The Fundamentals (1910), Vol.1

The Proof of the Living God. 81 and the world at large, as preacher, pastor, witness for truth and author of books and tracts. His preaching period covered the whole time from 1826 to 1898, the year of his departure—over seventy years; and with an average through the whole period of probably three ser­ mons a week, or over ten thousand for his lifetime, which is probably a low estimate, for, during his missionary tours, which covered over two hundred thousand miles and were spread through seventeen years, he spoke on an average once a day, even at his already advanced age. Probably those brought to the knowledge of Christ by his preaching would reach into the thousands, exclusive of or­ phans converted at Ashley Down. Then when we take into account the vast numbers addressed and impressed by his addresses given in all parts of the United Kingdom, on the continent of Europe, and in America, Asia and Australia, and the still vaster numbers who have read his narrative, his books and tracts, or who have in various other ways felt the quickening power of his example and life, we shall get some inadequate conception of the range and scope of the influ­ ence wielded by his tongue and pen, his labors and his life. Much of the best influence defies all tabulated statistics and evades all mathematical estimate—it is like the fragrance of the alabaster flask which fills all the house, but escapes our grosser senses of sight, hearing and touch. This part of George Müller’s work belongs to a realm where we cannot penetrate. But God sees, knows and rewards it. a doub ter ’ s doubts . Yet there are those who doubt or deny the sufficiency of even this proof, though so full and convincing. In a promi­ nent daily newspaper, a correspondent, discussing the efficacy of prayer, thus referred to the experience of George Müller: “I resided in that country during most of the seventies, when he was often described as the best-advertised man in

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