Aug. 24. Today came in by sale of articles and Reports 2l. 15s. 10 d.
Aug. 25. Wednesday. Last evening I was able to advance only a part of the week"s house-keeping expenses to the matrons. Today, when I had nothing in hand, a sister in the Lord brought her Orphan-box, which contained 10s. 6 d. in donations, and likewise 9s. 4d. as the proceeds from the sale of musk plants, reared and sold by her for the benefit of the Orphans. The box contained also a Spanish silver coin.
Evening. Precious and encouraging as it was to receive those little sums this afternoon, still, as they came in when no money was in hand, they were only an encouragement to look to the Lord for further supplies, but were not enough to supply our need. However the Lord, in His faithful, loving care over the work, and in His readiness to answer prayer, helped further this evening. There came in 150l., of which I took 30l. for the Orphans, and 120l. for the other objects.
Sept. 6. Since August 25th only 20l. 17s. 0 d. had come in. On this account there was only 3l. 15s. 5 d. in hand, and tomorrow evening I have again to supply the matrons with house-keeping expenses. In this need, whilst walking in my little garden, I lifted up my heart to G.o.d for means, when, in less than five minutes after, I received a letter from Jersey, containing Five Pounds for the Orphans.--This evening I received still further, from a little girl 3s., from Margate. 10d., anonymously 3s., and 3 dollars from a poor missionary brother in Demerara.
Sept. 7. Further, by sale of articles 3l. 1s. 3d. through the boxes in my house 2s. 6d., and through the boxes in the Orphan-houses, which our need led me to open, 1l. 6s. and a medal. Thus I had for the need of the coming week, at our usual prayer meeting this evening, 14l. 1s. 6 d., which I divided to the last farthing, with the firm persuasion and hope in G.o.d, that, by the time it was expended, He would give more; for it was not enough to meet all the demands of this week.
Sept. 8. the Lord has already sent in a little I received from Weymouth 2l. 10s.
Sept. 10. From a dentist in Bristol 10s.
Sept. 11. From a Christian brother, about 200 miles from Bristol, whom the Lord has repeatedly used to help us in time of need, I received 20l.
What a precious help! We have now all we require for this week, and a little towards the expenses of the next.--There came in also from Droitwich 5s.
Sept. 12. Further: From C.C. 10s. 14d., from Clevedon 5s., from Clifton 5s., anonymously 2s., ditto 1s. 5 d.
Sept. 13. Monday morning. As there will be again money needed for house-keeping tomorrow evening, and as I have not enough in hand to advance for the expenses of a whole week, which I generally now seek to do, I gave myself again to prayer for means, and, while I was on my knees in prayer, there came a letter from Yorkshire, containing 5l. for the Orphans. There was received also, by sale of stockings at the Boys" Orphan-house, 7s. 7d.
Sept. 14. By sale of articles and stockings came in 3l. 10s. 0 d.
From Norwich 1l., and also 2s. 6d. Evening. By these sums we have received altogether since last Tuesday evening 34l. 8s. 5 d. Thus I have been able to supply the matrons this evening with what they need for the coming week, and that which was left I put by for the rent and current expenses connected with the apprentices, and am now looking out for fresh supplies, as I have again nothing left towards the need of the following week.
My dear reader, if you are tired of going on with this account of the Lord"s gracious interpositions for us week after week, or day after day, I beseech you to lay it aside for the present. Take it up at another time. This Narrative is not of an ordinary character. It does not contain anecdotes for amus.e.m.e.nt; it relates no embellished tales; it gives facts in which the hand of G.o.d is seen stretched out on our behalf, as the result of prayer and faith. Seek to admire G.o.d, dear reader, in this simple Narrative of Facts, which are related to His praise, and to allure your heart more and more for Him, and which are brought before you in all simplicity to encourage you and to stir you up, if it may please G.o.d so to use His servant, to put your whole trust in Him. I judge that it will be the more profitable way to read this account by little and little.
Sept. 15. A brother, who is staying at my house, gave me a silver table spoon and two silver dessert spoons. This is the beginning of fresh supplies from G.o.d.
Sept. 16. From the neighbourhood of Glas...o...b..ry 5s. Also 5s. worth of postages from Derby.
Sept. 17. A. Christian lady at Richmond, having received a copy of my Narrative, read aloud in the hearing of another lady the account about A. L. (page 156 to 160 of part I.) The lady who heard it read was so touched by it, that she sent 10l. for the Orphans. G.o.d moved her heart to send me this donation at a time when I had only a few shillings in hand for the use of the Orphans!--There came in still further from Clifton 10s., and from Taunton 5s.
Sept. 19. From C. C. 19s.--Sept. 21. Anonymously from Barnstaple 5s.
worth of postages. This anonymous donor has many times sent his donations thus. It may be that twenty or thirty times the same amount has been forwarded in the same way.--Also by sale of articles 1l. 8s.
8d. By the boxes in my house 1l. 0s. 6d. Evening: I was able to supply the matrons only with means for house-keeping for three or four days, being fully a.s.sured, that, by the time more is needed, the Lord will send further supplies.
Sept. 24. Friday. After I had paid away on Tuesday evening to the last penny what I had in hand for present use for the Orphans, there came in a pair of ear-rings from Norwich; also 1s. 6d. besides. On Wednesday and Thursday nothing came in; but it was needful that I should send more means to the matrons today. Thus situated I received this morning from Barnstaple. 19s. 4d. and 17s. About three hours after, came in by sale of the 3 silver spoons (given on the 15th), an old silver punch ladle, and a few trinkets lately given, 6l. 14s. 7d. Thus we are once more helped, and I have been able to send all that which was yet needed for house-keeping till Tuesday evening. The Lord be praised for His seasonable help! ?Observe, dear reader, we may be poor, very poor; we may have to wait upon G.o.d, even again and again we may have to make known our requests to Him; but He helps, always helps.
Sept. 25. From C. C. 1l.--Sept. 27. From a Christian lady 1l.-- Sept. 28. 8s. 4d. came in, also 1l. from Scotland, and 1l. 6s. 4 d.
by sale of articles. Also from Wellington an old half-crown, shilling, and sixpence. 3s. 10d. came in besides. Evening. So little having come in, I was able to give to the matrons only as much as would last for about two days for provisions.
Sept. 29. A young man called this morning at my house and gave 2s. 6d. A brother called and put 2s. 6d. into an Orphan-box in my house. Mrs. W.
C: gave 1l. Also Mrs. K. 5s. These donations came in today, after I had twice given myself especially to prayer for means, as we are now in so much need.
Sept. 30. Nothing more having come in, we were in great need today. On this account the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, which contained 1l. 4s. 2d. This evening sister C. gave me 18s. 9 d., being the contents of her Orphan-box. Also 15s. 11d. came in by knitting of stockings. Thus we were helped for the present.
Oct. 2, Sat.u.r.day. As today more money was needed, and nothing had come in, one of the labourers supplied the present need till Monday morning, which took 3l.--Evening. This afternoon, when there was nothing at all in my hands for the work, I received from a little boy 1s. This evening a box arrived from Norwich, filled by the contributions of many believers. It contained in money 1l. 10s., and the following articles: 6 bra.s.s and copper coins, a gold pin, 5 gold brooches, 3 pairs of ear-rings, 3 pairs of silver clasps, a gold clasp, a gold locket, 2 rings, a pair of silver studs, a broken silver tooth-pick, 4 gilt bracelets, a silver mounted eye-gla.s.s, 5 braid watch-guards, a silver washed watch-guard, 4 waist buckles, a pair of gilt ear-rings, 3 mourning necklaces and a pair of ear-rings, a mourning ring set with pearls, 2 bra.s.s brooches, a mother-o"-pearl cross and clasps, a silver fruit knife, a pair of coral bracelets, 2 bead necklaces, a snuff-box, 2 little baskets, 12 worked mats, 24 ladies" bags of various kinds, 4 cephalines, 13 book-marks, 8 purses, 5 sh.e.l.ls, 45 pin-cushions of various kinds, 17 needle cases, 9 pairs of babies" shoes, 2 babies"
hoods, 3 neck ties, 2 knitted cloths, 2 netted mats, 4 pairs of watch pockets, 3 pairs of cogs, 3 little scarfs, 2 collars, a pair of socks, a nightcap, some knitted fringe, some work and lace, 2 silk winders, 3 waistbands, 5 handkerchiefs, lb. of tea, 2 pen-wipers, some little playthings, 2 combs, some slate pencils, 3 chimney ornaments, 4 paintings, 3 books, 16 pamphlets, a fan, a little box, 13 chemises, 2 shirts, a frock and cape, a shawl border, 3 bodkin cases, 2 yards of print, a gown, and a few other little things.--Great indeed was my joy in receiving this box, for it was a fresh proof to me, in this our present great poverty, that the Lord hears our prayers and is mindful of us.
Oct. 3. Lord"s day. Today I received from C. C. 10s. 10d., from a sister 3l., being the produce of a piece of work done for the Orphans, and anonymously 2s. 6d. By these donations we are supplied till Tuesday evening.
Oct. 4. From a Christian gentleman I received today 1l.; from a brother, as the first fruits of his salary, 2l., of which 1l. is for the Orphans, and 1l. for home and foreign labourers; from another brother 2s. 6d.; from a sister 5s.
Oct. 5. By sale of articles 1l. 10s. 4 d. This evening I had only means enough to give to the matrons supplies for one or two days. When I came home from our prayer meeting I found unexpectedly another demand made upon me for 5l., in connexion with the house-keeping expenses, towards which I had nothing, but which it was desirable to meet as soon as possible.
Oct. 6. This morning I received the following letter from Kennington, containing a post-office order for 5l.
* * * *, Kennington, Surrey.
"Beloved and honoured brother in our Lord,
I am permitted to be the unworthy instrument in the Lord"s hand of transmitting to you the enclosed post-office order for 5l., to be applied either for the Orphans or your own use, as may be most required at this time, &c.
Your affectionate sister in our Lord,
Oct. 5, 1847. * * * *"
I am now able to send off the 5l. about the need of which I was informed late last evening, and am again thus graciously helped at this time also by Him who hears the cries of His children. Do you not discern His hand, dear reader, in this instance?
Oct. 8. Today 10s. more was required towards housekeeping expenses; but nothing had come in since the 6th. One of the labourers was able of his own means to give the amount required.
Oct. 9. Sat.u.r.day. Yesterday, when there was nothing at all in hand, were given half-a-crown, 2 silk handkerchiefs, 3 pinafores, a baby"s shirt, a frock, and 2 children"s work-bags.--This morning I found in the boxes at my house 1s. I knew that several pounds would be needed today for provisions, and therefore my eyes were directed to the Lord for help. I received accordingly 13s. 6d. "from a London Postman," and from c.u.mberland 1l. Thus I had 1l. 17s., but as this was still not enough, one of the labourers added 1l. 3s. of his own, as 3l. was needed. Thus we have enough for house-keeping expenses till Monday morning.
Oct 11. Monday. Yesterday came in from a sister 10s., ditto 4s., anonymously 2s., through an Orphan-box 8s., and from a sister 2s. 6d.
Thus we have enough for today"s necessities, and 1s. 6d. left.
Oct. 12. There came in yesterday afternoon through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 5s. 0 d., and through those at my house 1s. Also by sale of Reports 2s. This morning I received through sister Ch. 1l. 5s.
5d. These donations were very refreshing to my spirit in this time of great need, and though not nearly enough for all we required today, they are nevertheless a precious earnest that the Lord will help us further.
? By the first delivery this morning I received an anonymous letter, containing 5l., with these words:
"It is requested that half of the enclosed sum may be expended on Brother Muller"s own necessities, the other half as he thinks fit, in furtherance of his Christian schemes: and may the blessing of the ?Giver of all good" attend him! Oct. 7, 1847."
I put the half of this 5l. to the Orphan-Fund--There came in still further by sale of articles and Reports 1l. 12s. 6d. Thus we have all that is needed for the present moment.--Afternoon. This afternoon a person from the neighbourhood of Chepstow called and left a half-sovereign. There came in also through needlework, done by the Orphans, 2l. 5s. 4d. Thus we are still further helped for the present moment. But all this is not enough. Larger sums are needed, as oatmeal is to be ordered from Scotland, and several other heavy expenses, besides those for house-keeping, are to be met. Nevertheless the precious proofs, which I have had again today of our Father"s loving care over the work, lead me to expect further help.--Evening. This evening at a quarter to ten o"clock I received 180l. Of this sum I put 100l. to the Missionary-Fund, 40l. to the School?Bible and Tract-Fund, and 40l. to the Orphan-Fund for present use. How good is the Lord! How precious this help! How much needed and how seasonable!
From the 13th to the 19th of October came in 8l 6s. 1 d.
On Oct. 19th I left Bristol with my dear wife, partly, because both of us much needed change of air, and partly, because I had a great desire to labour in the Word for a few weeks in Westmoreland and c.u.mberland. I was not able to leave more means than enough for about three days for house-keeping expenses. But I could not have stayed in Bristol, though there had been nothing at all in hand; my hope was that G.o.d would help during my absence. During all the time of my stay at Bowness in Westmoreland, from Oct. 20th to Nov. 20th, there was day by day, with the exception of the first three days, after my departure, need to wait upon G.o.d for daily supplies for the Orphans. In consequence of this, every donation, without exception, which was received daring my absence, came in most seasonably. Partly on account of my health, and partly on account of opportunities for service in Westmoreland and elsewhere, I did not feel it right to return to Bristol sooner than I did, though there was such great poverty; nor could I have done anything in Bristol which I could not do in Westmoreland, as it regards procuring means, since prayer and faith are all the means I make use of to obtain supplies when we are in need. For the encouragement of the reader, and also that those, whom G.o.d used at that time to enable us day by day to supply the Orphans with what they needed, may see how they were used by Him to help us, I mention here every one of the donations which came in during my absence, with the exception of the articles.
Oct. 21, 1847. From some poor sisters near Kingsbridge. 4s. 6d., in small donations through Brother F. in Bristol 7s. 5d.--Oct. 22.
Anonymously from Walsall 5l., of which 2l. is intended for missions, 1l.
for the Building Fund, and 2l. for present use for the Orphans.--From Bath anonymously 10s. with a lace cape.--Oct. 24th. I received while at Bowness 10s., also 1s. and 2s. This 13s. I forwarded at once to Bristol by an order. There was also received in Bristol from Droitwich 10s. and from London 2s. 6d.--Oct. 25th. By sale of articles and Reports 2l. From C. C. 1l. From Wolverhampton 10s.--Oct. 26th.
Through the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 1l. 14s. 6d., our need having caused them to be opened.--Oct. 28. By sale of Reports 2s. 4d.
Orphan-box in my house 10s. From a Christian gentleman near Crediton 5l.
?Oct. 30. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d. By sale of an improved Rendering 9d. From London 10s.--Nov. 1. By sale of articles, stockings, and Reports 1l. 14s. 4d.--Nov. 2. Through a brother at Clevedon 5s.
Through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 3l. 8s. 6d. By sale of a Report and Rendering 10d. From one of the labourers 3s.--Nov. 4. From a sister near Wotton-under-Edge 1l.--Nov. 5. From two donors in the neighborhood of Droitwich 5s. each.--Nov. 6. From sister B. in Bristol 4s. From C. C. 1l. 2s. 5 d.--Nov. 8. Anonymously by post 5l.--From sister H. C. 3s. ?There was also given to me at Kendal, where I had been labouring, by a brother 10s., and by a poor sister 4d.
This I sent at once to Bristol by an order.--Nov. 9. From a donor in Bristol 1l. From Switzerland 1l. 4s. 4d. From London 5s. By sale of articles 5l. 14s. 4 d.--Nov. 11. A lady from Ireland visited the Orphan-Houses and gave 1l. By sale of a Report 4d.--Proceeds of an Orphan-box from the neighbourhood of Launceston 1l. 3s. 9d.--Through an Orphan-box in my house 5s.--Nov. 13. Through the bonds in the Orphan-Houses 10s. 2d. Through Mrs. T."s Orphan-box 2s, 1 d.-- Nov. 14. From C. C. 5l.--Anonymously 2s. 6d.--Nov. 16. By sale of articles and stockings 2l. 11s. 6d.--Nov. 17. By sale of Reports 1s.
Through a box in my house 2s. 6d. By needlework and knitting of the Orphans 1l. 6s. From sister C. 10s. From one of the labourers in the work 5l.--Nov. 19. From P. 2s. 6d.--On Nov. 20th we left Bowness for Keswick in c.u.mberland. The day before we left, I received at Bowness 5s., 5s., and 1l., also from Kendal 2s. 6d.
This 1l. 12s. 6d. I sent off at once to Bristol by an order, knowing that it was needed.--Nov. 21. From C. C. 3l.--Nov. 22. Through the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 7s.--Nov. 23. By sale of articles and stockings 2l. 5s. 9d. From one of the labourers 3l.--Nov. 24. By sale of Reports 3s. 3d. From F. L. in Ireland 1l. From Richmond 1l. 10s.-- From Nov. 20th to 24th we stayed at Keswick. Whilst there I received 10s., 2s., and 1s. 6d. for the Orphans. This 13s. 6d. was at once sent off to Bristol, by an order, as we were still very poor, with regard to means for housekeeping expenses for the Orphan-Houses. But notwithstanding all this great poverty in Bristol, which required that we should day by day wait upon G.o.d, for our daily supplies, I did not feel at all led to return home, but had an especial drawing to go to Sunderland to labour there for a little while among the brethren a.s.sembling at "Bethesda Free Chapel." We therefore left Keswick on Nov.
24th for Sunderland.--Nov. 26th came in by sale of articles 2s., through the boxes at my house 1L. 2s. 6d., and from Dublin 1l.--Nov.
27. Through a box 8d., by sale of articles 7s., and 2l. from London.-- Nov. 28th. From C. C. 10s. 8d., and by sale of Reports 8d.--Nov. 30.
By sale of stockings and articles 1l. 13s. 6 d. From one of the labourers 1l. 10s. By sale of articles 1s. 11d. ?Dec. 1. From one of the labourers in the work 10s.--Dec. 2. From sister F. 5s. By sale of articles 1l. From Newbury 10s. 6d.--Dec. 3. By sale of articles 5s.