This is essentially the diary of George Mueller up to 1860, with some autobiographical notes at the start and a few digressions in the text. Mueller was a most remarkable man, who started a number of orphanages in the west of England in the 19th century whilst refusing to take any salary, and living each day by faith that God would provide his financial needs. Remarkably time and again, this is exactly what happens, and his work grows - but all the time with him refusing to benefit personally in any way.

Mueller's story is remarkable and uplifting. However, this book would be hard going for many readers because - being a diary format - it goes over and over the same issues: Short of money - spent the day in earnest prayer - money arrived just in time. Many people will prefer the shorter biographical works which pick a few of these occasions, and make the point that it happened time and time again.

In the other hand, reading the full diary just shows how often this happened.

The text also contains some poignant moments. The loss of his son, the woman who gave all she had but never wanted when she was herself in need, the orphan who gave sixpence towards the building of a new orphanage.

It was also good to see the book reach its climax in converging on the 1859 revivals in Ireland, Wales and elsewhere, and to read of their own revival amongst the orphans.

All in all a worthwhile book to read, but shorter biographies would suit many readers. ( )