PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
George Müller of Bristol, and His Witness to a Prayer-Hearing God
Pierson, Arthur T. (Arthur Tappan) · 137,521 words · 207 reading sections
At Evening-Time--Light
* Gen. xv. 6. (Hebrew.) On Sunday morning, March 6, 1898, he spoke at Alma Road Chapel, and on the Monday evening following was at the prayer service at Bethesda, on both occasions in his usual health. On Wednesday evening following, he took his wonted place at the Orphan House prayer meeting and gave out the hymns: …
717 wordsSECTION 122At Evening-Time--Light
At Bethesda, every foot of space was crowded, and hundreds sought in vain for admission. The hymn was sung which Mr. Muller had given out at that last prayer meeting the night before his departure. Dr. Maclean of Bath offered prayer, mingled with praise for such a long life of service and witness, of prayer and faith, …
811 wordsSECTION 123At Evening-Time--Light
After prayer by Mr. J. L. Stanley, Col. Molesworth gave out the hymn, "'Tis sweet to think of those at rest." And after another prayer by Mr. Stanley Arnot, the body was borne to its resting-place in Arno's Vale Cemetery, and buried beside the bodies of Mr. Muller's first and second wives, some eighty carriages joini…
740 wordsSECTION 124At Evening-Time--Light
"2nd. For years, in fact until he was nearly eighty years old, he steadily refused to allow any _portrait_ of himself to be published; and only most reluctantly (for reasons which he gives with characteristic minuteness in the preface to 'Preaching Tours') did he at length give way on this point. "3rd. In the last pub…
423 wordsSECTION 125The Summary Of The Life-Work
DEATH shuts the door upon earthly service, whatever door it may open to other forms and spheres of activity. There are many intimations that service beyond the grave is both unceasing and untiring: the blessed dead "rest indeed from their _labours"_--toilsome and painful tasks--"but their works"--activities for God--"d…
668 wordsSECTION 126The Summary Of The Life-Work
Blessed lesson to learn! that to hang upon the invisible God is not to hang "upon nothing," though it be upon nothing _visible._ The power and permanence of the invisible forces that hold up the earth after sixty centuries of human history are sufficiently shown by the fact that this great globe still swings securely i…
809 wordsSECTION 127The Summary Of The Life-Work
This is a record of personal gifts to which we know no parallel. It reminds us of the career of John Wesley, whose simplicity and frugality of habits enabled him not only to limit his own expenditure to a very small sum, but whose Christian liberality and unselfishness prompted him to give all that he could thus save t…
687 wordsSECTION 128The Summary Of The Life-Work
Among the texts which strongly impressed and moulded Mr. Muller's habits of giving was Luke vi. 38: "Give and it shall be given unto you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over shall men give into your bosom." He believed this promise and he verified it. His testimony is: "I had GIVEN, and God h…
711 wordsSECTION 129The Summary Of The Life-Work
To summarize Mr. Muller's service we must understand his great secret. Such a life and such a work are the result of one habit more than all else,--daily and frequent communion with God. Unwearied in supplications and intercessions, we have seen how, in every new need and crisis, prayer was the one resort, the prayer o…
669 wordsSECTION 130The Summary Of The Life-Work
No man can understand such a work who does not see in it the _supernatural_ power of God. Without that the enigma defies solution; with that all the mystery is at least an open mystery. He himself felt from first to last that this supernatural factor was the key to the whole work, and without that it would have been ev…
884 wordsSECTION 131The Church Life And Growth
THROUGHOUT Mr. Muller's journal we meet scattered and fragmentary suggestions as to the true conception of Christian teaching and practice, the nature and office of the Christian ministry, the principles which should prevail in church conduct, the mutual relations of believers, and the Spirit's relation to the Body of …
692 wordsSECTION 132The Church Life And Growth
Such blessed results are largely due to these beloved colleagues in labour who never withheld their testimony, but were intrepidly courageous and conscientiously faithful in witnessing against whatever they deemed opposed to the Word. Love ruled, but was not confounded with laxity in matters of right and wrong; and, as…
697 wordsSECTION 133The Church Life And Growth
* Appendix M. For about eight years, services had been held in both Gideon and Bethesda chapels; but on April 19, 1840, the last of the services conducted by Mr. Muller and Mr. Craik was held at Gideon,--Bethesda, from this time on, becoming the central place of assembly. The reasons for this step were somewhat as fol…
761 wordsSECTION 134The Church Life And Growth
First of all he laid great stress upon the _need of conversion._ Until a man is both truly turned unto God and sure of this change in himself he is not fitted to convert others. The ministry is not a human profession, but a divine vocation. The true preacher is both a _herald_ and a _witness,_ and hence must back up hi…
795 wordsSECTION 135The Church Life And Growth
The humility Mr. Muller enjoined he practised. He was ever only the _servant_ of the Lord. Mr. Spurgeon, in one of his sermons, describes the startling effect on London Bridge when he saw one lamp after another lit up with flame, though in the darkness he could not see the lamplighter; and George Muller set many a ligh…
822 wordsSECTION 136The Church Life And Growth
The original congregation has proved a tree whose seed is in itself after its kind. At the time of Mr. Muller's decease it was nearly sixty-six years since that memorable evening in 1832 when those seven believers met to form a church; and the original body of disciples meeting in Bethesda had increased to ten, six of …
688 wordsSECTION 137The Church Life And Growth
"Thou holdest mine eyes waking." There was no sleep because there was no rest or peace. Care makes wakeful. Anxiety is the foe of repose. His spirit was unbelieving and therefore rebellious. He would not take God at His word. "I have considered the days of old." Memory now is at work. He calls to remembrance former ex…
624 wordsSECTION 138A Glance At The Gifts And The Givers
THERE is One who still sits over against the Treasury, watching the gifts cast into it, and impartially weighing their worth, estimating the rich man's millions and the widow's mites, not by the amount given, but by the motives which impel and the measure of self-sacrifice accepted for the Lord's sake. The ample suppl…
721 wordsSECTION 139A Glance At The Gifts And The Givers
As Mr. Muller's settled principle was _never to grasp eagerly at any gift whatever the need or the amount of the gift,_ before accepting this money he had a long conversation with this woman, seeking to prevent her from giving either from an unsanctified motive or in unhallowed haste, without counting the cost. He woul…
686 wordsSECTION 140A Glance At The Gifts And The Givers
In March, 1884, a contribution reached Mr. Muller from one who had been enabled in a like spirit to increase the amount over all previous gifts by the sale of some jewelry which had been put away in accordance with 1 Peter iii. 3. How much superfluous ornament, worn by disciples, might be blessedly sacrificed for the L…
687 wordsSECTION 141A Glance At The Gifts And The Givers
The _motives_ prompting gifts were often unusually suggestive. In October, 1857, a donation came from a Christian merchant who, having sustained a heavy pecuniary loss, _wished to sanctify his loss by a gift to the Lord's work._ Shortly after, another offering was handed in by a young man in thankful remembrance that t…
712 wordsSECTION 142A Glance At The Gifts And The Givers
Having heard his story, and having learned that he was from a certain locality, Mr. Muller remarked upon the frequent proofs of God's strange way of working on the minds of parties wholly unknown to him and leading them to send in gifts; and he added: "I had a letter from a lawyer in your very neighbourhood, shortly si…
913 wordsSECTION 143A Glance At The Gifts And The Givers
One donor, formerly living in Tunbridge Wells, followed a principle of giving, the reverse of the worldly way. As his own family increased, instead of decreasing his gifts, he gave, for each child given to him of God, the average cost of maintaining one orphan, until, having seven children, he was supporting seven orph…
672 wordsSECTION 144A Glance At The Gifts And The Givers
For nearly four weeks, however, he poured out his heart to God for her deliverance from greed. Then she again sought an interview and told him how she had been day by day seeking to learn the will of God as to this hoarded sum, and had been led to a clear conviction that it should be laid entire upon His altar. Thus th…
755 wordsSECTION 145A Glance At The Gifts And The Givers
Money sent as proceeds of a musical entertainment held for the benefit of the orphans in the south of Devon was politely returned, Mr. Muller had no doubt of the kind intention of those who set this scheme on foot, but he felt that money for the work of God _should not be obtained in this manner,_ and he desired only m…
602 wordsSECTION 146God'S Witness To The Work
THE eleventh chapter of Hebrews--that "Westminster Abbey" where Old Testament saints have a memorial before God--gives a hint of a peculiar reward which faith enjoys, even in this life, as an earnest and foretaste of its final recompense. By faith "the elders obtained a good report," that is, _they had witness borne t…
663 wordsSECTION 147God'S Witness To The Work
But in the moral and spiritual welfare of these orphans, which has been primarily sought, the richest recompense has been enjoyed. The one main aim of Mr. Muller and his whole staff of helpers, from first to last, has been to save these children--to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The hindrance…
737 wordsSECTION 148God'S Witness To The Work
By far the majority of orphans sent out for service or apprenticeship, had for some time before known the Lord; and even of those who left the Institution unconverted, the after-history of many showed that the training there received had made impossible continuance in a life of sin. Thus, precious harvests of this see…
883 wordsSECTION 149God'S Witness To The Work
A member of the Christian Commission, Mr. J. E. Hammond, who gave these facts publicity, and who was intimately acquainted with Mr. Wilkinson and his work on shipboard, said that he seemed to be a direct "product of Mr. Muller's faith, his calm confidence in God, the method in his whole manner of life, the persistence …
764 wordsSECTION 150God'S Witness To The Work
A missionary labourer writes from India, of three Brahman priests and scores of Santhals and Hindus, sitting down with four Europeans to keep the supper of the Lord--all fruits of his ministry. Within a twelvemonth, sixty-two men and women, including head men of villages, and four Brahman women, wives of priests and of…
703 wordsSECTION 151God'S Witness To The Work
It was the witness of Mr. Muller to a prayer-hearing God which encouraged Rev. J. Hudson Taylor, in 1863, thirty years after Mr. Muller's great step was taken, to venture wholly on the Lord, in founding the China Inland Mission. It has been said that to the example of A. H. Francke in Halle, or George Muller in Bristol…
774 wordsSECTION 152God'S Witness To The Work
A donor writes, September 20, 1879, that the reading of the Narrative totally changed his inner life to one of perfect trust and confidence in God. It led to the devoting of at least a tenth of his earnings to the Lord's purposes, and showed him how much more blessed it is to give than to receive; and it led him also t…
711 wordsSECTION 153God'S Witness To The Work
And so, in all departments of his work for God, the Lord to whom he witnessed bore witness to him in return, and anticipated his final reward in a recompense of present and overflowing joy. This was especially true in the long tours undertaken, when past threescore and ten, to sow in lands afar the seeds of the Kingdom…
255 wordsSECTION 154Last Looks, Backward And Forward.
THE mountain-climber, at the sunset hour, naturally takes a last lingering look backward at the prospect visible from the lofty height, before he begins his descent to the valley. And, before we close this volume, we as naturally cast one more glance backward over this singularly holy and useful life, that we may catch…
718 wordsSECTION 155Last Looks, Backward And Forward.
George Muller felt the immense importance of exact statement. Hence he disciplined himself to accuracy. Conscience presided over his narrative, and demanded that everything else should be scrupulously sacrificed to veracity. But, more than this, God made him, in a sense, a _man without imagination_--comparatively free …
674 wordsSECTION 156Last Looks, Backward And Forward.
_Love,_ the third of that trinity of graces, was the other great secret and lesson of this life. And what is love? _Not_ merely a complacent affection for what is lovable, which is often only a half-selfish taking of pleasure in the society and fellowship of those who love us. Love is the _principle of unselfishness:_ …
963 wordsSECTION 157Last Looks, Backward And Forward.
* Coloss. 1: 24. To one who asked him the secret of his service he said: "There was a day when I died, _utterly died;"_ and, as he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor--"died to George Muller, his opinions, preferences, tastes and will--died to the world, its approval or censure--died to th…
682 wordsSECTION 158Last Looks, Backward And Forward.
Service to God was with George Muller a passion. In the month of May, 1897, he was persuaded to take at Huntly a little rest from his constant daily work at the orphan houses. The evening that he arrived he said, What opportunity is there here for services for the Lord? When it was suggested to him that he had just com…
663 wordsSECTION 159Last Looks, Backward And Forward.
George Muller was simply another Elijah. Like him, a man subject to all human infirmities, he had his fits of despondency and murmuring, of distrust and waywardness; but he prayed and kept praying. He denied that he was a miracle-worker, in any sense that implies elevation of character and endowment above other fellow …
684 wordsSECTION 160Last Looks, Backward And Forward.
So much for the backward look. We must not close without a forward look also. There are two remarkable sayings of our Lord which are complements to each other and should be put side by side: [Transcriber's note: The following two paragraphs are printed side-by-side in two columns.] "If any man will come after Me, let…
671 wordsSECTION 161Scripture Texts That Moulded George Muller
CERTAIN marked Scripture precepts and promises had such a singular influence upon this man of God, and so often proved the guides to his course, that they illustrate Psalm cxix. 105: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path." Those texts which, at the parting of the way, became to him God's signboar…
660 wordsSECTION 162Scripture Texts That Moulded George Muller
"Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body what ye shall put on.".... "Behold the fowls of the air.... Consider the lilies of the field.... For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things." (Matt. vi. 25-32.) "Lay not up for yourselves treasures …
662 wordsSECTION 163Scripture Texts That Moulded George Muller
"JEHOVAH JIREH." (The Lord will provide.) (Gen. xxii. 14.) "HE HATH SAID, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE; SO THAT WE MAY BOLDLY SAY, THE LORD IS MY HELPER." (Heb. xiii. 5, 6.) "Be thou not one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts." (Prov. xxii. 26.) "He that hateth suretyship …
672 wordsSECTION 164Scripture Texts That Moulded George Muller
"THEY THAT KNOW THY NAME WILL PUT THEIR TRUST IN THEE: FOR THOU, LORD, HAST NOT FORSAKEN THEM THAT TRUST THEE." (Psa. ix. 10.) "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." (Isa. xxvi. 3, 4…
363 wordsSECTION 165Apprehension Of Truth
SOME points which God began to show Mr. Muller while at Teignmouth in 1829: 1. That the word of God alone is our standard of judgment in spiritual things; that it can be explained only by the Holy Spirit; and that in our day, as well as in former times, He is the teacher of His people. The office of the Holy Spirit I …
852 wordsSECTION 166Apprehension Of Truth
3. Another truth, into which, in a measure, I was led, respected the Lord's coming. My views concerning this point, up to that time, had been completely vague and unscriptural. I had believed what others told me, without trying it by the Word. I thought that things were getting better and better, and that soon the whol…
350 wordsSECTION 167Appendix C
SEPARATION FROM THE LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONG THE JEWS. IT became a point of solemn consideration with me, whether I could remain connected with the Society in the usual way. My chief objections were these: 1. If I were sent out by the Society, it was more than probable, yea, almost needful, if I…
550 wordsSECTION 168I. 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 labour of love: and although, according to Matt. xiii. 24-43, 2 Tim. iii. 1-13, and many other passages, the world will not be converted befo…
398 wordsSECTION 169Ii. The Objects Of The Institution Are:
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. a. By day-schools upon scriptural pr…
315 wordsSECTION 170Reasons Which Led Mr. Muller To Establish An Orphan House
I HAD constantly cases brought before me which proved that one of the especial things which the children of God needed in our day was _to have their faith strengthened._ For instance: I might visit a brother who worked fourteen or even sixteen hours a day at his trade, the necessary result of which was that not only hi…
1,302 wordsSECTION 171Reasons Which Led Mr. Muller To Establish An Orphan House
The three chief reasons for establishing an orphan house are: 1. That God may be glorified, should He be pleased to furnish me with the means, in its being seen that it is not a vain thing to trust in Him; and that thus the faith of His children may be strengthened. 2. The spiritual welfare of fatherless and motherless…
1,101 wordsSECTION 172Reasons Which Led Mr. Muller To Establish An Orphan House
Respecting the persons who are needed for carrying on the work, a matter of no less importance than the procuring of funds, I would observe that we look for them to God Himself, as well as for the funds; and that all who may be engaged as masters, matrons, and assistants, according to the smallness or largeness of the …
312 wordsSECTION 173Further Account Respecting The Orphan House, Etc.
When, of late, the thoughts of establishing an orphan house, in dependence upon the Lord, revived in my mind, during the first two weeks I only prayed that if it were of the Lord He would bring it about; but if not, that He graciously would be pleased to take all thoughts about it out of my mind. My uncertainty about k…
461 wordsSECTION 174Arguments In Prayer For The Orphan Work
THE arguments which I plead with God are: 1. That I set about the work for the glory of God, i.e., that there might be a visible proof, by God supplying, _in answer to prayer only,_ the necessities of the orphans, that He is the _living_ God, and most willing, even in _our_ day, to answer prayer: and that, therefore, …
442 wordsSECTION 175The Purchase Of A Site, Etc.
MR. BENJAMIN PERRY gives an account of the circumstances under which the land was purchased, prior to the erection of the orphan houses on Ashley Down, as he heard it from Mr. Muller's own mouth, showing how directly the Lord worked on the mind of the owner. Mr. Muller had been making inquiries respecting the purchase …
372 wordsSECTION 176God'S Faithfulness In Providing
MR. PERRY writes: At one meeting at Huntly, by special request Mr. Muller gave illustrations of God's faithfulness in answer to prayer, connected with the orphan work, of which the following are examples: a. He stated that at various times, not only at the beginning of the work, but also in later years, God had seen f…
519 wordsSECTION 177Further Recollections Of Mr. Muller
MR. PERRY furnishes also the following reminiscences: As George Muller was engaged in free, homely conversation with his friends on a Sunday afternoon within about three weeks of his departure to be with the Lord, he referred to two visits he had made during the previous week to two old and beloved friends. He had full…
392 wordsSECTION 178Church Fellowship, Baptism, Etc.
WHEN brother Craik and I began to labour in Bristol, and consequently some believers united with us in fellowship, assembling together at Bethesda, we began meeting together on the basis of the written Word only, without having any church rules whatever. From the commencement it was understood that, as the Lord should …
1,339 wordsSECTION 179I.--Questions Respecting The Eldership.
(1) _How does it appear to be the mind of God that, in every church, there should be recognized Elders?_ _Ans._ From the following passages compared together: Matt. xxiv. 45; Luke xii. 42. From these passages we learn that some are set by the Lord Himself in the office of rulers and teachers, and that this office (in…
659 wordsSECTION 180I.--Questions Respecting The Eldership.
As to the reception of brethren into fellowship, this is an act of simple obedience to the Lord, both on the part of the elders and the whole church. We are bound and privileged to receive all those who make a credible profession of faith in Christ, according to that Scripture, "Receive ye one another, as Christ also r…
692 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.