in God than to put confidence in
man; it is better to trust in God than to put confidence in princes." A
multitude of cases can be adduced to prove that this course is in
harmony with the designs of God. It is abundantly shown in the case of
Mr. Mueller. Take the case of Robert Raikes. Suppose that he had
established no school until a powerful association, formed from
ecclesiastical dignitaries, millionaires, and the multitude, had united
in his support, his effort could hardly have escaped ridiculous failure.
On the contrary, he simply established a school by himself. It was a
seed which God had planted, and its fruit now shakes like Lebanon.

On the contrast which is seen between the plan of Mr. Mueller and the
plans by which our missionary and other benevolent operations are
conducted, it is unnecessary to enlarge. If Mr. Mueller is right, I think
it is evident that we are all wrong. We cannot go into this subject in
detail. We may, however, be permitted to remark, that the means which
are frequently employed to secure the approbation and pecuniary aid of
worldly men, in carrying forward the cause of Christ, are intensely
humiliating. It would seem as though God was the last being to be relied
on in carrying forward the work which he has given us to do.

But it is time to bring these remarks to a close. We commend this most
unpretending of narratives to the thoughtful consideration of Christians
of all denominations. We have greatly overrated the teaching of these
facts, if they do not furnish strong incentives to A LIFE OF HOLY
EXERTION, AND IMPART AN UNWONTED AND POWERFUL MOTIVE TO EARNEST AND
BELIEVING PRAYER.

PROVIDENCE, December 17, 1860.

THE LIFE OF TRUST.

CHAPTER I.

BOYHOOD AND YOUTH.

1805-1825.

BIRTH--EARLY DISHONESTY--INSENSIBILITY--CONFIRMATION IN THE
STATE CHURCH--DISSOLUTENESS OF LIFE--THE HARD WAY OF
TRANSGRESSORS--THE GYMNASIUM AT NORDHAUSEN--THE UNIVERSITY
AT HALLE--ROVINGS.

I was born at Kroppenstaedt, near Halberstadt, in the kingdom of
Prussia, September 27, 1805. In January, 1810, my parents removed to
Heimersleben, about four miles from Kroppenstaedt, where my father was
appointed collector in the excise.

My father, who educated his children on worldly principles,[11] gave us
much money, considering our age. The result was, that it led me and my
brother into many sins. Before I was ten years old, I repeatedly took of
the government money which was intru