George Muller of Bristol Part 23

They were thus at last put out to usury, after many years of gathering "rust" in h.o.a.rded idleness and uselessness. Little did bridegroom or bride foresee how these coins, after more than a hundred years, would come forth from their hiding-place to be put to the Lord's uses. Few people have ever calculated how much is lost to every good cause by the simple withdrawal of money from circulation. Those four crown pieces had they been carefully invested, so as to double in value, by compound interest, every ten years, would have increased to one thousand pounds during the years they had lain idle!

One gift was sent in, as an offering to the Lord, instead of being used to purchase an engagement-ring by two believers who desired their lives to be united by that highest bond, the mutual love of the Lord who spared not His own blood for them.

At another time, a box came containing a new satin jacket, newly bought, but sacrificed as a snare to pride. Its surrender marked an epoch, for henceforth the owner determined to spend in dress only what is needful, and not waste the Lord's money on costly apparel. Enlightened believers look on all things as inalienably G.o.d's, and, even in the voluntary diversion of money into sacred rather than selfish channels, still remember that they give to Him only what is His own! "The little child feels proud that he can drop the money into the box after the parent has supplied the means, and told him to do so; and so G.o.d's children are sometimes tempted to think that they are giving of their own, and to be proud over their gifts, forgetting the divine Father who both gives us all we have and bids us give all back to Him."

A gift of two thousand pounds on January 29,1872, was accompanied by a letter confessing that the possession of property had given the writer much trouble of mind, and it had been disposed of from a conviction that the Lord "saw it not good" for him to _hold so much_ and therefore allowed its possession to be a curse rather than a blessing. Fondness for possessions always entails curse, and external riches thus become a source of internal poverty. It is doubtful whether any child of G.o.d ever yet h.o.a.rded wealth without losing in spiritual attainment and enjoyment.

Greed is one of the lowest and most destructive of vices and turns a man into the likeness of the coin he worships, making him hard, cold, metallic, and unsympathetic, so that, as has been quaintly said, he drops into his coffin "with a c.h.i.n.k."

G.o.d estimates what we _give_ by what we _keep,_ for it is possible to bestow large sums and yet reserve so much larger amounts that no self-denial is possible. Such giving to the Lord _costs us nothing._

In 1853, a brother in the Lord took out of his pocket a roll of bank-notes, amounting to one hundred and ten pounds, and put it into Mr.

Muller's hand, it being _more than one half of his entire worldly estate._ Such giving is an ill.u.s.tration of self-sacrifice on a large scale, and brings corresponding blessing.

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 twenty-five years before Mr.

Muller had prayed over him, as a child, that G.o.d would convert him. Yet another gift, of thirty-five hundred pounds, came to him in 1858, with a letter stating that the giver had further purposed to give to the orphan work the chief preference in his will, but had now seen it to be far better to _act as his own executor_ and give the whole amount while he lived. Immense advantage would accrue, both to givers and to the causes they purpose to promote, were this principle generally adopted! There is "many a slip betwixt the cup" of the legator and "the lip" of the legatee. Even a wrong wording of a will has often forfeited or defeated the intent of a legacy. Mr. Muller had to warn intending donors that nothing that was reckoned as real estate was available for legacies for charitable inst.i.tutions, nor even money lent on real estate or in any other way derived therefrom. These conditions no longer exist, but they ill.u.s.trate the ease with which a will may often be made void, and the design of a bequest be defeated.

Many donors were led to send thank-offerings for _avoided_ or _averted calamities:_ as, for example, for a sick horse, given up by the veterinary surgeon as lost, but which recovered in answer to prayer.

Another donor, who broke his left arm, sends grateful acknowledgment to G.o.d that it was not the _right_ arm, or some more vital part like the head or neck.

The offerings were doubly precious because of the unwearied faithfulness of G.o.d who manifestly prompted them, and who kept speaking to the hearts of thousands, leading them to give so abundantly and constantly that no want was unsupplied. In 1859, so great were the outlays of the work that if day by day, during the whole three hundred and sixty-five, fifty pounds had been received, the income would not have been more than enough. Yet in a surprising variety and number of ways, and from persons and places no less numerous and various, donations came in. Not one of twenty givers was personally known to Mr. Muller, and no one of all contributors had ever been asked for a gift, and yet, up to November, 1858, over _six hundred thousand pounds_ had already been received, and in amounts varying from eighty-one hundred pounds down to a single farthing.

Unique circ.u.mstances connected with some donations made them remarkable.

While resting at Ilfracombe, in September, 1865, a gentleman gave to Mr.

Muller a sum of money, at the same time narrating the facts which led to the gift. He was a hard-working business man, wont to doubt the reality of spiritual things, and strongly questioned the truth of the narrative of answered prayers which he had read from Mr. Muller's pen. But, in view of the simple straightforward story, he could not rest in his doubts, and at last proposed to himself a test as to whether or not G.o.d was indeed with Mr. Muller, as he declared. He wished to buy a certain property if rated at a reasonable valuation; and he determined, if he should secure it at the low price which he set for himself, he would give to him one hundred pounds. He authorized a bid to be put in, in his behalf, but, curious to get the earliest information as to the success of his venture, he went himself to the place of sale, and was surprised to find the property actually knocked off to him at his own price.

Astonished at what he regarded as a proof that G.o.d was really working with Mr. Muller and for him, he made up his mind to go in person and pay over the sum of money to him, and so make his acquaintance and see the man whose prayers G.o.d answered. Not finding him at Bristol, he had followed him to Ilfracombe.

Having heard his story, and having learned that he was from a certain locality, Mr. Muller remarked upon the frequent proofs of G.o.d'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 since, asking for the proper form for a bequest, as a client of his, not named, wished to leave one thousand pounds to the orphan work." It proved that the man with whom he was then talking was this nameless client, who, being convinced that his doubts were wrong, had decided to provide for this legacy.

In August, 1884, a Christian brother from the United States called to see Mr. Muller. He informed him how greatly he had been blessed of G.o.d through reading his published testimony to G.o.d's faithfulness; and that having, through his sister's death, come into the possession of some property, he had _come across the sea,_ that he might see the orphan houses and know their founder, for himself, and hand over to him for the Lord's work the entire bequest of about seven hundred pounds.

Only seventeen days later, a letter accompanying a donation gave further joy to Mr. Muller's heart. It was from the husband of one of the orphans who, in her seventeenth year, had left the inst.i.tution, and to whom Mr.

Muller himself, on her departure, had given the first two volumes of the Reports. Her husband had read them with more spiritual profit than any volume except the Book of books, and had found his faith much strengthened. Being a lay preacher in the Methodist Free Church, the blessed impulses thus imparted to himself were used of G.o.d to inspire a like self-surrender in the cla.s.s under his care.

These are a few examples of the countless encouragements that led Mr.

Muller, as he reviewed them, to praise G.o.d unceasingly.

A Christian physician enclosed ten pounds in a letter, telling how first he tried a religion of mere duty and failed; then, after a severe illness, learned a religion of love, apprehending the love of G.o.d to himself in Christ and so learning how to love others. In his days of darkness he had been a great lover of flowers and had put up several plant-houses; flower-culture was his hobby, and a fine collection of rare plants, his pride. He took down and sold one of these conservatories and sent the proceeds as _"the price of an idol,_ cast down by G.o.d's power." Another giver enclosed a like amount from the sale of unnecessary books and pictures; and a poor man his half-crown, "the fruit of a little tree in his garden."

A poor woman, who had devoted the progeny of a pet rabbit to the orphan work, when the young became fit for sale changed her mind and "kept back a part of the price"; _that part,_ however, _two rabbits,_ she found _dead_ on the day when they were to be sold.

In July, 1877, ten pounds from an anonymous source were accompanied by a letter which conveys another instructive lesson. Years before, the writer had resolved before G.o.d to discontinue a doubtful habit, and send the cost of his indulgence to the Inst.i.tution. The vow, made in time of trouble, was unpaid until G.o.d brought the sin to remembrance by a new trouble, and by a special message from the Word: "Grieve not the Spirit of G.o.d." The victory was then given over the habit, and, the practice having annually cost about twenty-six shillings, the full amount was sent to cover the period during which the solemn covenant had not been kept, with the promise of further gifts in redemption of the same promise to the Lord. This instance conveys more than one lesson. It reminds us of the costliness of much of our self-indulgence. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, in submitting the Budget for 1897, remarked that what is annually wasted in the unsmoked remnants of cigars and cigarettes in Britain is estimated at a million and a quarter pounds--the equivalent of all that is annually spent on foreign missions by British Christians.

And many forms of self-gratification, in no way contributing to either health or profit, would, if what they cost were dedicated to the Lord, make His treasuries overflow. Again, this incident reminds us of the many vows, made in time of trouble, which have no payment in time of relief. Many sorrows come back, like clouds that return after the rain, to remind of broken pledges and unfulfilled obligations, whereby we have grieved the Holy Spirit of G.o.d. "Pay that which thou hast vowed; for G.o.d hath no pleasure in fools." And again we are here taught how a sensitive and enlightened conscience will make rest.i.tution to G.o.d as well as to man; and that past unfaithfulness to a solemn covenant cannot be made good merely by keeping to its terms _for the future._ No honest man dishonours a past debt, or compromises with his integrity by simply beginning anew and paying as he goes. Reformation takes a retrospective glance and begins in rest.i.tution and reparation for all previous wrongs and unfaithfulness. It is one of the worst evils of our day that even disciples are so ready to bury the financial and moral debts of their past life in the grave of a too-easy oblivion.

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 G.o.d, the average cost of maintaining one orphan, until, having seven children, he was supporting seven orphans.

An anonymous giver wrote: "It was my idea that when a man had sufficient for his own wants, he ought then to supply the wants of others, and consequently I never had sufficient. I now clearly see that G.o.d expects us to give of what we have and not of what we have not, and to leave the rest to Him. I therefore give in faith and love, knowing that if I first seek the kingdom of G.o.d and His righteousness, all other things will be added unto me."

Another sends five pounds in fulfillment of a secret promise that, if he succeeded in pa.s.sing compet.i.tive examination for civil service, he would make a thank-offering. And he adds that Satan had repeatedly tried to persuade him that he could not afford it yet, and could send it better in a little while. Many others have heard the same subtle suggestion from the same master of wiles and father of lies. Postponement in giving is usually its practical abandonment, for the habit of procrastination grows with insensibly rapid development.

Habitual givers generally witnessed to the conscious blessedness of systematic giving. Many who began by giving a tenth, and perhaps in a legal spirit, felt constrained, by the growing joy of imparting, to increase, not the amount only, but the proportion, to a fifth, a fourth, a third, and even a half of their profits. Some wholly reversed the law of appropriation with which they began; for at first they gave a t.i.the to the Lord's uses, reserving nine tenths, whereas later on they appropriated nine tenths to the Lord's uses, and reserved for themselves only a t.i.the. Those who learn the deep meaning of our Lord's words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," find such joy in holding all things at His disposal that even personal expenditures are subjected to the scrutiny of conscience and love, lest anything be wasted in extravagance or careless self-indulgence. Frances Ridley Havergal in her later years felt herself and all she possessed to be so fully and joyfully given up to G.o.d, that she never went into a shop to spend a shilling without asking herself whether it would be for G.o.d's glory.

Gifts were valued by Mr. Muller only so far as they were the Lord's money, procured by lawful means and given in the Lord's own way. To the last his course was therefore most conscientious in the caution with which he accepted offerings even in times of sorest extremity.

In October, 1842, he felt led to offer aid to a sister who seemed in great distress and dest.i.tution, offering to share with her, if need be, even his house and purse.

This offer drew out the acknowledgment that she had some five hundred pounds of her own; and her conversation revealed that this money was held as a provision against possible future want, and that she was leaning upon that instead of upon G.o.d. Mr. Muller said but little to her, but after her withdrawal he besought the Lord to make so real to her the exhaustless riches she possessed in Christ, and her own heavenly calling, that she might be constrained to lay down at His feet the whole sum which was thus a snare to her faith and an idol to her love. _Not a word spoken or written pa.s.sed between him and her on the subject, nor did he even see her;_ his express desire being that if any such step were to be taken by her, it might result from no human influence or persuasion, lest her subsequent regret might prove both a damage to herself and a dishonour to her Master.

For nearly four weeks, however, he poured out his heart to G.o.d 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 G.o.d as to this h.o.a.rded sum, and had been led to a clear conviction that it should be laid entire upon His altar. Thus the goodly sum of five hundred pounds was within so easy reach, at a time of very great need, that a word from Mr. Muller would secure it. Instead of saying that word, he exhorted her to make no such disposition of the money at that time, but to count the cost; to do nothing rashly lest she should repent it, but wait at least a fortnight more before reaching a final decision. His correspondence with this sister may be found fully spread out in his journal,* and is a model of devout carefulness lest he should s.n.a.t.c.h at a gift that might be prompted by wrong motives or given with an unprepared heart. When finally given, unexpected hindrances arose affecting her actual possession and transfer, so that more than a third of a year elapsed before it was received; but meanwhile there was on his part neither impatience nor distrust, nor did he even communicate further with her.

To the glory of G.o.d let it be added that she afterward bore cheerful witness that never for one moment did she regret giving the whole sum to His service, and thus transferring her trust from the money to the Master.

* Narrative, I. 487 _et seq._

In August, 1853, a poor widow of sixty, who had sold the little house which const.i.tuted her whole property, put into an orphan-house box elsewhere, for Mr. Muller, the entire proceeds, ninety pounds. Those who conveyed it to Mr. Muller, knowing the circ.u.mstances, urged her to retain at least a part of this sum, and prevailed on her to keep five pounds and sent on the other eighty-five. Mr. Muller, learning the facts, and fearing lest the gift might result from a sudden impulse to be afterward regretted, offered to pay her travelling expenses that he might have an interview with her. He found her mind had been quite made up for ten years before the house was sold that such disposition should be made of the proceeds. But he was the more reluctant to accept the gift lest, as she had already been prevailed on to take back five pounds of the original donation, she might wish she had reserved more; and only after much urgency had failed to persuade her to reconsider the step would he accept it. Even then, however, lest he should be evil spoken of in the matter, he declined to receive any part of the gift for personal uses.

In October, 1867, a small sum was sent in by one who had years before taken it from another, and who desired thus to _make rest.i.tution,_ believing that the Christian believer from whom it was taken would approve of this method of restoring it. Mr. Muller promptly returned it, irrespective of amount, that rest.i.tution might be made directly to the party who had been robbed or wronged, claiming that such party should first receive it and then dispose of it as might seem fit. As it did not belong to him who took it, it was not his to give even in another's behalf.

During a season of great straits Mr. Muller received a sealed parcel containing money. He knew from whom it came, and that the donor was a woman not only involved in debt, but frequently asked by creditors for their lawful dues in vain. It was therefore clear that it was not _her_ money, and therefore not hers to _give;_ and without even opening the paper wrapper he returned it to the sender--and this at a time when there was _not in hand enough to meet the expenses of that very day._ In June, 1838, a stranger, who confessed to an act of fraud, wished through Mr. Muller to make rest.i.tution, with interest; and, instead of sending the money by post, Mr. Muller took pains to transmit it by bank orders, which thus enabled him, in case of need, to prove his fidelity in acting as a medium of transmission--an instance of the often-quoted maxim that it is the honest man who is most careful to provide things honest in the sight of all men.

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 G.o.d _should not be obtained in this manner,_ and he desired only money provided in G.o.d's way.

Friends who asked that they might know whether their gifts had come at a particularly opportune time were referred to the next Report for answer.

To acknowledge that the help came very seasonably would be an indirect revelation of need, and might be construed into an indirect appeal for more aid--as help that was peculiarly timely would soon be exhausted.

And so this man of G.o.d consistently avoided any such disclosure of an exigency, lest his chief object should be hindered, namely, "to show how blessed it is to deal with G.o.d alone, and to trust Him in the darkest moments." And though the need was continual, and one demand was no sooner met than another arose, he did not find this a trying life nor did he ever tire of it.

As early as May, 1846, a letter from a brother contained the following paragraph:

"With regard to property, I do not see my way clearly. I trust it is all indeed at the disposal of the Lord; and, if you would let me know of any need of it in His service, any sum under two hundred pounds shall be at your disposal at about a week's notice."

The need at that time was great. How easy and natural to write back that the orphan work was then in want of help, and that, as Mr. Muller was just going away from Bristol for rest, it would be a special comfort if his correspondent would send on, say a hundred and ninety pounds or so!

But to deal with the Lord alone in the whole matter seemed so indispensable, both for the strengthening of his own faith and for the effectiveness of his testimony to the church and the world, that at once this temptation was seen to be a snare, and he replied that only to the Lord could the need of any part of the work be confided.

_Money to be laid up_ as a fund for his old age or possible seasons of illness or family emergencies was always declined. Such a donation of one hundred pounds was received October 12, 1856, with a note so considerate and Christian that the subtle temptation to lay up for himself treasures on earth would have triumphed but for a heart fixed immovably in the determination that there should be no dependence upon any such human provision. He had settled the matter beyond raising the question again, that he would live from day to day upon the Lord's bounty, and would make but _one investment,_ namely, using whatever means G.o.d gave, to supply the necessities of the poor, depending on G.o.d richly to repay him in the hour of his own need, according to the promise:

"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; And that which he hath given will He pay him again."

Proverbs xix. 17.

G.o.d so owned, at once, this disposition on Mr. Muller's part that his courteous letter, declining the gift for himself, led the donor not only to ask him to use the hundred pounds for the orphan work, but to add to this sum a further gift of two hundred pounds more.

CHAPTER XXIII

G.o.d'S WITNESS TO THE WORK

THE eleventh chapter of Hebrews--that "Westminster Abbey" where Old Testament saints have a memorial before G.o.d--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 to them_ by G.o.d in return for witness borne to Him. All the marked examples of faith here recorded show this twofold testimony. Abel testified to his faith in G.o.d's Atoning Lamb, and G.o.d testified to his gifts. Enoch witnessed to the unseen G.o.d by his holy walk with Him, and He testified to Enoch, by his translation, and even before it, that he pleased G.o.d. Noah's faith bore witness to G.o.d's word, by building the ark and preaching righteousness, and G.o.d bore witness to him by bringing a flood upon a world of the unG.o.dly and saving him and his family in the ark.

George Muller's life was one long witness to the prayer-hearing G.o.d; and, throughout, G.o.d bore him witness that his prayers were heard and his work accepted. The pages of his journal are full of striking examples of this witness--the earnest or foretaste of the fuller recompense of reward reserved for the Lord's coming.