A Brief Account of the Life and Labours of George Muller

B Hrief Account OF THE LIFE & LABOURS OF GEORGE MULLER (or BrIstTou.) BY Mrs. MULLER. SECOND EDITION. This account does not include Mr. Miller's Missionary Travels, which form a separate volume. 1887. LONDON: J. Nispet & Co., BERNERS STREET, TO BE HAD ALSO IN BRISTOL, AT THE BIBLE AND TRACT WAREHOUSE OF THE SCRIPTURAL KNOWLEDGE IN- STITUTION FOR HOME AND ABROAD, No. 78, PARE STREET; AND THROUGH ALL BOOKSELLERS. aes, EO Legg HE INTRODUCTION. In August, 1837, the first part of “A Narrative of some of the Lord’s Dealings with George Miiller” came out of the press; and, since then, five other parts have been published. The first three parts form one volume of 604 pages; the fourth part a volume of 390 pages; the fifth part a volume of 615 pages; the sixth part 447 pages ; so that the four volumes contain 2,056 PROT pages altogether. These four volumes may be purchased separately or together, and may be Ree ager ordered from Messrs. Nisbet and Co., London, through any bookseller. The price of the first TT SE volume is 3s. 6d., of the second, 2s. 6d., of the third, 3s. 6d., and of the fourth, 3s. During the last twenty-three years I have been repeatedly asked to publish this large work ew LT in a condensed form, for the benefit of the poor, BS NEgee se dba Mi gh re ME a AREER ot ate ee EE Vv iv INTRODUCTION. INTRODUCTION. and also for the sake of those who have but little would bless it abundantly; and since August, time for reading; but I have not had leisure for 1837, when the first part was published, I have this work, nor have I been led to such a service, asked Him many thousands of times to own this because, as the author of the book, I see great my feeble effort, to benefit the Church of God difficulty in deciding what to put in, and what at large, and to show to an unbelieving world to leave out. At last, however, my beloved wife, the reality of the things of God. These thou- (who, like myself, has often heard a desire ex- sands of petitions have been answered beyond pressed, that the Narrative should be given in my largest expectations. as brief a form as possible), during our long On my missionary tours in England, Scotland, nussionary tour, between August, 1882, and Treland, Switzerland,Germany, Holland, I'rance, May, 1883, undertook to write a very brief his- Italy, Spain, Bohemia, Hungary, Greece, Russia, tory of my life and labours, which will be found and Poland, I was known to the thousands who in the following pages. She has also written an had read about my life and labours in English, account of my missionary travels and labours, German, French, or Dutch, and who desired to which will be published separately ; because hear me preach, because they had received bless- a narrative of them could not be included in ing through my Narrative. But the blessing was this book without making it a large volume; not confined to these countries. It was found also and a short history of my life and labours is in Egypt, Palestine, Asia Minor, and Turkey. the thing particularly wanted. In writing this Especially, however, when I was labouring in smaller book, she has kept this continually Canada, and preaching in seventeen of the United in view, and has sought to be as brief as States, during three different American tours, I possible. obtained hundreds of thousands of hearers, Before the first part of my Narrative appeared, because they knew me through “The Life of I prayed many hundreds of times, that God Trust,” an abridgment of my larger work, that vi INTRODUCTION. INTRODUCTION. vil was everywhere to be found, even as far as Cali- the Lord would give him a Christian companion, fornia; through which I was continually greeted one who knew the Lord. Soon afterwards he as an old friend, whom Christians desired to became acquainted with a young man who was know personally. In this manner I have had a believer, and these two began a prayer-meet- abundant proof of the blessing my Narrative ing in one of the Sunday Schools in the parish has been to the readers of it; and, besides all of Connor. Having received an answer to his this, during the last 46 years I have received prayers, in obtaining a Christian companion, many hundreds of letters, in which the writers Mr. McQuilkin asked the Lord to lead him to state, how great the benefit has been, which become acquainted with some more of his they have received through this record of the children, and, soon afterwards, met two other Lord’s dealings with me. In further proof of young men, who were believers, with whom he this, I will now relate the following parti- became intimate. culars, In the autumn of 1857, Mr. McQuilkin told In November, 1856, a young Irishman, Mr. these three young men what blessing he had James McQuilkin, was brought to the knowledge received through reading my Narrative ; how it of the Lord. Soon after his conversion he saw had led him to see the power of believing prayer; my Narrative advertised, and, having a great and he proposed that they should meet together desire to read the book, procured it accordingly, for prayer, to seek the Lord’s blessing upon their about January, 1857. God blessed it greatly to various labours in the Sunday Schools, prayer- his soul, especially by showing him what could meetings, and preaching of the Gospel. Accord- be obtained by prayer. He said to himself: ingly, in the autumn of 1857, these four young “See what Mr. Miiller obtains simply by believ- men met together for prayer in a small school- ing prayer. May I not obtain blessing likewise house near the village of Kells, in the parish of by prayer?” He now set himself to pray, that Connor, Ireland, every Friday evening. By this Vili INTRODUCTION. INTRODUCTION. ix time the great and mighty working of the Spirit the Gospel, were held in the Parish of Connor, in the United States in 1857 had become known, Antrim, Ireland. Up to this time, though many and Mr. McQuilkin said to himself, « Why may souls were converted, all was going on most not we have such a blessed work here, seeing quietly, and there were no physical prostrations, that God did such great things for Mr. Miiller, as afterwards. About Christmas, 1858, a young simply in answer to prayer?” They accord- man from Ahoghill, who had come to live at ingly, with renewed earnestness, waited upon Connor, and had been converted through the God, and on January Ist, 1858, the Lord gave prayers of this little company of believers, went them the first remarkable answer to their peti- back to Ahoghill to see his friends, when he tions, in the conversion of a farm servant, who spoke to them about their own souls and the was taken into the little praying band; and work of God at Connor. His friends desired to thus there were five who gave themselves to see some of these converts. Accordingly, Mr. prayer. MeQuilkin, with two of the first, who met for Shortly afterwards, another young man, about 20 years old, was converted, so that there prayer, went on February 2nd, 1859, and held were now a meeting at Ahoghill in one of the Presby- six, which greatly encouraged the three, who first became acquainted with Mr. terian Churches. Some believed, some mocked, McQuilkin. and others thought there was a great deal of Others, too, were soon converted, who were presumption in these young converts; yet many likewise taken into the number of those who wished to have another meeting, which was held were still waiting upon God; but believers only on February 16th, 1859, by the same three young men; and now the Spirit of God began to work, were admitted to these fellowship meetings, where they read, prayed, and offered to each and to work mightily. Souls were converted ; other a few thoughts on passages of Scripture. from that time conversions multipl ied rapidly ; These meetings, and others for the preaching of and some of these converts went to other places, x INTRODUCTION. INTRODUCTION. xi carrying the spiritual fire (so to speak) with give themselves to the work of Evangelists ; them. The blessed work of the Spirit of God and, up to the present time, not only are the spread in many places. On April 5th, 1859, effects of this work (first begun in Ireland) felt, Mr. McQuilkin went to Ballymena, held a meet- but more or less it has been going on in Europe ing there at one of the Presbyterian Churches ; and in other parts of the world. No honour is and on April 11th he held another meeting at due to the instruments, but to God alone, who another of the Presbyterian Churches, when graciously caused His Spirit thus mightily several were convinced of sin, and the work of to work; yet these facts are stated, in order the Spirit of God went forward in that town. that the great delight He has in answering On May 28th, 1859, he went to Belfast, where, the believing prayers of His children may be during the first week, there were meetings held seen, in five different Presbyterian Churches, and All this has shown to me how, with God’s from that time the blessed work of God com- blessing, the Narrative of my life and labours, menced at Belfast. In all these visits he was even in the smallest form, may be helpful both accompanied and helped by Mr. Jeremiah to the Church and to the world; and I see Meneely, one of the three young men who first this little book therefore go forth from the joined him in prayer, after reading my Nar- press with much pleasure. rative. Such was the beginning of that mighty The account of my missionary travels will work of the Holy Spirit, which has led to the also (the Lord permitting) be ready very shortly. conversion of hundreds of thousands. In 1859 My beloved wife and myself have already hun- this fire was kindled in England, Wales, and dreds of times sought God’s blessing on these Scotland. It spread through Ireland, England, two books, and we purpose still further to pray Wales, and Scotland ; the Continent of Europe that it may rest abundantly upon them. They partook of it more or less; it led thousands to may be obtained, either separately or together, xil INTRODUCTION. through any bookseller, from Messrs. Nisbet and Co., London, or at the Bible and Tract THE Warehouse of the Scriptural Knowledge Insti- tution, 78, Park Street, Bristol. LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. GEORGE MULLER. New ORPHAN Hovusgs, Ashley Down, Bristol. May, 1883. EORGE MULLER, the Founder and Director of the ScripruRAL KNow.LepcE Institv- TION FoR Home AND ABROAD, of which the five Orphan Houses on Ashley Down, Bristol, form PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. a part, is by birth a German, and was born at Kroppenstedt, Prussia, September 27th, 1805. TuE first edition of Four Thousand copies having In January, 1810, his parents went to live at been exhausted, this second edition is called Heimersleben, three miles from Kroppenstedt, for, which is substantially the same as the first, where his father had been appointed collector of with this exception, that the statistics of the the excise. When between ten and eleven years Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and of age, he was sent to a classical school at Halber- stadt, with his brother—who was two years older abroad have been brought up to May 26th, 1887. than himself—to be prepared for the University, This little book is now sent forth with earnest in order that he might become a minister of the prayer that the Lord would be pleased further Lutheran Church ; but, as he knew not the Lord, to bless it. and had no desire to serve Him, he spent much of NEw ORPHAN Houses, his leisure time in novel-reading, and in many Ashley Down, Bristol. sinful practices. When he was fourteen, his August, 1887, mother died, but this bereavement made no lasting B 2 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 3 impression on his mind; and being often left afterwards to Brunswick, and lived at bothplaces almost entirely to himself, he not only became in an expensive manner at hotels, until all the idle and dissipated, but was frequently guilty of money he had managed to scrape together for the falsehood and dishonesty. In this state of heart, journey was expended. On his way back to without faith, destitute of true repentance, and Heimersleben, he stopped at Wolfenbuttel, went possessing no knowledge whatever, either of his to an hotel there, and again began to live as own lost condition as a sinner, or of God’s way though he had plenty of money at his command ; of salvation through Christ, he was confirmed ; but having been suspected he was followed, and and in the year 1820 took the Lord’s supper for when he walked quietly out of the yard, without the first time at the Cathedral Church of Halber- having settled his account, and afterwards at- stadt. At Midsummer 1821, his father obtained tempted to run away, he was arrested and sent an appointment at Schoenebeck, near Magdeburg, to prison, where, when only sixteen years of age, when George entreated that he might be removed he found himself shut up with the most depraved to the Cathedral Classical School of that city ; and, characters, such as thieves, murderers, etc. From his father consenting to this request, he was December 18th, 1821, to January 12th, 1822, he allowed to leave Halberstadt, and to remain at was detained in prison, when his father, having Heimersleben until Michaelmas. When Michael- sent money to discharge his debt at the hotel, to mas came, however, instead of going to Magde- defray the cost of his maintenance in gaol, and to burg, he begged permission to read the classics pay his travelling expenses, he was set at liberty. with a clergyman residing at Heimersleben, and In October, 1822, he was sent to school at Nord- leave was given him to stay there until Easter; but hausen, and there studied Latin, French, history, he remained in that town for several months under Greek, Hebrew, mathematics, German literature, very little control, and the intention to place him etc., with considerable diligence. Here, in summer at school at Magdeburg, was finaily given up. In and winter, he rose regularly at four, and studied November of that year, after obtaining from his nearly the whole day, being occupied with his tutor leave of absence under false pretences, he books until ten at night ; so that through his good set off on a pleasure excursion to Magdeburg, went conduct and great diligence, he got highly into B 2 4 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 5 favour with the Director of the gymnasium, and journey. They travelled forty-three days conse- was held up by him as an example of industry to cutively, and almost always on foot; but though all the other students of the first class. But whilst they ascended the Rigi, visited some of the lakes, thus exemplary in his conduct outwardly, he was and wandered through many of the attractive totally unconcerned about the salvation of his regions for which Switzerland is celebrated—his soul, and utterly reckless regarding the eternal cravings for happiness were unsatisfied, and he realities of the world to come. He had 300 books was glad to get home, and to resume his usual of his own, but no Bible; and, as he was sur- pursuits. rounded by unconverted persons, and never heard Besides having no Bible, he seldom went to the Gospel preached, he had no opportunity what- church, and was not acquainted with a single ever of receiving religious instruction, nor of con- Christian ; but, soon after his return to Halle, the versing with any one who would take an interest time arrived when God, in the riches of His grace, in his spiritual welfare. would have mercy upon him. One Saturday after- At Easter, 1825, he became a member of thé noon, in the month of November, 1825, he took a University of Halle, with very honourable testi- walk with a university friend named Beta, who, monials, and thus had liberty to preach in the when in a backsliding state, was one of his three Lutheran Establishment ; but, being far from God, travelling companions to Switzerland, but whose he was miserable at heart, and, desiring to be heart was now restored—-and by him, as they were happy though he knew not how, he eagerly sought returning from their walk, he was told thata little pleasure by pursuing a course of worldliness and religious meeting was held every Saturday even- profligacy, although a student of theology, and ing, at the house of a Christian man living at preparing to become a minister of the established Halle, where portions of Scripture were read, Church. On the 18th August, that year, he and hymns were sung, and prayer was offered. No three of his university friends set out on a plea- sooner had he heard this, than it seemed to him as sure excursion through Germany and Switzerland ; though he had found something, for which, un- and, by pledging everything they could spare, espe- consciously, he had been looking for a very long cially their books, obtained money enough for the time, and he requested Beta to conduct him to 6 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 7 the meeting ; but the latter, knowing his com- “came into the world to save sinners.” He entered panion to be a gay, thoughtless, unconverted the house, unconverted, far from God, and miser- young man, and fearing that he would turn the able ; he left it, a rejoicing Christian! Sixty- whole proceedings into ridicule, was extremely one long years have elapsed since that memor- unwilling to take him there. able evening, but during the whole of this eventful They went together, however, that very even- period, he has been enabled—at least in some ing. On their arrival, being a stranger to the love little degree—to walk with God, and to show that existing in the hearts of real Christians, Mr. “‘ Wisdom’s ways are ways of pleasantness, and all Miller thought he must apologize for his unex- her paths are peace.” pected visit ; but he was affectionately welcomed Now he entered at once upon a new life ; his by the master of the house, who shook hands wicked companions were given up, and his evil with him, saying—“Come as often as you please, practices forsaken. He read the Bible diligently, heart and house are open to you.” The kneeling prayed often, loved the children of God, and down to pray—a thing he had never done in his sought fellowship with them; and, though only a whole life before—the simple earnest prayers, the young believer and much ridiculed and laughed portions of Scripture that were read, the hymns that at by his fellow students for his piety, he stood were sung, all—all, made a deep impression upon firmly on the side of Christ. In January, 1826, he the heart of poor George Miiller. During this little began to read missionary papers, and in this way meeting, the Spirit of God worked mightily within was stirred up greatly to desire that his own life him ; he saw his lost, ruined, undone condition might be devoted to missionary labours. The by nature—that he was a guilty, hell-deserving example, too, of a devoted young servant of sinner, and that, if God were to deal with him Christ, named Hermann Ball, who, though highly according to his deserts, eternal punishment only educated, and the son of wealthy parents, pre- would be his portion. He was enabled then and ferred toiling arduously as a missionary amongst there, however, to believe in Jesus Christ, “who the Jews in Poland, to living comfortably near his died for the ungodly,” and to trust for salvation ow relations, made a deep impression on his only in the blood and righteousness of Him who mind. By these means he was encouraged to sur- eee 8 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEOROE MULLER. 9 render himself still more unreservedly to the them. Upon returning to his sitting-room, he Lord; and he now began more fully and abid- found the two young men in tears; for God, by ingly to enjoy “the peace of God which passeth His Spirit, in answer to prayer, had convinced all understanding.” The desire Mr. Miller had them both of sin. From that time a work of to become a missionary, was not, however, to be grace commenced in their hearts, and they became fulfilled then » but at a much later period of his devoted servants of the Lord Jesus. Mr. Miller life—as will be seen in another book—when he desired now more earnestly than ever to live only was led to devote a large portion of his time to for the Lord, to be made a blessing to His people, extensive missionary labours, which God has con- and to lead sinners to the Saviour; and he who descended wonderfully to own and bless. had once served the devil so zealously, now con- About this time the Lord sent Dr. Tholuck, a tinually sought opportunities of winning souls for believer, as professor of theology to Halle, whose Christ. Every month he circulated about 300 friendship was made a rich blessing to the young missionary papers, during his walks he gave away convert, and by him he was helped on greatly in many tracts, and pressed poor people, whom he the divine life. The following Whitsuntide was met, to believe the glorious gospel of the grace of spent by Mr. Miiller at the house of a pious God. About this time, too, a sick man he visited clergyman in the country, who encouraged him for thirteen weeks, was converted through his greatly in the ways of God ; and, after his return, instrumentality, who expressed his gratitude re- when conversing with two university friends— peatedly, for the blessing he had received. formerly his companions in wordly pleasures and Up to this period, he had never preached ; but amusements—he told them how happy he was, having been asked to assist an aged clergyman, and urged them also to seek the Lord. To this, living at a village six miles from Halle, he con- however, they replied, “We do not feel that we sented to undertake a few services at his Church, are sinners,” upon which he knelt down in their and began by writing out a sermon, which he com- presence, asked God to convince them of their mitted to memory, and preached on the morning lost condition by nature, and afterwards went into of August 27th, 1826, at 8 o’clock, at a Chapel of his bed-room where he continued to pray for This sermon ease connected with this Church. dodger 10 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. ll was delivered, however, without the least power, with the deepest interest. Fearing, however, that and with no enjoyment in his own soul. Two though this mode of preaching might do for hours later that morning—at the parish church country congregations, it would scarcely be suit- two miles distant—he repeated the same sermon, able in cities, and for the higher classes of society, but with no comfort to himself, and apparently some time elapsed before he regularly adopted it, without making the slightest impression upon his but eventually he was led always to preach in this hearers. plain, simple, expository manner, and to address In the afternoon he was not expected to preach ; his hearers—as he still does—without writing his but desiring to benefit the people, he determined sermons, and without notes, or help of a similar --with the help of God—upon this occasion, to description. expound the first six verses of Matthew v., just After continuing in the University of Halle, as the Holy Spirit might enable him. He began until Michaelmas, 1828-—-in February, 1829, Mr. therefore slowly and impressively to read— Miiller went to London, in connection with the ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the London Missionary Society for Promoting Chris- kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn tianity amongst the Jews, because, as he possessed for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek great affection for God’s ancient people, and had for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they made considerable progress in the Hebrew lan- which do hunger and thirst after righteousness guage, he desired to labour amongst them ; but for they shall be filled,” and then proceeded, verse about two months after his arrival he was taken by verse, to unfold the truth contained in this ill—the result of over much study in his new striking portion of the Holy Scriptures. He had position—and went afterwards by medical advice scarcely commenced his exposition, however, before to Devonshire, in order to benefit his health. he was so consciously assisted by the Holy Spirit, Whilst there, God blessed him so greatly through and was enabled to speak with so much joy, intercourse with a minister from London, that his liberty, and power, that his hearers, instead of experience was like a second conversion. For being—as before—inattentive and indifferent, now three years, after having been first brought to a became, as it were, all eyes and ears, and listened knowledge of the Lord, he fell into the snare of 12 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. ' THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 13 spending two much time over the perusal of reli- however, he received a courteous communication, gious books, instead of giving himself thoroughly declining the proposal; and thus his connection to the study of the Holy Scriptures, and making with the Society for Promoting Christianity them his great delight ; but now, whilst in Devon- amongst the Jews terminated. Under these cir- shire, having been stirred up to a careful, syste- cumstances, it became difficult for him, a poor matic, daily, consecutive reading of the Bible, foreigner in a strange country, to know what accompanied by habitual earnest prayer for the course he should pursue, especially as his acquain- teaching of the Holy Spirit, his soul was wonder- tance with the English language was imperfect ; fully blessed, and he was enabled to make great but these verses, “ Whatsoever ye shall ask in progress, spiritually. my name that will I do, that the Father may be After his return to London, heartily desiring to glorified in the Son,” and ‘If ye shall ask any- continue his ministry amongst the Jews, he thing in my name, I will do it,” were of wondrous laboured earnestly in his new sphere of service ; help to him at that time. “If onlyI seek to serve but, after devoting many weeks to this employ- the Lord (he considered—and have but one object ment, finding it impossible conscientiously to pro- for my life to live for God)—my Heavenly Father mise the Society that he would spend his whole will assuredly provide for all my temporal neces- time exclusively amongst them (because, when sities.” These promises therefore were the very stay they rejected his testimony concerning the Messiah, of his soul; upon them he leaned as upon a staff ; and he had opportunities of bringing the gospel and relying confidently upon God alone to supply before poor Gentile sinners, it appeared to him that all his need, he was of good courage. he ought decidedly to embrace them) he wrote to Shortly after the termination of the engagement the Committee stating his difficulties, and offered just referred to, Mr. Miller became the pastor of to serve the Society without remuneration, if he a Church at Teignmouth, Devonshire, where at might be permitted to labour not only amongst the first he consented to receive a small salary for Jews, but to seek the salvation of any Gentile his services; but after some time, having consci- sinners also, with whom, in the providence of God, entious difficulties about continuing to accept it, he might come in contact. In reply to his letter, for reasons which will be found fully stated in the 14 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER, 15 first volume of his Narrative—pages 68 and 69— his Narrative, Vol. I. :—‘ God then began to show he determined to give it up entirely, to trust in me,—that His word alone is our standard of judg- God only for his temporal supplies, and to leave ment in spiritual things; that it can be explained it to the love of brethren and sisters in Christ at only by the Holy Spirit, and that in our day as Teignmouth and elsewhere, to send him money, well as in former times, He is the teacher of or otherwise to provide for his personal necessi His people. The office of the Holy Spirit I had ties—without making any application to them— not experimentally understood before that time, just as it might be laid upon their hearts to do so. and indeed of the office of each of the blessed Since that time, now 57 years ago, though pos- persons of the Trinity, I had no experimental appre- sessing no property whatever of his own, he has hension. I had not seen before from the Scrip- never received any salary, either as pastor of a tures, that the Father chose us before the founda- large Church in Bristol, nor as Director of the tion of the world; that in Him the wonderful great Institution which he was permitted after- plan of our redemption originated, and that He wards to found ; nor does he under any circum- also appointed all the means by which it was to stances that, may arise, ever take money from the be brought about. Further, that the Son, to save funds of the Institution, to supply his own tem- us, fulfilled the law to satisfy its demands, and poral wants, nor even to defray his travelling also the holiness of God ; that He bore the punish- expenses in the Lord’s service—as some suppose—; ment due to our sins, and thus satisfied the but whether in England or in other countries, is justice of God ; and further, that the Holy Spirit as wholly dependent upon the Lord now, for alone can teach us about our state by nature, everything he needs, as when he first entered upon shew us the need of a Saviour, enable us to believe this path of faith—Soon after his arrival at Teign- in Christ, explain to us the Scriptures, help us in mouth, the Lord began to teach him the truth preaching, etc. It was by beginning to understand concerning several important subjects more fully this last point in particular, which had a great than he had ever yet learned it, and as the follow- effect on me; for the Lord enabled me to put it to ing passages, referring to these points, are of a the test of experience, by laying aside commen- most profitable character, they are extracted from taries, and almost every other book, and simply Somopr 16 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 17 reading the word of God and studying it. The To my great astonishment I found that the passages, result of this was, that the first evening I shut which speak decidedly for election and persevering myself into my room, to give myself to prayer and grace, were about four times as many as those meditation over the Scriptures, I learned more in a which speak apparently against them; and even few hours, than I had done during a period of those few, shortly after, when I had examined and several months previously. But the particular diffe- understood them, served to confirm me in the rence was, that I recewed real strength for my soul in above doctrines. As to the effect which my belief doing so. I now began to try by the test of the in these truths had on me, I am constrained to Scriptures the things which I had learned and seen, state for God’s glory, that I have walked more and found that only those principles, which stood closely with Him since that period, and I may say this test, were really of value. 2.—Before this that I have lived much more for God than before, period, [ had been much opposed to the doctrines strengthened by the Lord, in a great measure, of election, particular redemption, and final per- through the instrumentality of these doctrines. severing grace. I did not believe that I had “The electing love of God in Christ—when brought myself to the Lord, for that was too mani- realized—has been the means of producing holi- festly false; but yet I held, that I might have re- ness, instead of leading me into sin. It is only sisted finally. And further, I knew nothing about the notional apprehension of such truths, the want the election of God’s people, and did not believe of having them in the heart, whilst they are in the that the child of God, when once made so, was head, which is dangerous. 3—Another truth into safe for ever. But now I was brought to examine which I was led during my stay in Devonshire, these precious truths by the word of God. Being respected the second coming of Christ. My views made willing to have no glory of my own in the concerning this point, up to that time, had been conversion of sinners, but to consider myself merely completely vague and unscriptural. I had believed as an instrument, and being also made willing to what others told me, without trying their state- receive what the Scriptures said, I went to the ments by the Word. I thought that things were Word, reading the New Testament from the begin- getting better, and better, and that soon the whole ning, with a particular reference to these truths. world would be converted. But now I found in Cc 18 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 19 the Word, that we have not the least Scriptural I left London, my prayer had been, that the Lord warrant to look for the conversion of the world would be pleased to bless my journey, to the benefit before the return of our Lord. I found in the of my body and soul. This prayer was answered Scriptures, that it is the return of our Lord Jesus in both respects; for in the beginning of September which will usher in the glory of the Church, and I returned to London much better in body, and uninterrupted joy to the saints, and that till then, marvellously blessed as to my soul.” things will be more or less in confusion. I found Through his diligent study of the Scriptures also, in the Word, that the return of Jesus and not death his mind became enlightened as to the privilege was the hope of the apostolic Christians, and that and blessedness of giving, of laying up treasure in it became me therefore to look for His appearing ; heaven. He found that both in the Old and New and this truth entered so into my heart, that Testaments, Christians are distinctly taught, that though I went into Devonshire exceedingly weak, it is the will of God they should give regularly and scarcely expecting that I should return to London, systematically of their means to Him, both for the yet immediately on seeing it, I was brought off poor, and for His work, as they are able, and as from looking for death, and was made to look for He has prospered them ; and that in so doing they the coming of Christ, and to put the solemn ques- get blessing to their own souls, and are often even tion to myself—‘What may I do before His greatly prospered with reference to the life that return, as He may soon come?’ 4—In addition to now is, because, when the children of God act these truths, it pleased the Lord to lead me to see faithfully as stewards, they are entrusted with more a higher standard of devotedness than I had seen money by the Lord. He sought therefore to carry before. He led me in a measure to see what is my out the light thus received, and for 57 years has true glory in this world, even to be despised, and stood habitually with all he is, and has, before God to be poor and mean with Christ. I saw then ina as His steward, saying, “Lord, all that I have is measure, though I have seen it more fully since, Thine ; use it as Thou pleasest,” and the happiness that it ill becomes the servant to seek to be rich, and blessedness that have resulted from thus acting and great, and honoured in that world, where His have been unspeakable. The following passages of Lord was poor, and mean, and despised.—Before Scripture, he has found in his own experience, to be C 2 20 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 21 strictly and literally true. ‘There is that scattereth Bristol, the reader who desires further information and yet increaseth ; and there is that withholdeth on this subject, is referred to these publications, more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. At Teignmouth, in the summer of 1829, Mr The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that Miller first became acquainted with Mr. Henry watereth, shall be watered also himself.” Prov. Craik from Scotland, a devoted servant of Christ, xi., 24-25. ‘‘ Give and it shall be given unto you ; with whom he laboured afterwards in Bristol, as good measure, pressed down and shaken together, fellow-pastor, for 34 years; and, having seen and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” through his study of the Holy Scriptures, that Luke vi, 38. “He that hath pity upon the poor baptism is an ordinance of God intended only for lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath believers, in May, 1830, he was baptized at Shaldon, given will He pay him again.” Prov. xix., 17. Teignmouth, by Mr. Craik. On this account, “He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly ; however, he is not a Baptist—as some suppose— and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also and has never joined the Baptists; nor is he now bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth connected with them, any more than with other in his heart, so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of true believers, who are united by faith to the Lord necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver.” And Jesus Christ ; for he loves al? who love our Lord God is able to make all grace abound towards you ; Jesus in sincerity. that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, On October 7th, 1830, he was united in marriage may abound to every good work. As it is written, to Miss Mary Groves, who afterwards became a “he hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the most valuable helper to him in his labours, espe- poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever.” 2nd cially when the Orphan Work was established ; and Cor. ix., 6, 7, 8,9. As this subject, however, is her sister, Miss Groves, was also, for a number of fully entered into, in two little books written by years, an active, efficient worker at the Orphan Mr. Miiller, entitled ——“ The Privilege and Blessed- Houses. His only child living—a daughter—was ness of Giving,” and “On Laying up Treasure in born September 17th, 1832. Heaven,” to be obtained from Mr. Sarsfield, manager After residing for two years and a half at Teign- of the Bible and Tract Warehouse, 78, Park-street, mouth, Mr. Miiller saw it to be the will of God THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 23 22 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. On the other hand, however, it is right to state, that he should remove to Bristol with Mr. Craik, that times without number, his faith was sorely in order that he might labour with him there in the ministry of the Word ; he and Mrs. Miiller tried—because when God gives faith He always trics it ;—but whenever there was no money left, therefore went to live in Bristol, where it pleased instead of being discouraged, he and his beloved God greatly to bless his labours, and those of Mr. wife would kneel down, and ask God, graciously Craik. Here great numbers of persons were con- to send them help; which, sooner or later, was verted, particularly in the summer of 1832, during invariably granted. the dreadful visitation of cholera, with which the Sometimes, it happened, too, that not only was city was at that time afflicted ; and in August of there no money left, but that all the provisions that year a little assembly of believers was gathered likewise in the house were gone—a trying state of together—now a church numbering upwards of things indeed;—the Lord never suffered them, 1,200 members—of which Mr. Craik and Mr. however, to be confounded. Miiller became the pastors. In January, 1866, Under these circumstances—after receiving in- after a long and painful illness, Mr. Craik fell numerable answers to prayer of a marked and asleep in Jesus, and was removed to his everlast- memorable character—when Mr. Miiller saw desti- ing rest; but, through the Lord’s kindness, his tute, neglected children running about the streets, friend and fellow-labourer has had health and for whose souls no one cared, and whose counten- strength continued to him, and (though he loves auces plainly indicated that they were suffering all the true children of God, and preaches every- from disease and poverty, this thought repeatedly where amongst those who hold the foundation occurred to him—“ Ought I not to do something truths of our most holy faith) has remained par- for poor children such as these ? Would it not be ticularly in fellowship with that Church, ever since possible to clothe and educate some friendless little he first came to Bristol. In Bristol, as at Teign- ones, and to have them carefully instructed in the mouth, though he continued to live without any Scriptures, so that they remain no longer in their regular income, God never allowed him nor his wretched state? Can I not trust in God for them, family to want ; and, with the Apostle Paul, he was generally able to say, “I have all and abound.” as I look to Him to provide means for myself and 24 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 25 for my family ; and did not the Lord Jesus declare has condescended greatly to enlarge it, and has plainly, that ‘Whoso receiveth one such little child ~ acted according to that promise, “Them that in my name receiveth me’ ” ? but through the great honour me I will honour;”-for as His servant amount of work he had in hand, and the numerous sought in the most public way to honour Him, he demands continually made upon his time and has ever since been most abundantly honoured by strength, for a good while he was so fully occu- the Lord. He began with one day-school, but on pied, that no decided steps were taken. At last May 26, 1887, we had 38, of which 14 were in however, on the 5th March, 1834, he founded a Spain, attended by more than 1,000 Catholic chil- little Institution, called “‘The Scriptural Know- dren, one was in Italy, 2 were in the East Indies, ledge Institution for Home and Abroad,” which 7 in Demerara and Essequibo, and the others were had the following objects, namely——lst—to estab- scattered throughout England. He began with lish day schools, Sunday schools, and adult schools; one Sunday-school ; on May 26th, 1887, there were on at 2ndly—to circulate the Holy Scriptures, and par- 29 connected with the Institution. ticularly amongst the very poorest of the poor ; On May 26th, 1887, there were in all the 3rdly—-to aid missionary operations; 4thly—to various schools 5,664 pupils, and from the forma- ce er ee circulate religious books, pamphlets, and tracts, tion of the Institution up to that time, one hundred for the benefit of believers and of unbelievers—an and four thousand and seventy-nine children or Object added sometime afterwards ;—and 5thly, in grown-up persons have been taught in these 67 1835, the Orphan Work was established. Of the schools. All of them were established, simply principles of the Institution, two only need be through the instrumentality of prayer and faith, mentioned. 1—That debt should never be in- and though the annual expenditure connected curred, a decision which for many years has been with them has for many years been very large, no scrupulously acted upon. 2—That no rich, great one has ever been asked to contribute towards rence eae man, no English nobleman, for instance, should be ; and every shilling continues to be their support its patron, but that the living God alone, should obtained in the same manner. be the patron of the Institution. The beginning But the most encouraging fact is, that thousands fe of this Institution was exceedingly small, but God of the pupils, attending these schools, have been 26 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 27 brought to a saving knowledge of the Lord, through The 4th Object of the Institution, is the circu- the instruction there given to them. lation of religious books, pamphlets and tracts, The 2nd Object of the Institution, the circula- to benefit both believers and unbelievers. From tion of the Holy Scriptures, began in a very small the commencement of this Department of the way ; but God soon increased it greatly, and from work, up to May 26th, 1887, eighty-eight millions the commencement of this department of the work, and a half of books, pamphlets and tracts, in up to May 26th, 1887, 219,263 Bibles, 1,002,227 various languages, have been circulated in different New Testaments, 20,600 copies of the Psalms, and parts of the world, by meana of which multitudes 210,051 other small portions of the Holy Scrip- of souls have been won for our Lord Jesus. The tures, inseveral different languages, have been larye sum of money required for this Object also circulated. Through this extensive dissemination has been obtained by the instrumentality of prayer of the truth multitudes of souls have been con- and faith. Immense numbers of these publications verted, particularly in Spain, Italy, and England. have been circulated gratuitously, and hundreds of The entire amount of means for this Object also, believers have been engaged in scattering them far has been obtained by prayer and faith only. and wide, not merely in Great Britain and Ireland, The 3rd Object of the Institution is, to aid mis- but also throughout various parts of the world. sionary efforts.From the commencement of the The 5th Object of the Institution is, to board, work missionaries have been assisted by its funds, clothe, and educate scripturally, destitute children and within the last 30 years help has been afforded who have been bereaved of both parents by death. to great numbers of brethren, through whose The Orphan Work originated thus ;—finding in the labours, with the blessing of God, many thousands course of his extensive pastoral labours, that an of souls have been converted. The vast amount increase of faith was the one great thing specially required for this branch of the work, has likewise needed by the Church, Mr. Miiller judged that, if been obtained solely by believing prayer. he should be able to provide everything requisite The total amount spent on missionary operations, for the support of orphans—whether many or from March 5th, 1834, to May 26th, 1887, is few—by waiting habitually upon God, and by £214,649. 98. 6d. making known his wants to Him, and to Him WA REM 28 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 29 HE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. alone—indisputable proof would be given that our asked Thee for the help I need, only to be guided Heavenly Father is abundantly able and willing to whether I should found an Establishment or not. provide for the necessities, temporal as well as spiri- Now, Lord, I open my mouth wide; be Thou tual, of ai! His children, even the very feeblest of pleased to fill it.” them, who really trust in Him; and that unbeliev- He then prayed for a house, for suitable helpers ing cares and anxieties about the life that now is, to instruct and take care of the children, and that are not only dishonouring to the Lord, but are a one thousand pounds sterling might be given him. fruitful source of unhappiness to His people. Many On the very next day, December 6th, 1835, the real Christians, who can trust Him about their first donation was received, namely one shilling souls, are totally unable to cast all their care upon from a poor missionary then visiting at his house. Him regarding their temporal concerns. He there- In the providence of God, Ne had the honour of fore waited long and earnestly upon God, calling contributing the first mite towards establishing an upon Him many times a day, graciously to make Institution afterwards so greatly blessed, and doubt- known to him His mind with reference to an less will be richly recompensed in the day of Christ's Establishment for Orphans, and feeling assured at appearing. Another missionary, too, also visiting at length that he ought to go forward and begin the Mr. Miiller’s house, gave a small sum of money for work, he was one day reading on, as usual, con- the same object, and then a piece of furniture was secutively through the Bible, when he came to the sent. A few days afterwards, a poor young woman, 10th verse of the 81st Psalm -—“I am the Lord who earned about 4s. weekly by her needlework, thy God, which brought thee out of the land of contributed £100., but her donation was courteously Egypt. Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it.” declined. When sent for and spoken to on the Here he at once put aside his Bible, and kneel- subject, she stated that this money was part of a ing down prayed thus ;—“ Heavenly Father, Thou little property recently left her by her grandfather, knowest that hitherto I have only asked Thee to who had died; and that feeling deeply interested show me what thy Holy pleasure is concerning an in the contemplated Orphan Work, it was her desire Orphan Institution, and Thou hast taught me that to give this £100. towards the Orphan fund; but I should commence the work, but 1 have never Mr. Miiller still refused to accept the contribution. 30 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 31 “You are weak and sickly,” said he, “and may hour and a-half passed away, but no one came, and need this money for yourself. I fear you have as two hours elapsed, and no applicants appeared, acted hastily, and may regret the step hereafter.” he was obliged at last to leave, without having Her reply however was—‘“I have well weighed been applied to for the admission of a single child. the matter ; the Lord Jesus freely shed His pre- Whilst walking home, however, this thought cious blood for me a poor lost sinner, and shall I occurred to him;—“I have prayed about every- not in return shew my love and gratitude to Him thing connected with this work—for money, for a by giving Him this little sum? Rather than this house, for helpers, about the various articles of Orphan Work should not come to pass, I would furniture, etc., but I have never asked the Lord give every penny I possess towards it.” After to send me orphans.” Having taken it for granted reasoning with her further on the subject, and that they were to be had by hundreds, and by finding she was thoroughly decided, he at length thousands, he had never prayed that God would reluctantly accepted the £100., though he could send inmates for the home prepared ; but: now, not but admire the hand of God, and praise Him remembering that passage in Phil. iv., 6, “In every- for the unexpected help thus given by this poor thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving sister. Other donations afterwards came in, until let your requests be made known unto God,” he at last he was able to rent a large house in Wilson shut himself up in his own room at home, east him- Street, St. Paul’s, and to furnish and prepare it for self upon the floor, and there lay for three hours, the reception of 30 orphan girls above 8 years of upon his face before the Lord, confessing his failure, age, and two helpers who volunteered their ser- beseeching pardon for his neglect, and praying that vices. Now then he was in a position to appoint children might be ‘sent. a time for interviews with persons in the vestry of The very next morning, at 11 o’clock, applica- the Chapel, who desired to obtain for orphan girls tion was made for the reception of an orphan girl ; admission to the Institution; and accordingly a at the expiration of a month, admission for 42 day and hour for seeing them were fixed. The destitute children had been applied for, and since morning arrived, when he sat for half an hour in that time, as years have rolled away, the relatives the vestry without receiving any applications,—an and friends of many thousands of orphans, have 32 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 33 sought to place them under Mr. Miller's care. In He therefore called his fellow-labourers together, a short time, therefore, after the house in Wilson and kneeling down, they unitedly spread their case Street had been opened, it was filled with 30 girls, before the Lord, earnestly entreating Him to send who were taken charge of by a matron and a help in their time of urgent need ; nor had they to teacher. At the end of eight months, another wait upon Him long ; for money, provisions, etc., house in the same street was taken, fitted up, and speedily came in, and thus their prayers and sup- furnished for the reception of 36 little boys and plications were turned into thanksgivings. This girls under the age of eight, suitable assistants for life of constant dependence upon God, this hanging the work also had presented themselves ; and in upon Him day after day, week after week, and nine months more, a third house in Wilson Street month after month for everything that was needed, was opened for 30 orphan boys, above the age of went on for eleven long years, during which time, eight years. Mr. Miiller and his nine helpers had upon innumerable occasions, and often when in the now 96 orphans under their care. The blessing of greatest straits and difficulties, the Lord invariably God rested manifestly upon the work, and every- appeared on behalf of His praying, waiting ser- thing went on satisfactorily ; but, at the expiration vants. Sometimes, whilst they were actually en- of twelve months, the whole of his money was gaged in prayer deliverance came, for the postman expended. Under these circumstances it may would frequently bring letters containing money naturally be supposed that he felt extremely from a distance; or a Christian friend, having been downcast and discouraged ; but having set about entrusted with donations for the Orphans, would the Orphan Work for the express purpose of show- arrive just at the very moment when assistance ing what God is able and willing to do in the hour was most urgently required. of deepest trial for those who really trust in Him, Occasionally, too, visitors, who went through the he secretly rejoiced at having this glorious oppor- houses, dropped contributions for the work into tunity of taking Him at His word, and of letting boxes placed for their reception. a sceptical world and an unbelieving Church see— Then, a great- variety of gold and silver articles, what a deliverance—in answer to believing prayer such as brooches, rings, gold chains, ear-rings, gold —~He would certainly accomplish. and silver watches, diamond rings, plate, and other D 34 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 35 valuables, were frequently sent to be sold for the on reaching his own house he found, perhaps, that benefit of the Orphans. Innumerable donations money had come in there, or, if that were not the likewise in the form of useful and fancy articles case, when he returned early the next morning to the Orphan Houses, he would find that the much- were contributed. Children’s clothing, wearing apparel, new and desired help had been received in time to get break- secondhand, material for dresses, ladies’ bags, pin- fast ready for the children. cushions, needle-cases, toilet covers, antimacassars, The following instance is related, as a specimen ‘ pen-wipers, sofa cushions, etc., etc., were received out of many hundreds, of the manner in which it and disposed of for the benefit of the Institution. has pleased God to provide for the necessities of Sometimes it would happen that at 9 in the morn- the Orphans. One day, on which there had been a ing there were no provisions in the houses, neither prayer meeting with the helpers at the Orphan was there money in hand to purchase the food Houses early in the morning, to ask the Lord for needed for the dinner; then, in answer to the means to get a dinner, and a second between earnest cries of those who were engaged in the dinner and supper, to pray for the money requisite work, money was received in time to procure sup- to provide the latter meal—both of which requests plies and get the meal ready by the dinner hour at were granted—it became necessary to have a third one o'clock ; but often afterwards there was nothing prayer meeting, late in the evenin g, because there was nothing left towards the expenses left for supper. of the next Another united prayer-meeting was, therefore, day. The Lord was entreated therefore, either to held, in order that they might beseech the Lord send help the same evening or early the next mercifully to appear on their behalf; and this He morning. After this prayer meeting, Mr. Miiller invariably did. Sometimes Mr. Miiller remained returned to his own house, about twenty minutes until late in the evening at the Orphan houses, walk from the Orphan Houses, but found that and when there was nothing left for breakfast the nothing had come in there; and as he himself had next morning, and no money was in hand to pur- no money left to give, the next morning he went chase even milk, he had to go home without being very early to the Orphan Houses, to see what God able to leave a single copper with his helpers; but had been pleased to send in. As soon as hearrived, D2 36 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 37 his chief assistant showed him three sovereigns, evening, but should go now at once. At last I which he had received about five minutes previously. turned round to go to the Orphan Houses, but, Thus the Orphans not only had money with which after having walked some distance in that direction, breakfast could be purchased, but they were also said to myself again—I have no time now, I must provided with everything required for that day. see those letters first; so I turned and walked In the next annual Report, a good while after- once more towards my house of business. The wards, the particulars of this circumstance were Spirit of God, however, gave me no rest, for these related, for the encouragement of Christian readers words were continually sounding in my ears—you with reference to prayer; but in such a manner, must go at once, you must go at once, and not wait that no one could possibly know who the donor until the evening; so finally I turned back and took was. After the Report had been published some the money to the Orphan Houses.” How came all time, the gentleman, who had given these three this? The Lord knew there was no money in sovereigns, called one day on Mr. Miiller, and said hand, and in answer-to the earnest, believing to him, ‘‘I will relate some particulars in connec- prayers of the previous evening, gave no rest to tion with that donation which will interest you. this Christian gentleman till he had taken the On the morning of that day I left home early, and money for the Orphans. went to my house of business, expecting by the In the foregoing portion of this Narrative, three first delivery to receive important letters (he lived houses only have been referred to; but in March about twenty-five minutes walk from his counting- 1843, a fourth large house in Wilson Street was house) ; but on my way there, this thought occurred taken; and having received £500 towards the to me—I ought to take some money this morning funds of the Institution, of which a considerable to the Orphans, for they may be in need. Imme- sum yet remained in hand, Mr. Miiller possessed diately, however, I considered—This can be done the means for furnishing another Home for 30 in the evening, hecause I have no time now, but more orphan girls above 8 years of age, which was must see those important letters first. I therefore also quickly filled with children. At length, in walked on, but again and again was pressed in about a year and eight months after this fourth spirit thus—You ought not to wait until the Home was opened, having been courteously in- 38 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 39 formed by a gentleman of studious habits, residing Wilson Street, but a home that would contain 300 in Wilson Street next door to one of the Orphan boys and girls, because many children were wait- Houses, that the noise made daily by the children ing to be received for whom there was no room. in their play-ground was a serious inconvenience A new building with the land and furniture, how- to him, it became necessary for Mr. Miiller to ever, would cost about £15,000, and whence could think about removing the whole Orphan Institution all this money be expected? Mr. Miiller and his to an entirely different locality. During a period helpers were living as before, from hand to mouth, of ten years, he and his helpers had been looking it might be said, having day by day continually to about most carefully in all directions for accommo- wait upon God for all their temporal supplies. dation for the children, but houses really suitable Occasionally, too, they were reduced to the utmost for them never could be found anywhere, except in poverty. As far, therefore, as outward appearances Wilson Street. Now this request was made— were concerned, nothing could be more improbable “Will you kindly remove the Orphans from this than that sums of money would be contributed street?” But where could they be placed? No sufficient to build and furnish a comparatively houses elsewhere of a similar character were vacant, large Orphan House. So far too was he from and if any could have been found, in course of possessing £15,000, that he had not £500, nor £50, time other persons also might say—‘“ Please to re- nor even £5 actually in hand. The more, however, move these children from our neighbourhood like- he reflected on the matter, and carefully weighed wise.” It had become obvious, too, that houses all the reasons for and against taking this import- built for ordinary families of eight, ten, or twelve ant step, the more convinced he was, either that individuals, were altogether unsuitable for public he must build, or that the Orphan Work must be institutions, because the rooms were comparatively abandoned. But to give up the work was a small, the ventilation was imperfect, and in times thought not seriously to be entertained ; for God of sickness no extra accommodation could be had marvellously set the seal of His blessing on it provided. It appeared absolutely necessary there- by the conversion of many of the Orphans, by fore to build, and to erect a house large enough to blessing thousands of persons through reading the receive not only the 126 orphans already gathered in annual Reports, and by converting even avowed 40 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 41 infidels by means of them. After much delibera- if instead of one thousand pounds, the sum had tion therefore, accompanied by continual earnest been fen thousand, he would not have been prayer, that he might make no mistake—in astonished, because he expected help, and day by dependence upon God alone, and in his inmost day was looking out for it, in large amounts, aswell soul assured that the Lord would provide, Mr. as small ones. Should not this confident expecta- Miiller determined to build a large Orphan tion on his part be a lesson to the Church of House for 300 children. Having come then to God? In the first place we have to see to it this decision, he began to pray many times a that our petitions are according to the mind of day, that money for the Building Fund might be God. Secondly, they must be presented solely in the sent in; but, in the course of a fortnight, did not name and for the sake of Jesus. Thirdly, we must receive a penny towards the contemplated work. believe that God hears us; and fourthly, look out, For twenty days his petitions were continued, but and patiently wait upon Him for the answers until apparently without success. For twenty-five he given. The next day more donations were re went on perseveringly waiting upon God, and for ceived, other contributions followed, and very thirty-three days prayed on in faith, nothing doubt- shortly afterwards another thousand pounds came ing, but with no manifest result. Though his in. Mr. Miiller was now ina position to look out faith, however, was exercised, and his earnest for land, but had not the slightest natural prospect supplications seemed to be in vain, he praised and of obtaining it; for at that time there was quite a thanked God many times beforehand for the money mania for building in Bristol and the neighbour- he was as certain would be given, as if the desired hood, and land was everywhere exceedingly ex- Orphan House, erected, furnished, and filled with pensive. Day by day, however, he gave himself Orphan children, had already stood before his to prayer, bringing this matter also continually eyes. before God, until, after waiting upon Him for 13 At last, on the thirty-fourth day, he received weeks, he heard one morning that a suitable piece £1,000., the largest amount up to that time ever of ground might be purchased on Ashley Down. contributed in one donation, for which he thanked At 7 in the evening therefore of the same day he God, but without being in the least surprised ; and called upon the owner of the property, a merchant, ae 42 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 43 mpeg who—he was told—would at that hour be at spoken to His servant, constraining him to sell the Lap home; but not finding him at his own house, as land for £120 instead of £200 an acre,an agreement was expected, he proceeded—directed by the ser- by which £560 was saved at once, through the in- vants—to his counting-house, where, they said, he terview not having taken placethe previous evening. would be sure to meet with him. In about a month after the transaction just re- Upon arriving there, however, he was informed corded, this Christian gentleman died. Land that the gentleman had just left his counting- having now been purchased, little by little the house and had returned to his own residence. money yet needed for the Building Fund came in, “ Now ”—thought Mr. Miiller—“ shall I go again so that in two years from the time Mr. Miiller first to him, or—as the hand of God surely is in this— began to pray that he might obtain sufficient shall I wait until to-morrow? but, as I was told money to erect an Orphan House, he was able to that he would certainly be found either at home or give orders for the building to be commenced. at his counting-house, and at both places I have The blessing of God rested abundantly upon the failed to meet him, it may be better to wait until undertaking ; a house large enough to contain 300 to-morrow.” Accordingly, the next morning at Orphans, including boys, girls, and infant girls 9 o’clock, he called upon the merchant, who said under 8 years of age was erected, fitted up, and to him at once—‘“ I have heard about your visit, furnished, and after everything had been paid for, and of your desire to purchase land in order to more than £600 remained in hand, whilst in the build an Orphan House upon it. For three hours meantime money for all the various other Depart- last night I lay awake, and during that time kept ments of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution on thinking—If this gentleman comes again, I had come in. In this new Orphan House—No. 1 must sell the ground to him for £120, instead of --on Ashley Down, the work was carried on, £200 an acre; and now I am willing to let you exactly as it had been before in Wilson Street. have it at that price.” This kind proposal was God was trusted in, not only for pecuniary ‘sup- immediately accepted, and, in less than ten plies, but, as irrespective of the large sums of minutes, a contract was signed for the purchase of money continually needed, there were innumerable seven acres. During three sleepless hours God had calls for the exercise of faith in Him ; in ali times 44 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER, 45 of difficulty and perplexity He was relied upon for tional piece of land for No. 3, they would cost guidance and direction. To find suitable helpers £40,000. There were, however, particular trials for instance, who would work harmoniously of faith connected with this further enlargement of together, was not an easy matter; then sickness the work, and one difficulty was, that, immediately would break out, with the prospect that infectious after the issue of the next annual Report, in which maladies might spread; evil, lying reports too his decision to enlarge the Orphan Work was about the Orphans were occasionally circulated, stated, a false report was spread to the effect that which, though false, were trying; so that to get he already had £30,000 in hand, towards this, in money for carrying on the work, together with the order that people might be deterred from contri- various other operations of the Scriptural Know- buting to the funds set apart for an extension of ledge Institution, was far less difficult than to the work. As an impression also prevailed even obtain deliverance from a multitude of trials of a in the minds of Christians, that so great an en- different character which frequently occurred. largement of the Orphan Work would be pre- Still, the Lord’s blessing rested manifestly upon it ; sumption, it was considered by some that such a and after several months had passed away, not desire ought not to be encouraged. Notwith- only was No.1 filled with destitute children and standing these obstacles, however, in dependence those who had the care of them, but admission was upon the living God, His servant determined to sought for hundreds of Orphans who could not be go forward; and, after patiently waiting upon received for want of room. Under these circum- Him six years for all the necessary means, he had stances therefore, Mr. Miiller again began seriously the joy of beholding New Orphan House No. 2, to consider how he ought to act. He spread the for 400 girls—built upon the ground surrounding case accordingly before His Heavenly Father, wait- No. 1—completed. ing upon Him for six months, day by day, to ascer- The building of New Orphan House No. 3 for tain His mind ; and being assured that God would 450 girls (upon eleven acres and a half of land have him further to extend the Orphan Work, purchased on the other side of the public road, a decided finally upon building two more Orphan few minutes walk only from Nos. 1 and 2) was also Houses—for 850 children—though, with an addi- begun, and when this house, too, was finished and 46 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 47 ready for their reception, accommodation for 1150 containing 2050 orphan children and 110 helpers. orphans was provided. Whilst the money for But money for them came in only by degrees ; building Nos. 2 and 3 was coming in—which with four years elapsed before the land was purchased the furniture for the two houses and the land for and the building of No. 4 could be commenced ; No. 3 cost £40,000—the heavy expenses of the but at length, after much prayer and waiting upon various other Objects of the Scriptural Knowledge God, this house was finished too and opened. Institution, namely the support of the Sunday and No. 5 also was erected, and opened towards the day schools, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures end of 1869. and tracts, the expenditure connected with Mis- On the 6th February, 1870, Mrs. Miller died of sionary Operations, and the current outgoings for rheumatic fever at 21, Paul-street, Kingsdown, the Orphans at No. 1 were going on, yet God aged 73, after a few days of severe suffering ; and graciously supplied everything required; but it on February 11th her funeral took place, at Arno’s was only after eleven years of patient, believing, Vale Cemetery, near Bristol. Besides her own persevering prayer, that New Orphan Houses relatives, and a great number of Christian friends Nos. 2 and 3, were built and filled} with inmates. belonging to the Church with which she was in No. 3 was ready in March 1862, and after this house fellowship, her remains were followed to the grave too was opened, it was found that £1,400 from the by many hundreds of the Orphans, whose devoted Building Fund yet remainedin hand. There were friend she had been so many years. At the earnest also 900 Orphans waiting for admission who could request too of the children then in the five houses, not be received into the three houses already built, and of many of the Orphans formerly under Mr. for want of room. After waiting again therefore Miiller’s care, they were permitted to place a long upon the Lord, Mr. Miiller at last decided simple monument upon her grave at their own upon building two more Houses, large enough to expense. Her loss was greatly felt, especially at contain 450 children each; namely No. 4 for boys, the Orphan Houses, where she superintended and and infant boys under 8 years of age, and No. 5 executed with her ownhands alarge amount of work. for girls, and Infant girls not 8 years old ; so that “The memory of the just is blessed.” “ Precious in altogether there might be five Houses, capable of the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” 48 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 49 Though “Time rolls its ceaseless course,” and brought up to be generally useful. All the children many years have passed away since the Scriptural have a week’s holiday at Christmas, a few days at Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad was Easter for play and recreation, and a week at Whit- originally founded, it continues to be conducted on suntide. In July a holiday is given for an ex- precisely the same principles that were acted upon cursion to the New Passage, or some other plea- when first established in March, 1834. It is still sant spot, where they ramble about,’ and greatly upheld solely through the instrumentality of enjoy taking dinner and their evening meal in the prayer and faith, is supported entirely by volun- open air; and at the end of September, holidays LPAI RR ge RN He ORIEN tary contributions, and no one is ever asked for for another week are given, including the 27th of aid either directly or indirectly. that month, the anniversary of Mr. Miiller’s birth- The Orphan boys and girls receive a plain, useful day, which is an event always held in special education, and are taught to read and write, besides remembrance by the children, whose letters of con- receiving instruction in arithmetic, history, gram- gratulation are sent him from all the different mar, geography, etc. They are habitually instructed Departments. In the course of one year there are . in the Holy Scriptures. Time is allowed them generally 2,250 Orphans in the Institution ; for every day for private reading of the word of God although the five Houses can accommodate only and prayer; and they have an efficient Christian 2,050 at a time, about 240 new comers are received singing-master, whose business it is to teach them annually. The entire number, however, is con- how to sing hymns and pieces of poetry, suitable ' tinually varying, a circumstance to be accounted for children, well. The girls are carefully taught for by the frequent departure of the elder boys and needlework, which many of the elder ones do beau- girls, who are sent away, either that they may tifully; they make and mend their own clothes, become apprentices or take situations as domestic work in the laundries and kitchens, and are trained servants, whilst new comers to the Institution are to perform all the duties required of good house- admitted in their stead. From the beginning of hold servants. The boys knit their own socks, the work, up to May 26th, 1887, 7,501 Orphans make their beds, scrub the floors, go on errands, altogether have been received. Orphan children work in the gardens, and in many other ways are are received into the Institution under the three E 50 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 51 following conditions. Ist, They must have been are sent as indoor apprentices to Christi an masters, deprived of both parents by death ;—2ndly, they about whom particular inquiry has been made. A must be legitimate children, the marriage certi- premium of £13. is paid to the master s for the ficates of their parents being invariably required ;— boys; and, during their apprenticeship, their former and 3rdly, they must be in destitute circumstances. teachers and friends at the Orphan Houses seek, Little Orphans from their earliest days occasionally by correspondence and otherwise, to keep up an become inmates of the Houses, and many only interest in, and to watch over them ; but converted three, four, and five months old have been received. boys who possess good abilities, decided aptitude A gallery in one of the Infant Departments, filled for teaching, and whose behaviour as Christians with about 200 young Orphans, most of whom are has been consistent, are trained to become teachers , under 4 and5 years of age, is an extremely touching In the latter part of 1880, and the beginning of sight ; and it is almost impossible to see so many 1881, there was a remarkable work of the Holy little ones deprived of both their parents, without Spirit amongst the Orphan boys and girls, hun- being moved to tears. dreds of whom were awakened to an anxiou s con- There are generally between 500 and 600 of cern about their souls, which ended in very many these Infant Orphans at a time in the Institution. instances in real conversion, and much joy in the The elder girls are trained for domestic service, Lord. They held prayer-meetings amongst them- and are retained until they are 17 years of age, selves, and prayed for the conversion of their com- when suitable outfits are provided for them, and panions, who yet remained unawakened. Such situations in Christian families are found; but seasons there have been again and again during the converted girls, advanced in their education, and last forty years, especially in 1859, 1860, 1866, and possessing decided ability for instructing others, 1873. are trained to become teachers. From the commencement of the work up to The boys are kept until they are 14 or 15 years May 26th, 1887, the sum of One Million One of age, when they are allowed to choose the trade Hundred and Twenty Thousand Three Hundre d or business they desire to learn. Upon leaving the and Sixty-seven Pounds had been receive d alto- Institution, outfits are provided for them, and they gether for the various Objects of the Scriptur al E2 52 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER, 53 gre cuenetietis Knowledge Institution simply in answer to prayer of a grave description or of a minor character, and by patiently waiting upon God. Hundreds of which occur from time to time in connection pe Rtegph with times Mr. Miiller has been asked by Christians, the whole Institution, are so varied, that they can what they must do to have their faith increased, a be understood only by those who are engaged in sae MART Ng question to which he gives the following reply ? the work. “Stand still and see the salvation of God; take On November 16th 1871, Miss Miiller was mar- IIT Him at His word and be satisfied with it; who- ried to Mr. James Wright, her father’s chief assistant ever does this will have his faith increased, and at the Orphan Houses, and his valued fellow- those who fail to do so will become weaker and labourer, who has been connected with the Seri ptural weaker spiritually.” Knowledge Institution for many years; and on Irrespective of waiting upon the Lord habitually November 30th, 1871, after much prayer and wait- for the necessary pecuniary supplies, there are ing upon God for guidance, Mr. Miiller was united Eee in connection with the Institution—as has already in marriage, at Bethesda Chapel, Bristol, to the been stated—innumerable calls for trusting in writer of this Narrative, with whom as a member Him, of an entirely different character. In 1872, of the Church of which he is the pastor, he had for example, the Orphan Houses were visited by long been acquainted. She has since been the com- ep eee. small-pox, when some of the helpers were attacked, panion of his joys and sorrows, and in him God PPI a ER numbers of the orphans became alarmingly ill, has given to her the best and kindest of husbands. and two of the teachers and several children In 1872 Mr. Wright was appointed by Mr. died. Miller Co-Director of the Institution. Then, a few years ago, 526 children were laid Before closing this account, it may be desirable down with fever at one time, a heavy affliction, as to mention that there is a Bible and Tract Ware- opp: every one will be ready to acknowledge. The house belonging to the Scriptural Knowledge Insti- behaviour of the children, too, occasionally causes tution, at No. 78, Park Street, Bristol, which con- sm sorrow. Sometimes, though very rarely, it is neces- tains a large assortment of Bibles, and a great sary even to expel some for wicked conduct, and variety of religious books and tracts, suitable for to send them to their friends; and the trials, either believers and for the unconverted. Mr. Sarsfield ROSE SRY RISE 54 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 55 is the manager of this Depository, to whom orders Besides the contributions sold in Park Street, should be sent. presents of bread, oatmeal, potatoes, rice, treacle, A Catalogue of these Bibles, books, tracts, ete., cheese, flour, sugar, currants and raisins for Christ- may be obtained by application to him, either per- mas puddings, boxes of oranges, and similar valu- sonally or by letter. There are 200 different sorts able donations, most acceptable towards house- of English Bibles kept in stock, each copy of the keeping at the Orphan Houses, have repeatedly Holy Scriptures varying from the other Bibles in been sent, and often continue to arrive, in answer type or binding, or by being with or without mar- to prayer. ginal references. Their prices range from 6d. to Twelve thousand thirty-four pounds is the largest £4. 18s. Thirty different kinds of New Testa- sum of money that has ever been given in one ments also may be had. Cheap Bibles and Testa- donation for the Orphans, and the smallest amount ments in the following languages are likewise evec contributed for them, was a present of a far- kept for sale, viz—Welsh, Danish, Dutch, French, thing. German, Italian, Portugese, and Spanish. There A poor Christian woman living at some distance are also New Testaments in Russ, Swedish, Ancient from Bristol, a cripple, who began by giving one Greek, and Greek and English, and the Psalms in penny per week out of her little earnings to the Hebrew. A large ‘room on the first floor of work on Ashley Down, was so blessed and pros- No. 78, Park Street, contains a vast quantity of pered by the Lord, that in time she was able to articles sent by various donors to be sold for the afford a weekly contribution of six shillings for benefit of the Orphans, the sale of which is under the Orphans. Upon one occasion her gift was the superintendence of Mrs. Sarsfield. Since the wrapped up in a little piece of paper, inside formation of the Institution, articles of almost which these words were written; “ Give; give ; every conceivable description have been presented, giwe; be ever gwing. If you are living, you will and still continue frequently to arrive in such be giving. Those who are not giving, are not liv- numbers that an enumeration even of only some of ing.” Numbers of other small donations of a them would be inconsistent with the brevity aimed very interesting character have also been received at in this Narrative. at different times during the many years this work 56 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 57 has been in existence; but as an account of them fully, patiently, and with a view to the glory of would make this Narrative too long, persons, God. IIL.—It is of immense importance for the who desire minute details, are referred to the understanding of the Word of God, to read it in Reports of the Institution, published every year, course, so that we may read every day a portion of and to the four volumes of Mr. Miiller’s Nar- the Old and a portion of the New Testament, going rative. The following important passages in the on where we previously left off. This is impor- Ist Vol. are given for the benefit of Christians tant—1, Because it throws light upon the connec- and inquirers. tion ; and a different plan, according to which we habitually select particular chapters only, will make - How to Read the Holy Scriptures in the mostProfitable . it utterly impossible ever to understand much of ~ Manner, the Scriptures. 2. Whilst we are in the body, we “If any one should ask me how to read the need a change even in spiritual things, and this Scriptures most profitably, I would advise that: change the Lord has graciously provided in the J.—Above all things we seek to have it settled in great variety which is to be found in His Word. our own minds, that God alone by His Spirit can 3. It tends to the glory of God; for the leaving teach us, and that, therefore, as He will be inquired out some chapters here and there, is practically of for blessings, it becomes us to seek His blessing saying, that certain portions are better than others ; previous to reading, and also whilst reading. II.— or that there are certain parts of revealed truth We should have it, moreover, settled in our minds unprofitable or unnecessary. 4, It may keep us, that although the Holy Spirit is the best, sufficient, by the blessing of God, from erroneous views, as, and only Teacher whose instructions are of any in reading thus regularly through the Scriptures, value, yet that He does not always teach imme- we are led to see the meaning of the whole, and diately when we desire it, and that, therefore, we are also kept from laying too much stress upon may have to entreat our Heavenly Father again certain favourite views. 5. The Scriptures con- and again for the explanation of certain passages ; tain the whole revealed will of God, and therefore but that He will surely teach us at last by His we ought to seek to read from time to time, Spirit, if indeed we are seeking for light prayer- through the whole of that revealed will. There 58 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER, 59 are many believers, I fear, in our day, who have after truth does not understand the Hebrew and not even read once through the whole of the Greek languages, so as to be able to compare the Scriptures ; and yet in a few months, by reading common translation with the original, he may, only a few chapters every day, they might accom- concerning several passages, get light by an im- plish it. IV.-——It is also of the greatest importance proved rendering, provided he can be sure that to meditate on what we read, so that perhaps a the translator was a truly spiritual person.” (Vol.I. small portion of that which we have read, or, if page 30.) we have time, the whole may be meditated upon in That the faith God has graciously given to Mr. the course of the day. Or a small portion of a Miiller, is the grace of faith and not the gift of book, or an epistle, or a gospel, through which we faith, mentioned in lst Cor. xii., 9, is proved from go regularly for meditation, may be considered the following extracts from his Narrative (Vol. 1.). every day, without, however, suffering ourselves “«T desire that all the children of God who read to be brought into bondage by this plan. Learned these details, may thereby be led to increased and commentaries I have found to store the head with more simple confidence in Him, for everything many notions, and often also with the truth of which they may need under any circumstances, God ; but when the Spirit teaches, through the in- and that the many answers to prayer I have strumentality of prayer and meditation, the heart received, may encourage them to pray particularly is affected. The former kind of knowledge gene- for the conversion of their friends and relatives, rally puffs up, and is frequently renounced, when their own progress in grace and knowledge, the state another commentary gives a different opinion, and of the saints whom they know personally, the state often also is found good for nothing, when it is to of the Church of God at large, and the success of be carried out into practice. The latter kind of the preaching of the gospel. Especially I affection- knowledge generally humbles, gives joy, leads us ately warn them against being led away by the device nearer to God, and is not easily reasoned away ; of Satan, to think that these things are peculiar to and having been obtained from God, and thus me and cannot be enjoyed by all the children of having entered into the heart, and become our God ; for though every believer is not called upon own, is also generally carried out. If the inquirer to establish Orphan Houses, Charity Schools, ete. 60 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 61 and to trust in the Lord for means, yet all believers charity (love) Iam nothing’; but it is the self-same are called upon, in the simple confidence of faith, faithwhich is found in every believer, and the cpcteseme: to cast all their burdens upon Him, to trust in Him growth of which I am most sensible of myself ; for everything ; and not only to make everything for, by little and little, it has been increasing for a subject of prayer, but to expect answers to their the last 57 years. 2. This faith which is exercised petitions, which they have asked according to His respecting the Orphans, and my own temporal neces- will, and in the name of the Lord Jesus. Think sities, shows itself in the same measure for instance not, dear reader, that I have the gift of faith of concerning the following points: I have never which we read in Ist Cor. xii., 9, and which is been permitted to doubt during the last 57 years mentioned along with ‘the gifts of healing,’ ‘the that my sins are forgiven, that I am a child of working of miracles,’ and ‘ prophecy ;’ and that on God, that I am beloved of God, and that I shall be that account I am able to trust in the Lord. Jt is finally saved ; because I am enabled, by the grace true that the faith which I am enabled to exercise of God, to exercise faith in His word, and believe is altogether God’s own gift; it is true that He what He says in those passages which settle alone supports it, and that he alone can increase these matters. See 1st John v., 1; Gal. iii, 26; it; it is true that moment by moment, I depend Acts x., 43; Romans x., 9-10; John iii, 16, ete. upon Him for it, and that if I were only one Further, when sometimes all has been dark, moment left to myself, my faith would utterly exceedingly dark, with reference to my_ ser- fail; but it is nof true that my faith is the gift of vice amongst the saints, judging from natural faith which is spoken of in Ist Cor. xii., 9, for appearances ; yea, when I should have been over- the following reasons :—1. The faith which I am whelmed indeed in grief and despair, had I looked enabled to exercise with reference to the Orphan at things after the outward appearance: at such Houses and my own temporal necessities, is not times I have encouraged myself in God, by laying that ‘faith’ of which it is said in lst Cor. xiii, 2 hold in faith on His almighty power, His un- (evidently in allusion to the faith spoken of in changeable love, and His infinite wisdom, and I Ist Cor. xii, 9), ‘Though I have all faith, so have said to myself, God is able and willing to that I could remove mountains, and have not deliver me, if it be good for me ; for it is written : 62 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 63 He that spared not His own Son but delivered me an extraordinary believer; make but trial! Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also Do but stand still in the hour of trial, and you freely give us all things?’ Romans vili., 32. will see the help of God, if you trust in Him. This, this it was which, being believed by me But there is so often a forsaking the ways of the through grace, kept my soul in peace. Further, Lord in the hour of trial, and the food of faith, the when in connection with the Orphan Houses, day means whereby our faith may be increased, is lost. schools, etc., trials have come upon me which were In order to have our faith strengthened, we must re- far heavier than the want of means; when lying member, I.—“'That every good gift, and every per- reports were spread that the Orphans had not fect gift is from above, and cometh down from the enough to eat, that they were cruelly treated, and Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, the like, or when other trials have befallen me in neither shadow of turning.” Jamesi.,17. As the connection with this work, and that at a time increase of faith is a good gift, it must come from when I was nearly a thousand miles away from God, and therefore He should be asked for this Bristol, and had to remain absent week after week ; blessing. II.—The following means, however, at such times my soul was stayed upon God; I ought to be used: 1. The cureful, diligent reading believed His word of promise which was applicable of the word of God, combined with meditation to such cases; I poured out my soul before Him, on it. Through reading His word, and especially and arose from my knees in peace, because the through meditation on it, the believer becomes in- trouble that was in the soul was in believing creasingly acquainted with the nature and charac- prayer cast upon the Lord, though I saw it to be ter of God, and thus sees more and more, besides His will I should remain far away from the work. that He is just and holy, what a kind, loving, By the grace of God I desire that my faith in Him gracious, merciful, mighty, wise and faithful Being should extend towards everything, the smallest of He is, and therefore, in poverty, affliction of body, my own temporal and spiritual concerns, of those bereavement in his family, difficulty in his service, of my family, towards the saints amongst whom I want of a situation or employment, he will repose labour, the Church at large, the Scriptural Know- upon the ability of God to help him, because he ledge Institution, ete. Do not, dear reader, think has not only learned from His word, that He is of 64 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 65 almighty power and infinite wisdom, but he has trial of it, either increases by trusting God, or de- also seen instance upon instance in the Holy Scrip- creases by not trusting Him; and thus there is tures, in which His almighty power and infinite less and less power of looking simply and directly wisdom have been actually exercised in helping and to Him, and a habit of self-dependence is begotten delivering His people; and he will repose upon the or encouraged. Either we trust in God, and in willingness of God to help him, because he has not that case we neither trust in ourselves, nor in our only learned from the Scriptures, what a kind, fellow men, nor in circumstances, nor in anything good, merciful, gracious, and faithful Being God is, besides ; or we do trust in one or more of these, but because he has also seen in the word of God, and in that case do nof trust in God. 3. If we how in a great variety of instances, He has proved indeed desire our faith to be strengthened, we Himself to be so: thus the reading of the Scrip- should not shrink from opportunities where our tures, together with meditation on them, will be faith may be tried, and therefore through the trial one especial means to strengthen our faith. 2. may be strengthened. In our natural state we It is of the utmost importance that we seek to dislike dealing with God alone. Through our maintain an upright heart and a good conscience, natural alienation from God, we shrink from Him, and therefore do not knowingly and habitually and from eternal realities, and this tendency indulge in those things which are contrary to the cleaves to us even after our regeneration. Hence mind of God; and this is particularly the case it is, that more or less, even as believers, we have with reference to growth im faith. All my con the same shrinking from standing with God alone, fidence in God, all my leaning upon Him in the ~——from depending upon Him alone—from looking hour of trial will be gone, if I have a guilty con- to Him alone :—and yet this is the very position science, and do not seek to put away this guilty in which we ought to be, if we wish our faith to conscience, but still continue to do things which be strengthened. The more I am ina position to are contrary to His mind. And if in any particular be tried in faith with reference to my body, my instance I cannot trust in God because of my family, my service for the Lord, my business, etc., guilty conscience, then my faith is weakened by the more shall I have opportunity of seeing God’s that instance of distrust ; for faith with every fresh help and deliverance ; and every fresh instance, in F 66 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 67 which He helps and delivers me, will tend towards distrust God, and to trust rather in ourselves, or the increase of my faith. On this account there- in our friends, or in circumstances. We will fore, the believer should not shrink from situations, rather work a deliverance of our own somehow or positions, circumstances, in which his faith may be other, than simply look to God, and wait for His tried; but should cheerfully embrace them as help. But if we do not patiently wait for God’s opportunities where he may see the hand of God help, if we work a deliverance of our own; then, stretched out on his behalf, to help and deliver at the next trial of our faith, it will be thus again; him, and whereby he may thus have his faith we shall be again inclined to deliver ourselves ; strengthened. 4. The last important point for and thus, with every fresh instance of that kind, the strengthening of our faith is, that we let God our faith will decrease ; whilst on the contrary, work for us, when the hour for the trial of our were we to stand still, in order to see the salvation faith comes, and do not work a deliverance of our of God, to see His hand stretched out on our own. Wherever God has given faith, it is given, behalf, trusting in Him alone, then our faith among other reasons, for the very purpose of being would be increased, and with every fresh case in tried,—“ That the trial of your faith, being much which the hand of God is stretched out to help us more precious than of gold that perisheth, though in the hour of trial, our faith would be increased it be tried with fire, may be found unto praise, yet more. Would the believer therefore have his and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus faith strengthened, he must, especially, give time to Christ.” 1st Peter i, 7. Yea, however weak our God, who tries his faith in order to prove to His faith may be, God will try it; only with this re- child, in the end, how willing He is to help and striction, that, as in every way, He leads on gently, deliver him, the moment it is good for him. gradually, patiently, so also with reference to the (Vol. I, page 451.) pe PS trial of our faith. At first it will be tried very Should the reader say that he thinks “J must little in comparison with what it may be after- Jind this a very trying life, and that I must be tired wards ; for God never lays more upon us than He of it,” I beg to state that he is entirely mistaken. CARO is willing to enable us to bear. Now when the I do not find it a trying life, but a very happy one. trial of faith comes, we are naturally inclined to It is impossible to describe the abundance of OI. Loot per =o tte Gee THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. 69 68 THE LIFE OF GEORGE MULLER. path of faith to the very end of his course—that peace and heavenly joy that has often flowed into he may “finish it with joy,” and that we may both my soul by means of the fresh answers which I be abundantly blessed to the close of our earthly obtained from God after waiting upon Him for pilgrimage. help and blessing ; and the longer I have had to wait upon Him, or the greater my need was, the greater the enjoyment when at last the answer came, which has often been in a very remarkable way, in order that the hand of God might be more manifest. I therefore solemnly declare that I do THE END not find this life of faith a trying life, but a very happy one, and that I am consequently not in the least tired of it. Straits and difficulties I expected from the very beginning. Before I began this ser- vice, I expected them; nay the chief object of it was, that the Church at large might be strengthened in faith, and be led more simply, habitually and unreservedly, to trust in the living God, by see- ing His hand stretched out on my behalf in the hour of need. The longer I go on in this service, the greater the trials of one kind or another become ; but, at the same time, the happier I am in this my service, and the more assured, that I am engaged as the Lord would have me to be.” (Vol. IL, page 139.) The believing reader of the foregoing pages is earnestly requested to make it a subject of prayer, Dryden Press: J. Davy & Sons, 137, Long Acre,London. ~ that my beloved husband may be upheld in this THE PREACHING TOURS GEORGE MULLER, BY MRS. MULLER. With his Photograph, published (for the first time) by particular request. Prick 2s. 6d. The Photograph is not published apart from the book. Nisbet & Co., Berners Street, London ; Bible and Tract Warehouse, 78, Park Street, Bristol; and through all Booksellers. BOOKS BY MR. MULLER. Narrative of the Lord’s Dealings with George Miiller, in 4 volumes, 12s. 6d., which can be purchased separately. Jehovah Magnified. Cloth flush, Is. 6d. ; embossed cloth, 2s.; cloth elegant, gilt edges, 3s. Counsel to Christians. Cloth, limp, 1s. ; cloth boards, 1s. 6d. ; bevelled boards, 2s. Answer from the Holy Scriptures to the Four most Important Questions. 14d. The Privilege and Blessedness of Giving. 1d. The Second Coming of Christ. 1d. Address to Young Converts. $d. Secret of Effectual Service. $d. 78, PARK STREET, BRISTOL.