PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Life of Trust: Being a Narrative of the Lord's Dealings With George Müller
Müller, George, 1805-1898 · 159,879 words · 260 reading sections
Part 61
March 18. These two days we have not been able to purchase meat. The sister in whose house we lodge gave us to-day part of her dinner. We are still looking to Jesus for deliverance. We want money to pay the weekly rent and to buy provisions. March 19. Our landlady sent again of her meat for our dinner. We have but a ha…
357 wordsSECTION 62MINISTRY AT BRISTOL BEGUN.
1832-1835. "HERE HAVE WE NO CONTINUING CITY"--CAUTION TO THE CHRISTIAN TRAVELLER--NEW TOKENS FOR GOOD--THE WAY MADE CLEAR--MEETINGS FOR INQUIRY--NO RESPECT OF PERSONS WITH GOD--FRANCKE, "BEING DEAD, YET SPEAKETH"--DAILY BREAD SUPPLIED--A PECULIAR PEOPLE. April 8. I have felt much this day that Teignmouth is no longer…
793 wordsSECTION 63Part 63
April 21. I would offer here a word of warning to believers. Often the work of the Lord itself may be a temptation to keep us from that communion with him which is so essential to the benefit of our own souls. On the 19th I had left Dartmouth, conversed a good deal that day, preached in the evening, walked afterwards e…
932 wordsSECTION 64Part 64
May 5. One other striking proof to my mind that my leaving Teignmouth is of God, is, that some truly spiritual believers, though they much wish me to stay, themselves see that I ought to go to Bristol. May 7. Having received a letter from Bristol on May 5, it was answered to-day in such a way that the Lord may have an…
888 wordsSECTION 65Part 65
These meetings we have continued ever since, twice a week, or once a week, or once a fortnight, or once a month, as our strength and time allowed it, or as they seemed needed. We have found them beneficial in the following respects:-- 1. Many persons, on account of timidity, would prefer coming at an appointed time to…
771 wordsSECTION 66Part 66
February 9, 1833. I read a part of Franke's life. The Lord graciously help me to follow him, as far as he followed Christ. Most of the Lord's people whom we know in Bristol are poor, and if the Lord were to give us grace to live more as this dear man of God did, we might draw much more than we have as yet done out of o…
668 wordsSECTION 67Part 67
It is just now four years since I first began to trust in the Lord alone for the supply of my temporal wants. My little all I then had, at most worth one hundred pounds a year, I gave up for the Lord, having then nothing left but about five pounds. The Lord greatly honored this little sacrifice, and he gave me, in retu…
659 wordsSECTION 68THE SCRIPTURAL KNOWLEDGE INSTITUTION.
1834-1835. UNSCRIPTURAL CHARACTER OF THE EXISTING RELIGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES--A NEW INSTITUTION PROPOSED--GOD'S WORD THE ONLY RULE, AND GOD'S PROMISE THE ONLY DEPENDENCE--"IN EVERYTHING, LET YOUR REQUEST BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD"--EARNEST OF THE DIVINE BLESSING ON THE INSTITUTION--BEREAVEMENT--HELPER SEASONABLY …
834 wordsSECTION 69Part 69
4. Not merely, however, in these particulars is there a connection with the world in these religious societies; but it is not a rare thing for even committee members (the individuals who manage the affairs of the societies) to be manifestly unconverted persons, if not open enemies to the truth; and this is suffered bec…
621 wordsSECTION 70I. THE PRINCIPLES OF THE INSTITUTION.
1. We consider every believer bound, in one way or other, to help the cause of Christ, and we have scriptural warrant for expecting the Lord's blessing upon our work of faith and labor of love; and although, according to Matt. xiii. 24-43, 2 Tim. iii. 1-13, and many other passages, the world will not be converted befor…
399 wordsSECTION 71II. THE OBJECTS OF THE INSTITUTION.
1. To _assist_ day schools, Sunday schools, and adult schools, in which instruction is given upon _scriptural principles_, and as far as the Lord may give the means, and supply us with suitable teachers, and in other respects make our path plain, to establish schools of this kind. With this we also combine _the putting…
772 wordsSECTION 72Part 72
October 28. We heard a most affecting account of a poor little orphan boy who for some time attended one of our schools, and who seems there, as far as we can judge, to have been brought to a real concern about his soul, through what I said concerning the torments of hell, and who some time ago was taken to the poorhou…
793 wordsSECTION 73Part 73
This morning I went to the Alien Office for my passport. On entering the office, I saw a printed paper, in which it is stated that every alien neglecting to renew every six months his certificate of residence, which he receives on depositing his passport, subjects himself to a penalty of fifty pounds, or imprisonment. …
892 wordsSECTION 74Part 74
August 24. I feel very weak, and suffer more than before from the disease. I am in doubt whether to leave Bristol entirely for a time. I have no money to go away for a change of air. I have had an invitation to stay for a week with a sister in the country, and I think of accepting the invitation, and going to-morrow. A…
895 wordsSECTION 75HOME FOR DESTITUTE ORPHANS.
1835-1836. FRANKE'S WORKS FOLLOW HIM--GREAT UNDERTAKING CONCEIVED--REASONS FOR ESTABLISHING AN ORPHAN HOUSE--PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE--TREASURE LAID UP IN HEAVEN--IN PRAYER AND IN FAITH, THE WORK IS BEGUN. November 20. This evening I took tea at a sister's house, where I found Franke's life. I have frequently, for a long …
808 wordsSECTION 76Part 76
Another class of persons were brethren in business, who suffered in their souls, and brought guilt on their consciences, by carrying on their business almost in the same way as unconverted persons do. The competition in trade, the bad times, the over-peopled country, were given as reasons why, if the business were carr…
844 wordsSECTION 77Part 77
December 2. I have again these last days prayed much about the orphan house, and have frequently examined my heart, that if it were at all my desire to establish it for the sake of gratifying myself I might find it out. To that end I have also conversed with brother Craik about it, that he might be instrumental in show…
784 wordsSECTION 78Part 78
December 14. To-day a sister offered her services for the work. In the evening another sister offered herself for the institution. December 15. A sister brought, from several friends, ten basins, eight mugs, one plate, five dessert spoons, six teaspoons, one skimmer, one toasting-fork, one flour-dredge, three knives an…
300 wordsSECTION 79Part 79
A. L. was known to me almost from the beginning of my coming to Bristol, in 1832. She earned her bread by needle-work, by which she gained from two shillings to five shillings per week; the average, I suppose, was not more than three shillings sixpence, as she was weak in body. But I do not remember ever to have heard …
637 wordsSECTION 80Part 80
I relate one instance more. August 4, 1836, seven months and a half after she had given the hundred pounds, she came one morning to me, and said: "Last evening I felt myself particularly stirred up to pray about the funds of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution; but whilst praying, I thought, _what good is it for me to…
850 wordsSECTION 81Part 81
May 16. For these several weeks our income has been little; and though I had prayed many times that the Lord would enable us to put by the taxes, yet the prayer remained unanswered. In the midst of it all, my comfort was, that the Lord would send help by the time it would be needed. One thing particularly has been a tr…
213 wordsSECTION 82THE FIELD WIDENING.
1836-1837. AN UNEXPECTED OBSTACLE--IMPLICIT SUBMISSION--A SECOND ORPHAN HOUSE PROPOSED--AN ENCOURAGING TEXT--THE NEW ORPHAN HOUSE OPENED--COMPLETED ANSWER TO PRAYER--PROGRESS OF THE LORD'S WORK--THE OVERSIGHT OF THE FLOCK. Under date of May 18, 1836, Mr. M. says:-- In the foregoing pages, a statement has been given…
855 wordsSECTION 83Part 83
June 14. This morning brother C----r and I prayed unitedly, chiefly about the schools and the circulation of the Scriptures. Besides asking for blessings upon the work, we have also asked the Lord for the means which are needed; for on July 1, seventeen pounds ten shillings will be due for the rent of school-rooms, and…
909 wordsSECTION 84Part 84
December 15. This day was set apart for prayer and thanksgiving respecting the Infant Orphan House, which was opened on November 28. In the morning we had a prayer meeting. In the afternoon, besides prayer and thanksgiving, I addressed the children of our day schools and the orphans, about 350, on Ecclesiastes xii. 1. …
804 wordsSECTION 85Part 85
As the Lord has so greatly condescended to listen to my prayers, and as I consider it one of the particular talents which he has intrusted to me to exercise faith upon his promises, as it regards my own temporal wants and those of others; and as an Orphan House for _boys_ above seven years of age seems greatly needed i…
716 wordsSECTION 86Part 86
II. The particular obstacles in our case are: 1. The largeness of the number who are in communion with us. One hundred would be quite as many as we have strength to visit regularly, and as often as would be desirable; but there are nearly four hundred in fellowship with us. 2. The distance of the houses of the saints f…
764 wordsSECTION 87REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1837.
1. There are now eighty-one children in the three Orphan Houses, and nine brethren and sisters, who have the care of them. Ninety, therefore, daily sit down to table. Lord, look on the necessities of thy servant! 2. The schools require as much help as before; nay, more, particularly the Sunday school, in which there a…
124 wordsSECTION 88TRIAL.
1838.…
1 wordsSECTION 89THE MINISTRY OF SICKNESS--PEACE OF MIND--JESUS A PRESENT HELP--DEEP POVERTY--PLEADING WITH GOD--UNITED PRAYER.
January 6, 1838. I feel little better in my head, though my general health seems improved; but my kind physician says I am much better, and advises me now change of air. This evening a sister, who resides about fifty miles from hence, and who is quite unacquainted with the medical advice given to me this morning, sent …
802 wordsSECTION 90Part 90
January 16. Tuesday. A blessed day. How very good is the Lord! Fervency of spirit, through his grace, is continued to me; though this morning, but for the help of God, I should have lost it again. The weather has been very cold for several days; but to-day I suffered much, either because it was colder than before, or b…
883 wordsSECTION 91Part 91
August 29. To-day sixteen believers were baptized. Among those who were baptized was an aged brother of above eighty-four years, and one above seventy. For the latter, his believing wife had prayed thirty-eight years, and at last the Lord answered her prayers in his conversion. August 31. I have been waiting on the Lo…
901 wordsSECTION 92Part 92
4. That the faith of many of the children of God has been strengthened by this work hitherto, and that, if God were to withhold the means for the future, those who are weak in faith would be staggered; whilst, by a continuance of means, their faith might still further be strengthened. 5. That many enemies would laugh,…
912 wordsSECTION 93Part 93
Sept. 13. No help has come yet. This morning I found it was absolutely needful to tell the brethren and sisters about the state of the funds, and to give necessary directions as to going into debt, etc. We prayed together, and had a very happy meeting. They all seemed comfortable. Twelve shillings sixpence was taken ou…
594 wordsSECTION 94DELIVERANCE.
1838. "PERPLEXED BUT NOT IN DESPAIR"--FAITH JUSTIFIED--A LESSON OF OBEDIENCE--BOUNTIFUL SUPPLIES--SPIRITUAL INGATHERING--A DAY OF MERCIES--TIMELY AID--A SEASON OF PLENTY--OBEDIENCE REWARDED. Sept. 16, 1838. Lord's day afternoon. We met again for prayer respecting supplies for the orphans. We are in peace, and our hop…
762 wordsSECTION 95Part 95
Sept. 22. Both yesterday and to-day we have again assembled for prayer and praise. We are in no immediate want, but on the 29th, nineteen pounds ten shillings will be due for the rent of the three Orphan Houses. To-day there was only four shillings and sevenpence in hand for the other objects of the institution, though…
912 wordsSECTION 96Part 96
Oct. 10. The coals in the Infant Orphan House are out, and nearly so in the other two houses. Also the treacle casks in all the three houses are nearly empty. On this account we have asked the Lord for fresh supplies. Oct. 11. The "Father of the fatherless" has again shown his care over us. An orphan from Devonshire a…
904 wordsSECTION 97Part 97
Nov. 21. Never were we so reduced in funds as to-day. There was not a single halfpenny in hand between the matrons of the three houses. Nevertheless, there was a good dinner, and by managing so as to help one another with bread, etc., there was a prospect of getting over this day also; but for none of the houses had we…
535 wordsSECTION 98Part 98
Nov. 28. This is perhaps of all days the most remarkable as yet, so far as it regards the funds. When I was in prayer this morning respecting them, I was enabled firmly to believe that the Lord would send help, though all seemed dark as to natural appearances. At twelve o'clock I met as usual with the brethren and sist…
768 wordsSECTION 99Part 99
Dec. 6. This afternoon I received one hundred pounds from a sister,--fifty for the orphans, and fifty for the school, Bible, and missionary fund. This same sister, who earns her bread with her own hands, had given, on October 5, 1837, fifty pounds towards the Boys' Orphan House, and gave for the necessities of the poor…
839 wordsSECTION 100Part 100
Dec. 16. There was a paper anonymously put into the box at Bethesda Chapel containing four pounds ten shillings. In the paper was written, "For the rent of the Orphan Houses, from Dec. 10 to Dec. 31, 1838. 'O, taste and see that the _Lord is good_: _blessed_ is the man that _trusteth in him_!'" In order that the reader…
517 wordsSECTION 101REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1838.
1. As to the church. There are 405 at present in fellowship with us; 61 having been added last year, of whom 36 have been brought among us to the knowledge of the truth. 2. As to my temporal supplies. The Lord has been pleased to give me during the past year L350, 4s. 8d. During no period of my life had I such need o…
158 wordsSECTION 102ASKING AND RECEIVING.
1839. HELP FOR THE POOR SAINTS--THE UNFAILING BANK--MEANS EXHAUSTED--LIBERALITY OF A LABORING SISTER--"HE KNOWETH OUR FRAME"--REDEEMING THE TIME--GODLINESS PROFITABLE UNTO ALL THINGS. January 1, 2, and 3, 1839. We have had three especial church prayer meetings these three days. The year commenced with mercies. _In th…
887 wordsSECTION 103Part 103
February 13. This evening five pounds was given me, which had come in under the following circumstances: A gentleman and lady visited the Orphan Houses, and met at the Boys' Orphan House two ladies who were likewise visiting. One of the ladies said to the matron of the Boys' Orphan House, "Of course you cannot carry on…
845 wordsSECTION 104Part 104
August 22. In my morning walk, when I was reminding the Lord of our need, I felt assured that he would send help this day. My assurance sprang from our need; for there seemed no way to get through the day without help being sent. After breakfast I considered whether there was anything which might be turned into money f…
751 wordsSECTION 105Part 105
September 9. I returned to Bristol, to go from hence to-morrow to Exeter, if the Lord permit, on account of my health. I had been earnestly asking the Lord while I was staying at Trowbridge that he would be pleased to send in supplies for the orphans before I go into Devonshire, and I had the fullest assurance that mea…
938 wordsSECTION 106Part 106
II. If it be asked, But why should I rise early? The reply is, "To remain too long in bed" is, 1. _Waste of time_, which is unbecoming a saint, who is bought by the precious blood of Jesus, with his _time_ and all he has, to be used for the Lord. If we sleep more than is needful for the refreshment of the body, it is w…
921 wordsSECTION 107Part 107
During the last year also. 1. We have been enabled to continue to provide all the needful expenses connected with the six-day schools, three for boys and three for girls. The number of the children who are at present in them amounts to 286. The number of all the children that have had schooling in the day schools, thro…
369 wordsSECTION 108REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1839.
1. As to the church: During the last year have been added 115; of whom 34 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord among us. 2. As to my temporal supplies, the Lord has been pleased to give me, during the past year, L313, 2s. 5d.…
48 wordsSECTION 109PLENTY AND WANT.
1840. A PURE OFFERING REQUIRED--A JOURNEY PROPOSED--SEASONABLE PROVISION--LOOKING ONLY TO THE LORD--THE WRATH OF MAN PRAISING GOD--A PROMISE FULFILLED--BENEFIT OF TRIAL--NEW SPRINGS OPENED--BEFORE THEY CALL I WILL ANSWER--TRUST IN GOD COMMENDED--SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. January 1, 1840. This morning, about one hour after…
904 wordsSECTION 110Part 110
April 7. This evening I received information from my little half brother that my dear father died on March 30. During no period did I pray more frequently or more earnestly for the conversion of my dear aged parent than during the last year of his life; but, at all events, it did not please the Lord to let me _see_ the…
881 wordsSECTION 111Part 111
About October, 1837, I sent some Bibles and forty-six copies of my Narrative to a brother in Upper Canada, who, in dependence upon the Lord for temporal supplies, is laboring as a missionary in that country. About eighteen months afterwards I heard that this box had not arrived. I had reason to think that the broker ha…
908 wordsSECTION 112Part 112
August 29. For many weeks past very little has come in for the other funds. The chief supply has been by the sale of Bibles. Last Saturday I was not able to pay the whole of the weekly salaries of the teachers in the day schools, which, however, does not make me a debtor to them, as it is _an understood thing_ that the…
867 wordsSECTION 113Part 113
October 7. It is now five weeks since we have daily met for prayer. Not indeed merely to ask for means, but for grace and wisdom for ourselves in reference to the work, for the conversion of the children under our care, for grace for those children who stand already on the Lord's side, for a blessing upon the circulati…
891 wordsSECTION 114Part 114
3. This way of living brings the Lord remarkably near. He is, as it were, morning by morning inspecting our stores, that accordingly he may send help. Greater and more manifest nearness of the Lord's presence I have never had than when after breakfast there were no means for dinner, and then the Lord provided the dinne…
916 wordsSECTION 115Part 115
4. The number of Bibles and Testaments which have been circulated through the medium of our Institution, during the last year, amounts to 452 copies. There have been circulated since March 5, 1834, 6,044 copies of the Scriptures. 5. There have been laid out, during the last year, of the funds of the Institution, L120…
134 wordsSECTION 116THE BLESSING OF THE LORD UPON THE WORK IN REFERENCE TO THE SOULS OF THE CHILDREN.
1. During the last fourteen months there have been meetings purposely for children, at which the Scriptures have been expounded to them. At these meetings an almost universal attention is manifested by them, which I thankfully ascribe to the Lord, and upon which I look as a forerunner of greater blessing. 2. During th…
573 wordsSECTION 117REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1840.
1. As to the church. There are 525 at present in communion; 114 have been added during the past year, of whom 47 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord among us. 2. As to the supply of my temporal necessities. The Lord has been pleased to send me, by the freewill offerings of the saints, L242, 8s. 111/2.[17] …
130 wordsSECTION 118FAITH STRENGTHENED BY EXERCISE.
1841. A WANT SUPPLIED--RESOURCES EXCEEDING THE DEMAND--EVIL OF SURETYSHIP--POWER OF CHRISTIAN LOVE--GOD'S WORD THE FOOD OF THE SOUL--PREPARATION FOR THE HOUR OF TRIAL--POVERTY--DEPENDING ONLY ON THE LIVING GOD. January 1, 1841. During this week we have daily met for prayer, for the especial purpose of asking the Lord…
929 wordsSECTION 119Part 119
March 4. From February 22 up to this day our necessities in the day schools were supplied by thirteen small donations, and by a donation of eight pounds from Q. Q. To-day I received fifteen pounds. When this arrived there was not one penny in hand for the day schools, whilst two days after about seven pounds was needed…
758 wordsSECTION 120Part 120
At last the baron came, who received young T. in the most affectionate and familiar manner, as if he had been his equal, and as if young T. bestowed a favor on him, rather than that he was favored by the baron. The baron offered him a room in his own house, and a place at his own table, while he should be studying in B…
728 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.