the legacy of the late Mr. J. W. C.\emdash Jan. 13. From a Clifton donor, then at a considerable distance from thence, \'a3150., with \'a310. for myself. This kind donor, who for nearly twenty years took a great interest in the Orphans, and who often sent a similar donation, has since entered upon his rest. Thus the Lord again and again, yea many scores of times, has taken away donors who for a shorter or longer time helped us considerably. For the trial of our faith these kind donors, one after the other, have been removed, but He, the Living God, our Helper and Friend, remained to us; and because we depended upon Him, trusted in Him, and not in these kind munificent donors, though some of them had given altogether thousands of pounds, we were helped; for the Lord, in one way or other, supplied us still. And thus have we gone on now for forty-two years. Oh, the blessedness of such a life of trust in the Living God! Did all my dear brethren in Christ, who in any way labour for the Lord, and who require means, know the blessedness of this way, they would certainly trust in God alone, and look to Him alone for their supplies; and not only for the supply of their pecuniary necessities, but for everything else which they may need.\emdash Jan. 26. From Warwickshire \'a3200.\emdash Jan. 31. From Tobago \'a310.\par \par Feb. 2. From Yorkshire \'a3126. 1s. 8d., for the support of ten Orphans for one year.\emdash From Paris \'a320.\emdash Feb. 3. There was sent \'a32. 10s. with these words: "I send this to you, instead of buying a gold brooch." Will the Christian reader consider this. How much may be accomplished, not only, by exercising a little self-denial, but how great a blessing may thus also be obtained for the spiritual life of the believer in the Lord Jesus! We have but one brief life to spend on earth, and how soon, dear Christian reader, may it be run out! Therefore let us seek to make the best use of the opportunity given to us, to live and labour for the Lord! Let every child of God with earnestness aim at this, that the remainder of his life may be the best of all his pilgrimage!\emdash Feb. 4. From Helensburgh \'a340. for the support of 3 Orphans for one year.\emdash Feb. 7. From Basle, Switzerland, \'a319. 17s.\emdash Feb. 11. \'a35. as "A thank-offering for being safely preserved in a railway accident."\emdash Feb. 16. From Torquay \'a340. a "God\rquote s Tenth."\emdash Legacy of the late Mrs. H. \'a380. 10s.\par \par March 9. Received \'a31. 11s. with the following letter from a Christian gentleman: "My dear brother, It occurred to me a few weeks ago, that, when God calls Himself the Father of the fatherless, He makes Orphans as truly the objects of His children\rquote s care as their own households. I had not thought of this before nearly so much as I ought. At mealtimes, when the wants of my family were being abundantly supplied, I had not sufficiently thought of those who have neither father nor mother to provide a meal for them, and who must starve, unless fed by those to whom God has given bread enough and to spare. Since that time, I have put a box on my table at our meals, with your Orphans\rquote name on it. It makes us feel as if we had some of them at the table with us, and were giving them the share our Father meant for them. Each puts in what he believes he can and ought. Last evening we opened it after tea, and found the enclosed \'a31.11s. in it, which I now send you with much love, &c."\emdash March 20. Received 10s. with the following letter from one of the former Orphans: "Beloved Sir, Once more it is the privilege of one of your former Orphans to write you a few lines and ask your acceptance of this small offering of thanksgiving to God for all His loving kindness to me and mine.\emdash I need hardly say, that, as each year passes away, my veneration for you, dear Sir, and love for the dear place, where I spent the best part of my childhood, increases, so also do I hope my gratitude to the Father of the fatherless, who put it in the heart of you, His honoured and beloved servant, to carry out such a noble scheme to the glory of God.\emdash How often, when tempted to indulge in the sin of unbelief, has the thought of my six years\rquote sojourn on Ashley Down come across my mind like a gleam of sunshine. There, the clothes I wore, the food I ate, the bed I slept on, and the walls around me, were all in answer to believing prayer. What better prescription for any infidel, than to go to Ashley Down Orphan House and enquire into its working! Ay, and what better prescription for the doubting, wavering child of God! I pray, none of us Orphans, who have been sheltered there, will be found wanting in that great day, when we shall all stand around the throne of God, and you, dear Sir, will receive the reward of all your labours of love. May we all be there to thank you, as we have never, done on earth!\emdash I hope your health is good and that of your family, together with your fellow-helpers in the Lord. May the Lord Jehovah strengthen you still further, and fill you with all joy and comfort in our Savionr Jesus Christ, is ever the loving prayer of one of your unworthy Orphans ****."\par \par April 18. From a former Orphan, now in Australia, \'a33. 16s. 6d. The donor has been for about 25 years a believer.\emdash April 22. From the neighbourhood of Weybridge, \'a345., with \'a35. for my own expenses.\emdash April 24. Legacy of the late Mr. W. S. \'a390.\par \par May 16. From one of the former male Orphans, with a grateful letter, \'a36.\emdash May 18. For the support of twenty-five Orphans for one year \'a3315. 4s. 2d.\emdash May 25. From a lady in Warwickshire \'a3200. This is not the first time, that the same kind donor, though an entire stranger to me, has sent me a similar large donation, thus proving that we do not wait on the Lord in vain, when day by day we ask Him that He would graciously be pleased to supply us with the means needed for this great work.\emdash May 26. Legacy of the late Mrs. S. B. S. \'a345. During this year we have received the payment of many legacies, which God has been pleased to use, as one of the various means, whereby our large expenses have been met. In almost all these cases, of legacies being left to this Institution, the kind testators or testratrixes were entire strangers to me.\emdash There were also again, during this year, received many hundreds of articles, either for use or sale for the benefit of the Orphans. Scarcely any of these articles have been referred to. Christian friends have not only considered what jewellery, coins, and other needless articles they might send to us for sale, but also how they might furnish us with useful articles or provisions for the benefit of the Orphans. In several cases Christian ladies also meet, at stated times, to work for the benefit of the Orphans. By the sale of articles, sent for sale, we have from the beginning up to May 26, 1876, obtained \'a318,384. 2s. 9\'bed. The total of the expenses for the Orphans alone, during the year, was \'a325,874. 15s. 1\'bcd.\par \par Means for the support of the Two Thousand Two Hundred and Forty Two Orphans, who were under our care during the year, from May 26, 1876 to May 26, 1877, sent in answer to prayer. Letters from Donors and Orphans. Practical remarks, etc.\par \par During the past year also, the Lord was pleased to supply us again bountifully, in the riches of His grace, with all we needed for the support of the Orphans, though we require now for this one branch of the Institution alone about Twenty-Six Thousand Pounds sterling yearly. As the days come, so we make, in child-like simplicity, our supplications to Him, for all we need, not only with reference to money, but regarding all our other requirements; and He is graciously pleased to prove to us day by day, that He listens to our supplications, and sends to us accordingly what we need. To Him we look for the helpers in this work, and He sends them to us, though sometimes we have long to call upon Him, before the answer comes; for to our profit and the glory of His own name, He is sometimes pleased to try our faith and patience. When we need suitable masters for the boys, who are to be apprenticed, we give ourselves to prayer; and He answers our prayers. For suitable Christian families, to whom we wish to send the girls, when they are fit for situations, we also wait upon the Lord in prayer; and thus also, in many hundreds of instances, have we found, that we have not waited upon Him in vain. We do not think ourselves sufficient in ourselves, as to wisdom to meet all the numberless difficult cases, connected with such a large Institution, and we therefore go to our Heavenly Father for wisdom and grace to meet all the many exigencies connected with this service; and even as to this, we have to state to the praise and honour of His name, that we have received help from Him as the result of prayer. Often we have also been greatly exercised by sickness among the children, sickness of some of the helpers, and other afflictions, which the Lord has been pleased to allow to befall the Institution; but in all these various positions and circumstances, however painful and trying, our universal remedy of prayer and the exercise of faith in God has been sufficient; and so it comes, that this Institution not only still exists, but as much as ever, if not more than ever, enjoys the Lord\rquote s help and blessing. I will here now only refer to a few of the ways in which it pleased the Lord to supply us with means for the support of the Orphans who were under our care, but give only about one out of every hundred donations, simply as specimens.\par \par June 3. From the neighbourhood of Sherborne, a diamond ring.\emdash June 5. From Ireland, a set of artificial teeth, set in gold, and two pieces ditto.\emdash During the past year also, as for many years before, artificial teeth, set in gold, have been sent, and thus again a considerable sum has been obtained by the sale of the dentist gold.\emdash June 10. From West Hartlepool \'a345.\emdash June 21. From Elberfeld 110 Mark, 15 Mark, 3 Mark and 3 Mark.\emdash June 23. From Neuchatel, Switzerland, \'a316.\emdash June 30. From Westbury-on-Trym \'a350.\par \par July 1. On account of the residue of the estate of Mr. T. M. left by his will to the Orphans, \'a31500.\emdash July 5. Legacy of the late Miss P. \'a31000, less duty.\emdash July 7. \'a310. 10s. from one of the former pupils of the first boys\rquote school of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, who has repeatedly sent a similar donation.\emdash July 7. From Wolverhampton, 4 large cheeses. July 10. From London \'a3100.\emdash July 17. Legacy of the late Miss C. R. B. \'a3306. 4s.\emdash Legacy of the late T. P., Esq. \'a3150.\emdash July 18. From Liverpool, a ton of soap.\emdash July 19. \'a3100. from the late Mrs. A. H. D.\emdash July 22. From Devonshire \'a3103. 7s.\emdash July 24. From Maidstone \'a377. 6s. 4d.\emdash By sale of gold and silver articles, dentist gold and diamonds, \'a3120.\emdash From Birmingham, 4 dozen table spoons, 4 dozen dessert spoons, 6 dozen tea spoons, 1 dozen gravy spoons, all of Nickel silver,\emdash July 28, \'a312. 10s. "instead of insuring 500 acres against hailstorms."\par \par Aug. 12. By sale of gold and silver articles \'a339. 10s.\emdash Aug. 16. As the remainder of the legacy of the late Mr. T. M. \'a3594. 6s. 10d. I never saw Mr. T. M., yet received from him through his will and by donations in his lifetime, for the benefit of the Orphans, altogether about \'a38000. This is the way, in which we are helped; but all as the result of prayer and trust in the living God. Did all the dear children of God enter into the blessedness of committing all their matters to Him in prayer, and exercise faith in His power and willingness to help them, they would walk more happily and more easily through this world.\emdash Aug. 18. From China \'a315.\emdash Aug. 22. From London \'a3100.\emdash Aug. 29. \'a35. with the following letter: "At the annual meeting of the workmen employed at E\emdash , W.\emdash and H. Collieries, it was resolved to send Five Pounds to the Orphan Asylum on Ashley Down, as a thank-offering, there having been no fatal accident at one of these works for the last two years."\par \par Sep. 5. \'a350. as the legacy of the late Miss E. H.\emdash Sep. 6. From Ireland from a commercial house \'a35. "Saved by non-insurance of goods from sea risk for the months of July and August."\emdash Sep. 23. From Zurich 50 Francs, 20 Francs, 20 Francs and 10 Francs.\emdash Sep. 27. Received the following letter from one of the former Orphans, now in service: "Dear and respected Sir, As the anniversary of your birthday has returned once more, may I beg to take the liberty of wishing you very many happy returns of the day, and I hope your valuable life may be spared for many years, to carry on that great work. It is now a little over two years since I left that Happy Home. I often look back on the many happy hours I spent within those walls, and the many Christian privileges I there enjoyed. There are many temptations which beset my path, but I am thankful I have found a Friend in Jesus who is able to help me through them all. I am glad to tell you I am in a comfortable situation, and have a very kind master and mistress; and my prayer is, that I may study to obey them, in return for their kindness. I can never thank you enough for your kindness to me whilst I was under your fatherly care, and also my dear sisters and brothers, who are stilt in that Happy Home; but I hope the time will come, when we shall all gather around the throne of God, with all the dear Orphans, where you will receive your happy reward. May I ask you to give my love to dear Mrs. Muller, Mr. and Mrs. Wright and all the dear teachers and matrons of No. V. Hoping you are enjoying good health, I remain your grateful Orphan, ****." I received very many such letters from Orphans on this day.\emdash Sep. 28. From Canton Zurich 40 Francs and from Mannedorf 10 Francs.\emdash Sep. 29. From Zurich 15 Francs\emdash Sep. 30. From C. E., Zurich, 20 Francs.\par \par Oct. 2. \'a340 as "God\rquote s Tenth" from Torquay.\emdash Oct. 16. From the neighbourhood of Stoneham as a "Harvest thank-offering" \'a38. 5s.\emdash Oct. 19. From "Nemo" \'a350.\emdash Oct. 21. From the neighbourhood of Barnstaple 10 barrels of apples.\emdash Oct. 23. From young Christians at Dundee \'a326. 8s. 1d.\emdash Oct. 28. Received \'a35., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Some time ago we marked off our books a very old debt of \'a311. 12s. 6d., which we had every reason to believe we should never receive. We had tried our utmost to get the debt paid, without success. It so happened that a few weeks ago I bought your last Report, and have been much refreshed by the perusal; and a week ago, on turning over the pages of one of the ledgers, I came across the name of the above debtor. I at once thought, I will ask the Lord to send that in, and, if it comes, \'a35. shall go to Mr. Muller\rquote s Orphans. I therefore wrote a letter to the man in the most simple terms, asking him to remit the amount, and posted it with an earnest prayer to the Lord. This morning, to the utmost amazement of our cashier, a cheque has come to hand. Be good enough to accept \'a35. of it for the Lord\rquote s direct service in your hands. I cannot say, how much this has encouraged me. I remain yours faithfully, ****."\par \par Nov. 6. Received \'a31. with the following letter "Honoured Sir, Will you kindly accept the inclosed \'a31., as a thank-offering for recovery from deafness. I had been deaf for six weeks and was going today to see a surgeon about it. Thank God! I awoke this morning as if in another world, after the silence I had been living in. How thankful I felt to the giver of all good for so many mercies to me! Please to accept my grateful thanks for receiving my little nieces into your Orphan Houses. I hope to be able, if health continues, to send my mite every year, and will ever pray God, to bless the Orphan\rquote s friend and the work. I am, sir, your grateful and humble servant, ****." Received \'a3303. 14s. 5d. as the legacy of the late B. A. D., Esq.\emdash Nov. 7. Received \'a31. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I herewith enclose a Post Office Order for \'a31. It is a thank-offering to Almighty God for His great goodness in relieving my dear daughter of a violent face-ache. Believe me, dear sir, your humble servant, ****."\emdash Legacy of the late J. T., Esq., \'a3194. 14s. less duty.\emdash Nov. 10. From twenty-seven donors at Largs and the neighbourhood, \'a325. 7s. 6d.\emdash Nov. 11. From various donors at Schaffhausen 100 Francs.\emdash Nov. 14. From Scotland 4 bales of cloth.\emdash Nov. 15. Received 15s. with the following letter: "My dear Mr. Muller, Twenty-eight years ago, while at school in Devonshire, another boy and I took some money out of a box, into which we were required to put fines for certain misdemeanors. This money was to have been forwarded to you for the work among the Orphans. Since then many and varied have been my experiences, temporal and spiritual: the latter including even the extremes of Ritualism, confession to a priest (so-called), &c. During the course of this latter, I had occasion to confess the above sin, and was told by the priest to make restitution by sending you the money. My object in writing to you now is, to tell you, that what the voice of man failed to do, the voice of God (speaking by His servant) has done. I n other words, having now been brought to trust in the Precious Saviour (and not in His pardon handed down through a fellow-sinner), I have been led to see, that it is right to send you this money. I may just say, that the means God has used, to bring me to a decision on this matter, is a sermon I heard this morning from Mr. A., who is now holding a Mission in this city. He preached powerfully from the case of Zaccheus, and spoke strongly of the necessity of reparation for any wrong done before conversion to God. The wrong I had done you (or rather the poor little Orphans) became powerfully impressed upon my mind, and although the amount is but a small one, that does not of course affect the principle of the thing. Be kind enough, therefore, beloved brother in Jesus, to accept this exceedingly tardy but genuine reparation for wrong done so long ago.\emdash I was much delighted to hear of your interesting work in St. Gallen, Switzerland. May God abundantly bless you in your work in building up the saints, !in preaching the Word to sinners, and in training the dear Orphans! Such is the heart-felt prayer of your affectionate brother in Christ, ****." The matter referred to in the previous letter is of deep importance. To the utmost of our power reparation is to be made. Should the persons, whom we have wronged, not be living, their heirs are to be sought; and should they not to be found, to God\rquote s poor or His work the money is to be given. Should the transgressor not have strength enough to do it, giving his name, it would be better to do it anonymously than not at all, or to use a friend, to act on his behalf.\emdash Nov. 18. From Basel 500 Francs and 230 Francs.\emdash Nov. 29. From Tobago \'a35.\emdash Nov. 23. From the neighbourhood of London a diamond ring.\par \par Dec. 9. From a Bristol Wholesale House, sent for the children\rquote s Christmas treat, 60 half boxes of raisins.\emdash From a Bristol donor, for the children\rquote s Christmas puddings, 1 barrel of currants, 16 half boxes of raisin"s, and 8 barrels of flour.\emdash Dec. 13. From Cheltenham \'a360.\emdash Dec. 16. Received \'a3114. 9s. for the support of nine Orphans for one year, with \'a310. 10s. for myself.\emdash Legacy of the late Mrs. T. \'a3373. 19s. 2d.\emdash Dec. 21. The first annual instalment on account of the legacy of the late G. W., Esq., \'a3200.\emdash Dec. 28. From Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, \'a355. 4s.\emdash Dec. 30. From various friends at Durdham Down, a large quantity of useful articles, as Christmas presents for the Orphans.\par \par Jan. 1, 1877. Legacy of the late Miss P., of Ireland, \'a32000 new 3 per cent. Government Stock, less legacy duty. I had not even heard the name of this lady, till I received the information about this legacy being left.\emdash Jan. 9. From believers meeting at the Sand Area Chapel, Kendal, \'a332. 2s. 3d.\emdash Jan. 11. From Carmarthenshire \'a3100.\emdash Jan. 17. From Cornwall \'a31. 18s. "Instead of insuring against fire or sea-damages in any Company."\emdash Jan. 19. Fr#om London, a gold watch and chain, half for Missions and half for the Orphans.\emdash Jan. 20. From Denmark \'a31.\emdash Jan. 22. \'a312. 14s. 4d. with these words: "From believers, whose abstinence from intoxicating drink and tobacco enables them to defray the costs of an Orphan\rquote s support, without prejudice to other obligations."\emdash From Havre, France, \'a34.\emdash Jan. 24. From Leamington \'a3100.\par \par Feb. 6. \'a3300 (less duty) as the legacy of the late Miss H. E. C.\emdash Feb. 7. From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash Feb. 9. From Brighton \'a35. as "A thank-offering for being raised from a bed of severe sickness."\emdash Feb. 10. Legacy of the late Mr. T. F. of Beverley, Canada, 200 dollars.\emdash Feb. 13. From Basle \'a325.\emdash Feb. 14. From Basle, four rings, a broach, two pairs of earrings, a single earring, and a part of a ring.\emdash Feb. 15. From Dusseldorf 100 Mark.\par \par March 1. Received from Ireland from a house of business \'a35. 12s. 6d. as "Marine Insurance for Jan$uary."\emdash March 5. From eleven donors in Taronaki, New Zealand, \'a311. 19s. 6d.\emdash March 9. From one of the former Orphans, now in service, 6s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, May I be allowed the great privilege of writing to you, hoping it will find you and dear Mrs. Muller quite well, and all the teachers. It is thirteen years, since I left that dear House, and I can tools back with pleasure to the happy time I spent there; for it I was there I learnt to know Jesus as my Saviour, and I can still rejoice in Him. Will you please, dear sir, to accept of the inclosed five shillings, to be used as you think best, also one shilling for two Reports, for which I desire to thank you. Please to remember me gratefully to Mrs. Muller. Allow me, dear sir, to remain your grateful Orphan ****."\emdash I have given this and the other letters, received from former Orphans, as the best illustration of the blessing of God, resting upon the Orphan work; and also, because they show, in what a position we sta%nd towards them, even after they have left the Orphan Houses. Only a few such letters have been here referred to, out of the many, which we received during the year; also only a few of the donations, received from former Orphans, have been mentioned, out of the many, which we received during the year.\emdash March 10. Received \'a33. 3s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, enclosed is a Post Office Order for \'a33. 3s. for support of Orphans, wishing you the Lord\rquote s continued blessing. The above is from a fund laid by in proportion to my weekly returns. I can say with regard to lending to the Lord, none gives such interest as He. Yours sincerely, ****." I make a few remarks on this letter.\par \par 1. I again commend to such of the Christian readers, who are not already in the habit of giving to the poor or the Lord\rquote s work, in proportion as the Lord is pleased to give to them, through their business or profession, through presents, through legacies, etc., to do so. That is the way of obta&ining blessing to our souls, because we act according to the principle laid down in I Cor. xvi, 2. "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him." In this way we find that double, if not tenfold, is the blessing which we receive from God, when he prospers us in temporal things; and it is one of the ways in which we honour Him with our temporal things; whilst, if this is not done, and we keep all, or almost all, to ourselves, then the very prosperity in temporal things will be found to be injurious to the inner man. It is just this, why Christians should be in such earnestness on this point, and be habitually returning to the Lord for His work or His poor as He may prosper them. Should it, however, be said, How much shall I give of that which I receive? The answer is, the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament lay down no rule. It is left to the children of God, to act according to the measure of knowledge and grace they have received. The appreciation of 'what God has done for them in Christ should guide them. We have, however, not to lose sight of this, that, if the Israelite was commanded to give the tenth of all he received, and that the Israelite, in addition to this, had many other expenses, in connection with his being a worshipper of the true and Living God, such as the not sowing the seventh year, the going three times a year to the Lord\rquote s Tabernacle or Temple, etc.; the believer in the Lord Jesus, who knows the power of His precious blood, shed for the remission of his sins; who has the whole revealed will of God in his hands; and who has received the Holy Ghost, and who is partaker of the heavenly calling, should certainly not do less than the Israelite. We should not say, that because we are not Jews, and because no commandment is given, that therefore we may do less than the Jews. Far be this from him, who knows the power of the precious blood of Christ! My advice is this: If the reader has as yet but little knowledge and little grace, l(et him accordingly begin with a small percentage, yea, though it were ever so small a percentage, only let him be true to God, and put aside for Him habitually as He may be pleased to prosper him. In this way blessing for the soul will be reaped, will be abundantly reaped, and soon will the desire spring up in the heart, to increase the proportion of returns to the Lord. This way will more and more lead the heart to such a state, to be only a steward for the Lord, and to be willing to stand with all we have and are before the Lord as His stewards. The great spiritual blessing, which I have received in my soul, from acting on these principles for more than forty-seven years, leads me to write as I do. Notice, 2. What the writer above says "The above is from a fund laid by in proportion to my weekly returns." The money thus set apart for the Lord, should be put aside, and out of that, which is thus put aside, when calls come upon us, to give to the poor or to the Lord\rquote s work, we should then take. How) different will it be, to take from such a store (provided we have not yet grace, to give all to the Lord if it were necessary) from what it would be, if there is the anxious reckoning, whether the gift can be afforded or not. 3. The writer further says: "I can say, with regard to lending to the Lord, none gives such interest as He." That will be found true, by all who act on these principles. The blessedness of this statement I have known for more than forty-seven years. We should not give, for the sake of receiving, but only to please the Lord; yet this is God\rquote s way of acting, and according to the plain teaching of the New Testament, which states; "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." Luke vi, 38.\par \par April 5. From Christian friends at Frankfurt-on-the-Maine 180 Mark or \'a39.\emdash April 9. \'a32. as "A thank-offering to Almighty God for an increase of salary."\emdash April 14. From Notti*nghamshire 10s. with this letter: "Dear Sir, Will you kindly accept the enclosed 10s. for the Orphanage. I have been induced, through the reading of one of your Reports, to increase that portion of my earnings, which I usually give unto the Lord, that I might thus occasionally visit the Orphans at Bristol in their affliction. I am, Dear Sir, yours truly, ****,"\emdash April 19. From Rio de Janeiro \'a33. 1s. 7d.\emdash April 21. From Warminster \'a31. 1s. 6d. "By sale of flowers, cultivated for the Orphans."\emdash April 27. From Yorkshire \'a3200.\par \par May 1. "From a Christian Mariner" \'a332. 10s.\emdash May 5. From Ireland \'a3100.\emdash May 16. From the neighbourhood of Weybridge \'a3100.\emdash\'a31. instead of paying it "For insuring of plate glass."\emdash May 19. \'a3300. as the legacy of the late Miss M. D.\emdash May 21. From Nymwegen, Holland, 10 florins, 10 florins and 86 florins and 11 cents., in all \'a38. 17s.\emdash May 24. From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a3l00.\emdash May 26+. From S. S. \'a3100.\par \par There were also again, during the past year, received many hundreds of articles, either for use or sale for the benefit of the Orphans. Scarcely any of these articles have been referred to, but for those, which were for sale, we realized \'a3597. 11s. Christian friends have not only considered what jewellery, coins, and other needless articles they might send to us for sale, but also how they might furnish us with useful articles or provisions for the benefit of the Orphans. The total of the expenses for the Orphans alone, during the past year, was \'a325,714. 0s. 6\'bdd.\par \par Means for the support of the Two Thousand One Hundred and Ninety Three Orphans who were under our care from May 26, 1877 to May 26, 1878, sent in answer to prayer. Letters from Donors and Orphans, Practical remarks, etc.\par \par Year after year God is pleased to help us in the Orphan work also, as well as with regard to the other objects of the Institution; and, in some respects, the help ma,y appear even the more manifest, as the requirements are so large; for we require now for the support of the Orphans and the keeping the large buildings in repair the yearly sum of Twenty-Six Thousand Five Hundred Pounds and upwards, all of which we have to look for alone from our Heavenly Father, who invariably has helped us. But He not only provides us with money, in answer to prayer, but He finds the assistants also, who are needed to take care of the Orphans; and various answers to prayer we have had in this respect during the past year, as several helpers had to leave on account of sick relatives, who required their help, or were ill themselves, or were married, or had to give up their situations for other reasons. We are also, every year, entirely dependent upon God when infantine diseases break out among the children. Just now, while I am writing this, many children are ill in the measles; but God helps, in answer to prayer. And thus it is in scarlet fever, so common to children, whooping cough, et-c. I refer to this, because many of our friends may suppose, that money is almost all we want. We also need yearly very many suitable situations that both boys and girls may be placed out, as we only send them to Christian families. This often brings us in prayer to God, and has not a little exercised our faith. The training, however, of the Orphans, above all, needs much prayer and much exercise of faith, and makes it continually necessary to go to the Lord for the needed wisdom; for, "who is sufficient for these things?"\par \par June 6, 1877. Received for the painting, etc., of the Five Orphan Houses, the valuable donation of 14 cwt. and 66 lbs. of white lead, 2 cwt. and 53 lbs. of driers, 132 lbs. of ochre, 7 lbs. of venetian red, 28 lbs. of black paint, 28 lbs. of putty, and 28 lbs. of umber.\emdash June 7. From a servant of the Lord Jesus in Ireland \'a31. 14s. 7d. While he dines with his family, a box is handed round, each time, in which each member of the family places something according to abi.lity, as a token of gratitude to God for the present meal, and in sympathy with the Orphans who need to be provided for. From time to time these contributions have now been sent us for about two years.\emdash Received from New Zealand, a gold watch, a gold chain, a ring set with stones, a collar stud, a mourning ring, a diamond pin, and a pin set with a stone.\emdash June 12. From Staffordshire, 46 pairs of boots.\emdash June 14. A gold repeater.\emdash From a former pupil of the first Boys\rquote School of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, \'a310. 10s.\emdash June 21. A wagon load of firewood.\emdash \'a310. with the following letter, from a considerable distance: "Dear Sir,\emdash Four years since I sent you a trifle for your Orphanage. Since then I have been in various situations and have not been able to send you more; but owing to a severe illness last Christmas I have been obliged to sell a little property I had. I told the Lord, if it realised a certain amount, I would sen/d you ten pounds. To the surprise of all who knew it, I succeeded in getting the sum, so I have great pleasure in forwarding you that amount. Trusting you may be long spared to continue the great work you have undertaken for His glory, believe me, yours in the love of Jesus, ****."\emdash Here, esteemed readers, you have another proof, how God cares for us, in answer to our daily supplications; and what He does for us, He is ready to do for all His children who confide in Him.\par \par July 9. \'a37. 10s. "Instead of insuring 300 acres against hailstorms."\emdash July 11. From Berkshire, 2 sets of artificial teeth set in gold.\emdash July 14. From Liverpool 15 half boxes of yellow soap, and 5 half boxes of mottled ditto.\emdash July 18. A large box of drapery.\emdash July 23. From Limerick \'a37. 10s., "Instead of marine insurance for April, May and June."\emdash July 25. From a mariner a diamond and ruby ring.\emdash July 31. Legacy of the late G. H. Esq., \'a3500. This gentleman, who kindly left the l0egacy, was an entire stranger to me.\emdash Legacy of the late Mr. H. J. O., \'a3206. 6s. 6d.\par \par From Dundee, 6 pieces of material.\emdash Aug. 7. From School-children at Danielstown, Essequibo, \'a31. 0s. 10d.\emdash Aug. 8. Five casks of vinegar. The same donors have for several years very kindly supplied the Orphan Houses gratuitously with all the vinegar needed in the five houses.\emdash Aug. 14. The following letter was received from a young man, one of the former Orphans: "Dear and Honoured Sir,\emdash Another Orphan, who has known the happiness of being an inmate of one of the dear Orphan Houses, committed to your care, would desire the privilege of writing to thank you for your kind care while I was there, and for all the comforts and enjoyments, which I shared with my companions. I would also express my heartfelt gratitude to you, for the comfortable situation in which I was placed, and for the very nice outfit I was provided with. I trust the instruction that I received whilst in that Ha1ppy Home will never be forgotten by me. I often look back with pleasure to my schoolboy days; for it was the happiest time of my life; and I trust I shall be enabled to repay you in a small measure for all your love and kindness toward me, whilst under your paternal care, for I was very happy there, and often regret leaving that Happy Home; but I know it is right for me to get my living now.\emdash Dear Sir, I have served my five years\rquote apprenticeship, and I am out of my time, and I shall feel very thankful to you, if you would be so kind as to send my indentures. May the Lord abundantly bless you, dear Sir, and still spare you to be the Orphans\rquote friend, and crown your untiring efforts with great success in the conversion of souls.\emdash Will you please to accept my kind love and sincere regards for all you have done for me, and remember me to Mrs. Muller, Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Mr. French, and to all the kind teachers connected with the great work. I am, dear sir, your grateful Orphan ****."2\emdash Aug. 16. Legacy of the late Mrs. E. M. \'a350.\emdash Legacy of the late Mrs. P. \'a3100.\emdash Aug. 22. From Brush Manufacturers, 12 bass brooms, 11 flat ditto, 2 hair brooms, 6 scrubbers, 18 whisk brooms, 100 shoe brushes, 12 black lead ditto, 4 dandy ditto, 12 bannister ditto, 216 scrubbing ditto, some slate pencils, 1 bucket, 1 tub, 4 toy buckets, 1 housemaid\rquote s box, and 3 mats of damaged clogs and pattens.\emdash Aug. 24. Legacy of the late A. H. Esq., \'a3100.\emdash Aug. 25. From Maidstone \'a373. 7s. 4d.\emdash Aug. 28. Received \'a31. with the following letter, from one of the former Orphan Boys who many years since was apprenticed, and who several years ago finished his apprenticeship: "Dear and honoured Sir,\emdash I beg to thank you very much for a copy of this year\rquote s Report, which I received a day or two since. Please accept the enclosed P.O.O. for \'a31., which is made payable to your order, and apply it to the Object for which it is most needed.\emdash I thankfully tak3e another opportunity of acknowledging the goodness of God to me in the past, first by placing me in the Orphan Home, afterwards by leading me to Himself, and then in His guidance ever since I left the Home. I have, indeed, special cause for gratitude to Him, and I trust I may be enabled to live to His praise in my future life. Please accept my kindest wishes for the prosperity of the Institution, and for the spiritual welfare of you and yours. I am, dear Sir, your obedient Orphan ****." "P.S. Please remember me to the masters in No. 1."\par \par Sept. 11. From labourers in the Gospel in Italy \'a32. 11s. 5d.\emdash Sept. 12. \'a35. from the workmen employed at Easton, Whitehall and Hanham Collieries, as a thank-offering for being preserved from fatal accidents during the past twelve months.\emdash Sept. 19. From Leicester \'a32. with the following letter: "Dear Sir,\emdash I feel great pleasure in being able again to send you a little towards the support of the Orphans under your care. It appears to me4 like putting a drop in the ocean; but I pray, the Lord will help many to do likewise. After I sent to you last, I felt very anxious to help you, if it were but a little at a time; so I asked the Lord to provide something for me to do; and He has provided just the work He knew would suit me best in Leicester; and I often feel surprised, that I get on so well, and get as much as I can do. But I know I am working for a good Master, who has promised to help all who ask Him. I will enclose you a Post Office Order for \'a32., being sixpence out of every dozen pairs of slippers I bind. We get many different prices, according to the size and quality; but I thought whether I get little or much, the Lord has a right to what I have sent, and hope He will help me to keep on working for Him, as He knows it gives me great pleasure to help you. I was not able to get any of the work until last Easter, and from that time I have had 80 dozen to bind. Etc." Here we again see what a variety of ways the Lord is pleased to us5e for our help, and how even poor and hard working persons, in answer to our prayers, are led to assist us by their earnings. His name be magnified for all His kindness to us! While I am writing this, I am labouring in the Word in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. Here I do what I have done for 44 years for the Institution, and this is all I ever did do, ever would do, viz., I wait upon God for help, together with my dear wife, entreating Him that He wou1d be pleased to send means for the Work. Forty-four years God has been pleased to help with pecuniary means and in every other way, and I fully believe He will help us to the end, and not suffer us to be confounded. In Him we trust, to Him alone we look, and to Him we make known our requests with thanksgiving. Our expenses are exceedingly great; but I tell our Heavenly Father about it. One donor after the other, who once helped us much, has been removed by the Lord, or has lost the ability to help us, or his means are directed into other channels; but God remai6ns who has never failed us, though we have times without number had no means at all.\emdash From Southport \'a31. 11s., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, On behalf of my husband and myself, I forward, with sincere pleasure, our yearly donation of a penny a day for your Orphan Houses, and sixpence for the Report, which we received a few days since. We are glad to find by it, that your great Work is still being upheld and prospered by God in whom you have so long and so fully trusted; and that you have been so much blessed in, and refreshed by, your own special work of preaching in different countries. So may it continue, that for many years to come there may be such a living unanswerable witness to the truth, that there is a God who answers prayer and honours faith. We are, Dear Sir, yours most sincerely, ****." \'a31. as a thank-offering from a Christian gentleman\rquote s servant, who had received \'a350. as a present for faithful service.\emdash Sept. 22. Legacy of the late Miss A. E. J. \'a350.\emd7ash Sept. 26. From Liverpool, a diamond ring.\emdash Sept. 29. Received \'a311. 12s. 6d., with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I send for the Orphans a cheque for \'a311. 12s. 6d. It is the amount of a claim which I could not recover by legal process, and had repeatedly made application for, without success. Seeing in your last Report, under date Oct. 28, 1876 (page 19), the account of the recovery of \'a311. 12s. 6d., I resolved to apply for the amount of my claim (as above) with the secret intention of sending it, if recovered, to the Orphans. Accordingly I sent the particulars in writing under an envelope, addressed \lquote private,\rquote and without a word of application; and by the very next post I received a cheque for the amount, with the debtor\rquote s compliments and a stamped envelope for my acknowledgment in return; so that the whole amount came without the loss of a single penny. The coincidence of the same amount (\'a311. 12s. 6d.) in each case appears most extraordinary, but I vou8ch for the precise accuracy of this statement. I remain, Yours faithfully and respectfully, ****."\emdash The following letter is from one of the former Orphan Boys articled to a branch postmaster, as a telegraph clerk: "Dear and Honoured Sir, It is a very great pleasure to be able to write a few lines to you and thank you for all you have done for me during the eight years I was under your kind and fatherly care in the dear Orphan Home, which I have left now for five months. Dear Sir, I am glad to tell you it was in the Orphan House I learnt to love my dear Saviour; but it was only a few months before I left. I wish it had been sooner. I am still rejoicing in Him, and I have taken a firm grasp of His kind loving hand, which, by God\rquote s grace, I hope never to let go.\emdash I thank you very much for the nice comfortable situation as a Telegraph Clerk, in which I have been placed. I am getting on very nicely, and will endeavour to continue so. I have such a kind Christian master and mistress, and they9 do all they can to make me happy.\emdash May the Lord, dear Sir, continue to strengthen and cheer you in your work of faith and labour of love in which you are engaged for Him. May I ask your acceptance of my respectful love, and kindly remember me with the same to beloved Mrs. Muller, Mr. Wright, Mrs. Wright, and to all your co-operators in that great work of yours. I remain, Dear and Honoured Sir, your grateful Orphan,****."\par \par Oct. 12. From Scotland \'a33., as "A thank-offering for special answers to prayer, during a period of sad bereavement." Legacy of the late Mrs. H. \'a31,000.\emdash From Burnham, \'a350.\emdash From the Hague, \'a31. 10s.\emdash Oct. 16. From Yorkshire, \'a3100.\emdash Oct. 18. From Ireland, \'a38. 6s. 3d., as "Marine Insurance for August and September, saved by not taking insurance policy out for goods sea-borne."\emdash Oct. 19. Legacy of the late Mr. B., of Philadelphia, U.S.A., 5,000 dollars = \'a31,002. 0s. 1d. Mr. B. insured his life for 5,000 dollars in the year 1:868, with the intention that the amount should paid for the benefit of the Orphans on Ashley Down. The testator died on Nov. 20, 1874; but I had never heard the least about this. On my arrival in the United States of America I was preaching on Sep. 10, 1877, in Dr. Budington\rquote s Church in Brooklyn, when a slip of paper was handed to me, on which it was stated, that if I would apply at such and such a place in Philadelphia, I might obtain this legacy of 5,000 dollars. I did so, and after some time obtained in full the amount. Thus, my being led of the Lord to labour for a season in the United States in word and doctrine, was also used as a means of obtaining the payment of this legacy. But this was not all. In New York, in Brooklyn, in Philadelphia, in Baltimore and in other cities in the United States, I had the joy of seeing Orphans, who had been brought up under my care, some of whom had walked in the ways of the Lord for a number of years, and one of them for about thirty. I saw also a gentleman, ;who told me the following deeply interesting facts, which a few days afterwards be had printed, and sent me. I give the narrative verbatim, as it will interest the Christian reader.\par \par REMARKABLE USEFULNESS OF ONE OF MR. MULLER\rquote S ORPHANS.\par \par \par LINDALE, Modoc County, California, October 7, 1877. To the Editor of the "Witness."\par \par The report of Mr. Muller\rquote s addresses in Dr. Budington\rquote s Church, as given in a late copy of the "Witness," calls to my mind some pleasant remembrances.\par \par During the war I spent some time at Washington N.C., as agent of the Christian Commission. Having been informed that there was a band of earnest Christian seamen on board of the gunboat "Louisiana," then guarding the town, I improved the earliest opportunity to visit the vessel. On being introduced to them by one of the officers, the young men gathered about me, and spoke of the great joy they found in the service of Christ. Their whole conversation was religious. With no mo other sailors, was detailed to make an awning for the ship, the work to be performed in a sail-loft on shore. The two associates were very rough, wicked men, and to sit down in their company, and be compelled for two weeks to listen to their lewd and profane conversation, was to Wilkinson no light affliction. At the time, he spoke of it with great depression. It was to him a providence he could not understand. But God had a purpose. His manner with his unconverted shipmates was commonly eharacterised by extreme reticence, so, during his stay in the sail-loft, he took scarce any part in their conversation; but it happened that a single sentence dropped from his lips by which the Spirit of God carried conviction home to the hearts of both his comrades. Before the two weeks were ended he led both of the men to my office for Christian counsel and prayer. Both came to trust that God, of whom they had been living in utter disregard, and almost utter ignorance. In three months from his conversion one of these ?men had read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation. If Mr. Muller were able to trace the work which, under God, the Bristol Orphan Asylum has accomplished in the world, he might well exclaim, "What hath God wrought!" For some years I have lost sight of my friend Wilkinson. If this should meet his eye, I would be glad to hear from him.\par \par J. R. HAMMOND.\par \par After my having preached the first time in Calvary Presbyterian Church, San Francisco, California, on April 26, 1878, Mr. Wilkinson, who has a respectable situation in that city, introduced himself to me. I had not seen him for about twenty years. He holds fast the Lord Jesus, and is a happy Christian; and, as he told me, is even happier now than during the American civil war, to which the preceding narrative refers. It was a real joy to me to meet this former Orphan, about 6,500 miles from Bristol. I have to state, that thousands of similar instances of blessing have been the result of our labours. While engaged on a preaching tou@r in England, Scotland, and Ireland, I met converted Orphans in every one of the large cities in which I preached, and sometimes 10 or 15 at once, who, after the service, came to shake hands with me, some of whom had left the Orphan Houses more than ten or fifteen years, and are now fathers or mothers of families. Thus we reap in a small degree even now; but how vast will be the harvest in eternity! Nothing has so abundantly shown to me the blessed results of my labours in connection with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution as going from city to city, and from country to country, on my preaching tours. In every city in England, Scotland, and Ireland where I preached, I had testimony from the mouth of multitudes of the great blessing which they have received through reading the Reports of the Institution, or the Narrative of the Lord\rquote s Dealings with me, which contains the substance of the Reports. The same I found to be the case in the sixty-eight cities where I preached in Switzerland, the German AEmpire, and in Holland, also in all the many cities in the United States of America, where I have been preaching. While I am writing this, I am in San Francisco in California, where I shall, God willing, be preaching some time, as well as in seven or eight other cities in California, and where such labours are greatly needed. I am now about 6,500 miles from Bristol; but even here, though I have been only two days in the city of San Francisco, 1 have met already with many pastors of churches and other Christian gentlemen, who have been abundantly blessed, as they say, through reading the account of my trials of faith in connection with the Institution, and my practical remarks made regarding them. Thus, great as my expectations of blessing were, when I began this Institution more than forty-four years since, they have been increased a thousand times beyond my expectations. I refer to all this, in order that Christians, labouring in any way for the Lord, may be encouraged to go on in their service, being asBsured that, if we seek to be vessels meet for the Master\rquote s use, and go on patiently and perseveringly with our work, in due season we shall reap.\par \par Oct. 27. Four bags of oatmeal.\emdash Oct. 30. From Malta \'a31. 12s.\emdash From Scotland 100 pairs of boots, 10 wincey shirts, and 20 boxes of buttons.\par \par Nov. 1. From Wolverhampton, 5 tubs of butter.\emdash Nov. 3. From Cheltenham \'a360.\emdash From Berkshire \'a375. for the support of six Orphans for one year.\emdash Nov. 7. \'a31. 0s. 6d. with the following letter: "Very dear and Honored Sir, Will you please to accept \'a31. for the dear Orphans? Our Heavenly Father has given us 34 chickens, and not one of them has been taken by the fox, although our neighbours have lost many. Please accept 6d. for the beautiful Report you kindly sent us. Hoping that your valuable life will be spared, to be the Orphans\rquote friend, is the prayer of your unworthy servants, ****."\emdash Nov. 8. From one of the former Orphans, who left 12 years aCnd 4 months since, and has been a servant all this time in the same family, 15s.\emdash Nov. 13. From Clifton \'a33., "instead of insuring the donor\rquote s house."\emdash Nov. 14. From Almondsbury, 3273 apples."\emdash Nov. 15. Eight oil paintings, from a great distance, to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans.\emdash Nov. 17. From London, 6 cases, containing a great variety of articles carved in wood.\emdash Nov. 21. From Stoke Newington, London, \'a31. 15s., "being the amount it would have cost to keep a dog for 12 months," and 10s. weekly offerings.\emdash Nov. 27. Legacy of the late Miss M. R. \'a3300. less legacy duty. The testatrix I knew not personally, and, as far as I remember, not even by name. Thus it is with almost all the testators and testatrixes, who have kindly left legacies for the work. I request the reader kindly to observe, how many legacies were again paid to the Orphan Fund, during this year, and that was one especial means, which God was pleased to use, for furnishing us with meDans, to meet the large expenses for the support of the 2193 Orphans, under our care, during the year.\par \par Dec. 3. From Tunbridge Wells \'a310., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Being on a visit to a friend here, and happening to mention your \lquote Home,\rquote I was somewhat startled at her assuring me, that you had been obliged to shut up some of your houses on account of the want of means to carry them on. Now as I feel certain that such is not the case (as your Heavenly Banker can never fail you, so long as the power of the prayer of faith is granted you), I thought I would ask you, or some of your kind helpers, to give me a few lines, refuting the error, into which my friend has been led. I referred her to your last Report, but was told, it had happened since April or May, up to which time your Report was carried. I can easily believe, that the Lord may have been trying your faith, and keeping your funds low, as He has often done; but I will never believe (unless I hear it from yourselfE or those in your Establishment) that you have been led to shut up even one of your houses. I beg your acceptance of \'a310., praying that the Lord will bless you more than he has ever done. Believe me, dear Sir, yours sincerely, ****," In reply it was stated to the lady who wrote this letter, that all the five Orphan Houses were in full working order on December 4, 1877; that since May 26, 1877, up to December 4, 1877, there had been received 101 Orphans, to fill up vacancies occasioned by sending out servants and apprentices, etc.; and that in that very week, God willing, 15 more Orphans were expected to be received. Similar strange statements have often been made, even without a shadow of foundation. This too we take out of the hands of our Heavenly Father, seeking to exercise faith regarding it, and commit it in prayer to Him\emdash Dec. 5. Received \'a32. 1s. 6d., with the following letter: "My dear Sir, Taking an interest in your work, but being at present unable to assist by sending any regular remFittances, it has occurred to me, to forward you each month the fees I receive in my professional capacity as "a commissioner to administer oaths," so that I may help forward in some small degree what, I am satisfied, is God\rquote s work. You should know (to appreciate the cause of any fluctuation in the amounts) that the fees for affidavits and declarations taken by commissioners are unsought by them and come, as people say, \lquote by accident;\rquote and therefore, what you may receive from time to time, you may justly consider as sent to you direct from our Heavenly Father, I being merely the \lquote conduit pipe.\rquote In order to draw the attention of my professional brethren to this method of \lquote doing God\rquote s service,\rquote please enter my donation as "A solicitor\rquote s fees for affidavits taken in November, \'a32. 1s. 6d., etc." This is just another way, how God may work, in answer to prayer, in the hearts of His stewards; and we are thus further and further encouraged to trust iGn Him.\emdash From a Bristol wholesale house of business, 8 barrels of flour, 16 half-boxes of raisins, and 1 barrel of currants, for the Christmas puddings of the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 10. For the support of 9 Orphans for one year \'a3117. 9s. 0d., with \'a310. 10s. for myself.\emdash Dee. 12. From London \'a35., with this statement: "Had I not adopted the principle of proportionate storing, you would not have had this \'a35."\emdash Dec. 13. From a Bristol firm, 10 boxes of old raisins and 10 boxes of new ditto.\emdash Dec. 14. From Wolverhampton, 5 sacks of oatmeal.\emdash Dec. 17. Legacy of the late Mr. E. M. L. \'a3500. less duty.\emdash Dec. 19. From the neighbourhood of London \'a3290., with \'a310. for myself.\emdash Dec. 20. From a Bristol firm, for a Christmas treat to the children, 40 boxes of fruit and 10 boxes of oranges. This, and the other presents in oranges and fruit, will give to the reader a little idea of the greatness of the work; for, immense as all this may appear, even for the largeHst family circle, in our case it goes but a little way. Even a comparatively small treat to these two thousand Orphans, with their teachers and other helpers, takes \'a350. or more.\emdash Dec. 21. A lady in Clifton very kindly sent again, as many years previously, a large quantity of toys for the children, as a Christmas present.\emdash Dec. 22. From Bath \'a363. 1s. for the support of five Orphans for one year.\emdash From a Bristol firm, 20 boxes of oranges; and from another, 3 boxes of oranges.\emdash Dec. 26. \'a31. from one of the former Orphan girls, now in service, with the following letter: "Dear and Honoured Sir; I am very thankful, at this happy season of the year, to have the privilege of writing to you, and asking you, kindly to accept the enclosed Post Office Order for \'a31. for the Orphans. I remember with what delight we, who have left the Orphan Houses, used to look forward to Christmas, and how we enjoyed the treats, you so kindly provided for us. Though those happy times have passed, yIet, in the memory of them we sometimes seem to live and to enjoy them over again. How thankful we all ought to be to our Heavenly Father for having provided such a home for us, when He saw best to take our earthly parents from us. He has indeed, through you, fulfilled His promise to care for the fatherless. Please remember me gratefully to Mrs. Muller, Mr. and Mrs. Wright and Mr. Horne. That every Christmas joy and blessing may be yours, is the prayer of your grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash Dec. 31, 1877. From the pupils of a Grammar School, \'a312. 10s.\emdash From a farm in the neighbourhood of High Wycombe \'a31. 4s., as "A penny in the shilling, taken for eggs, during the past year."\emdash From the neighbourhood of Sheffield 113 pairs of slippers.\par \par We were now brought to the close of another year. Very great and varied had been again, as usual, the blessings, which it had pleased the Lord to bestow upon us during the past year; and having Him, as during the 44 years of the existence of the IJnstitution, as the Patron, who, during all those many years, at all times, and under the most difficult circumstances had proved to us, how blessed it is, to have Him as Patron, we looked peacefully forward to the next year, though we well knew, how greatly we should need His help during the new year also. I now refer to a very few other instances, to show the readiness of the heart of our Heavenly Father, in answer to our daily believing supplications, to send us the needed means, during this year also, to meet our very heavy expenses for this greatest of all Orphan Institutions in the world.\par \par January 1, 1878. Already on the first day of this new year we received many donations for the support of our large Orphan Family, of which I will only refer to the following. From the neighbourhood of Glamorgan \'a330.\emdash From Shrewsbury \'a310 and \'a310.\emdash From New Wimbledon, \'a313. 10s. for the support of one Orphan.\emdash From London \'a325.\emdash From Clifton \'a313., for the support of tKwo Orphans for 6 months.\emdash From a Sunday School at Wellington, New Zealand, \'a31. 5s.\emdash From New Zealand, a gold ring, a mourning ditto, a colonial gold ditto, and one set with onyx.\emdash Jan. 5. From a Bristol donor \'a34. 14s. 6d., with the words: "My gross receipts for the New Year\rquote s Day."\emdash From Wotton-under-Edge 16s., "The takings in my small shop on New Year\rquote s Day."\emdash From E. B. \'a31., as "First cash taken in business this year."\emdash Jan. 7. From Norwich 232 scrubbing brushes, 14 leather mats, some stove shavings, 234 oil brushes, 22 whips and 22 dog collars.\emdash From friends at Durdham Down a great variety of articles as Christmas presents for the Orphans.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a35. 5s. as "The twelfth part of my year\rquote s commission as a commercial traveller."\emdash Jan. 9. From a Christian former Orphan, an inmate 1850, \'a310., with the following letter to Mr. Wright: "Honoured Sir, When in New York in October last, I had tLhe pleasure of crossing the ferry from Brooklyn to New York in company with Mr. Muller. At that time it was intended to fix the ship I commanded to Bristol, and I promised myself the pleasure of going to see the New Orphan Houses; but a day or two afterwards I received orders to fix for Liverpool, and, on account of the death of my late employer, whom I have served for more than nine years, the ship I commanded was sold by the executors, so that I am thrown out of employment, and cannot avail myself of the pleasure of seeing the New Orphan Houses; but please accept the enclosed \'a310., to be used at your discretion, as a thank-offering unto the Lord for His numerous mercies during another voyage, and bringing me safely back to my native land from the East Indies. We trust that the Lord is still blessing the labours of Mr. Muller in America, and himself and Mrs. Muller enjoying good health, also that yourself and Mrs. Wright are quite well, and, with Christian love, yours respectfully, ****."\emdash Jan. M12. From Basle \'a328.\emdash Jan. 23. From London \'a31. 4s. "From a Solicitor for fees on affidavits, taken in December."\emdash Jan. 24. From the neighbourhood of Nottingham, a lady\rquote s gold watch set with diamonds and a gold chain, as "Treasures in Heaven." Matthew vi. 20.\emdash Jan. 26. Friends through "The Religious Journal of Neuchatel" 100 Francs=\'a33. 19s. 4d.\emdash Jan. 28. From Cheltenham \'a360.\emdash From Canterbury, New Zealand, \'a36.\emdash Jan. 29. Legacy of the late Mrs. L., \'a3100.\emdash Jan. 30. From Scotland \'a38. 5s. This donation comes from a servant of the Lord Jesus, who has no property and no fixed salary or income whatever, and who for years has sent me for the benefit of the Orphans the fifth part of all that God is pleased to give to him in answer to prayer.\par \par Feb. 1. \'a37. 10s. with these words: "Being half the money I took in prizes for my sheep, at different Christmas shows."\emdash Feb. 16. From Hopton, near Harling, from 36 Christian friends, \'a320.N\emdash From Adelaide, South Australia, \'a310.\emdash From Kent \'a391. 7s. for the support of seven Orphans for one year.\emdash Feb. 20. From Chichester, a diamond ring.\emdash Feb. 21. \'a32. from London, "From a Solicitor for affidavits taken in January."\emdash Feb. 25. From York \'a3200.\emdash Feb. 26. \'a3200. as the second instalment of the legacy of the late G. W., Esq.\par \par March 1. The total income for the support of the Orphans today was \'a38. 14s. 4\'bdd., but the average expense, for each day, for this object alone, is \'a373. What is to be done under such circumstances? We do not ask friends to help us. We do not send out circulars to make known our need. We do not in the least, for the time being, refer to it, outside the Institution. We pray and seek to encourage ourselves in God. And similar days come often. Yea the money in hand may sink more and more, so that the appearance is, very shortly we shall have nothing at all. And what do we then? We still wait upon God and trust in OHim, and in Him alone. He has helped, and helped above forty years, and we trust He will yet help us; and thus we encourage ourselves in God.\emdash March 8. From Limerick \'a320. "Being Marine Insurance on goods for November, December, January and February."\emdash March 9. From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a3200.\emdash March 16. The total income of today, for all the various Objects of the Institution, was only \'a310. 2s. 1\'be d., whilst the average expenses for one day, for all the Objects, amount to \'a3124. per day. But our hope is in God, though our faith is tried.\emdash March 22. From Hampshire \'a34. 7s. 1d., "Being one penny put by on each dozen of eggs sold, during the year."\emdash From London \'a31. 11s. 9d. with this letter: "Dear and Honoured Sir, Enclosed I have the privilege to send you towards the support of the Orphans a cheque, value \'a31. 11s. 9d. (being "first fruits" on an increase of income, with 10s. added in gratitude to God, for the discovery of a mistake, in answer to Pprayer). Permit me also to express my deep thankfulness, that I ever came across your "Narrative," which has been to me a very great blessing, as it has also been to several others, to whom I have sent it, or otherwise made it known. With much prayer, that God may yet more abundantly bless you and your work, and make your last days your best days, I am, my dear Sir, yours in the Lord Jesus ****."\emdash March 26. \'a32. from the neighbourhood of London with this letter: "Dear Sir, It is with much pleasure I enclose a Post Office order for the sum of \'a32. for the Orphan Houses. When I sent last year, I thought it would be the last I should ever be able to send, as I was getting old and had left service, to live upon the hard earnings of nearly fifty years. It is now twelve months since I left. To my great surprise my late master sent for me last week and presented me with a handsome sum which has enabled me to double the amount, which I have sent before. Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodnesQs and His wonderful works to the children of men! I have had to plead with Him during the past year, and tell Him that the silver and the gold were His, and all hearts were in His hands; and now He has done much more than I could ask or think. What shall I render to Him for all His benefits! Yours respectfully, ****."\par \par Apr. 3. From the Diamond Fields in South Africa \'a36.\emdash Apr. 4. \'a31. 10s., with this memorandum: "Part of the donation is the sum of a debt, recovered in the following way. Failing in all ordinary attempts to get the payment of his debt, Mr. B. resolved not to put the debtor in court, but to put the matter in the Lord\rquote s hands, with the further determination, that, if the money should be paid, he would devote it to the Lord\rquote s service. Shortly after this the bill was paid, and Mr. B. herewith fulfils his purpose, with addition thereto."\emdash From one of the former Orphans \'a31. 5s., with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, Although it is now nineteen yeaRrs, since I left the dear Orphan House, the love and interest I feel is as strong as ever for the dear Home. It was there I found the Saviour, and He has been my Friend and Guide to the present. I know all my path has been marked by a loving Father\rquote s hand. I can trust Him for the future. My health is better than I ever expected, and I am able to obtain my own living, which I feel is a great mercy. I have been for the last five years engaged as a housekeeper to an uncle of my cousins. It is my privilege to be so situated as to be able to work for Jesus, both in the Sunday School, in visiting the sick, etc. Dear Mr. Muller, a lady wished me to forward you one pound for the Orphan work, and I feel pleasure in adding five shillings. May the dear Lord continue to bless you with health and strength, long to live and labour for Him, and give the same blessing to all the dear friends now engaged in the work with you. Believe me, dear Sir, Respectfully yours, ****."\emdash Apr. 12. Legacy of the late Miss MS. A. R. \'a3100. less duty.\emdash Apr. 20. From the East Indies \'a360.\emdash Apr. 26. \'a33., with this letter: "Dear Sir, I have much pleasure in forwarding to you a cheque for \'a33., sent by my late clerk J. S., now a shepherd in Queensland. It is the second time this labouring man has sent to your Orphanage, and he desires to do so every year, etc."\par \par May 6. From Limerick \'a35. 1s. 3d. instead of "Marine Insurance for March and April."\emdash May 7. Total income this day \'a311. 15s. 2d., whilst our average expenses for one day are about \'a3124. Thus it has been of late again and again. Under these circumstances we lay hold on the promises of our Heavenly Father, and thus seek to encourage ourselves.\emdash May 16, From Cornwall \'a33. 9s. 6d. The writer says in his letter, that through my writings he was led to give systematically, at first a tenth, and that for the last five years he has given a third of all his profits to the Lord\rquote s work. This leads me to ask the Christian readTer, Are you giving to the Lord in some way or other of that with which the Lord is pleased to intrust you, on principle, systematically, according to the prosperity which God grants to you; or do you leave it to impulse and feeling? Let me affectionately entreat you to give, as God prospers you, in order that you may not lose blessing spiritually, which you most assuredly would, if you withheld more than is meet.\emdash May 22. From Kingston-on-Thames \'a310, "In lieu of a gold bracelet, bequeathed, for the benefit of the Institution."\par \par Means for the support of the Two Thousand Two Hundred and Fourteen Orphans, who were under our care from May 26, 1878, to May 26, 1879, sent in answer to prayer. Letters from Donors and Orphans, Practical remarks, etc.\par \par When in the year 1835 I added the Orphan work to the other Objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, my first and chief aim was not, to care for the physical well-being of the Orphans, though we seek with all eUarnestness to attend to this. Nor was the cultivation of their minds the first and chief object I had in view regarding the Orphans, though we do indeed seek this, not only through the instrumentality of Christian teachers, but of such who are fitted, as properly trained teachers, to carry out this point. Nor was even the salvation of the souls of these Orphans the chief and primary object of the Orphan work, though God has condescended most abundantly to bless our labours in the conversion of many hundreds of Orphans. That which I had, above all, in view regarding the Orphan work, and why it was commenced, was, that God might be glorified in its being seen, through this work, that He was as willing as ever to answer the prayers of His children, and how much even now can be accomplished through the instrumentality of prayer and faith. Because, then, this was, and is still before me, therefore is such stress laid upon receiving, what we receive, as the result of prayer and faith, without applying to any onVe but God Himself for help.\par \par When our year commenced, on May 27, 1878, we had for the support of the Orphans \'a34708. 4s. 10\'bdd. in hand. This may appear to one or the other a considerable sum, and, in a certain sense, it was even to us a considerable sum to begin the year with; but if it be remembered that often we have to pay out in one day \'a3500., and sometimes even considerably more, it will easily be perceived, that we needed faith in the Living God, in order to be at peace regarding our necessities, and that this balance of \'a34708. could in no wise assure us that we should not want. We did, however, look to God, and to Him alone, and therefore was the heart at peace.\par \par I will now seek to show to the reader, very briefly, how we fared, during this year with reference to pecuniary supplies for the Orphans:\emdash\par \par May 31, 1878. From Sacramento, California, a gold watch and chain.\emdash June 22. The total income for all the five different Objects of the Institution Wwas today \'a36., whilst the average expenses for one day, are \'a3124.\emdash June 25. Received \'a39. 10s. "instead of insuring 380 acres against hailstorms,"\emdash June 27. Although, during the first month, from May 27 to June 27, 363 donations had been received, yet, as the total of them amounted only to \'a3752. 14s., whilst our average expenses for one month for the support of the Orphans alone amounted to more than \'a32000., our balance was still further reduced, to what it had been at the beginning of the year; but our confidence in the Living God was as strong as before, and, by His grace, without wavering.\par \par July 20. \'a310. 10s., from a former pupil of the first Boys\rquote Day School of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. This donor has given the same amount repeatedly.\emdash July 25. At the beginning of this day we were still poorer than on June 27, because the income during the past four weeks had been again only \'a3740. 11s. 8\'bdd., instead of \'a32,200. But we looked out fXor help, and continued patiently, with prayer, to exercise faith in the power of God, and in the willingness of God to help us. In the meantime also, we had still something in hand to last a little while longer. Now, however, the time was come when the Lord graciously would give again more abundantly, after having tried our faith considerably for several months with regard to means. I received this day \'a35,000, free of duty, as payment of the legacy of the late W. C. H., Esq. This gentleman I had never seen, and the legacy was paid considerably before the legal time, both of which circumstances are to be noticed. I also received \'a31,293. 14s. 11d, today as payment of the legacy of the late C. G. E., Esq., this amount being a third of the residue. Legacy of the late Miss P. B. L. \'a35. In addition to this we received about \'a350. in various small donations. My heart rejoiced, when I thus again saw the hand of God so manifestly stretched out on our behalf, bidding us, so to speak, afresh to be of goodY cheer, and afresh assuring us by His dealings that He will never leave us nor forsake us.\emdash From Liverpool 20 half boxes of soap.\par \par Aug. 10. \'a3200. as the legacy of the late R. M., Esq., less duty.\emdash Aug. 12. From the neighbourhood of Gloucester \'a31. 1s. as "Firstfruits of the poultry-yard."\emdash From Sussex \'a365.\emdash Aug. 16. From Yorkshire \'a3100.\emdash Aug. 17. \'a34. 5s. 6d. "From a commissioner for affidavits for the months of May, June and July."\emdash Aug. 27. Received 3s. with the following letter:\emdash "Honoured Sir, I wish to thank you for the Report sent, which my wife and self have read with pleasure and profit, and, in some instances, with much joy; but it is with some concern we look at the figures at the end of the book. Of course we mean not so much as a matter of faith, but as a matter of fact. The difference between \'a310,936. [the balance in hand May 26, 1877] and \'a34,708. [the balance in hand May 26, 1878] is pretty palpable at first sight; and weZ judge that this decline has given not a little exercise of mind and trial to yourself, Mr. Wright, and others, and we send you as much as we can (3s. worth of stamps) to cheer you on your way in this new year of faith and hope.\emdash We see, looking back, that you began May 26, 1874, with \'a34,057. and ended with \'a38,406., and let us hope that 1878 and \lquote 79 may prove as good, under God\rquote s blessing. Please excuse and accept it in the goodwill with which it is sent, and believe us to be yours faithfully ****." I wrote on the receipt, in acknowledging this 3s., "Thanks for the kind sympathy. I trust in God, He has helped and He will further help."\par \par I make the following remarks on this letter. 1, Such fluctuations do not take us by surprise; they were expected from the beginning of the work; periods even when all might be expended, when God, in answer to prayer, would make bare his arm, and send help for the Orphans, were looked for; and the very reason for founding the Orphan work [was, to show to the world and the church at large, how much even in the 19th century can be accomplished by prayer and faith. This Institution has been from the beginning like the burning bush, and yet it is not consumed.\par \par 2, The writer of the letter knew not, that the balance in hand for the support of the Orphans, became reduced still further and further, week after week, in June and July, 1878; but our hope was in God. I say in God. Not in circumstances, not in natural prospects, not in former donors, but solely in God. This is just that which brings the blessing. If we say we trust in Him, but in reality do not, then God, taking us at our word, lets us see, that we do not really confide in Him; and hence failure arises. On the other hand, if our trust in the Lord is real, help will surely come. "According unto thy faith be it unto thee." Thus we have invariably found it during the 45 years of the existence of the Institution.\par \par Aug. 31. Four tubs of butter and five sacks of oatmeal.\\par \par Sep. 2. By sale of dentist gold, etc. \'a328. 8s.\emdash Sep. 3. From Jamaica \'a36.\emdash Sep. 3. Received on account of the legacy of the late Mrs. S. S. \'a34,100. This Mrs. S. had never sent anything in her lifetime; I had never seen her, never heard her name; but hearing about the Orphan work on Ashley Down, she was induced, I understand, to leave this legacy. Thus God helps us. We make our prayer to Him, we look to Him, we do trust in Him; and He speaks and works for us, without our doing anything in the matter besides. Unspeakably blessed it is, thus to confide in God! Sep. 4. Today, when I had prepared the balance-sheet, it was found, that we had in hand for the support of the Orphans \'a311,575. 4s. 11\'bdd. and \'a3988. 3s. 8\'bcd. for the first four Objects. Within three months and eight days the Lord had been pleased to send us \'a318,400. 17s. 8d., by far the largest sum we have ever had, within the same space of time, during the 45 years of the existence of the Institution. Will] not the beloved Christian readers see, if they have not done so before, how blessed it is to trust in God? Verily, those who do so will not be confounded, though their faith may again and again he sharply tried.\emdash Sep. 9. "Given up for conscience sake" 4 gold rings.\emdash Sep. 10. Seven sacks of potatoes.\emdash Sep. 18. \'a35. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, Please to accept of the enclosed \'a35. for the use of the Orphans, as a thank-offering to our Heavenly Father for hearing and answering my prayers, by removing what had the appearance of being a stumbling block to the peace of mind to one of my family. I can truly say, God is good, etc."\emdash Sep. 21. Received \'a35. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I have the pleasure of sending you a \'a35. Note for the Orphan Homes. Please send me the last Report, as the reading of the Reports, on former occasions, has often strengthened my own faith. In the beginning of last year I resolved to put aside an additional portion of my inco^me, as the Lord\rquote s portion (\'a320.); and as I thought I could not afford to do so all the year through, I thought the first quarter was the best time, the command being, \lquote Honour the Lord with the first fruits of all thine increase.\rquote The second quarter had no sooner commenced, than, by the sudden death of a relation, from whom I had no expectations, I received \'a320. 17s. This enabled me to do as I had done the first. But this was not all. Shortly after the beginning of the third quarter, a debt was paid, which had been owing so long, that I never expected to receive the money; and interest, unasked, amounting to nearly a third of the debt. May God abundantly prosper all the work He has given you to do for Him! Believe the, yours sincerely, ****."\emdash Sep. 24. Ten barrels of apples\emdash Sep. 26. From a farmer \'a32., as a thank-offering "For a good breed of lambs."\emdash Sep. 27. Received \'a34. 8s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, On the 26th of last September I sent to Mr_. Wright (your esteemed Son-in-Law) the sum of \'a34. 7s., being a thank-offering of 1s. a year for the eighty-six years of my eventful life, and 1s. for Report, etc. And as my Heavenly Father has been pleased to prolong my unworthy existence to the present day, I once more tender the same little offering of \'a34. 8s., viz. \'a34. 7s. as a thank-offering and 1s. for the Report, etc., with my sincere prayers for a continuance of the Lord\rquote s manifest blessing on your noble and wonderful Institution. Believe me, dear Mr. Muller, to remain, in all sincerity, your sister in the Lord, ****."\emdash Sep. 28. A diamond ring.\par \par Oct. 1. \'a31. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose you a cheque for \'a31. for the Orphan Work, as a thank-offering to Almighty God for a prosperous year\rquote s business, during a time of such great depression in trade; and also for the preservation of myself, family and friends from accident and sudden death, during a year which has been full of such calamitie`s. Yours with Christian regards, ****."\emdash Oct. 3. \'a31. 1s. as "A thank-offering for a son\rquote s safe return, after a long voyage."\emdash An Indian shawl, a Shetland wool ditto, 2 lace veils, a silver coffee-pot, a silver tea-pot, a silver feeding bowl, a silver muffineer, 2 silver ladles, a locket, 2 brooches, a ring, an earring, a gold seal, some Roman pearls, some scent bottles, brass ornaments, &c.\emdash Oct. 7. \'a31. 1s. from one of the former Orphans, now in Ireland, with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, May I have the pleasure of once more sending to you my mite for the blessed work in which you are now engaged. I do feel so happy when from time to time I have the pleasure of seeing how you are spared in health and strong to preach in so many foreign places the glad tidings of salvation; and I do pray, that you may have the joy of seeing many precious souls brought to know and love Jesus as their Saviour; and may God bless you abundantly in your own soul. Often do I think of the ahappy days I spent under your fatherly care; and now, that I am far away, I know that the same loving Hand is guiding me safely on, that first put me under your care. I have two dear good Christian ladies to serve. May God help me to serve them aright, always remembering that there is an Eye ever watching over me. May I ask you, ever to remember me in your prayers, that I may be kept faithful unto the end. I have sent a Post Office Order for \'a31. 1s., asking you kindly to send me a Report. Hoping this letter will find you in good health, I am, dear and respected Sir, your ever grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash From Melton Mowbray \'a35., as "A thank-offering for the preservation of a valuable horse, when in great danger."\emdash Oct. 10, Legacy of the late Mrs. K. \'a3465. 12s. 6d. This lady, as far as I know, I have never seen, but God, in answer to our daily prayers for means to carry on this work, put it into her heart to leave us this legacy.\emdash Oct. 14. Legacy of the late G. T., Esq., \'a3100.\emdbash Oct. 17. From one of the Midland counties \'a370.\emdash Oct. 19. From Germany a German Government Interest Coupon for 11 Thalers 7 Sgr, 6 Pf., as "A thank-offering for the safe delivery of the donor\rquote s wife."\emdash Oct. 23. From a Christian gentleman and lady \'a3134. for the support of ten Orphans for one year.\emdash Oct. 28. From Zeist, Holland, 10s.\emdash Received 5s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I send you the enclosed 5s. as a thank-offering for the restoration of a very bad finger. Having read in your last Report about the horse getting better in answer to prayer, and the owner sending you Two Pounds, I told the Lord if my finger got better without a doctor I would send you the enclosed. At that time I could do nothing, but had to nurse it. That very night, however, it became so much better that I could work the next day. Now, thank the Lord for His loving kindness, I am able to act according to my promise. Please use the money as you think proper. Yours in Christ, ****."\emdacsh Oct. 29. From the neighbourhood of Sydney, New South Wales, \'a320.\par \par Nov. 4. As further payment on account of the legacy of the late Mrs. S. S. \'a3131. 1s. 7d.\emdash From a painter and decorator \'a33. 6s., being "Sixpence on each room, papered by him, during one year."\emdash From various Christian friends at Montreux, Switzerland, 250 Francs = \'a310.\emdash Nov. 8. From the neighbourhood of Hull \'a32. as "Produce of a pear-tree for the Orphans."\emdash Nov. 13. \'a32. 10s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, As I have received a present of \'a325., I promised beforehand to give ten per cent. to the Lord. So I send you an Order for \'a32. 10s. Please use it according to the Lord\rquote s direction. I am yours truly, ****."\emdash Nov. 14. Received 19s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Enclosed is a Post Office Order for 19s., which please divide between yourself and the Orphans. The enclosed is part of a bad debt of over \'a330. which I made in July; and as it was a very bad estatde, I did not prove, and promised the Lord, that whatever I received from it, should be sent to you. The gentleman has promised to pay the whole amount (much to my surprise) in instalments, therefore I will send it, as I get it. Hoping that you are still enjoying good health, I am yours truly, ****."\emdash Nov. 15. Received 10s., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose a Post Office Order for 10s., which kindly accept for the use of the Orphans. A few months ago I suddenly became very deaf, and feared the use of one ear was gone. Knowing the ear to be such a delicate organ, I always dreaded consulting a doctor about it; so I made it a subject of earnest prayer, and determined that if my hearing was restored, without medical advice, I would send 10s. for the Lord\rquote s work in your hands. I now hear again as well as ever, so you can receive this trifle as another of the many interesting ways in which God answers your prayers. Many thanks for the three Reports received. I always read them with greeat pleasure, and, I trust, profit. I am going to send one to my brother, who is in Canada. With Christian regards, I remain, dear Mr. Muller, yours in the love of Christ Jesus, ****."\emdash From Christian friends at Lausanne 250 Francs = \'a310.\emdash Nov. 23. Received from Manchester \'a310. 10s. 7d. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, enclosed please find (for the Orphans) a crossed cheque for \'a310. 10s. 7d. The amount has been derived from a per centage (devoted to the purpose) on certain debts or claims which (rightly or wrongly) were considered doubtful, but were subsequently realized. An acknowledgment will oblige, yours respectfully, ****."\emdash Nov. 27. \'a32. 15s. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, As soon as the English took possession of Cyprus, I sent a man with all kinds of merchandise, and obtained a large store. I enclose 29s. 6d., being 6d. in the Pound of first money received from there; also 25s. 6d. instead of insuring a portion of the goods sent. The Tracts yofu kindly sent me, I have sent to Cyprus, and should be thankful if you would send me a few more. May the Lord of Love bless you in all your undertaking, is the prayer of one who loves those who love and serve the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The first thing I ever sent you was a thimble. When first you commenced the Orphanage I was a little boy. Many hundred of times I have wished I could send you something, ****."\par \par Dec. 2. From a widow in Aberdeenshire \'a31., with the following letter: "My dear Mr. Muller, You have been a good deal on my mind for the past few weeks, and I have been asking my Heavenly Father to supply your need out of His fulness. I have not half an hour ago been paid my earnings, and how glad I am to be able to send you a mite for the Orphans. I am fearing you may have been feeling the sad result of this great commercial failure, the cause of so many more, I mean the Glasgow Bank. That you may be long spared to be His steward in this work of faith and labour of love, is the gearnest prayer of my heart to Him who, I know, hears and answers prayer. I am, dear Mr. Muller, Yours sincerely, ****."\emdash Had we no trust in God, such an event as the failure of the Bank referred to here, and that which was still nearer, the failure of the South Wales and West of England District Bank in Bristol itself, with its forty-two Branch Banks, would indeed have been calculated, naturally, to fill one\rquote s heart with fear; but because we know God, and really trust in Him, and do not merely say so, therefore our heart was kept in peace, still trusting in Him, and looking to Him; and we have not been confounded.\emdash Dec. 3. Received \'a35. with the following letter: "My Dear Sir, Once more I am spared to send you a contribution of \'a35., out of my storings for the Lord. Had I not adopted the principle of proportionate systematic giving, I feel sure I should not be able to do this; I should give much less and with more hesitancy. I rejoice that your great original works continue so well hsustained. I was very fearful that, as somewhat similar Institutions were commenced, one after another in various parts, they would tend to detract from the flow of generous aid to yours. I rejoice that it is not so. Yours truly, ****."\emdash From a poor man out of work 1s. 2d.\emdash Dec. 7. Sent for the Orphans\rquote Christmas puddings, 16 half boxes of raisins, 1 barrel of currants and 8 barrels of flour.\emdash Dec. 10. From Yorkshire \'a3100. This kind donor has again and again sent us help, within the last four years, though not personally known to me.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Birmingham \'a3400.; this kind donor also has within the last few years sent to us considerable help, which again and again arrived, when greatly needed. She also is not known to me personally.\emdash How precious it is, to have a Friend in Heaven to go to, in our need, and then to obtain help through His stewards, though we know them not personally.\emdash From Scotland 4 cheeses.\emdash Dec. 18. Received from Londion the first half of a \'a3500. Bank of England Note, with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I had intended leaving a sum of money for your Orphanages in my will; but as the funds of all Institutions are at present suffering from the commercial depression, I have thought it better to send the amount, \'a3500., now, thus saving the legacy duty, and ministering to your present need; so please to enter it in your books as \lquote Instead of a Legacy.\rquote When I see by advertisement in the \lquote Daily Telegraph\rquote that you have received the first half of note enclosed, I will then post you the other. I trust that God will continue to guide and bless you in your work. Please to accept my kind regards and best wishes." This is another instance how God helps us, and how He has been pleased to supply us with means for the Institution during the past 45 years. We have not of course the least idea, who this kind anonymous donor is; but God knows him, and we pray that He will abundantly recompense him.\emdjash Dec. 21. For the Orphans 20 boxes of oranges.\emdash Dee. 23. \'a316. 3s. 6d., with this letter: "A father, mother and three children, whose hands have during the year been engaged on behalf of the Orphans, with great pleasure send the result of their united labour as a Christmas gift."\emdash From Clifton we received for the children a number of dolls, some fancy boxes, albums, games, balls, tops and a great variety of other play-things.\emdash From Durdham Down, as Christmas presents for the Orphans, dressed dolls, boxes and packets of chocolate and sweets, some drums, tops, balls, marbles, whips and guns, boxes of toys, books, fancy cards, paint boxes, transparent slates, pocket-handkerchiefs, wool ties and ruffs, baskets and boxes, pencils, trumpets and other play-things.\emdash Dec. 28. From J. J. 3s. as a quarterly contribution to the Orphanage, with the following written communication: "Since I commenced sending you from a very limited income the sum enclosed, quarterly, I must acknowledge thatk, through the mercy of God, it has trebled, and I am able to do good in other ways. I was very pleased to hear incidentally from the lips of a stranger to me a testimony to the value of your Orphanage and of the beneficial influence exercised on its inmates after leaving."\emdash Dec. 31. Great and many and very varied had been the difficulties and necessities of the past year; but, by the help of God, all were now overcome, His help had been peculiarly manifested, in a variety of ways; and, as to the supply of means, though we had been most needy, particularly at one time of the past year; we were also helped so abundantly, when thus brought low, that at no period, since the Institution has been in existence, have we had so much come in, in such a short time, as was the case, immediately after our faith had been thus tried. The hand of God therefore was most manifestly stretched out on our behalf, and we entered, with confidence in Him, upon the new year, being fully assured that He would not forsake us,l whatever difficulties, trials or necessities might yet await us.\par \par January 1, 1879. Already on the first day of the year we obtained 83 donations for the Orphans, amounting altogether to \'a3268. 10s. 0\'bed. Of these donations I only mention \'a31. 8s. 2d., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I send you a Post Office Order for \'a31. 8s. 2d. for the Orphans. At the beginning of last year I promised the Lord, if he sent me 1,000 pairs of boots and shoes to mend, I would give one farthing per pair to the Orphanage. I have had 1351, therefore I present the above sum, with much pleasure. I am, dear Sir, yours in Christ, ****."\emdash Jan. 3. From Leicestershire 13s. 10d., being "The first day\rquote s takings in a shop in the New Year."\emdash Jan. 4. From Manchester \'a316. 16s. 8d., "Being the excess beyond a certain amount which on a recent sale of property was devoted to the Orphans."\emdash Jan. 14. Again \'a3200. from the same kind donor in Yorkshire, who within the last four years has repematedly sent to us similar donations.\emdash Jan. 15. From believers at Sand Area Chapel, Kendal, \'a329. 2s. 6d.\emdash From North Devon \'a31. 1s. as "A thank-offering for another merciful preservation in childbirth."\emdash From Bideford \'a31. 9s. as "Weekly pence, collected round our table for the Orphans."\emdash From Biarritz 115 Francs 90 centimes and 2 silver coins.\emdash From Devonshire \'a368. 7s. 8d. from a donor who has kindly helped in the Orphan Work for more than thirty years, and who sends this sum now in consideration of the difficulties there may be on account of the failure of banks, etc.\emdash \'a38. 8s. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, I am very glad to have the privilege of again sending my gross receipts for \lquote The New Year\rquote s day 1879.\rquote It was the best day of the week, and I only wish it were more. These are difficult times; but there is an over-ruling Providence, which will cause even this to work for good to those who love Him. May He still uphold younr hands. You have my prayers and good wishes. Always yours, ****."\emdash Jan. 27. \'a35. as "A thank-offering for God\rquote s mercy that a dear child escaped a violent death."\emdash \'a310. as "Part of a tenth, from the country."\emdash Jan. 28. Christian friends, from Zurich, \'a37. 15s.\emdash Jan. 29. From the neighbourhood of Dorchester \'a35., "Instead of insuring my stock-in-trade."\par \par Feb. 10. \'a350. as "A thank-offering from Cork."\emdash Through W. H. A., Esq., \'a363.\emdash Feb. 11. From a solicitor \'a34. 18s. "for affidavits taken as commissioner in the months of November and December, 1878, and January, 1879."\emdash Feb. 13. Legacy of the late Mr. T. C., \'a3100., less duty.\emdash From A. Y. Z., \'a352. 10s.\emdash \'a32. as "A fee received on the Lord\rquote s Day by an Irish country physician."\emdash Feb. 14. \'a35. from the principal of a house of business, to whom three of our Orphan boys are apprenticed, with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I am once more, throuogh the blessing of God, able to send you, as His steward, a small donation of \'a35. Although times are very bad, I find no difficulty as yet; but quite the contrary, plenty of everything, and a little to spare. With kind love to all, I remain yours truly, ****." P.S. The three boys are doing well. B., the eldest, will be out of his time in April, and I am thankful to say, that during the whole of the five years he has not had a day\rquote s illness. I am glad to say that he is a good tradesman by this time. He has had the sole management of, a Branch Establishment of ours during the last five months."\emdash Feb. 15. Received \'a33. 19s. 11d. with the following letter: "Sir, I have much pleasure in sending you Post Office Order for \'a33. 19s. 11d., being the result of putting by, according as the Lord has prospered me. I have done this for nearly ten years, and certainly am not the poorer for it; far otherwise. You will please put it to the Orphanage account, and send receipt to me, ****."\emdash Feb. 1p7. \'a310. 10s. "Being half the amount of prizes the donor has won with his sheep during the past year."\emdash Feb. 18. From Taranaki, New Zealand, in ten different donations, \'a38. 19s.\par \par March 3. \'a315. 6s. 2d. from "Amor Dei ducat."\emdash Received \'a38. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Enclosed is a Post Office Order for \'a38., which we send to you to be used for the benefit of the Orphans. We send this as a thank-offering to God for blessing and prospering us since commencing business. As ours is principally a rearing farm, we promised to give to the Orphans 3d. for each lamb, 6d. each pig, 1s. each calf, and 2s. 6d. each foal. Our prayer is, that God will spare you yet many more years, to carry on this great and glorious work. Remaining yours affectionately, ****."\emdash March 4. \'a3200. as a third instalment of legacy of the late G. W., Esq.\emdash From a donor in Devonshire \'a390. 10s.\emdash March 7. From London \'a31. 10s. as "The Sunday dinner table collection of our chilqdren and selves."\emdash From Barnstaple, 96 yards of Welsh flannel, 48 yards of ditto, 30 yards of Scotch gingham, 40 yards of Croydon calico, 80 yards of soft medium ditto, and 18 yards of boot elastic.\emdash March 10. From a Bristol donor 54 rabbits and 13\'bd lbs. of butter.\emdash March 29. \'a32. 2s. 6d. was received with the following letter: "Beloved servant of Christ, the enclosed \'a32. for Orphans and 2s. 6d. for four of this year\rquote s Reports. My dear sister and myself remember you and your work twice every day, before our Heavenly Father, for your increase of faith and supply of your great need. Yours in our risen Lord, ****." I feel grateful for these prayers, and would earnestly entreat other Christians, kindly to help me by their prayers.\par \par April 7. \'a3100. as the legacy of the late Mrs. A. B.\emdash April 10. From one of the Midland counties \'a370.\emdash April 14. From Barbadoes \'a32., \'a31., \'a31.\par \par May 3. From New Zealand \'a320.\emdash May 5. Eighty new suirts of boys\rquote clothes, value \'a366.\emdash May 8. From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash May 9. \'a393. 16s. for the support of seven Orphans for one year.\emdash From Notting Hill 7 pocket handkerchief pieces, 14 white skirts, 6 coloured ditto, 19 pairs of gloves, 64 neckties, 15 belts, 2 dozen shirt-fronts, 42 boxes of collars, a packet of cuffs, 2 pairs of braces, and 94 pairs of stockings.\emdash May 10. \'a3451. 10s. as the legacy of the late Miss M. A. P.\emdash May 26. On this last day of the year of the Institution, we received, besides a number of other donations, \'a3161. 3s. 3d. and a large quantity of silver articles, as the legacy of the late Mrs. G.\par \par Means for the support of the Two Thousand Two Hundred and Forty-five Orphans, who were under our care from May 26, 1879, to May 26, 1880, sent in answer to prayer. Letters from Donors and Orphans, practical remarks, etc.\par \par In the following pages I will now give some specimens of the way in which God was pleased, in answer to prasyer, to supply us, during another year, with means for the Orphan work.\par \par May 30, 1879. Legacy of the late Mr. M. \'a3103. 7s. 10d.\emdash A gold watch, a shawl, and a silk cloak lined with fur, from the Isle of Wight, to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans.\par \par June 24. Five sacks of oatmeal. The same donor has sent fifteen times 5 sacks, three times 10 sacks, and once 16 sacks, 121 sacks in all, in the course of the year. A very valuable donation to us, as we consume about 7000 stones of oatmeal per year.\emdash June 27. \'a31. as "The first fruits of a vinery."\par \par July 14. Twenty half boxes of soap.\emdash July 15. \'a310. 10s. from one of the former pupils of the first Boys\rquote School of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, who, year after year, has sent a similar sum.\emdash July 24. From the Governors of the London Assurance Corporation \'a350.\emdash July 29. From Birmingham \'a3100.\emdash July 30. From Sussex \'a3129. 6s. 5d.\par \par Aug. 8. From Leicester \'a31t00.\emdash Aug. 12. From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash Aug. 22. A general\rquote s full-dress tunic, undress surtout, trowsers, with gold lace, pair of boots, 3 pairs of spurs, gold lace sash, belt, Russia leather belt, cocked hat and feather, and forage cap.\emdash Aug. 25. By sale of silver articles \'a352. 9s.\emdash Aug. 26. Legacy of the late Miss S. M., 12 gold brooches, 6 silver ditto, 2 coral ditto, 2 gold watch seals, 8 gold rings, silver vinaigrette, 2 gold watches, 3 silver ditto, 15 shoe buckles, 1 tea pot, 1 coffee pot, 2 plain candlesticks, 4 embossed ditto, 1 cruet stand, 1 sugar basin, 2 cream jugs, 2 waiters, 1 silver taper stand, 1 toast rack, 1 cheese scoop, 1 skewer, 1 fish slice, 1 soup ladle, 2 gravy spoons, 3 sugar tongs, 18 dessert spoons, 20 large forks, 20 small ditto, 6 table spoons, 4 table spoons, 4 sauce ladles, 6 egg spoons, 18 tea ditto, 1 tea spoon, 1 caddy ditto, 1 cork top, 8 salt spoons, 1 knife and fork, 2 caddy spoons, and 1 wine strainer.\par \par Sept. 3. A case contauining a gold pendant, set with an emerald, pearls and diamonds, and a pair of earrings, set with diamonds, half for Missions, and half for the Orphans.\emdash Sept. 8. \'a345. as the legacy of the late Mrs. B.\emdash Legacy of the late A. B., Esq., with dividends thereon and less legacy duty, \'a39277. 7s. 3d. three per cent. consols at 98 = \'a39091. 14s. 6d. This legacy was a considerable time in Chancery; but, as I have often found, by prayer it was at last brought out of the Court. This is the largest donation we have received at one time; but, as I stated, when receiving \'a38100. at one time, that I expected yet greater donations, so I now say again, that it maybe yet further seen, how much even now can be accomplished by prayer and faith.\emdash Sept. 9. Received from Ireland \'a31., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, It is most gratifying to find that your funds keep up in these times of depression in agriculture and commerce. It would seem as if your Orphan homes were hidden under the shadow ovf the Almighty from the storms of the age. I have pleasure in sending you a cheque for \'a31. towards the support of your Orphans. May you be long spared as the earthly father of so many fatherless children. Sincerely yours, ****." True faith prevents our being discouraged by the difficulties of this world, but leads us, by real trust in God, to be above war, famine, mercantile depressions, etc.: because faith lays hold on God Himself and can obtain from Him everything that is for His glory and our good. Thus, at the time of the Irish famine from 1846 to 1847, during the Crimean War (1854), and the distress in Lancashire among the weavers for want of cotton; also during the war between France and Germany in 1870 and 1871, when the streams of benevolence generally seemed expended on the necessities arising out of these calamities, our Heavenly Father helped us also; because we really trusted in Him, and sent pecuniary supplies to us also though such vast sums were sent out of the country through the calamiwties referred to. We told Him in child-like simplicity, that immense sums were expended on these objects (of which we were glad), but asked Him to send help to us also; and this He did so abundantly, that at those times we abounded more than was usually the case.\emdash Sept. 11. Received 1s. 10d. with the following letter: "Please accept these few stamps (1s. 10d.) as a thank-offering for mercies in having employment, when many have none. From a poor widow and her family, for the Orphans."\emdash Sept. 12. From the Mauritius \'a35.\emdash Received \'a31. 12s. 6d. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I have much pleasure in sending you the enclosed Post Office Order for \'a31. 12s. 6d., being 7\'bdd. per week for 52 weeks, formerly spent on tobacco. I tried all human effort to give it up; but all was a failure, till I was led to ask the Lord for help, and promised to send what it cost for the Orphans at Bristol. I thank God He has kept me through the past year without any desire for it. I remain, yours txruly in the Lord Jesus, ****."\emdash Sept. 15. "A thank-offering for the safe deliverance of my son from an accident, which might have proved fatal," 10s.\emdash Sept. 16. From Portsmouth \'a31. 10s. 6d., being one penny a day for a year, for the Orphans.\emdash Sept. 20. Received \'a31. 5s. 10d. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I have now been in business for myself as House Agent for 17 months. Previous to this I had much to discourage me. Herewith you have Post Office Order for 25s. 10d., which includes 7d. for one copy of your last Report, ending May, 1879, which perhaps you will kindly send to me. Four shillings and twopence of the above is the first-fruits of some new business, the remainder a tenth of an extra payment for work done to the satisfaction of the gentleman who employed me, which is for the Orphans. This is the fruit of reading your 36th Report, given to me by a friend the following February; but I could not see my way clear until reading the Narrative of your own life, given to mey by the same friend, since my commencing business, which, by God\rquote s blessing, has totally changed my inner life to one of perfect trust and confidence in Him. It has pleased God to give me the grace to devote to Him a tenth of my earnings, which I divide amongst sundry objects. I do indeed realize the fact, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I have taken care to place a copy of the Narrative of your life on the shelves of the library of the young peoples\rquote Institute in this Town, which has 3000 members and subscribers, seeking God\rquote s blessing on the same. Hoping that in the future the Lord will enable me to send you a little more money, I am yours truly, ****."\emdash Sept. 10. From one of the former Orphans, now filling a very honourable and useful position, \'a310., with the following letter: "Beloved Mr. Muller and Mr. Wright, The kindness I have experienced at your hands, I can never fully repay, but whilst able, may I prove my willingness to show practically my sincerez appreciation of the same. I beg you, therefore, to accept the enclosed donation of \'a310. towards the Orphan Fund, from which fund, through the goodness of the Lord, and the bounteous liberality of His people, I have myself benefited so largely. Truly the hand of the Lord has led me, and His blessing has been my portion. May my heart continually well up with gratitude to Him and to you; and with the voices of His people may mine unite in singing praise to the Lord! My earnest and constant prayer is, that the Lord will continue to uphold the work, of which you are the honoured directors, that it may stand for ages to come as a monument to faith, which infidelity could not destroy; a challenge thrown down by the former, which the latter durst not accept, for fear of certain and utter defeat; also, that many an Orphan, similarly circumstanced as I was, may partake of that goodness of which, in a very large degree, I have been the happy recipient. With sincere love and respect to you, my esteemed benefactor{s, I am, of your large family, a truly grateful member, ****."\emdash From Hull \'a310., as "A thank-offering to the Lord for His deliverance from severe trouble."\emdash Sept. 25. \'a31. as "A thank-offering for the recovery of a valuable horse, which was given up for lost."\emdash Sept. 27. Received the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, this is my birthday, and this day last year I sent \'a34. 8s., being 1s. per year for 87 years\rquote pilgrimage and 1s. for your Narrative. I also send \'a34. 7s. to seven other Institutions, metropolitan and local, as a thank-offering to my Heavenly Father, for His loving, tender care over me so many years, promising in my mind, to do the same on this day, each year, God helping me, as long as I lived; but almost immediately after, the W. E. Bank failure occurred, and I cannot carry out my intention; but here I am in my bedroom, submitting cheerfully to the will of Him who knows what is best for me, and here I promise, by the same divine help, to devote the 26th of |each month (as long as it shall please the Lord to keep me here) to entreat His blessing on the eight Institutions, which I promised to help; and I trust my poor prayers may be heard and abundantly answered. I remain, dear Sir, yours in Christian love and sympathy, ****."\par \par Oct. 7. Legacy of the late E. B., Esq., \'a3450. less legacy duty.\emdash Oct. 8. A gold watch, a ring with key, 2 seals and a heart.\emdash Oct. 9. From Herefordshire, \'a35. as a harvest thank-offering, "having been enabled to gather four-fifths of our wheat in fair condition."\emdash From three Orphan sisters, formerly under our care, \'a33., with a grateful letter.\emdash Oct. 10. 13 thousand needles and 2 gross of knitting needles.\emdash Oct. 14. From one of the Midland Counties \'a370.\emdash \'a314. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I have lost a dear uncle lately, who has unexpectedly left me a very comfortable income. I therefore enclose you a cheque for \'a314. With kind regards, yours sincerely, ****."\emdash }Oct. 22. From one of the former Orphans, a printer, \'a33. 10s., with the following letter: "Dear and Honoured Sir, It is now more than nine years, since I left the Orphan Houses to learn a trade, which, I am thankful to say, now enables me to live comfortably and respectably. Ever since I left school, I have had great cause to thank God, that I was placed under your kind and parental care; and a recent visit to the Orphan Houses so deepened my sense of gratitude, that I determined I would henceforward help in some way, however feebly, such a good cause. As a beginning then, may I ask you to accept the enclosed amount, \'a33. 10s., \'a33. 5s. of which I wish to go towards the support of the Orphans, and the remainder is for a few copies of portions of Scripture, which I desire for distribution, if you will be good enough to forward them at your convenience. I have pleasure in saying, that the above sum is the bonus, at the rate of 3 per cent. declared on my year\rquote s salary, by the firm in whose emplo~y I have now been for four years.\emdash I have ever had cause to be thankful, that my steps were directed to Ashley Down, and this for more reasons than one. It was there that I received an education, under the tuition of kind and able teachers, which now enables me to earn my livelihood; but better far than all this, it was there that I first realized Christ Jesus as my personal Saviour, who has been my guide until now, and through whose help I have been kept from falling into the many sins and temptations peculiar to youth, and especially to those engaged in our calling. My dear sister Ellen, who also was under your care about the same time that I myself was, joins me in thanking you and the dear teachers and assistants through you, for all the spiritual and temporal blessings, which, by God\rquote s help, were bestowed upon us, whilst under your care. We pray that you may yet be spared for many years, to be the Orphans\rquote friend. We also pray, that a rich blessing may attend the preaching of the Gospel, in which you are at present so earnestly engaged. With a desire to be very gratefully remembered to all the dear teachers, and those who are engaged in the great and good work, may we remain, Dear and Honoured Sir, your ever grateful Orphans, **** and ****."\emdash Received 4s. and some woollen articles, with this letter from one of the former Orphans, who has been 8 years in her first situation: "Dear and Respected Sir, I esteem it a great privilege to be enabled to address a few lines to you. I thank you for the yearly Report, you so kindly sent me. Will you kindly accept of this small trifle and also these woollen articles, which I am sending by this day\rquote s rail, that my sister and myself have made by hand, to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans. It will be eight years next January, since I left your Orphanage. It was there I learnt to know my Saviour. I am still resting on Him, and hope, by the grace of God, I shall not let Him go. It was in the dear Orphan House I spent most of my happy days. I am sure I cannot thank you enough for all the kindness you have shown to me. If it please God, I hope year by year to send you a small trifle, for your kind and fatherly love to me, while under your care. I am happy to say, I am still in the same situation, that you provided for me, and have a very kind and Christian mistress. Please remember me kindly to Mrs. Muller, Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Mr. French, and all the dear teachers and matrons of No. 2. I remain your grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash Left anonymously, by a gentleman, at the New Orphan House, No. 3, 10 silver table spoons, 5 silver tea spoons, a silver cream jug, a pair of silver mounted spectacles, and \'a31.\emdash Oct. 29. From Portobello \'a3100.\emdash Oct. 30. From a Moravian Missionary at Surinam, 20 gulden.\par \par Nov. 5. Received the following letter with \'a3180.: "Dear Sir, I have much pleasure in sending you a draft for \'a3180. towards your good work. It has been given to me by a patient of mine to forward to you anonymously. You may enter it in the Report under the initials A. B. Yours very faithfully, ****." In this instance the reader has one of the numberless ways in which the Lord is pleased to supply us with means, in answer to our prayers.\emdash Nov. 6. Legacy of the late W. D. Esq. \'a352. 11s. 10d.\emdash Nov. 7. Three pieces of dress material.\emdash Nov. 12. Legacy of the late Mrs. C. \'a345.\emdash Legacy of a lady in Switzerland, 3000 francs, paid in two instalments.\emdash From Sussex 2 sets and 3 pieces of artificial teeth, set in gold. During the past year again a considerable quantity of artificial teeth, set in gold, has been sent, whereby again a considerable sum of money has been obtained.\emdash Nov. 13. 3249 apples.\emdash Nov. 18. Received \'a3158. 9s. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, The time of year has again come round, when I have usually made my remittance for the benefit of your Orphan Houses, and, through the gracious mercy of our God and Saviour, I am now enabled to send it, and, as you will see, also, permitted to add to it; for it has pleased the Lord to commit to our care and into our charge another child (we humbly believe) to train up for Himself. We earnestly pray and believe, that, with the charge, He will supply all our need, to enable us to fulfil it, patiently, diligently and faithfully. Remember us in your prayers, and add your thanksgiving to our own. The cheque I enclose is for 1879, for 11 children at \'a313. 9s. = \'a3147. 19s. and for your own personal use, which we present with our Christian good wishes, \'a310. 10s. With our kind regards and best wishes, from your sincere friend, ****." About 12 years ago the Christian gentleman, who is the writer of this letter, sent me the average expenses for three Orphans, per year, considering, that, as he had 3 children of his own, for whom he was able comfortably to provide according to their position in life, it would be well pleasing to God to give, as a thank-offering for this mercy, the means for 3 poor Orphans, deprived of their earthly parents. The next year he sent me the average expenses for 4 Orphans, the Lord having given to him another child; and thus, as the number of his children increased, he sent year after year the cost of as many Orphans as he had children of his own; and as he has now eleven children, he sends the average expenses for eleven Orphans, acting thus on the very opposite principles of men of the world, who would say, that, because their families increase, therefore they can afford less and less, instead of more and more for the Lord\rquote s work.\emdash Nov. 19. Received 10s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Will you please to accept of this trifle, as a thank-offering to the Lord, for His blessings, both temporally and spiritually. Through reading your Reports I have been greatly blessed. When I was converted, I was very poor; for sometimes I did not seem to have a penny to spare for the Lord\rquote s work. About ten years ago I met with Mr. P. He, knowing my case, gave me one of your Reports. I cannot express the joy I had, whilst reading it; aand ever since I have longed for the time for them to come out. My desire is, that Christians would read them more, and follow the example, that is set before us in them. At that time I was a smoker of tobacco. I then took up that passage of Scripture in Matthew xvi. 24. Also I Cor. xvi. 2, and devoted a part of my money regularly to the Lord\rquote s cause. I was soon enabled to increase it, and now, although only a farmer\rquote s man, it seems a wonder to myself at times, that I am able to do as I do. Although this past summer has been a trying one with hundreds, God has prospered me, and I am enabled to do more this year than ever, since I started in my Heavenly Father\rquote s way. The desire of my heart and prayer is, that God may abundantly bless your testimony, both to the Church and world. Yours affectionately in the Lord Jesus, ****." Here is a Christian farm labourer from whom one or the other of my readers may learn a profitable lesson. He gives up the use of tobacco. Have those of my readers, who have been in the habit of smoking, laid aside the pipe and cigars entirely? This habit, an evil habit, is very injurious to health, as all disinterested physicians, who do not themselves indulge in it, will fully allow. A robust constitution may a good while resist its pernicious effects; but, sooner or later, these effects will be manifested. I beseech the Christian reader, prayerfully to consider this, in order that he may no longer indulge in that which is most injurious to the body, besides being a means of wasting his money also. From the moment I was converted, the beginning of November, 1825, I have never touched a pipe or a cigar. Notice also the second point to which he refers. He began to act according to I Cor. xvi. 2, viz. he put aside every Lord\rquote s day, as the Lord had been prospering him. And what has been the result of this? This poor farm labourer is honoured by the Lord in being made a steward over more. So that, whilst, when first converted, he was so poor that with great difficulty he could afford to give a single penny, now he has the means of sending ten shillings at a time. As assuredly as any one is acting according to the counsel given in I Cor. xvi. 2, being constrained by the love of Christ, so assuredly will such a one be blessed abundantly in his soul, and the Lord will also increase his stewardship more and more. A great number of Christians I know personally, who act thus, and I have seen it in their case; a still greater number have given their testimony to me in writing to that effect. Are you, Christian reader, acting thus? If not, why not? Make a trial, and you will find out, from happy experience, the blessedness of that way. Systematic giving, giving on principle habitually, as constrained by the love of Christ, will bring, in every way, most abundant blessing. I have known myself, from happy experience, the blessedness of this way for more than fifty years.\emdash Whilst there was such distress among the farmers during the past summer (1879), this farm labourer was able to do more for the Lord than ever. This is just what you would expect.\par \par Dec. 1. From one of the former Orphans \'a32. as "A thank-offering from a little money, left her by an aunt."\emdash Dec. 2. \'a35. as "A thank-offering for the conversion of two of the donor\rquote s children."\emdash From D\emdash\emdash\'a365. 15s. 2d., the profit made on one purchase.\emdash Dec. 4. For the Orphans\rquote Christmas puddings were sent, 16 half boxes of Valencia raisins, 1 barrel of currants, and 8 barrels of flour.\emdash Dec. 15. From two ladies at Windsor Castle \'a35. 12s.\emdash Dec. 19. "From an old sailor, as a thank-offering for preservation from the late gales," \'a35.\emdash Dec. 22. From near London \'a3290., with \'a310. for myself.\emdash Dec. 23. Anonymously from W. S. S. \'a310., with the following letter: "Dear Brother in the Lord, I have been much exercised in my mind respecting two old debts. I have endeavoured, without success, to find out the addresses of the parties, and now in faith I would leave it in the Lord\rquote s hands, to make it up to them or their families, if in the body. One to a tailor about \'a35.; one to a boot maker, about \'a35. I therefore send \'a310. to you for the Orphans, and trust God\rquote s blessing may rest upon this act. I remain yours faithfully, W. S. S."\emdash Dec. 24. 20 boxes of oranges, 25 boxes of fruit, and 25 boxes of sultanas.\emdash 20 boxes of oranges.\par \par January 1, 1880. The old year closed with many blessings and mercies enjoyed by us, in connection with the Orphan work, as well as the other Objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad; and, as the old year ended, so the new year began again with blessings. Of the means, received on the first day of the year, I will only refer to the following donations. From Maidstone \'a377. 2s. 3d.\emdash From the Isle of Wight \'a350.\emdash From Derbyshire \'a33. 9s. 4d. as "A penny for every day in the year, and a tenth of money gifts."\emdash From Penarth \'a330.\emdash Jan. 2. From Torquay \'a310. as "The first fruits of an unexpected legacy."\emdash From Malta 43 Coupons at \'a33. each, less Income tax, \'a3126. 6s. 3d.\emdash Jan. 14. From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash Legacy of the late Mr. J. T. E. \'a3100.\emdash "The produce of two apricot trees" 10s.\emdash Jan. 15. \'a330.11s. 9d. from "Believers meeting at Sand Area Chapel, Kendal."\emdash Jan. 26. Legacy of the late Mrs. K. \'a3200.\emdash Jan. 30. From Secunderabad, India, \'a321. 1s. 10d.\emdash From Coonoor, India, \'a36.\par \par Feb. 3. Received \'a313. 5s. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I have very great pleasure in sending you Post Office Order for \'a313. 5s. for your Orphans. It is the half of the amount I have won with my sheep at different shows, during the year 1879. I trust the work in your hands still prospers, and that your valuable life may long be spared to carry on the Lord\rquote s work. I remain yours sincerely, ****."\emdash Feb. 4. From the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton \'a3100.\emdash From London \'a310. 13s. 5d. "for affidavits taken by a solicitor in the months of August, September, October, November and December, 1879, and January, 1880."\emdash Feb. 5. A diamond ring.\emdash Feb. 6. Legacy of the late Miss F. S. P. \'a350.\emdash From Kent \'a380. 14s. for the support of six Orphans for one year.\emdash Feb. 11. From Portobello \'a350.\emdash Feb. 16. \'a310. as "A thank-offering for the gift of another child."\emdash\'a390. as the legacy of the late Mrs. R.\emdash From Staffordshire \'a34., with \'a31. for myself. The donor writes: "This last year, although so disastrous to most traders, has been the best I have ever had; and under God\rquote s providence I have to thank you, for teaching me how to give."\emdash Feb. 17. From Taranaki, New Zealand, \'a38. 5s. 6d.\emdash From Wales \'a31. and a gold watch, as "A thank-offering to the Lord for being raised up from a serious illness."\emdash Feb. 26. From Scotland \'a34. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I have much pleasure in transmitting \'a34. from Mr. B. for the Orphans. I may mention how I have become the channel for this. I happened to give his late wife a Report. It interested Mr. B., and since he has laid aside a penny on every sheep and head of cattle be sells, being a cattle dealer, as well as \'a31. 15s. annually, which would be the cost of an insurance ticket for travelling. He sends this sum to you instead. With very warm desire for God\rquote s continued blessing to you and your work and workers, I am yours truly, ****." This, and many other similar letters of donors, I have given, in order that the reader may see the great variety of ways, in which God is pleased to supply us with means. All comes from Him, to whom day by day we go for help in our need, regarding everything, and who, in answer to our prayers, helps us, and is now doing this in the forty-seventh year, and who, we firmly believe, will yet further help us.\par \par March 2. \'a3200. as the fourth instalment of a legacy of the late G. W., Esq.\emdash March 3. A former Orphan sent \'a31. on the occasion of her marriage.\emdash From Bath a gold ring set with topaz and brilliants, a gold brooch set with diamonds, and 10s.\emdash March 18. From a Bristol firm the valuable donation of 20 cwt. 0 qrs. 19 lbs. white lead, 5 cwt. 0 qrs. 9 lbs. driers, 3 cwt. ochre, 2 qrs. umber, 1 qr. black paint, 1 cwt. putty, and 14 lbs. of Venetian red.\emdash March 24. \'a3100. as the legacy of the late Miss M. P.\emdash March 25. From Edinburgh \'a350.\emdash March 31. From a labourer in Queensland \'a36.\par \par April 6. \'a31. 10s. 4d. from Barnstaple, as one penny per day, for the use of the Orphans.\emdash From a little boy 10s. 7d., who, at his death, expressed a wish for his money to be given to the Orphans.\emdash April 8. The total income of today, for all the five Objects of the Institution, was \'a36. 13s. 5d. instead of \'a3124., our daily average expenses. Similar days we have again and again, and therefore need to look to the Lord with unwavering confidence.\emdash April 9. \'a350. as the legacy of the late Mrs. A. D.\emdash April 10. "Part of thank-offering from a poor servant of the Lord, for the recovery of a child," 5s.\emdash April 12. From one of the Midland counties \'a370.\emdash April 13. \'a350. as the legacy of the late Mr. J. H.\emdash April 19. From Java 100 florins.\emdash April 22. From Beverley \'a32. 10s. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, In a time of deep anxiety I prayed for relief and help. I have reason to believe my prayers were heard and answered, in a very marked degree. I send you the enclosed to be used in supporting the Orphans under your care. It is an expression of gratitude. I hope to repeat it. Yours very faithfully, ****."\emdash April 23. From Weston-super-mare \'a360.\emdash From Herefordshire \'a34. 8s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose a Post Office Order for \'a34. 8s., \'a33. 10s. fire insurance, that is \'a31. extra this year, because my corn had a most providential escape from a fire. Some boys, coming from school, had some matches, and were at play and said, \lquote we will have a bonfire.\rquote They had some straw burning up the side of the ricks; but it pleased our Heavenly Father that the ricks should not be burned. He sent a gentleman that way, and stopped it. It was quite a miracle. One shilling each for every calf born alive. Yours truly, ****."\emdash April 24. From Barbadoes \'a32., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31.\emdash Legacy of the late Mr. W. A. \'a356. 18s. 7d.\par \par May 8. Legacy of the late Mr. K. \'a390.\emdash May 11. Legacy of the late Mrs. W. \'a3200.\emdash May 15. Legacy of the late Mrs. P. \'a336.\emdash May 21. Legacy of the late Rev. A. P. \'a3135.\emdash May 24. From Malta \'a3100.\emdash May 25. "Thank-offering for receiving tidings of relatives, in answer to prayer, of whom the donor had not heard for many years," 10s.\par \par Means for the support of Two Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty-two Orphans, who were under our care from May 26, 1880 to May 26, 1881, sent in answer to prayer. Letters from Donors and Orphans, Practical remarks, etc.\par \par June 2. 1880. From the neighbourhood of Plympton \'a31., "saved through giving up smoking."\emdash Received 12s. 6d. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I have been labouring in prayer for 4 years and 204 days, that a firm in a foreign country would pay me my just debt, and told the Lord, at the beginning, that I would give your Orphans ten per cent. of it. Having now received the money, I enclose you a Post Office Order for 12s. 6d., being ten per cent. on the full amount of the debt. I am, yours truly, ****."\emdash June 3. From London \'a32. 2s. 6d. as "A thank-offering for the partial recovery of a beloved mother."\emdash From Yorkshire \'a3200. with these words: "Desiring to be a faithful steward of the bounties the Lord has conferred upon one who is unworthy of the many blessings He has bestowed, I send the enclosed cheque for \'a3200. for the use of the Orphans at Ashley Down." For the sake of benefiting the reader spiritually, I make the following remarks in connection with the above statement:\emdash 1. Do you consider yourself a steward of the means you possess, or that you are the owner thereof? The right and scriptural way is, to look upon ourselves as stewards and not as owners of our property; for the time is approaching when stewardship will come to an end, and we shall enter upon the possession of our inheritance. 2. The steward has to give an account of his stewardship. It is indeed by grace alone that we are saved, through faith, and not by works; but this very fact should lead us the more earnestly to show our gratitude for the grace bestowed upon us, by walking consistently. 3. It becomes us to be faithful stewards. To the faithful steward the recompense is given even now in some measure while he is yet in the body; but in the world to come the reward of grace will be rendered according to the degree of faithfulness manifested by the steward.\emdash June 12. From Wolverhampton 10 sacks of oatmeal.\emdash June 14. From the neighbourhood of Auchterarder \'a320. 0s. 6d.\emdash June 17. From Cornwall \'a311. with this statement: "\'a310. profits on a small stone quarry, and \'a31., contents of box on the chimney-piece."\emdash \'a31000. as a legacy from the late Miss. J. S. The lady who kindly left us this amount was an entire stranger to me. I did not even know her by name; but our Heavenly Father, who is acquainted with the greatness of our expenses, to whom we betake ourselves day by day in prayer, spoke to her heart, and led her to leave this amount for the Orphans.\emdash June 18. From Plymouth a gold watch.\emdash June 26. From London 3 cases of stationery and fancy articles.\par \par July 2. \'a3500. as the legacy of the late Mr. R. B.\emdash\'a3100. as the legacy of the late Mrs. E. W.\emdash In the South of Devon a musical entertainment was held for the benefit of the Orphans, but when the proceeds of it, amounting to \'a34. 5s., were sent to me on July 7, I returned them, not wishing to use money for the work of God obtained in this manner; for it is not money only which I desire, but money provided in God\rquote s way. The kind intention, however, of those who set this entertainment on foot to help the Orphans, I do not question for a moment.\emdash July 14. From Islington \'a313. 9s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, God, in His infinite mercy, having blessed me with a living son, I enclose cheque for \'a313. 9s. as a thank-offering, this being the cost of providing for one Orphan for one year. Yours truly, ****."\emdash July 17. By sale of dentist gold, plate, etc., \'a390.\emdash July 19. Twenty boxes of soap.\emdash July 22. From the neighbourhood of Lisbon, Portugal, \'a35.\emdash July 28. From an aged servant of the Lord Jesus, who labours in dependence upon Him for his temporal supplies, \'a37. 5s. This servant of Christ has sent me for a number of years, for the benefit of the Orphans, the fifth part of what the Lord has been pleased to give him.\par \par Aug 7. From a former pupil in the First Boys\rquote School of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, \'a310. 10s.\emdash Today, \'a3264. 11s. 10d. was received as the legacy of J. B., a common labourer, who left his all to the Orphans. Notice this remarkable gift, and see how God cares for them.\emdash Aug. 13. From a farmer in Hampshire \'a32., as "A thank-offering for a good breed of lambs."\emdash From Wolverhampton 17 sacks of flour.\emdash Aug. 16. Today, the expenses connected with the support of the Orphans were \'a31035. 11s 10d. The income for them amounted only to \'a324. 3s. When in the foregoing pages the income has been referred to (though specimens only of donations have been quoted) one side alone is seen. The greatness of our expenditure can only be learned from looking at the balance-sheet, which will be found at the end of the Reports; but the expenses do not decrease, but increase slightly, though but very slightly, year by year, as provisions, clothing, and everything connected with house-keeping becomes more and more expensive everywhere.\par \par Sept. 1. \'a31600. as "Part of the legacy of the late T. H. Esquire." This legacy has been long in Chancery, but now at last, in answer to many prayers, we have received a portion of it.\emdash Sept. 2. Received \'a3300. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, At the request of Mr. \emdash\emdash , I forward you cheque for \'a3300., which he intended to leave as a legacy to your Institution; but, inasmuch as his property consists principally of real estate, he could not legally make such a bequest. He has thought it best, therefore, to make the gift in his lifetime. Please acknowledge receipt to him personally. Yours truly, ****." This kind donor I have never seen, yet God leads him thus to help us. I take this opportunity of mentioning, that real estate has repeatedly been left for the benefit of the Orphans, and has, therefore, been lost to us, as no real estate can be left to a charitable institution by will. Having again and again been asked to give a legal form, for leaving a legacy to the Institution, I may mention that one will be found on the last page of the Reports, drawn up by an experienced legal practitioner.\emdash Sept. 3. Received \'a32. 10s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, As Mr. D.\rquote s young man had an accident with his horse, about five weeks ago, which was almost rendered unfit for work, be was reading how the Lord had blessed Mr. Muller in his work; and he resolved to give \'a35. if the horse was restored, as a token of his gratitude to God, for answering prayer for the speedy recovery of the horse, in order to show all the believing family of God that there is no matter too small to take to Him, especially if done in faith. We have a female orphanage here, so my husband has divided the sum. I enclose a cheque for \'a32. 10s. to you, and have sent the same amount to the Orphanage here. We were at Bristol about five weeks ago, when we went over your Orphanage, which gave us great pleasure. Hoping the work of the Lord will still prosper in your hands, and that He will bless you for time and eternity, I am, yours in the Lord, ****."\emdash Sept. 15. Received from London \'a33. 2s. 6d. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, Nine months ago, in consequence of the great blessing I received from reading your Reports, I made the following note in our Bad Debt book: \lquote I resolve to send one-half of any monies received from this book, after this date, to Mr. Muller\rquote s Orphanage at Bristol.\rquote One account of \'a36. 5s. (owing since 1872) has just been paid, and I have very much pleasure in remitting you cheque for \'a33. 2s. 6d. I remain, yours very faithfully, ****."\emdash Sept. 16. From Bohemia 13 Florins.\emdash From Dudley \'a31. with the following letter: "Sir, At Christmas last we wrote off as hopelessly bad a debt, which has been due since 1878. Since then we have had some faint hopes of getting the money, and said, if ever we do get it we will send \'a31. for the Orphanage. A few days ago we received a cheque for the amount, and now enclose Post Office Order for \'a31. With best wishes for the prosperity of your Institution, we are, Sir, yours faithfu1ly, ****."\emdash Sept. 21. \'a346. 2s. 11d. as "A thank-offering from South Devon."\emdash Sept. 24. "From the sale of the produce of a greengage-tree," 10.\emdash Sept. 27. Received from the Orphan Boys at New Orphan House No. 4 the following letter, written for my birthday. I received sixteen letters, one from each department; but can give only this one, as a specimen of the love of these dear children: "Dear and honoured Sir, We shall not forget the evening when you and dear Mrs. Muller returned from America. We remember what joy we felt, as we saw your carriage come up the hill. Our spirits had been depressed by the falling rain, and we thought at one time we should not have the pleasure of welcoming you home; but when the rain subsided, the sun shone out, and the cry arose, \lquote They come!\rquote our hearts were filled with joy at beholding your kind face, radiant with fatherly love to us. We thank you for the kind messages you sent to the Orphans, and for the expressions of love contained in your letters to us from time to time; and we also thank dear Mrs. Muller for the beautiful little hymns she so kindly sent from America, especially \lquote Passing Away,\rquote which reminds us, that time is flying and has brought us very near to your birthday. Our prayer is, that God may bless you richly, and permit you to see many more. Although you will have left England, and perhaps be on the waters of the mighty deep by the 27th instant, still we are sure you will allow us the privilege of wishing you many happy returns of the day. Will you kindly permit us to express our thanks to you for your kindness in associating your birthday with our pleasure by giving us an additional week\rquote s holiday? We must not forget to thank you also for coming to see us and for bringing Mrs. Muller, too, to hear us sing. And now, dear Sir, for all your consideration for us and love bestowed upon us in so many ways, that we cannot mention them all, please to receive our sincere thanks; and as you and dear Mrs. Muller are about to leave us, we will pray for you, that your health may be spared, that your work for Jesus may be blessed, and that in God\rquote s own time you may be brought back safely to us. May we ask your acceptance of the small amount of 13s. as a trifling token of our gratitude and high appreciation of your love to us; and ever praying that God\rquote s choicest blessing may rest upon you and dear Mrs. Muller, we remain, your ever grateful Orphans, The Boys of No. 4." This sum was sent to me by these dear children, for myself as a birthday present. I also received similar affectionate gifts from each of the other departments. Such little love tokens from the Orphans I accept with pleasure, not for the value of the money, but to encourage feelings of gratitude in them.\emdash Sept. 28. \'a31. as "A thank-offering for a quick delivery from rheumatic fever."\emdash Sept. 29. \'a350. together with \'a330., received on 27th, as a legacy from Miss J.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Greenock \'a340.\par \par Oct. 4. Received from one of the Orphans formerly under our care \'a35. with the following letter; "Dear and honoured Sir, about twelve months ago it was my privilege to send you \'a33. for the benefit of the Orphans; the amount being a bonus on my twelve months\rquote salary. You will be pleased to know that I am this year enabled to send you another bonus (\'a34), together with \'a31., which a dear friend wishes me to forward. This is another instance of how true it is that God helps us in giving, if we only make an effort. When last year\rquote s bonus was declared, it was thought that the continued depression in trade would preclude any possibility of another bonus this year. But, whereas, then 3 per cent. interest was the amount of dividend, this year it is 4 per cent. I have more than ordinary pleasure in thus contributing towards so deserving a cause, seeing that during several weeks I have been absent from business through sickness; but God has been pleased to restore me to health, and He enables me to testify in this way to His goodness. I take this opportunity of again thanking you and all those who so lovingly labour with you, for the kindness manifested towards me, whilst I was under your care; and desire ever to remain your grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash Oct. 12. From the neighbourhood of Hull a diamond ring.\emdash From a widow in Devonshire \'a310. with the following letter: "Respected Sir, enclosed is \'a310. for the use of your large family of Orphans, in which I feel a great interest. I was left an Orphan very young, but I have never found my Heavenly Father\rquote s promise fail, that He would be a father to the fatherless and Husband to the widow. I am now over eighty years of age. He has been both Husband and Father to me. With my best wishes that you may have health of body and mind to enable you to continue this great and good work, and with affectionate regards, I remain, Yours sincerely, ****."\emdash From Scotland, a bale of linen cloth.\emdash Oct. 18. From Almondsbury, 3,100 apples.\emdash Oct. 20. Received \'a35. with the following letter: "My dear Mr. Muller, I beg to enclose you a cheque for \'a35., as part of an amount that a man tried to claim wrongly from me, but, at the last moment, he withdrew the claim. I had promised the Lord, if he withdrew, to send you \'a35., and \'a31. to the poor people at H., where I am now doing business. With many good wishes I beg to subscribe myself, Yours truly, ****."\emdash Oct. 21. From the neighbourhood of Fairford \'a350.\emdash From Java 100 florins.\emdash Oct. 25. \'a3500 as the legacy of the late J. J. O., Esq.\emdash Oct. 27. From Zurich, Switzerland, \'a38. 12s. 9d.\par \par Nov. 1. \'a3200. as the legacy of the late Miss E. W.\emdash Nov. 5. \'a3200. as the legacy of the late Miss M. W. A.\emdash From Aberdeen 72 pairs of boots.\emdash From Ludlow 6 bags of peas.\emdash Nov. 13. From Wolverhampton 16 sacks of oatmeal.\emdash Nov. 15. From Essex \'a31. as "A thank-offering for freedom for two years from severe suffering."\emdash Nov. 27. Received \'a332. 17s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Mr. D. D. has instructed us to send you the enclosed cheque for \'a332. 17s., being the proceeds of a transaction entered into on behalf of your Orphans. Please acknowledge receipt to us, as Mr. D. being ill at home is unable, at present, to attend to business. Yours obediently, ****."\emdash The same gentleman sent a donation the year before, which was the profit on a business transaction, and undertaken for the benefit of our Orphans.\par \par Dee. 6. A barrel of currants, 16 half boxes of valencias, and 8 barrels of flour for the children\rquote s Christmas puddings.\emdash Dcc. 7. From Sunday School children at Madrid 8s.\par \par Should the reader ask, why all these donations are referred to, the reply is: When on Dec. 5, 1835, I founded the Orphan Institution, my primary object in doing so was the glory of God, as I desired to show to the world, and to the church at large, that the Living God is unchangeably the same, and as ready in the nineteenth century to answer the prayers of His children as He was in the days of the prophets and apostles; and that, through the answers to prayer, which I might receive, the faith of believers in the Lord Jesus might be strengthened, and they be encouraged increasingly to roll all their burdens upon Him. In order to bring about this, I relate, as I do, what God has been pleased to give me, solely in answer to prayer.\par \par Dec. 22. Received \'a35. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Last Christmas, when I sent you 10s. for the Orphans, I had a yearling calf that was very ill and not worth more than 5s. I made up my mind that, if it recovered (though I did not think that possible), I would send you half its value next Christmas; I therefore have the pleasure of sending you a cheque for \'a35. for the Orphans. I am, dear Sir, yours truly, ****."\emdash Dec. 23. From near London \'a3290. with \'a310. for myself.\emdash From a Bristol wholesale house of business 5 boxes of oranges.\emdash From another, 10 boxes of oranges, 25 boxes of fruit and 25 boxes of su1tanas.\emdash Dec. 24. From Wolverhampton 16 sacks of oatmeal.\emdash From a third wholesale house in Bristol 20 boxes of oranges, 2 baskets of figs, 1 barrel of ditto, 10 half-boxes of muscatels and 1 bag of nuts.\emdash Dec. 29. From Woolwich \'a3100.\emdash From London a cask, containing a great variety of toys.\emdash Dec. 30. From Maidstone \'a374. 17s. 4d.\par \par Jan. 1, 1881.\emdash Received 10s. "being \'bcd. per pair for 480 pairs of boots mended during the past year.\emdash Received 7s. 6d. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Last October I was reading your annual Report, and I am induced to give up my pipe and tobacco, and send the sum to you thus saved yearly, for the Orphans. The enclosed 7s. 6d. is for the first three months. May the Lord accept this offering. Yours truly, ****."\emdash Jan. 10. \'a3200. from Yorkshire.\emdash Jan. 11. From believers, meeting at Sand Area Chapel, Kendal, \'a332. 3s. 8d.\emdash Jan. 15. From Spain \'a33. 1s. 10\'bdd.\emdash Jan. 17. \'a336. 8s. 7d. with the following statement: "The half year\rquote s produce of our dairy, which, in being able to give it to the dear Orphans, makes the farm work a real interest."\emdash Jan. 20. \'a34. as "A thank-offering on the first-fruits of the land."\emdash From Christians, meeting in the Corn Exchange, Cheltenham, \'a35. 8s. 1d.\emdash Jan. 29. From a Bristol wholesale house 20 boxes of oranges.\par \par Feb. 3. From Secunderabad, India, \'a316. 7s. 1d.\emdash Feb. 11. From Wolverhampton 16 sacks of oatmeal.\emdash Feb. 15. From Spain \'a32. 10s.\emdash Feb. 18. From the Isle of Wight \'a353. 18s. for the support of 4 Orphans for one year.\par \par March 1. \'a390. as the legacy of the late Mrs. S. M.\emdash March 3. \'a3200. as the fifth and final instalment of a legacy of the late G. W., Esq.\emdash From Glasgow \'a35. as a thank-offering for the birth of a son.\emdash 11s. 4d. with these words: "2d. per couple on every couple of ducks I sold in 1880."\emdash March 24. From Wolverhampton 16 sacks of oatmeal.\emdash March 29. Legacy of the late G. B. Esquire, \'a3450.\emdash March 30. From various friends at North Adelaide, South Australia, \'a312. 7s. 6d.\par \par April 28. From Yorkshire \'a3100.\emdash April 30. From Wolverhampton 16 sacks of oatmeal.\par \par May 7. Received the following letter with \'a313.: "My dear Sir, I have much pleasure in enclosing a cheque for \'a313. for the support of one Orphan for one year. In reading your Reports from year to year I am particularly struck by observing how the Lord provides for you in such a wonderful manner, and during such depressing times as we have been, and are now, passing through. That He may still provide and give you faith to trust in Him at all times and under every circumstance, is the desire of yours sincerely, ****." How does it come, that "during these depressing times" we are provided for? Because we do not look at them, nor trust in friends, but depend wholly upon God. This is the secret whereby, year after year, for forty-seven years, we have been helped. Continually we ourselves feel the effects of the depressing times. This morning, for instance, while I am writing this, the income for today and yesterday amounts only to \'a328., but the average expenses for two days are \'a3248. Often the income for one day is only \'a310. or \'a315., sometimes even less than \'a310.; and yet our average expenditure for a single day is \'a3124. If, under these circumstances, we were not looking to God alone, we should soon be overwhelmed with difficulty; but as, by God\rquote s grace, we are steadfastly keeping our eyes upon Him, and are expecting help from Him only, our hearts, year after year, are kept in peace under the most trying and difficult circumstances; and he has never suffered us to be confounded.\emdash May 10. Received \'a310. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I beg to enclose a cheque for \'a310. for the Orphans. I have for several years past sent a small sum annually, but have now increased it, in order that, if I live for a few years longer, the Orphans may not suffer by my death. I continue to read your Reports with great interest. Yours very truly, ****."\emdash From St. Petersburg \'a34.\emdash May 20. From Manchester \'a360.\emdash From Elizabeth, New Jersey, 3 gold rings, 5 silver labels, 2 silver fruit knives, 2 gold brooches, 2 silver coins, and three buckles.\emdash May 25. A friend, by Mr. Rd. Y. B., \'a3l,000.\emdash May 26. From Redland \'a320.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Thun, Switzerland, 250 Francs.\par \par Thus we were brought to the close of another year, during which we were enabled to meet all the expenses for the Orphans, though they amounted to nearly Twenty-seven Thousand Pounds, and had even a balance left.\par \par Means for the support of the Two Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty-two Orphans, who were under our care, from May 26, 1881, to May 26, 1882, sent in answer to prayer, Letters from Donors and Orphans, Practical Remarks, &c.\par \par On May 27, 1880, we began the new year with \'a310,009. 16s. 4\'bdd. in hand; but on May 27, 1881, we had only \'a32,922. 12s. 9\'bcd. to begin with.\par \par On the very first day of the new year, May 27, 1881, we received from a donor, in one of the Midland counties, \'a350.\emdash May 30. Received \'a3100. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, It has been a matter of much regret with me, that I have not been able of late years to send you any contributions to your good work; but circumstances have not allowed me to do so. Some years ago my wife and myself resolved, that, if some shares, we held, advanced to a certain price and were sold, we would then send you \'a3100. Last week they were disposed of at the exact price, and we are truly thankful to God that we are enabled to send you the enclosed cheque for \'a3100. Please enrol it in your list of givers \lquote For Christ\rquote s sake from Shrewsbury for the Orphan Fund.\rquote Soliciting your prayers for our guidance in rather a perplexed state of temporal affairs, Believe me, very truly yours, ****."\emdash May 31. From Graham\rquote s Town, Cape of Good Hope, \'a31. 10s., \'a31., 10s. 6d., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31., \'a35.\par \par June 11. Balance of legacy of the late T. H., Esq. \'a3142. 0s. 4d.\emdash June 15. Received \'a350. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose a Bank of England Note for \'a350. It is in memory of the late M. W., of W., near L., and by her dying request, that her two surviving sisters send this sum towards your great work. I am, dear Sir, yours very truly, ****."\emdash June 22. Legacy of the late Mr. J. C. \'a3150.\par \par July 6. From a Yorkshire donor \'a3200.\emdash July 11. From one of the Midland Counties \'a360.\emdash July 13. By sale of dentist gold, gold and silver articles, pearls, diamonds, etc., \'a3120., with \'a344. 5s. for the other Objects.\emdash July 16. From Bayswater four cases of a great variety of goods.\emdash July 19. From Sussex \'a368. 17s.\emdash From Bromley \'a320.\emdash A ton of soap.\emdash July 23. Received \'a33. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose you a cheque for \'a33., sent to you by my former Church Clerk, J. S., of G. G., Queensland, Australia. He is only a labouring shepherd, yet so great is his appreciation of your benevolent work for Orphans, that he hopes to send you \'a33. a year for them. I do not think you receive any more devoted offering to your work in the Lord; for he has only just what he earns for the maintenance of himself and family. Please to send me the most interesting illustrated work you have published; or, George Muller\rquote s Life and Work, that I may send it to him, and enclose the bill, and I will remit you the cost. Yours truly, ****." This is one of the many ways in which God helps us.\par \par Aug. 3. From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, \'a313. 10s. for the support of 1 Orphan for 1 year.\emdash Aug. 18. From Wales \'a390., with \'a310. for myself.\emdash Aug. 20. By sale of gold and silver articles, \'a329. 5s.\emdash Aug. 22. Part of the legacy of the late G. J., Esq., \'a31,000. This is the result of much prayer.\emdash Aug. 26. From Staffordshire 90 pairs of boots, shoes, and slippers, 6 odd boots and shoes, and 10 pairs of cork soles.\emdash Aug. 27. Received 10s. with the following letter: "Sir, I have this day received an unexpected sovereign from a Bristolian whom I have never seen since he was a boy, when I taught him in the pauper school. I received it thankfully, and send half to you. I am, Sir, yours in Christ (86 years old and 62 years a Christian pilgrim), ****."\par \par Sep. 3. \'a33. 17s. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, As my salary is due today, I send you the small sum of Two Pounds, also seventeen shillings on account of some small presents I have had given to me; and one Pound as a thank-offering for the Lord\rquote s mercy and goodness to me, as I have been now 8 years in my present situation, and have been blessed with good health most of the time, and able to do the large amount of work that I have to do. My dear wife joins with me in love to yourself, Mrs. Muller, and Mr. and Mrs. Wright. We hope and trust you are all quite well, and long may you all be spared to manage the great and good work that you have of the Lord\rquote s, is the wish of us both. Believe us, dear Mr. Muller, yours very faithfully, ****."\emdash Sep. 5. From Church Stretton, \'a330.\emdash Sep. 6. Received from Westmoreland, \'a3100., when our funds were very low.\emdash Also \'a310. from Newark.\emdash On Sep. 7, came in from Macclesfield \'a35., and by sale of articles \'a310. 8s. 10d.\emdash From Aberdeen 10s. 6d., with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, The enclosed is for whatever you feel it is most needed, and may God prosper your work! Many a time, when my path seems dark, am I cheered to think how your faith receives its reward; and ever since I promised the Lord a part of my income, in sending it to your Institution, I have been able to give more every year, so that there is a blessing in giving to you. Yours truly, ****."\emdash Sep 9th. From Ramsgate \'a3l00.\emdash From Old Broad Street, London, \'a35. 14s.\emdash From the Mumbles \'a35.\emdash From Shirehampton \'a35.\emdash From Ipswich \'a32. 2s.\emdash Thus God helped us in our time of need. Above \'a3300. came in from Sep. 6 to Sep. 9 inclusive.\emdash Sep. 12. From Hampshire \'a310. 10s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Very grieved am I at the present time, for the severe trial sent by our Heavenly Father in the sickness of your large family; but rest assured, there was a need for it, if only to stir up the hearts of His professing people to practical sympathy towards you and your noble work; as in my own case; and with much pleasure and many prayers for great grace and strength to rest on you all, enclose a cheque for \'a310. 10s., a thank-offering for late mercies. Believe me, dear Sir, yours faithfully, ****." The affliction referred to here was, we had many cases of typhoid fever; but the Lord had mercy on us, and the cases were remarkably light.\emdash Sep. 16. From Hull 10s. with the following statement: "Dear Sir, Will you please accept in the Lord\rquote s name 10s. for the benefit of the Orphans. One penny a day enables us to send 10s. three times a year. With Christian love, I am sincerely yours in the Lord, ****."\emdash Sep. 21. From a friend in Gloucestershire \'a350.\emdash From Clifton \'a320. and two sets of artificial teeth, set in gold.\emdash Sep. 22. From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash Sep. 24. Three large cheeses.\emdash Sep. 27. From the neighbourhood of Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, \'a3100. with \'a35. for myself.\par \par Oct. 11th. From Preston 15 suits of clothes, 3 pairs of trousers, and 37 caps, a piece of material, and 14 woollen scarfs.\emdash Oct. 12. \'a31. as "A thank-offering to God for saving my own children from becoming Orphans."\emdash Oct. 19. 10s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Enclosed 10s. towards the work amongst Orphans. Thanks for your Report, just to hand, which interested me much. As a young beginner in business, I resolved to put aside one Penny on each sale made, so enclose 10s., being one penny on 120 sales. Yours truly, ****."\emdash Oct. 19. Although we have this day nothing at all in hand for the School\emdash , Bible\emdash , Missionary and Tract Fund, yet we are still provided with some means for the Orphans, though already more than two months since there was only enough in hand to meet the average expenses of 4\'bd days. God has graciously, as the result of our daily believing supplications, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, helped us; and He will do so further, though we know not how the help will come.\par \par Nov. 3. Legacy of the late W. R. L., Esq., \'a3200.\emdash 2,573 apples.\emdash Nov. 7. \'a31. "The first few days\rquote wages, earned in Australia."\emdash Nov. 11. \'a31. from one of the former Orphans, with the following letter: "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Muller, We should have sent our annual trifle sooner; but I am thankful now, that we did not. Our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness to God, for His mercy towards us in sparing the life of our dear babe. Last Sunday night she was close to death\rquote s door. We could not bear to see her suffer, and prayed, that if it were God\rquote s will, He would restore her speedily; and she is rapidly recovering. So, as a thank-offering to God, we, with pleasure, send \'a31. instead of 10s. as before. Once again I must thank you for eleven years spent in that Happy Home. May you long be spared to comfort many more poor Orphans. If there is such joy in simply giving a trifle to God\rquote s cause, what must yours be, who are constantly working for Him. Yours respectfully and gratefully ****."\emdash Nov. 11. A gold watch.\emdash Nov. 16. From the National Provincial Bank of England, Bath, \'a3100., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Enclosed we hand you, under direction of a client of ours (being unable to disclose name) Draft for \'a3100. Kindly forward receipt in due course. Yours faithfully, ****." This donation of \'a3100. came to hand, when the balance for the Orphans was reduced to \'a3108. 15s. 9\'bcd., that is, the amount in hand was not quite enough to meet the average expenses of one day and a half for the Orphans. The total of the expenses for the Orphans alone in the previous year, from May 26, 1880, to May 26, 1881, had been \'a326,783. 10s. 10\'bdd., therefore the average expenses of one day are \'a373. 7s. 7d. Will you kindly place yourself in our position, dear reader. What do we do under such circumstances? We only speak to our Heavenly Father, in order that, by the answers, which we receive from Him, we may encourage the Hearts of His children, increasingly to go to Him in all their need, and that thus their faith may be strengthened; and in order that those, who know not God, may see what a blessed thing it is to have a Father in Heaven. We do not send out advertisements, that we are so poor; we do not call on our rich Christian friends for help; we do not speak at all to persons outside of the work about our need; but we betake ourselves only to our universal remedy for all difficulties, trials and necessities, viz., prayer and faith. We do know God, and therefore put our trust in Him, according to that word in Psalm ix. 10, "They that know thy name will put their trust in thee, for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."\emdash Nov. 17. From Clifton as "Proceeds of sale of work "\'a355. 10s.\emdash Nov. 18. From X. Y. Z., \'a366. 19s. 8d.\emdash Nov. 21. From South Australia \'a320., from a gentleman who, as he writes, was snatched from the very jaws of death, converted through his severe illness, and who now desires to devote himself entirely to God.\emdash Nov. 22. \'a31. as "A thank-offering for the conversion of my brother."\emdash Nov. 23. From a friend at Burnley \'a350.\emdash Nov. 24. From a Christian gentleman and lady \'a3162. 16s. for the support of twelve Orphans for one year, with \'a310. 10s. for my own personal expenses.\emdash 12 half sacks of flour, 1 barrel of currants, and 16 half boxes of raisins, sent by the donor for the Christmas puddings of the Orphans.\par \par Dec. 6. \'a390., with \'a310. for myself, "A thanksgiving on the occasion of a silver wedding,"\emdash Dec. 9. A \'a3200. Debenture bond (with coupons attached for seven years) of the British and American Mortgage Company, Limited."\emdash Dec. 10. From Paternoster Row \'a3100.\emdash Dec. 15. From Rugby \'a350.\emdash A large box, containing black, drab and whited brown linen thread.\emdash Dec. 16. Ten boxes of raisins.\emdash Dec. 20. From near London \'a3290. with \'a310. for myself.\emdash From a person in an almshouse 5s. 6d., who lives upon 3s. 6d. per week, and who sends one penny out of every 3s. 6d. which she receives. See how even the poor seek to help in this work, as well as the rich; but we desire to receive every donation as coming from God, in answer to prayer.\emdash A large number of boxes of sweets and small biscuits; 30 boxes, each containing a doll and material for clothes, and a number of scrap books, with \'a31. 1s. towards plum puddings.\emdash Some bags of marbles, boxes and bags of sweets, some toy watches, 6 balls, some bells, a box of little dolls and some scrap books.\emdash Dec. 21. Thirteen boxes of oranges, 15 half boxes of valencias, and 3 barrels of currants.\emdash From Westmoreland \'a3100.\emdash Dec. 24. Two bags of figs, 1 sack of nuts, 12 boxes of oranges and 5 boxes of raisins.\emdash Dec. 28. Received from Maidstone \'a375. 17s. 9d.\emdash Dec. 29. From one of the Midland Counties \'a370.\par \par Jan. 3, 1882, Received \'a35. 4s. with the following letter: "Sir, Enclosed you will find Post Office Order for \'a35. 4s., which please accept for the use of the Orphans. Last New Year\rquote s day I sent you One Pound. I had been reading one of your Reports some time before, and I resolved I would try and help you. I therefore put a shilling a week by out of my wages, and, as soon as I had saved 20 shillings, I sent it. That is just a year ago. Soon after sending it, God gave me an unexpected increase in my wages, and I resolved at once to put two shillings per week by for the Orphans, throughout the year. He has also blessed me with health and strength, and I now send you the \'a35. 4s. as a thank-offering for all His many blessings and mercies vouchsafed to me. With best wishes to you, believe me, yours sincerely, ****."\emdash Jan. 4. \'a3200. from Yorkshire.\emdash Jan. 5. \'a313. 17s. 6d. "Commission on the sale of a house."\emdash Jan. 6. \'a35. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose cheque for \'a35. for the Orphans, as a thank-offering for my father\rquote s conversion, at 72 years of age, when, after a few days\rquote illness, the Lord took him to Himself. Yours in the Lord, ****."\emdash Jan. 10. Believers, meeting at Sand Area Chapel, Kendal, \'a330. 17s.\emdash Jan. 11. \'a350. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, As a thankful acknowledgment that all I have is the Lord\rquote s, whose little ones you train for Him, in dependence on Him, I have put fifty pounds (\'a350.) to your credit today in Messrs. Stuckey & Co.\rquote s Bank, Clifton, to be used for the Orphans. Yours affectionately, The Daughter of an Orphan who was cared for."\par \par Feb. 14. From 46 friends at North Adelaide, South Australia, \'a314.\emdash Feb. 17. Legacy of the late Mrs. A. M. R. \'a3100.\emdash Feb. 18. From Bath \'a3100. The balance for the Orphans, when this donation was received, had been reduced to a little above \'a3100., viz., only enough for the average expenses of one day and a half.\emdash On the same day came in \'a35. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Wright, I have been pressed in spirit for a day or two to send you the enclosed for the Orphans, which please take as from a steward who desires to be found faithful. With Christian love and esteem, yours sincerely, ****."\emdash There came in also, from Malvern, \'a313. 10s. for the support of one Orphan for one year.\emdash Feb. 19. We have received many letters from the Orphans on Ashley Down, sent to my dear wife in connection with her birthday, of which as a specimen, I give the following: "New Orphan Houses, Ashley Down, Bristol, Feb. 7th, 1882. Dear Madam, The days have passed to weeks, the weeks have changed to months, and the day seems very distant since we bade farewell to you on the morning when you left us for the Continent, and thence to go to the Holy Land.\emdash We thank you and dear Mr. Muller for your kind remembrances, and your messages of love contained in your letter to the Orphans.\emdash We feel very happy to know that you are now in that wonderful country, which is so closely allied to the name of Jesus, and which is so intimately associated with the mighty works and powerful sayings of our blessed Lord.\emdash We cannot read the beautiful and tender story of His life in the New Testament, now that you are in the country where He dwelt, and probably walking over the same ground He trod, without feelings of gratitude to God for His loving kindness to you.\emdash We rejoice in the near approach of your birthday, and we ask you to permit us the pleasure of expressing our love to you and the hope that your coming birthday will be a season of quiet rest and close communion with our Heavenly Father; that your soul may be greatly blessed, and that you and dear Mr. Muller may abide under the shadow of the Almighty.\emdash You will be pleased to hear, that the general health in the Boys\rquote Department is good; that we were striving to do well in our examination, which commenced yesterday, and that we are trying to be good boys, so that, when you think of us, your heart may be comforted.\emdash Praying that God\rquote s choicest blessing may remain with you, preserving you in health, protecting you from harm, and prospering you in your labour of love, and wishing you a bright and happy New Year, and many happy returns of your birthday, with much love, we are your grateful Orphans, the Boys of No. 4."\emdash Feb. 24. From Weston-super-Mare \'a360.\emdash Received 20 sacks of oatmeal. During the past year the same donor has kindly sent us eight similar donations, and altogether 146 sacks of oatmeal have thus come to us. This has been a great help; for about Christmas we bad no means to send for our usual order of 400 or 500 sacks of oatmeal to Scotland; but our large stock in hand was lengthened out by being thus gratuitously added to.\emdash Feb. 26. The balance in hand today for the Orphans is \'a397. 10s. 7\'bdd., viz., \'a324. more than the average expenses of one single day.\par \par 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 thus far.\emdash March 4. Legacy of the late Mrs. C. \'a3156. 8s. 6d.\emdash March 9. From Maidenhead \'a360.\emdash A large silver salver.\emdash March 11. Legacy of the late Mr. R. S. \'a318.\emdash March 17. Legacy of the late Mr. G. F. \'a3200. Many of the legacies have come in just when we were in great need. Thus it has been in particular regarding the last three legacies just mentioned.\emdash Received also on the same day \'a38. 18s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I have the pleasure to enclose for the Orphans and expenses connected with the Orphanage under your care a cheque for \'a38. 18s.\emdash It may interest you to know the circumstances under which it is sent. The firm with which I am connected had a large sum of money justly due to them, but there seemed but little prospect of recovering the same, when I made a resolve, that if the money was ever obtained, one half of my share should be devoted to your Orphanage. This occurred about three years ago, and very soon after that time we began to receive instalments of the amount; and as the whole is likely to be settled in a few days, I hasten to fulfil my pledge, and to record another instance of the wonderful providence of God; for I feel that His hand is truly apparent here both for your help and mine. With kind regards, I am, Dear Sir, yours faithfully, ****."\emdash March 21. From Sussex \'a313. 10s. for the support of one Orphan for one year.\emdash March 25. From a Scotch donor, then staying in London, \'a3100. When this donation was received, the balance of the Orphan fund was quite exhausted,\emdash Received also from Sunderland \'a35.; and from Liverpool from "An old New Yorker" \'a35.\emdash March 26. The balance in hand today is \'a332. 15s. 3\'bed., viz., not one half of the average expenses for one single day.\emdash March 29. \'a35. instead of insuring stock.\emdash From the Isle of Wight \'a353. 18s. for the support of four Orphans for one year.\emdash March 30. From Dublin, two sets of artificial teeth, set in gold.\par \par April 10. \'a31. 10s. with this statement: "The enclosed is presented as an offering to the Lord for the Orphans, instead of being used for the purchase of an \lquote engagement ring,\rquote by two believers who above all things desire that their united lives may be to the glory of the Lord, who loved them and bought them with His own blood." April 11. \'a36. 19s. 6d. as "First day\rquote s receipt in my new shop."\emdash April 17. From one of the Midland Counties \'a380., which came in at a time of great need.\emdash April 18. Three bags of rice.\emdash April 19. From Hull \'a35. as "A thank-offering to the Lord for saving us from being burnt down."\emdash April 20. When in the greatest need we received from Edinburgh \'a3100. with this statement: "The enclosed was intended as a legacy, but I have sent it in my lifetime." April 22. From the outskirts of Bristol \'a322.\emdash April 26. From H. B. \'a3100.\emdash The late A. B., one of the Christian Orphans, who for nearly thirty years had walked in the ways of God, \'a35.\emdash May 4. From "H. G." 5 cwt. of white lead, 10 cwt. of zinc white, 5 cwt. of oil ochre, 2 cwt. of oil black, \'bd cwt. of Venetian red, 5 cwt. of driers, 2 gallons of varnish, and 2 ditto of japan black. This most valuable donation was very useful to us for painting in connection with our five large houses.\emdash May 6. By sale of dentist gold \'a358. 2s. 6d.\emdash May 8. \'a35. as "A thank-offering for restoration to health after a severe illness."\emdash May 9. A satin jacket with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I send you by train to-night a box, containing a new satin jacket, which I only wore for the first time yesterday; but God has shown me, that it will be a snare to me. I have spent a most miserable night on account of it, and promised Him, I would give it to Him, and henceforth dress in what is needful, and not in costly apparel." This statement is to be pondered.\emdash May 10. From Ootacamund, India, \'a314. 6s. 1d.\emdash May 12. From the late Miss H. \'a320.\emdash May 15. From Edinburgh \'a350.\emdash May 16. From one of the Midland Counties \'a350.\emdash From Trowbridge \'a313., for the support of one Orphan for one year.\emdash May 17. From one of the former Orphans \'a35., as a token of gratitude, for what she had received at the Orphan Houses. A relative had left to her a small sum.\emdash May 23. From "Hope," Taunton, \'a35.\emdash May 24. From Manchester \'a355.\emdash May 26. From Redland \'a320.\emdash From Scotland \'a365. 6s. 8d.\emdash By sale of plate, gold and silver articles, dentist gold, etc., \'a385. 14s.\emdash 6 table spoons, 4 dessert ditto, 1 gravy ditto, 8 tea ditto, 1 soup ladle, 12 forks, and a tea pot and stand, all of silver, and 1 plated skewer.\par \par Means for the Support of the Two Thousand Two Hundred and Eleven Orphans, who were under our care from May 26, 1882 to May 26, 1883, sent in answer to prayer, Letters from Donors and Orphans, Practical remarks, &c.\par \par The readers of the previous pages will remember how very trying our position was, with regard to funds for the support of the Orphans, during the last year, and how, looking at things naturally, it seemed impossible that we should be able to continue to carry on an Institution, like that of the five Orphan Houses on Ashley Downs\emdash where day by day about 2,100 persons sit down to their meals, and where the expenses of many thousands of pounds, besides those for food, have year after year to be met\emdash without applying to any human being for a single sovereign. We grant, that, according to appearances, all was dark, and that there was no natural prospect of help; but we knew God. We did not merely say that we knew Him, but verily we did know Him. We did not merely say that we trusted in Him, but we did so in reality; and thus it has come, that we have been helped, as it is written:\emdash "They that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee." Psalm ix. 10.\par \par We stayed ourselves upon God, and at the beginning of the new year on May 27, 1882, encouraged ourselves in Him. We were assured that help would come, though we knew not how; and that God, who raised up this Orphan Establishment at the first, who supported it while it was small, and under many difficulties; who enlarged the work until it became the greatest Orphan Institution under heaven, and who supported it, as such, simply through prayer and faith for so many years; would do this further.\par \par I now give to the reader in the following pages some specimens of the manner in which it pleased God to help us. On the very first day of the new period, May 27, 1882, the dear Christian donor, in Ale County, United States, already several times referred to, an entire stranger to us, sent \'a320. By this, God would say, "Only believe;" only trust in Me; I have the hearts of all at my disposal; the gold and the silver belong to Me.\emdash May 29. We received from Manchester \'a350. for the Orphans, with \'a350. for the first four Objects of the Institution.\emdash On May 31, \'a313. 10s. 6d. came from Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope.\par \par June 3. From Wotton-under-edge \'a3500. A glorious deliverance was this donation, and a precious earnest of what God would do further for us. This donation came from a Christian gentleman who, though for very many years a donor to the Institution, is not personally known to us, and who had never given so large a sum before. This made the hand of God all the more manifest.\emdash June 6. Anonymously from Glasgow \'a3l5.\emdash Legacy of the late Mrs. M. F. \'a3500.\emdash June 23. Legacy of the late R. W. Esq., \'a31,000. 3 per cent. reduced Bank annuities, less duty and brokerage. The testator says in his Will: "I give and bequeath to Mr. George Muller of Bristol, or such other person or persons, as shall, when this legacy shall become payable, be the Director or Directors of the New Orphan Houses on Ashley Down, near Bristol, the sum of one thousand pounds, three pounds per cent. reduced Bank Annuities, as a response to his confidence in Almighty God for the voluntary support of that Institution, to be applied for the purposes of the said New Orphan Houses." Produced (less brokerage of \'a31. 2s. 6d. and \'a3100. legacy duty), \'a3898. 17s. 6d.\emdash By these and very many smaller sums, within the first month, from May 27th to June 26th inclusive, \'a32,874. 10s. 5d. for the support of the Orphans was received. By this the reader will see, that we did not wait upon the Lord in vain, nor rely upon Him to no purpose.\emdash June 27. From a Bristol donor \'a310. 10s.\emdash From another Bristol donor \'a3100.\emdash From London \'a330.\emdash June 30. From Liverpool, from a former Orphan, who is the commander of a large merchant vessel, \'a313.\par \par July 3. By sale of jewellery \'a311. 2s. 3d.\emdash July 4. From Edinburgh \'a350.\emdash July 5. From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash From Torquay \'a381. 18s. 9d.\emdash July 6. By sale of dentist gold, and gold and silver articles, \'a336.\emdash July 10. Received \'a313. 11s. 8d. with the following letter: "Dear Brother in our precious Christ, Our gracious triune covenant God having spared my dear little boy another year (his second birthday being tomorrow) I now enclose, as a thank-offering, my cheque for \'a313. 11s. 8d., being for the maintenance of one Orphan for one year, and trust, my dear little ones, by the gracious power of God the Holy Spirit, may in due time be brought to know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.\emdash I trust God may yet spare you to labour many years in His vineyard, and may bless your latter end even more than your beginning. With Christian love I remain yours sincerely, ****." From donors, "on their wedding day," \'a35.\emdash July 15. From a donor on his wedding day \'a32. 3s. 10d.\emdash From Sussex \'a349. 10s.\emdash July 17. From Liverpool 20 boxes of soap.\emdash July 18. "Money saved by me and my two children through not drinking sugar in our tea," 19s. 7d.\emdash July 21. From Leicester, from a praying Christian, that she might have work, to be able to help us, \'a32. 10s.\emdash July 25. From Stapleton \'a3100.\emdash From Bromley \'a350.\emdash July\par \par 26. From a Bristol donor \'a3100.\emdash From New Zealand, 2 gold watches, 2 ditto chains, 1 watch key, 2 lockets, I watch hook, 1 pair of sugar tongs, 1 silver box of seals, 1 waistband slide, 1 clasp, 1 bracelet, 4 brooches and 1 ring.\emdash July 27. Last evening our balance in hand, for the support of the Orphans, was \'a3172. 10s. 7d., and the total income for them, during the two first months of the present period, from May 26th to July 26th inclusive, has been \'a34,602. 8s. 1d.\emdash Legaey of the late Mr. J. W. J. \'a3100. less legacy duty.\emdash From Tottenham, 6 pieces of artificial teeth (4 set in gold).\emdash From a working man at Cardiff \'a37.\emdash July 28. From Westmoreland \'a320.\emdash\'a38. "instead of insuring 320 acres of corn against hail."\emdash July 31. From Wolverhampton, 18 bags of oatmeal.\par \par Aug. 2. Legacy of the late Miss L. \'a3100.\emdash Aug. 3. From Huntingdon, 10 coats, 9 waistcoats, 10 pairs of trousers, a suit of clothes, 3 dresses, 4 jackets, 3 pairs of stays, 6 chemises, 3 pairs of drawers, 6 pairs of cuffs, 2 collars, a hat, a cap, 4 bonnets, 5 pairs of boots, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 pair of slippers and 1 pair of goloshes.\emdash Aug. 7. "A thank-offering for safe return of my dear children from a foreign land," \'a35.\emdash Aug. 9. From Clifton \'a350. 13s. 4d. for the support of 4 Orphans for one year.\emdash Aug. 11. From Westmoreland \'a3100.\emdash Aug. 14. From Wotton-under-edge \'a3100. from the same gentleman who had only on June 3rd given \'a3500.\emdash Aug. 16. From a gentleman, 93 years old, who can say, "Hitherto has the Lord helped me," \'a31.\emdash Aug. 17. A diamond ring and coral necklace.\emdash Aug 18. \'a33. from Derbyshire, "Instead of insuring life."\emdash Aug. 19. From a working man 10s., as "A thank-offering for God\rquote s mercy in restoring his wife from sickness."\emdash Aug. 23. From Clifton \'a350.\emdash Aug. 25. By legacy of the late Mr. W. C. \'a3123. 14s. 7d.\emdash From one of the former Orphans, who has been 16 years and five months in the situation to which she went when she left the Orphan Houses, \'a31. 10s. with the following letter:\par \par "Dear Mr. Muller, May I have the pleasure of once again sending you a few lines, to thank you first very much for the nice Report, you so kindly sent me. Both Fanny and myself read it through with great interest, and have now passed it on for other friends to read, that they also may see how the Lord can supply the wants of His servants who trust in Him. Please accept the enclosed as the contents of my little box. The sovereign was dropped in by Mrs. L. a few days before the Report arrived. Trusting that God\rquote s choicest blessing may still continue to rest upon your work, with grateful love from Fanny and myself, I remain, dear Mr. Muller, ever your grateful and affectionate Orphan, ****."\emdash Fanny, here referred to, (another Orphan,) has also been 16 years and 5 months in the same excellent Christian family as a servant.\emdash Aug. 29. From Cotham, Bristol, \'a3100.\par \par Sept. 4. From the neighbourhood of Berne, Switzerland, \'a320.\emdash Sept. 7. \'a37. 7s. as "A thank-offering for being able to do without medical advice for six months."\emdash Sept. 11. Legacy of the late J. E. Esq., \'a3618. 4s. 2d.\emdash Sept. 13. \'a31. 6s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Will you please accept the enclosed Post Office Order for 26s., to be applied as you think best. It is gathered at our dinner table on Sundays\emdash the only day in the week my boys and I dine together. Hoping it may be acceptable, though only a mite, in helping to carry on your work of faith and labour of love in the Lord, I remain, Sir, yours faithfully, ****."\emdash Sept. 14. "Given by a friend, instead of buying a new dress," \'a31.\emdash Sept. 15. From Bombay \'a310.\emdash From Landport \'a31. 10s. 6d. and 6d. for a Report, with the following letter: "Dear Sir, We once more send our yearly offering, of a penny a day for your Orphans, with 6d. for Report received, for which we thank you. We thank God who has provided for your numerous family through another year, though it has not been without often trying the faith which He Himself has given you; but each year\rquote s account of your trials, and the timely help sent to you, adds weight to the testimony you have so long borne to His faithfulness, truth and power. Commending you and all your work, with all your helpers in the work, to His keeping for the coming year, We remain, Dear Sir, yours very sincerely, ****."\emdash Sept 16. \'a31. 12s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Since I sent to you last week, the Lord has been pleased to raise my husband\rquote s wages six shillings a week; and to my astonishment he said one morning, we must send to Mr. Muller 10s. for you, 10s. for me, and 6s. as first instalment of a rise of wages, and 6s. as a part produce of a profitable hive of what had been troublesome bees."\emdash From Manchester, a gold ring set with a diamond, a gold pencil case, a gold Albert chain, and a silver locket and chain.\emdash Sept. 22. \'a35. as "A thank-offering for another year\rquote s preservation from fire."\emdash Sept. 23. From one of the former Orphans \'a35. 1s. 3d. with the following letter: "Dear and respected Sir, May I ask your acceptance of the enclosed, to be used for whatever it is most needed. I had intended sending \'a32. 10s.; \'a31. 10s. as what I usually put aside, and \'a31, as a thank-offering to my Heavenly Father, for his mercy in preserving me from evils that threatened me. The other \'a32. 10s. I was going to save, but hearing from one of my friends, that, according to the Report, the funds were low, I felt that it would not be right of me to hide my Lord\rquote s money. The 1s. 3d. was given me by a young lady in farthings for the Orphans. May I ask your prayers, that the Lord will bring me nearer to Himself, and help me more entirely to trust in Him for all things.\emdash Sunday, the 27th, is your birthday. I hope it may be a very happy day to you, and that you may be spared to see many more. Please remember me respectfully to Mrs. Muller, and Mr. and Mrs. Wright; and trusting that they and all connected with the work are enjoying good health, I remain, Dear Sir, Yours gratefully and respectfully, ****."\emdash 2 cwt. of rice, a \'bc cwt. box of Valentias and 6 lbs. of tea.\emdash Sept. 25. As legacy of the late Mr. J. M. \'a3150.\emdash Sept. 26. \'a390. "As the legacy of the late Mr. W. W."\emdash Received \'a33. 10s. from one of the former Orphans, with the following letter: "My Dear and Respected Sir, Once more my Heavenly Father has permitted me to send my offering to the glorious work on Ashley Down. It is with heartfelt gratitude, that I have been enabled to send the remaining sum of money, which I had promised to God. As you are aware, when in London, I told Him in my prayers that, if He saw fit to open a good situation for me, I would forward \'a312. as a thank-offering for His loving kindness towards me; and, for my Redeemer\rquote s sake, He heard my prayer; hence my reason for sending all that I told God I would give to His work. And now, dear Sir, although within the last ten months I have been able, by God\rquote s help, to fulfil my vow, still I do not intend to forget the work on Ashley Down. I think it would be very ungrateful on my part to do this, and especially I ought to think so, when I am now reaping the benefit of having been in that peaceful Home. I intend\emdash my Father for Jesus\rquote sake helping me\emdash to put by something for the grand work under your supervision, and, at the end of the year, I trust I shall be enabled to give you as good an offering as hitherto, or on previous occasions. Remember me to Mr. Wright with my best love to all, and to my school companions Messrs. M. and P., [now teachers at the Orphan Houses] and accept the same yourself. Believe me to be, dear Sir, yours very sincerely, ****."\emdash From Downend, 7 sacks of potatoes.\emdash From Preston, 20 suits of clothes.\par \par Oct. 4. From Tunbridge Wells \'a35. as "Part of an anticipatory thank-offering, for health to be restored."\emdash Oct. 9. \'a31. 6s. "Farthings taken by a tradesman during the quarter ending Michaelmas."\emdash From Almondsbury 2,750 apples.\emdash Oct. 10. From one of the Midland Counties\par \par \'a370.\emdash Received 10s. from one of the former Orphans, in service, with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I am writing a few lines to you, to thank you for sending me the Reports of the Orphan Houses year after year. They are very interesting to read, and also show how the Orphan work is getting on. I shall never forget the happy days I spent when I was in that happy Home. I can look back now and see how I was cared for, while there. Nearly eleven years I have left it, and am still in the same situation to which you at first sent me. It is like a home to me, and I ought to be very grateful to our Heavenly Father, for providing me such a good Christian home. I would ask you to remember me in your prayers, that I may love Him more, serve Him better, and live more closely to Him. I am sending you a small trifle for the dear Orphans. Please to remember me kindly to Mrs. Muller, Mr. and Mrs. Wright, and all the dear teachers in New Orphan House No. 2. I remain your truly grateful Orphan, ****."\emdash Oct. 17. \'a3500. as "The legacy of the late Mr. C. J. K."\emdash Oct. 18. \'a350. as "The legacy of the late Mr. G. T."\emdash From Almondsbury 4,300 apples.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Frome a large cheese.\emdash From Reading 40 sacks of potatoes.\emdash Oct. 19. From Auckland, New Zealand, \'a35.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Trowbridge 3 cheeses.\emdash Oct. 20. Received \'a32. 7s. 6d. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, Enclosed I beg to hand you three Postal Orders, value \'a32. 7s. 6d., for your acceptance, in aid of the Orphan fund.\emdash Allow me to say, that I was called upon by an insurance company to insure my men against accident, under the Employers\rquote Liability Act of 1880, and they asked for this amount annually as a premium, to cover all risk. I have never insured against anything for some years past with Man, only with the Lord; and He has kept me from all mishaps. Nevertheless I almost yielded my faith in God, at least I was tempted severely to do so in this instance, when the risk and the nature of my business were laid before me. But faith prevailed, and I still believe, that, putting my trust in Him, I shall not be ashamed. It was by reading your life and work, that I was led at first to see this; and I have to ask you, to pray for me, that my faith fail not. My prayer is, that you may be kept steadfast in your great work of faith, for His glory\rquote s sake. Many Christians need to see, that by insuring all they have with societies, they are not giving scope for faith in God. The truth is, they are lessening their faith, and yet they ask God to increase it. May the Lord keep us steadfast, for His glory\rquote s sake.\emdash Believe me yours very sincerely, ** *."\emdash Oct. 21. Received from Wotton-under-edge \'a31,000. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I am very thankful to be able to send you the enclosed cheque for your Orphans! Will you accept \'a3100. of the sum for yourse1f, and believe me, with Christian regards, Yours most faithfully, ****." I make the following remarks in connection with this donation. 1. The kind Christian gentleman is personally unknown to me, though for very many years he has from time to time sent us donations. 2. During the present year he had already sent \'a3100. and \'a3500., making with this donation, up to Oct. 21, 1882, altogether \'a31,600. 3. How comes all this? God hears prayer; He verily listens to the supplications of His children, who, in the name of the Lord Jesus bring before Him petitions, which are according to His mind, and exercise faith in His power and willingness to help them; and who, in connection with this, continue to wait on Him, till they receive answers to their requests. Now, we asked for a thing that was according to the mind of God, when we entreated Him to give us the means needed to provide for this large Orphan Family; we were expecting help, not on the ground of our own goodness and worthiness, but simply as such who are united to the Lord Jesus Christ, and asked the answer for His sake; we also asked in faith; and persevered day by day in prayer. The Christian reader will not therefore be surprised that we received so large a sum from this Christian gentleman. 4. But notice further, he had already sent us \'a3100. and \'a3500. since May 26, and yet he sent \'a31,000. more. 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. 5. One point more. Notice that the kind donor wished \'a3100. of this sum to be used for my own personal expenses, by which God meant to say to my own heart: "I am pleased with thy work and service, in going about on these long Missionary tours. I will pay the expenses thereof, and I give to thee here a specimen of what I am yet willing to do for thee."\par \par May God\rquote s richest, choicest blessing rest on this dear donor, and all the dear Christian friends, who have helped us, whether with small or large sums!\par \par On the same day there was received from Manchester \'a3100., from a Christian gentleman, who for very many years has helped us considerably.\par \par Oct. 25. From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a3200. with \'a35. for myself.\emdash Oct. 28. Received \'a312. 13s. 4d. with the following letter: "Dear Christian Friend, As my little daughter is today spared to see the first anniversary of her natal day, I enclose \'a312. 13s. 4d., being the amount required to keep one Orphan for one year; and, by the blessing of our triune covenant God, I hope to be enabled to do the same annually, as long as my little ones are spared to me. My prayer is, that your valuable life may yet be spared many years, if God so will, to be the Orphan\rquote s friend; that you may be kept firm in the truth as it is in Jesus, be daily favoured to enjoy very much of His gracious presence, and that, when you come to your journey\rquote s end, dying grace may be granted for a dying hour, Yours in Him, ****."\emdash Oct. 30. From Edinburgh \'a3100.\emdash Oct 31. Christian friends at Vienna \'a34. and a gold locket.\par \par Nov. 1. \'a3300. as the legacy of the late Miss E. R. of Bath.\emdash Nov. 3. From Clifton \'a350., from a Christian lady who for many years manifested much interest about the Orphans, and who since then has been called to her heavenly home, now to reap, as she has been sowing.\emdash Nov. 8. From Sussex \'a3150.\emdash Nov. 8. From a Shepherd in Queensland, Australia, \'a33., with the following letter from a clergyman: "My dear Sir, I have again the pleasure of enclosing you a cheque for \'a33., sent to you for the Orphans by my former Church Clerk at S\emdash\emdash . May God continue to bless your work of faith and labour of love. We Christians owe you a debt of gratitude for increasing our faith by the evidence of the fruits of your own. Believe me, my dear Sir, Yours affectionately in Christ, ****."\emdash From Wolverhampton, the valuable donation of 20 bags of oatmeal.\emdash Nov. 10. Legacy of the late Miss M. \'a350.\emdash A gold scarf ring, set with a brilliant.\emdash Nov. 20. From McKeesport, Ale County, \'a310. with the following letter: "Dear brother, I am permitted to enclose fifty dollars more for the Lord\rquote s poor. Freely I have received and freely I want to give. What have I, that I have not received? The little child feels proud, that it can drop the money into the box, after the parent has supplied the means, and told it to do so. So we are sometimes tempted to think we are giving of our own. The Lord bless your work. My heart is with you. Amen,\par \par ****."\emdash Nov. 27. \'a350. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, As the circumstances of sending you a second and larger donation than usual, this year, are peculiar, they may not be uninteresting to you. They are these. I began business about twenty years ago, in a very small way, and have been prospered above all my expectations. I have been giving ten per cent. of my income to the Lord, mainly through reading Mr. Muller\rquote s Narrative. At the beginning of this year I resolved, that all I should make, over and above the requirements of my family and household expenses, on a certain enterprise, I would give to the Lord\rquote s work; and, though my books will not be made up until the 31st December, I can see I shall have a good surplus, and therefore it is that I now send you the enclosed. I have not time to write more particularly. Yours truly, ****." Here the reader has another proof of the blessedness of regular systematic giving, carried on faithfully as stewards for the Lord.\emdash Nov. 28. From a Coffee Palace 16s., with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, About three months ago some one sent me a Report of your Orphan Houses. I desired to help, but, having many claims, scarcely knew how to do so, until the thought was put into my mind to ask our manager\rquote s wife (a dear Christian) to put a farthing into a box I provided for every gallon of coffee she made. I enclose 16s., which we found in the box this morning. I ask you to pray for a blessing upon this effort of ours to provide working men with good wholesome drinks, as well as to make this a centre of Christian work. Yours in the Master\rquote s service, ****."\emdash From Wales \'a375., with \'a325. for myself, from a Christian gentleman who gives systematically and regularly, and that very largely, just as the Lord is pleased to prosper him in his very large business.\par \par Dec. 2. From a Bristol donor 16 half boxes of raisins, 1 barrel of currants, and 8 barrels of flour, for the children\rquote s Christmas puddings.\emdash Dec. 5. From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash Dec. 7. Received 2s. 6d. and a pair of bracelets with the following letter: "Sir, During the past five years, since my four nieces have been under your care, many times I have felt it my duty to write to you and thank you for the kindness and good training they have received, since they have been under your care. When I receive letters from them, speaking of their happiness in their happy Home, I am led to thank God that there is such a home for Orphan children. Having visited the Orphanage many times, I can look back, and picture many dear happy faces. Will you please accept\par \par 2s. 6d. which I have sent for Reports, which I have received from time to time, also a pair of bracelets, towards the support of the Orphans. It is but a trifle. I wish I could send more. Yours respectfully, ****."\emdash Dec. 8. Received the following letter from the mistress of one of the Orphans sent out as a servant. The letter was addressed to one of the former teachers of this Orphan. "Dear Miss T., You will know that Annie has been seeking admission as probationer in the Leeds Training Institute for Nurses. Today she has word, that she is to be admitted early in the New Year. We hope she may suit, and that she will do well. It is eight years and a half nearly since she came to us, and she has done us the best service from then until now. She is and has been a God-fearing girl, and is more anxious to do her duty, than to have her rights. Her training in the Home must have been of the highest kind, and she has been a comfort and joy to us, as well as a most efficient help. I have thought it is due to the Teachers and Principals of the Home, that they should know these things, while perhaps it may also be a pleasure to them and to you. I am, dear Miss T., very sincerely yours, ****."\emdash Legacy of the late Mr. J. C. \'a3100.\emdash From a Bristol donor the valuable present of 50 tons of coke.\emdash Dec. 15. From a Bristol wholesale house 6 cases of currants, 15 boxes of fruit, and 10 boxes of oranges, for the Orphan\rquote s Christmas Treat.\emdash Dec. 20. From Bromley \'a350.\emdash Dec. 21. Legacy of the late H. R. Esq. \'a350.\emdash From a Bristol wholesale house 20 boxes of oranges.\emdash From a former Orphan \'a32. 11s. 6d.\emdash Dec. 23. From near London \'a3290., with \'a310. for myself.\emdash From a Bristol wholesale house 10 boxes of oranges, 10 boxes of figs, and a sack of nuts.\emdash Dec. 30. Received \'a3105. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, Through the utterly unmerited goodness of God, I am able to send you the enclosed cheque, on behalf of the Orphans placed by Him under your care. Please to apply \'a395. to the maintenance of the Orphans, and accept of the remaining \'a310. for yourself.\emdash Were I to tell you of the circumstances, which have led to my sending you this money (although they would not surprise you), so remarkable were they, that "the children of this world" could not be expected to believe them\emdash literally true as they were nevertheless.\emdash I have therefore only to add, that my continual hope and desire is, that God\rquote s best blessing may still be with you in your great work. Believe me, dear Mr. Muller, Yours very sincerely, ****."\par \par Jan. 1st, 1883. Received \'a313. 8s. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, I have much pleasure in sending you, as usual, the contents of our Orphan box, and also, because of what we have seen of the excellence of the training in your Institution in the servant we have, I add to the contents of the box enough to support one Orphan. I remain, dear Sir, Yours faithfully, ****."\emdash Jan. 2. From Christian friends at Princes Street Room, Bath, \'a312. and some articles.\emdash From Glamorgan \'a330.\emdash Jan. 3. A gentleman had asked the question, whether we were in need of funds. When \'a3100. was very kindly sent by him for the Institution, this question was not answered, because we speak only to God about these matters; and now, today, this gentleman sent us \'a31000. for the Orphans.\emdash Received again from the donor at McKeesport, Ale County, \'a310.\emdash Jan. 6. From one of the Midland counties \'a370.\emdash Jan. 9. Believers meeting at Sand Area Chapel, Kendal, \'a332. 13s.\emdash Received on Jan. 10 the following letter from one of the former Orphans on completing his apprenticeship as Pupil Teacher and becoming an assistant master in one of our Day Schools. The letter was addressed to Mr. Wright. "Dear and respected Sir, It is with great pleasure and feelings of gratitude for the unwearied and unceasing kindness I experienced under the fatherly care of dear Mr. Muller and yourself, both during the years spent among the boys, and also those of pupil teacher, that, at the close of my apprenticeship, I write this note, to acknowledge it all, and still thank you for the further kindness in retaining me as an assistant teacher, with the means of providing comfortably for myself.\emdash I can now look back on those years at the \lquote Home,\rquote with heartfelt gratitude to my Heavenly Father, who so highly favoured me, and many others, with religious teaching while under such protection; and it is but the outcome of it, which inspires me with these grateful feelings; for it was my spiritual birth-place, where my lost and helpless condition as a sinner, and Christ as my Saviour and Friend, were by the Holy Spirit revealed to me. He has not failed to keep His holy promise; for surely I can say, \lquote He has been a Father to the fatherless; and, trusting in Him, He will preserve me till the battle of this short life is past.\rquote I fervently pray, that the Lord will continue to bless Mr. Muller and yourself, with all the helpers in the many branches of the work to which you are called, and that you may long be spared to see still more of the fruits of your labours in God\rquote s vineyard. I remain, Dear Sir, Yours most respectfully, ****."\emdash Jan. 10. Received from Basle 500 Francs as the legacy of the late Miss L. B., and from the readers of the "Yolks Bote" 630 Francs.\emdash\'a32. as "A thank-offering for restored health, after nearly twelve months\rquote illness."\emdash Jan. 24. Received \'a31. 16s. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, We enclose an order for \'a31. 16s. for the dear Orphans. We decided to put by two pence per week when married, and have been married four years. This is our first donation, we wish it were larger. We are only working people, but feel it a privilege to be able to give our mite towards such a noble work, for Jesus\rquote sake. Yours in the Lord Jesus, ***."\emdash From Edgbaston \'a3200.\emdash Jan.26. From Cork \'a350.\emdash Jan. 27. From Dublin \'a3100. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, On the 25th November last I sent you \'a350., and gave an account of how it came about that I so increased my usual donation. I find now, having made up my books to the end of the year, that I have a much greater surplus than I had expected, and have a difficulty in deciding as to how to dispose of it. I, however, have no hesitation in sending to you the first and largest instalment, as it was by reading your Narrative I first learned that it was my duty to give proportionately and statedly of my income to the Lord\rquote s work. Please find enclosed first half Note \'a3100.; and, unless you otherwise wish, I desire it to go for the support of the Orphans. Trusting you continue to enjoy good health, and that all your work continues to prosper, yours truly, ****."\emdash Received \'a3152. for the support of twelve Orphans for one year, together with \'a310. 10s. for myself.\par \par Feb. 1. From a baker 160 quarterns of bread, "The average daily amount baked by me during the year ending March, 1879."\emdash From Christians meeting at the Assembly Hall, Melbourne, Australia, \'a35.\emdash Feb. 2. 102 pairs of infants\rquote , children\rquote s and women\rquote s boots.\emdash \'a325. "A widow\rquote s mite. An intended legacy, paid during life."\emdash Feb. 5. From a Swansea donor \'a350.\emdash Feb. 6. From Burnham \'a350.\emdash Feb. 13. \'a31. 9s. 6d. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I enclose you, with much pleasure, \'a31. 9s. 6d. for the Lord\rquote s work in your hands. Instead of sending nine pence on each empty cask, (as before), I send you 1s. each on 7, and 1s. 6d. each on 15 empty casks, making \'a31. 9s. 6d. All I have sold, since I sent to you before. I meant just to say, I have had a better price for them this winter, than I have had for a long time, and a better sale for oil. I take it as the Lord\rquote s blessing; and may it be to the praise of His name. The 6d. is for Report, whenever you have it ready. Yours very sincerely, ****."\emdash Feb. 14. From Belgium \'a31. 19s. 7d.\emdash Feb. 15. \'a32., "Part of a thank-offering for the conversion of my only remaining son."\emdash Feb. 17. From Nottingham \'a350.\emdash Feb. 20. From McKeesport, Ale County, \'a310.\emdash Feb. 21. From Weston-super-Mare \'a360.\emdash Feb. 23. From Church Stretton \'a330.\par \par March 5. From Ventnor \'a353. 18s. for the support of 4 Orphans for one year.\emdash From Rome \'a320.\emdash March 17. \'a31. "In remembrance of being permitted to see a golden birthday."\emdash March 20. \'a31. "The result of one farthing per gallon (for coffee sold), put into a box by the wife of the manager of a coffee palace."\emdash March 21. From Croydon \'a350.\emdash March 26. From one of the Midland counties \'a350.\emdash March 28, From Maidstone \'a378. 0s. 10d.\emdash March 30. \'a37. 10s. with this statement: "A thank-offering to our Father in Heaven for a legacy lately left me."\emdash March 31. "Instead of buying a gold watch" \'a325. May the Lord abundantly recompense the donor for this act of self-denial, and may he continue thus to live for God!\par \par April 5. From Birmingham \'a3100.\emdash April 6. "From an Orphan who was thirteen years under our care, and who is now in Canada," 5 dollars.\emdash April 7. Legacy of the late Mrs. A. K. \'a3200.\emdash From Manchester \'a320.\emdash April 10. From Leicester \'a3300.\emdash From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash From Bromley \'a320.\emdash April 13. From one of the Midland counties \'a370.\emdash From Wolverhampton 10 sacks of oatmeal and 5 sacks of blue peas.\emdash From Servia \'a3100.\emdash April 16. Legacy of the late A. W., Esq. \'a3500. The gentleman who left this legacy, as in so many cases, was an entire stranger to us.\emdash April 17. From Wotton-under-edge \'a3100. The same Christian gentleman, who had sent us already \'a3100. \'a3500. and \'a31000. during this period, kindly added this other donation to his former ones.\emdash April 18. From a Bristol donor \'a360. for the support of 5 Orphan girls for one year, and \'a340. for the support of 3 Orphan boys.\emdash \'a310. from a lady as "A thank-offering for her husband\rquote s recovery from illness."\emdash April 20. Legacy of the late Mr. J. O. \'a31000.\par \par May 26. From Basle \'a322. 18s. 6d. "Being the value of 250 francs from the south of Russia, and of 330 francs as a result of meetings held in Basle in 188l."\emdash From Manchester \'a320.\emdash By sale of dentist gold, gold and silver watches, coins, diamonds, and jewellery, \'a3153., with \'a310. for jewellery for the First Four Objects.\emdash\par \par The Lord was graciously pleased to help us, not only to meet all the expenses connected with the Orphan Institution, though they amounted altogether to \'a326,693. 12s. 10\'bcd., but also to close the year with \'a32266. 19s. 7\'bcd. in hand. We praise and magnify Him for this kindness!\par \par Means for the support of the Two Thousand and One Hundred and Sixty Orphans, who were under our care from May 26, 1883, to May 26, 1884, sent in answer to prayer, Letters from Donors and Orphans, Practical remarks, etc.\par \par May 30. From South Australia \'a353., with the following letter: "My dear Sir, Will you kindly receive for the poor Orphans under your care the enclosed donation of Fifty-Three Pounds. I send this to you for them as a thank-offering to Almighty God, for His longsuffering and gracious dealings to me and mine in this foreign land. Pray for us, that we may walk worthy of an entrance into His heavenly rest. From a friend in Australia."\par \par June 2. From Philadelphia 200 dollars (\'a340. 19s. 8d.)\emdash June 5. From Sydney \'a330.\emdash June 9. From one of the former Orphans, now in service, 4s., with the following letter: "Respected Sir, It is with feelings of gratitude I now avail myself of the opportunity of writing to congratulate you on your return from your mission work. I think of you daily, and pray that God will bless all your effort of labour and love for Him. It is a great comfort to know, that our heavenly Father does answer the prayers of His needy children. I pray that you may long be spared to carry on this great and noble work of winning souls for the dear Saviour. I have to bless God for placing me under your kind care in such a comfortable, happy home; but for that, I might never have known my dear loving Saviour. It is now nine years since I stepped into the liberty of the children of God. True happiness is found in Him alone. I ask you, dear Sir, to accept the enclosed mite, and trust dear Mrs. Muller, Mr. and Mrs. Wright and yourself are quite well. With much gratitude, your Orphan, ****."\emdash June 22. \'a310. "Instead of insuring against hail stones."\emdash The following letter was received from one of the Orphans who had been a Christian pupil teacher at the Orphan Houses, and who at this time was sent out as assistant teacher to one of our Day Schools. "Dear and respected Sir, Just a few lines, to thank you for the most comfortable home you have provided for me. It is a happy home indeed. I like my work very much, although I find the children not the same; but I hope, by God\rquote s help, to prove an honour to you.\emdash I must thank you for all the care and love I received while in the dear old home for twelve years. I am sure I should never have been provided for in such a way anywhere else. How clearly God\rquote s hand can be seen in everything! I hope you and dear Mrs. Muller are quite well. We all remember you at family prayer and alone. We are all well here. The old pupil teachers wished to be remembered to you. Believe me ever to remain yours with much gratitude, ****."\emdash From Clevedon, a number of pieces of material, a pair of skates, and a great variety of other articles.\par \par July 10. From the neighbourhood of Manchester \'a3200.\emdash July 13. From Cheddar 119 pairs of socks.\emdash July 14. From Liverpool 20 boxes of soap.\emdash July 18. By sale of a little carriage \'a311.\emdash July 19. With Matthew xix., 13-15, \'a3100.\emdash July 21. \'a32. 3s. 1d. from Beaver Falls, Pensylvania, U. S. A., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I commenced this year by systematically putting aside for you one cent. for each package shipped by my firm, and enclose you herewith \'a32. 3s. 1d. etc."\emdash July 31. From the Mumbles 1 soup ladle, 14 table spoons, 9 tea spoons, 3 egg spoons, 2 sugar tongs, 4 salt spoons, 3 tea caddy spoons (all of silver), 2 rings, an old gold watch, and 2 boxes containing a great variety of clothing, etc.\par \par Aug. 17. When we began this period, we had on May 27 in hand for the support of the Orphans \'a32266. 19s. 7\'bcd. This balance was today reduced to \'a3111; but the Lord sent in \'a3239.\emdash Aug. 18. Having paid out yesterday and this morning \'a3365. 17s. 5d. for the Orphans, and having only received \'a326. this morning, our balance was reduced this afternoon to \'a310. 2s. 7d. Think of this, dear Reader! Day by day about 2100 persons are to be provided for in the Orphan Institution, and \'a310. 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 \'a330. was received. On Monday we received \'a3129. further, but had to pay out \'a360. On Tuesday we received \'a3295., but had to pay out \'a3180.\emdash Aug. 20. From Norfolk \'a327. 6s. for the support of four Orphans for six months.\emdash Aug. 21. From Preston \'a3146. 8s. 2d.\emdash From Ale County, U. S. A., \'a310.\emdash Five hampers of fish.\emdash Aug. 23. \'a313. 13s. for the support of one Orphan for one year from Rickmansworth.\emdash From Manchester \'a320.\emdash From Madeira \'a313. for the support of one Orphan one year.\emdash Aug. 24. From Preston 22 suits of boys\rquote clothes and 2s., with \'a32. 10s. for myself.\emdash Aug. 25. From Wotton-under-edge \'a3200 from a Christian gentleman. As the Lord is pleased by death to remove donors, or to take away from them the ability to continue to help us, or to direct their means into other channels; so also He raises up new donors, or inclines the hearts of those who have helped us before, to do this more abundantly. Thus the Christian gentleman, last referred to, has during the last three years helped us far more abundantly than before. 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.\emdash By sale of dentist gold, plate and jewellery, \'a339. 12s. 3d.\emdash \'a310. "From a happy husband and father, on his 15th wedding day, in token of thankfulness to the Father of us all."\emdash Received the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I have to thank you for a copy of the Report, and am sending it to a friend of mine in North Devon. It is indeed a marvellous work you have been enabled to carry on, and I pray God will spare you yet many years to continue it. In travelling from Bath to Oxford in the month of February this year, I went in the same carriage alone as far as Didcot, with one of your Orphan girls, who was going to her \lquote first place\rquote in London. Her manners were all that could be desired and, entering into conversation with her, I was greatly interested in all that she told me about her life at the New Orphan House No. 2, where she had been carefully nursed and trained ever since she was about two years old, and taught to be useful. She was now launched forth to gain her own living; and, if one might judge from appearances, she went forth with a healthy body and a well cultivated mind. She spoke most highly too of ALL, and was so simple and unobtrusive. I have often thought of and talked about her since. Her trust and confidence were very charming. At Swindon I said, \lquote If you wish to get out, there is plenty of time.\rquote She said, \lquote No, I must not get out until I get to Paddington.\rquote \lquote And supposing there should be no one to meet you, what shall you do?\rquote She said (smiling), \lquote Just stand by my box till some one comes and calls me by name.\rquote\emdash Dear girl, I hope there are many like her, who will have to thank God and you for what you have done for them.\emdash It was owing to this little incident that I sent you the few things I collected together, and only wish it was in my power to help you largely with my substance. Our prayers need have no limit. Matthew vii. 11.\emdash May I ask for your prayers and intercessions for myself, and for ten children, who were suddenly made Orphans in 1867 without a moment\rquote s notice, that we may be found in the way of righteousness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Believe me yours faithfully, ****."\par \par Sept. 20. From Adelaide, Australia, \'a320.\emdash Sept. 26. \'a32. with the following letter: " Dear Mr. Muller, I received your Report this morning and return you my best thanks for it. I determined to send the enclosed \'a32. as a thank-offering to God for His great goodness to me and my dear wife during a time of severe trial. We have just lost a very dear girl, and had a confinement the day before the funeral, as well as another illness in the house; but the Lord has helped us thus far most wonderfully, and we wish not only to thank Him with our lips, but in a more substantial manner. I hasten to write now, because you will be leaving for India tomorrow. May the presence of the Lord be with you, and may it be a more prosperous tour spiritually than even your European ones, if possible. Yours very sincerely in Christ, ****."\emdash Sept. 27. From Westbury-on-Trym 185 quarterns of bread.\emdash\'a340. 9s. 3d. with the following letter from one of the former Orphans: "Dear and respected Sir, I have very great pleasure in sending the enclosed cheque for \'a340. 9s. 3d. from my brother-in-law, which he wishes to be taken for the Orphans. With deep gratitude for all the kindness I received while in the dear Orphan House, and kind remembrance to all the dear teachers who remember me, I remain yours respectfully and affectionately, ****."\par \par Oct. 8. From South Australia \'a320. with the following letter: "My dear Sir, I enclose a draft for \'a320., as a little assistance to the great work in which you are engaged.\emdash It is a long time since I had the privilege of sending you money help, though you were the means (about forty years ago) of my \lquote trusting the Lord.\rquote You know what that means. Words cannot express it. And all these years He has never cast me off; but the older I get, the more real and precious is the glorious gospel to my soul. I hesitate to occupy your time, but it may cheer you in your labour of love to know of another instance of God owning your work. Try to imagine what it has done for me these forty years.\emdash For a long time I have thought it my duty to assist widows and fatherless relatives, also religious works in this country, and that these would suffer, in proportion as I gave to other objects. But this is a mistake. It is limiting the power of God, I know now; so I am able to enclose to you this thank-offering to the Lord for so many mercies. Yours in the believer\rquote s Hope, ****."\emdash Oct. 9. 16s. from North Petherton, "Saved by not taking sugar in tea."\emdash Oct. 22. From New Zealand \'a310. 10s. as "A thank-offering to the Lord for great and many mercies and support under affliction and bereavement."\emdash Oct. 27. From "The Coffee Palace at Merton 10s., the result of a farthing a gallon for Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa made in this Coffee Palace since Aug. 25."\emdash From Great Tew \'a319. 9s. 10d., and from Clevely \'a32. 13s. 2d. as "A harvest thank-offering."\emdash Oct. 29. From M. D. \'a3100.\par \par Nov. 2. In 41 coupons \'a3153. 14s. 7d. from a donor who has repeatedly helped us in a similar way.\emdash \'a351. 12s. "From one whose heart is in heaven."\emdash Nov. 8. From Cambridgeshire \'a389. 8s.\emdash From Smyrna \'a31.\emdash Nov. 16. From a friend at Burnley \'a350.\emdash From a Bristol firm a box of sewing cotton.\emdash One of the masters of the New Orphan House No. 1 writes: "I am glad to be able to state that during the past year we have seen evidences of spiritual blessing among the boys, and we have not a few in the school at the present time, who profess to love the Lord Jesus, and whose daily life shows that they have indeed been born again; and whilst there are a few whose conduct does not so manifestly give proof of a spiritual birth, we are encouraged to hope that we may be enabled through Christ to teach them also the necessity of living as well as professing Christ."\emdash A guinea piece.\emdash Nov. 21. From Newark, New Jersey, \'a320.\emdash Nov. 23. "From the haven of peace" \'a35.\emdash Nov. 26. \'a310. from Ale County, U. S. A., with the following letter: "Dear Brother, This is a stormy morning. I was led to think how my Heavenly Father had taken care of every parcel I have sent to you these three years across the wide ocean, and what storms they have encountered, and my thoughts have been carried further back. It is about forty-four years, since first I prayed to God, and shed tears over sin, and I feel sure they are not lost, nor forgotten by Him. Yours in the good work, ****."\emdash From Liverpool a ruby and diamond ring, and a solid gold ring.\emdash Nov. 28. From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash From Beckenham \'a320., and from Islington \'a310. 1s., with \'a35. for myself. We had scarcely anything left for the Orphans when these three donations were received.\par \par Dec. 1. From Ale County, U. S. A., \'a310.\emdash Dec. 3. From a Bristol firm 16 half boxes of Valencia raisins, 2 cases of currants, and 8 barrels of flour, for the Christmas puddings of the Orphans.\emdash Dec. 7. From Carlton, Australia, \'a32., with the following letter: "Dear Sir, Please to accept for the Orphans this small thank-offering for many mercies. You will like to know, that in this far off land we pray for you and your work. My daughter died June 7 at Ballarat. She never forgot the good she received from your and Mr. Craik\rquote s preaching when she was young. That God may continue His blessing to you to the end, is the prayer of yours sincerely, ****."\emdash From Maryborough, Australia \'a3100.\emdash Dec. 7. Day after day, for many days, our balance in hand for the Orphans has been very small. Yesterday, when all expenses had been met, \'a334. 14s. remained in hand. This morning \'a3256. 7s. 8d. came in, so that we had \'a3291. 1s. 8d.; but the expenses of the day were so great, that the last sovereign was called for, and we had nothing at all left.\emdash Dec. 8. \'a3140. 2s. 4d. came in today; but all was called for again, and thus, up to Dec. 12, we were continually, day by day, without any balance in hand, though helped day by day.\emdash In this state of things we continued till Dec. 19, when our balance was reduced to \'a37. 0s. 4d. I mention these particulars, because some of my readers may suppose that our trials of faith with reference to means existed only 46 years ago. Ever since the commencement of the work, we have gone on in the same way, and have acted on the principles on which the Institution was first begun. See therefore, Christian Reader, how truly blessed it is to have real trust in God; not only to say I rely upon God, but in reality to do so. Our daily average expenses for the Orphans alone amount to \'a373., and all we had left on Dec. 19, 1883, amounted to \'a37. 0s. 4d.\emdash Dec. 8. From Wotton-under-edge \'a3100. This kind donor has helped us within the last three years again and again considerably, when we were in great need, of which of course he knew nothing, because we make our wants known to our Heavenly Father only.\emdash From Newark, New Jersey, \'a310. 5s. 4d.\emdash Dec. 11. From South Australia \'a36. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, The day after reading your Report last year, I saw one of my bullocks was very bad. The thought struck me, if he gets better, I will sell him and send the proceeds to Mr. Muller. Well, he got better, I sold him to the butcher, and enclose the proceeds. Wishing you continued success in your noble undertaking, and that God may spare your life for many years to carry on your work, I am, dear Sir, yours truly, ****."\emdash Dec. 24. From Aberdeen 50 pairs of boots.\emdash From Redland 15 gross packets of sweets, each containing a miniature tool, with a Christmas card attached.\emdash 427 apples.\emdash From a Bristol wholesale house 20 cases of oranges, 1 bag of nuts, 4 mats of figs, and a box of raisins.\emdash Dec. 26. From a "Mother" \'a321.\emdash From Bedminster 109 quarterns of bread.\emdash Dec. 29. From a Bristol firm 2 cases of currants.\emdash Dec. 31. The Lord has helped us through another year. Again and again all our means for the support of the Orphans were completely expended, so that not a single sovereign remained in hand, yet the Lord has not allowed us to be confounded. Whenever our money was gone, He again appeared on our behalf; we ended the year with a balance of \'a3572. 15s. 5d. in hand, and, trusting in Him we entered in peace upon the new year.\par \par Jan. 1, 1884. Of the many donations received on this day, I only mention the following. From Manchester \'a320. from a donor who has kindly helped us many times in a similar way.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Melksham \'a310.\emdash From Clifton \'a315.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Flax Bourton \'a310.\emdash From Tring \'a310.\emdash From Cardiff \'a330.\emdash From St. Gallen, Switzerland, \'a31. 7s. 8d.\emdash From Maidstone \'a376. 14s. 8d.\emdash Jan. 4. From Merthyr Tydvil \'a31. 5s. 6d. as "The result of my labours on New Year\rquote s Day."\emdash Jan. 8. A deposit certificate for \'a3100. of the Liberator Permanent Benefit Building Society, as the legacy of the late Mrs. S. S. D.\emdash Jan. 9. \'a360. from one of the Midland Counties.\emdash From Believers\rquote meeting at Sand Area Chapel, Kendal, \'a331. 12s. 11d.\emdash Jan. 11. From Cork \'a350.\emdash Jan. 19. Legacy of the late Mr. J. F. Y., \'a3459. 8s. 4d.\emdash From Wotton-under-edge \'a3100.\emdash Jan. 21. From Stuttgart \'a310.\emdash Jan. 22. From one of the Midland Counties \'a360.\emdash Jan. 25. Legacy of the late G. S. G., Esq., \'a3500.\emdash From "The Hope Coffee Palace, Merton," 14s. with the following letter: "Miss F. has much pleasure in sending Postal Order to the value of 14s. as the result of her manager\rquote s wife putting one farthing into a box for every gallon of tea and coffee she makes. Miss F. believes much of the prosperity, which she rejoices to say accompanies the work in this place, is the result of this small offering. She asks for continued prayer, especially for a mission to commence next Saturday, conducted by G. S."\par \par Feb. 6. From Kent \'a31. 10s. with the following letter: "Dear Sir, I have sent you \'a31. 10s. out of the Lord\rquote s treasury. I do so wish more of God\rquote s people would adopt the systematic way of giving to the Lord, as He prospers them. Nature creeps in and robs the soul of a great blessing, and also robs the pocket. The Lord gives bountifully to those who give by faith to Him. It does away with that very unpleasant word, \lquote I cannot afford it.\rquote I give so much every Lord\rquote s day morning out of every \'a31. I take in my business. Yours in the bonds of Christian love, ****."\emdash Feb. 8. Legacy of the late T. N. S., Esq., \'a3100.\emdash Feb. 18. Legacy of the late Mr. S. S. D., \'a390. 3s. 4d.\emdash Feb. 19. \'a340. with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I have sent you a cheque for \'a340. I have long since sent you a small sum each year, and I thought, as my age is getting on (I believe it is the same as yours) I would, as God gives me the opportunity, send what I can afford to your Institution. May God bless and prosper it as He has done hitherto, to the rescue of so many Orphans and the saving of souls. Yours faithfully, ****."\emdash Feb. 26. From Sussex \'a3189. 17s. 8d.\emdash Feb. 27. From Bournemouth \'a350., with \'a310. for myself.\par \par March 4. From H. G., the valuable donation of 25 cwt. of white lead, 5 cwt. of zinc white, 2 cwt. of driers, 3 cwt. of putty, and 1 cwt. 1 qr. of ochre.\emdash March 6. From Weston-super-Mare \'a360.\emdash March 10. From Ale County \'a310.\emdash March 11. From one of the Midland Counties\par \par \'a350.\emdash March 13. From Ventnor \'a353. 18s. for the support of 4 Orphans for one year.\par \par April 1. From Manchester \'a330.\emdash April 2. By post, 2 sets and 4 pieces of artificial teeth, set in gold, and a small gold ornament.\emdash From Yorkshire \'a3200. This kind donor, whom God has raised up for the Institution within the last eight years, has helped us again and again in a similar manner in our need, without knowing of it. I state, without knowing about it; for we never make known our wants. The reason why we refrain from this, is not because we consider it sinful to let our Christian friends know that we are without means for the work of the Lord, but because, from the beginning, the Orphan Institution had for its especial object to strengthen the faith of Christians and to encourage them increasingly to give themselves to prayer in all their necessities; we desire also to show to an unbelieving and sceptical age, how much, even in the nineteenth century, can be accomplished by prayer and faith. On this account I never speak about the state of the funds, except in the yearly Reports, and all my fellow-labourers are requested to refrain from doing so when we are in need, in order that the hand of God, in sending to us help, simply in answer to prayer, may be clearly seen.\emdash April 7. From Landport, a gold ring set with rubies.\emdash April 8. From E. F. Two Argentine Bonds of \'a3100. each.\emdash From Edinburgh \'a325., "A widow\rquote s mite, an intended legacy, paid during life."\emdash April 16. From one of the Midland Counties \'a370.\emdash April 19. From Wotton-under-Edge \'a3100.\emdash April 28. From Lahore, Punjaub, 100 rupees.\emdash From Delhi 100 rupees.\emdash From Pontypridd, 124 pairs of boots and shoes.\par \par May 1. From Bath, for the support of one Orphan for one year \'a315.\emdash In the previous part of the narrative many donations are referred to, in which donors gave the average expenses of one, two, three, four, six, and eight Orphans for one year, and thus, out of the 2160 Orphans who were under our care, during the past year, 54 were provided for. The sum sent was not always the same; sometimes a little too much, sometimes too little. The reason probably being this, that these donors did not refer to the last page of the previous Report, where the amount for the past year is always stated. During the last year the average expense for the support of one Orphan was \'a312. 17s. 8d. The price of provisions, the quantity of provisions, or material for clothes sent to us, the various expenses connected with the buildings, all these and other items affect the yearly expenditure for the support of the Orphans. May 10. From M. C. B., a gold pin, set with a diamond.\emdash May 12. From Redland, a silver teapot.\emdash May 13. From Mhow, Central India, 300 rupees and 100 rupees.\emdash May 14. From Hastings 370 loaves of bread.\emdash May 15. By sale of dentist gold \'a341.\emdash Other amounts, besides this, have been received in the course of the past year by the sale of dentist gold. I take this opportunity of stating, that year by year gold and silver watches many articles of jewellery, plate, gold, and silver coins, new and second hand clothes, and many hundreds of other articles, are sent to us for sale. We have no bazaars, but sell these things in the ordinary way at No. 34, Park Street, where a room is fitted up for the purpose. By sale of such articles we have received from the commencement of the Orphan work \'a322,507. 8s. 8\'bdd., and during the past year \'a3386. 10s. 1\'bdd.\emdash May 16. From Stoke Bishop \'a331. 10s., with \'a31. 10s. for myself.\emdash From a Coffee Palace, Merton, \'a31. 4s., being one farthing on every gallon of tea or coffee sold to working men.\emdash May 17. From St. Marychurch \'a350.\emdash From Edgbaston \'a3200.\emdash May 21. From Rockleaze \'a3104. 9s. 6d.\emdash May 26. Though many times during our past financial year all our money was gone, yet the Lord allowed us to see the close of the year, as the result of continued believing prayer, with a balance of \'a3421. 16s. 3\'bed. in hand for the Orphans.\par \par Means for the support of the Two Thousand One Hundred and Ten Orphans, who were under our care during the year from May 26, 1884 to May 26, 1885, sent in answer to prayer, Letters from Donors and Orphans, Practical remarks, etc.\par \par Our balance in hand on May 27, 1884, was \'a3421. 16s. 3\'bed., which was only enough to last six days for the average expenditure for the support of the Orphans, though sometimes we pay away more than double this amount in one day. There was therefore again much need to stay ourselves upon God, in order that our hearts might be in peace. This, however, by His grace, we were able to do.\par \par I will now give specimens of the manner in which it pleased the Lord to supply us with means.\par \par May 28, 1884. From Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope, \'a31. 10s., \'a35., \'a31. 17s., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31., \'a31., 15s., and 10s. 6d.\emdash From Glasgow \'a31. 17s. 11d. This donor sends us help as God prospers him in his business.\par \par June 7. From Edgbaston \'a337. 10s.\emdash From the neighbourhood of Auchterarder \'a320. 0s. 6d.\emdash Legacy of the late G. J., Esq. \'a311,034. 6s. This is the largest donation I have ever received at one time. I have had \'a38,100., and \'a39,091., at once, but no more. 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 Cod 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. In addition to the \'a311,034. 6s. paid on June 7, 1884, \'a31,000., as part of this legacy, had by the Court been paid to me a long time before. The following points are also further to be noticed regarding the payment of this legacy:\emdash 1, When the money was paid, our balance in hand was only \'a341. 10s., a very little more than one-half of the average expenses for the Orphans for one day. How kind it was, therefore, of the Lord to give us this money when He did! 2, There were before us sanitary improvements to be carried out, which we were strongly advised to adopt, as, within the last ten years, so much scientific progress has been made in reference to sanitary operations connected with dwelling-houses, etc. But to carry out all these, many hundreds of pounds would be needed; it was therefore so kind of the Lord to give us the means to meet expenses which would amount to upwards of \'a32,000. 3, And it was, lastly, a great mercy that we at length obtained this money, because it carried us along without difficulty, in reference to pecuniary supplies, irrespective of the sanitary alterations, as our expenses in other respects were so heavy, and the income was not nearly equal to the expenditure. Will my readers therefore admire the kindness of God, together with us, in helping us as He did?\par \par June 11. Received from one of the former Orphans the following letter with \'a31. 1s.: "Dear Sir, enclosed you will find Postal Orders for \'a31. 1s., being the contents of my little box for the Orphans since last summer, the sum being chiefly made up of odd pence and half-pence, and occasionally silver, as we were able to give, or from relatives visiting us. It is wonderful how this little effort has prospered, I believe by asking the Lord to bless it. What a large sum of money might be raised, if all the Orphans, as they leave the Orphan Houses, were to start a little box and ask God to bless it.\emdash I heard from Mr. Weeks that he had told you of my dear sister [also a former Orphan] leaving for the Congo River Mission, Africa. You will be glad, dear sir, to know that they (that is, the Missionary party) reached Sierra Leone safely, and were all well at that time. They had a little stay at Madeira before that, and a Missionary there kindly fetched them in a boat, and took them all about the place. They saw the school, had breakfast, received some lovely flowers and fruit, and then returned to the ship, having enjoyed the little change very much. Dear Mary was very happy, feeling deeply how great is her privilege of carrying the glorious Gospel message to the dear heathen. We little thought how the Lord was leading us when He took our parents, and then sent us to the dear Orphan House, where we continually heard of His great love, and were constrained to give Him our hearts and lives. I bless and thank Him for all the way in which we were led, though at times it seemed dark enough. I pray that He will prepare me, and open up the way, that I too may go out to Africa as a missionary in His own good time, ****."\par \par June 12. \'a31. as "a thank-offering for a merciful escape from what might have been a serious accident."\emdash June 14, From Wotton-under-edge \'a3100., with \'a325. for myself.\emdash From Scotland \'a366. 6s. 8d.\emdash June 26. Six barrels of arrowroot.\emdash June 28. From Ireland, a gold watch and chain.\par \par July 1. \'a310., instead of insuring 400 acres against hailstorms.\emdash July 5. Legacy of the late Mr. G., \'a3l00.\emdash July 9. \'a313. 12s. 10d. for the support of one Orphan for one year, as "a thank-offering that the donor\rquote s little boy has been spared another year."\emdash Legacy of the late Mrs. M., \'a3200.\emdash July 14. From Clifton \'a350.\emdash July 15. From one of the Midland Counties \'a370.\emdash From London \'a350.\emdash July 19. From a shepherd in Queensland \'a36\emdash July 21. From Vevey, Switzerland, \'a3100.\par \par Aug. 1. From a Bristol donor \'a375. for the Orphan girls, and \'a350. for the Orphan boys.\emdash Aug. 7. By sale of gold and silver articles, watches, etc., \'a355.\emdash Aug. 11. 3 sets of artificial teeth, set in gold, and 8 pieces (set in gold), a gold mourning ring, 3 gold seals and watch key, a silver watch, a silver snuff-box, a gold wedding ring, a silver top, label, thimble, a brass seal, 2 breast-pins, and 2s.\emdash From Yorkshire \'a3200.\emdash From the congregation at the Union Evangelistic Hall, Ootacamund, India, Rupees 62; from a friend, Rupees 50; and from Mrs. H., Rupees 13.\emdash Aug. 13. \'a311. 6s., "being 1s. each on articles I sell many of."\emdash Today a Christian brother from the United States of America called on me, and stated that he had been greatly blessed spiritually through my publications; also, that having obtained possession of some property through the death of his sister, he had come from America to know me personally, to see the Orphan Houses himself, and to hand over the whole of the legacy from his sister to the Institution. He subsequently paid me \'a3694., and stayed about ten days in Bristol. See, esteemed reader, how God works for those who trust in Him! Were the real blessedness of this way known, how we carry on the work of God by depending on Him alone for help regarding everything, tens of thousands of our dear fellow-labourers, in their work for the Lord, would act on precisely the same principles also.\emdash Aug. 14. From Wotton-under-edge \'a3200., from a Christian gentleman on whose heart the Lord had especially laid this Institution of late years.\emdash Aug. 15. From a Bristol donor \'a3100.\emdash From a young man, a former Orphan, \'a34., with a grateful letter.\emdash Aug. 18. From "G., Preston," \'a3146. 17s. 6d.\emdash Received the following letter from London: "Dear Sir, You will, I have no doubt, recollect a lad of the name of H. W. J., who was apprenticed to me from your Institution ten years ago. I am sorry to say he died on the 3rd instant at one of our hospitals, after some weeks of intense suffering. He lived with me some years after the expiration of his apprenticeship, but he left me to take the management of a branch shop for a gentleman at Woolwich, and gave him very great satisfaction. Through ill health he was obliged to leave, and for the last two years, up to the time he went into the hospital he lived again with me. He was a member of the Church, and I believe a truly Christian young man. He has left a world of suffering to be for ever with his Saviour, and we are left to mourn his loss, yet we are not left without hope. I am, yours faithfully, ****."\par \par Sept. 1. From a gentleman at Hanham \'a380. 14s. 11d.\emdash Received \'a312. with the following letter: "My dear Mr. Muller, Many thanks for yours of the 3rd instant, with your advice to put my trust in the Lord. How I wish I could do it more sincerely! I do endeavour to do so, but feel myself falling very short of what I wish to do. I may say for your comfort, that I was expecting an answer to your prayer about the time you would be receiving my letter, and was awaiting God\rquote s reply in a turn towards recovery of my child from her suffering. I am now praising the Lord that she has been getting better, and as a thank-offering to Him I now enclose you the first half of a \'a310. note, believing that she will be spared to us. I could not pray for her recovery, but simply said \lquote Thy will be done,\rquote which, I am happy to find, is to allow us to bring her up; and may we do this in the fear of the Lord! Enclosed you will also find two postal orders, to the value of \'a32., which are thank-offerings as follows: One night last week I fancied one \'a310. note I had was a bad one, which troubled me, but I promised the Lord, should it be a good one, I would send its tenth towards His cause. Thus I send 20s. from another different channel towards His work (the note was good). The second 20s. is also a thank-offering for being able to accomplish a task which I had endeavoured to do the last two years. I promised the Lord the above 20s., if He would assist me to do it; and the first time I tried I was successful. Another answer to prayer. Yours very gratefully, ****."\emdash Received 10s. 6d., with the following letter: "Dear Mr. Muller, I received your Report on Saturday, for which I return my sincere thanks, and must acknowledge that the reading of your Reports and the two volumes of the Lord\rquote s dealings with you (which you presented to my dear wife, when she was leaving the Orphan Houses in her seventeenth year) have done my soul more real good than anything I ever read, except the Book of Books. I hold the position of lay preacher, and leader of a class, consisting of 40 members, in a little mining district in the Methodist Free Church Connection. Had not the Lord strengthened my faith through the reading of your works, I feel sure that neither I, nor yet the class under my care, would be in the healthy, spiritual condition, which we enjoy today. I just mention this to show that your work and publications are accomplishing all that you intended, and very much more. It truly is the Lord\rquote s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. I am still hoping that you may see your way clear to have a Mission tour through England, should your years and health permit; for there are many Orphans in this district, who have little families now growing up around them, whose hearts would rejoice greatly could they but once more see their kind benefactor; and not their\rquote s only, but their children\rquote s also. I enclose postal order for 10s. for the Orphans and 6d. for the Report. My wife joins me in congratulations on your safe return from India, and prayer that God\rquote s richest blessing may attend all your work of faith and labour of love; and may you even in your last moments consciously enjoy the peace of God, ****."\emdash Sept 12. From Ale County, U. S. A., \'a310.\emdash Sept. 16. From the neighbourhood of Tenby \'a350.\emdash Received also \'a31. 11s., with the following letter: "Sir, We forward you a Post Office Order for \'a31. 11s., this amount being a penny a day for one year, and sixpence for a Report, hoping God will spare you for a long time to watch over the Orphan Houses, that great monument of His, which stands as a great lighthouse, constraining all men who see it or hear about it to know that God\rquote s footsteps are still seen in the earth, and that the sceptic may be left without excuse. May all the prayers of the people, whose desire is drawn out towards the Orphan Houses, be the means of strengthening your faith in God. We allow ourselves only one penny for our milk daily, that we may have one penny to give for the Orphans. We are a little reduced in our circumstances, but we think God requires this penny for some time yet, and He is sure to give it out of His bountiful store." Observe