Thus the Lord, in answer to prayer, had supplied me so bountifully, that, when I left home on August 10th, I could leave sufficient in the bank to last for a little time, and I hoped in God that, by the time that was gone, He would kindly give more. And thus He did. I have also given the income for the Orphans day by day, for the above 23 days, in order that thus the Reader may see how, in large and small sums, and from various parts of the world, the Lord is pleased to send in the supplies.
I shall now give a few more instances in which the Lord manifestly, in answer to prayer, helped us in the time of need.
Aug. 26. A Christian widow, having had left to her by a friend a few articles, among which was a diamond brooch, sent it to me for the benefit of the Orphans, and thus had the desire of her heart granted, which she had often had, to be able to send something for them. On the other hand, we receive it in answer to prayer, as there is very little in hand for the Orphans, and as I have again and again asked the Lord to lead His children to send me such articles for His own work.--There came in also from Kirriemuir 1l.--From Kingsbridge a guinea piece, also 1l. From the neighbourhood of Hyde 10s.
Aug. 27. From Douglas 1l.--From the neighbourhood of Sunderland 5s. From Sunderland 5s.--Through Salem boxes 1s.--With James, 1, 17, 2s. 6d.--From H. T. and E. E. 2s.
Aug. 28. From Captain J. K., Royal Navy, 2l.--From Mr. C. K. 2l.-- From Mr. P. 1l.--From Bury 10s.
Aug. 29. From Sunderland 1l. Ditto 1s.--From Gloucester 6s.--By sale of articles 1l. 4s.--From one engaged in the work 2l.--From the neighbourhood of Crencester 1l.
Aug. 30. From the neighbourhood of Southampton 5l.
Aug. 31. Anonymously, through the boxes at Bethesda chapel, Sunderland, 5l.--From Ilfracombe 2s. 6d.--Through the boxes at the New Orphan-House 5l. 1 ½ d.--By sale of Reports 16s.--From one engaged in the work, as a thank-offering for journeying mercies, 10s. From the neighbourhood of Sudbury in Derbyshire 10l. From Grosmont 5s.--From Hayle 1l.--By sale of the above-mentioned brooch 6l. 11s.
Sept. 1. From the Isle of Wight 2s. 6d.--From Birmingham 5l.--From Bath 5l.--From a Christian lady in Bath 10l.
See, dear reader, how good the Lord is, and how ready to help in answer to prayer! I was then 300 miles from the work in which I am more especially engaged; but the Lord's assistance was to be obtained in this distant place. Day by day I sought His help while absent, and day by day I received intelligence from Bristol. And thus, my fellow-labourers in Bristol, and I at Sunderland, were seeking the help of the Lord, and He did condescend to listen to our supplications on account of His dear Son, the Lord Jesus, and to grant us our requests.
On this day, Sept. 1st, I also received a precious letter, enclosing a Post-Office Order for 2l. 14s., from a donor, who, for many years, took a lively interest in the work in which I am engaged. This letter was doubly precious, not only because of its containing 2l. 14s., which came just then so particularly in answer to prayer, as since August 2 6th, I had been especially looking to the Lord for means, there being then scarcely any thing left; but also because it so strikingly proved the power of the divine life.
* * * * Aug. 30, 1854.
"Dear Mr. Müller,
"Having been a constant sufferer now for a year, the money I send you is (humanly speaking) consequently less; and as there is likely to be a crisis soon, in the shape of a large abscess, and I know not what the Lord is about to do with me, I send you all the money I have in hand; and if it should be the last may the Lord add a double blessing to it. The Lord does not want my poor help to do His own work; but I feel priviledged to be allowed to contribute, if it is but a nail, or a cup of milk, to His service. My peace is greatthat is, His peace is with me, though tribulation, to some extent, is mine also. I desire your prayers, and remain,
"Yours in our precious Lord,
"* * * * *."
"P.S.I expect to be able to send a box of, it may be, almost useless articles soon. Whither shall I send it?"