may continue in it; for
though we have thought about these things, yet we would rather be guided
in these particulars by the amount of the means which the Lord may put
into our hands, and by the number of the individuals whom he may provide
for conducting the Institution. Should the Lord condescend to use us as
instruments, a short printed statement will be issued as soon as something
more definite can be said.

4. It has appeared well to us to receive only such destitute children as
have been bereaved of both parents.

5. The children are intended, if girls, to be brought up for service; if
boys, for a trade; and therefore they will be employed, according to their
ability and bodily strength, in useful occupations, and thus help to
maintain themselves; besides this they are intended to receive a plain
education; but the chief and especial end of the Institution will be to
seek, with God's blessing, to bring them to the knowledge of Jesus Christ,
by instructing them in the Scriptures.

GEORGE MULLER.

Bristol, Dec. 10th, 1835.

December 11. I have been enabled to pray all this week with increased
confidence concerning the Orphan-House, as it regards means, a house,
suitable individuals to take care of the children, furniture, &c. December
16. Brother C-n, whom the Lord has kindly allowed to stay above two months
among us, to supply brother Craik's lack of service, left us today. How
very gracious has the Lord been to us in this affliction! Many brethren
have been sent to us as helpers for a little while--brother C-t for the
greater part of the time, and brother C-n for more than two months. And,
in addition to this, when brother Craik and I were both ill, the brethren
were kept in peace, and there was a spirit of prayer among them. December
31. This evening we had an especial meeting for prayer and praise. We
continued together from seven till after twelve.

There have been received into the church at Gideon during the past year--29

Ditto, Bethesda--30

Altogether--59

Of these 59, 30 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord through
the instrumentality of brother Craik and me. There are now, of those who
have been begotten again through us, since we have been in Bristol, at
Gideon 63, and at Bethesda 71--altogether 134. Besides this, several have
fallen asleep in the faith, who never were in communion with us, and
several of our spiritual children have joined other churches, in and out
of Bristol, and