The particular end, why I have been so minute, is to show that the work is now, as much as ever, a work carried on entirely in dependence upon the Living God, who alone is our hope, and to whom alone we look for help, and who never has forsaken us in the hour of need. There is, however, one thing different with reference to this year, when compared with former years, and that is, that, while our trials of faith during this year were just as great as in previous years, the amount needed in former times was never so great as during this year, especially as the bread during the greater part of this year was about twice as dear as for several years before.
But then, it may be said, if you have had this trial of faith, with these 300 Orphans, why do you seek to build another Orphan House for 700 more, and thus have a thousand to care for? Will you not have still greater trials of faith?
My reply is: 1, God has never failed me all the 20 years of this my service. 2, I am going on as easily now, with 300 Orphans, as with 30, the number with which I commenced. Their number is ten times as large, as it was at the first; but God has always helped me. 3, Trials of faith were anticipated, yea were one chief end of the work, for the profit of the Church of Christ at large. 4, I had courage given me to go forward, solely in dependence upon God, being assured that He would help me; yet I waited in secret upon Him for six months, before I made this my intention known, in order that I might not take a hasty step; and have never regretted having gone forward. 5, But it needs to be added, that the very abundance which the Lord gave me at the time, when my mind was exercised about this matter, was a great confirmation to me, that I had not mistaken His mind. And even during this year, how great has been His help; for the income for the work altogether has been 12,785l. 15s. 7 ¼ d. I am therefore assured that the Lord will, in His own time, not only allow me to build another Orphan House, but that He will also, when He shall have been pleased to fill it, find the means to provide for these children.
I give now a brief reference to some of the more remarkable donations which came in between Nov. 16, 1853, and May 26, 1854.
Jan. 1, 1854. Received three old guinea pieces, with the following words: "The enclosed has been too long held in reserve, as an esteemed memento from a dear departed parent (for which may the Lord grant a pardon). A conviction of its wrong overpowers the natural desire, of its being retained, and not expended to the glory of God: for which purpose it is now sent to dear Mr. Müller, as a new year offering, to be used in the way he thinks most conducive to the same,"--In this instance I had a double answer to prayer; for we were not only much in need of means, when the donation came in, but I had also again and again asked the Lord to incline the hearts of His dear children to send me their jewellery, their old gold and silver coins, and other valuable, but needless, articles, to be turned into money for the work of the Lord.
Jan. 17. Memorable day. Today, in much need, was received from Glasgow 10l., with 10l. for Mr. Craik, and 10l. for my own personal expenses. There came in also, a Bank Post Bill for 50l., anonymously, through London Bankers, which amount was taken half for the Orphans and half for the other objects.--Likewise from Stroud 10s.--From Reading 6s. 3d.--From Gloucester 2s. 6d.--But the Lord over and above all this, allowed me to have this day the promise of that large donation which has been spoken of under the Building Fund, of which 707l. was taken towards the support of the Orphans, by which, together with 1,119l. 8s. 2 ½ d. which came in for the support of the Orphans from Jan. 17 up to May 26, 1854, we were helped to the close of this period.
March 1. There was left to me, for the benefit of the Orphans, a year ago, by an individual in Bristol, whom I had never seen, a legacy of 100l., which was paid this day, less 10l. legacy duty.
April 9. This morning I received from an anonymous donor, through Bankers in London, a Bank Post Bill for 50l., the application of which was left to me. I took the whole of it for the support of the Orphans. This donation has been a great spiritual refreshment to me, as the expenses for the Orphans are now so very great, and as for five weeks no large sums have come in.