Stray Thoughts on Raith, Life, and Work.

JAN any one be said really to 'follow CHRIST' whose religion consists mainly in sitting at ease in a luxurious home, reading devotional books, and thinking what a comfortable and beautiful thing piety is, and how truly it has the promise not only of the life which is to come, but of that which now is? Or, who believe that no more is required of them than to attend ornate services at some favourite church, to run after renowned preachers, and assist' at meetings for the furtherance of Church objects?

He

He

No HE 'went about doing good.' wrested a world of sinners from Satan. was weary, and hungry, and footsore in His search after souls. And if we are to follow Him and to co-operate with Him in saving souls from eternal death and damnation, it must be done by suffering and self-denial, by hard toil, by tears and prayers, and sweat of brow, and heart, and brain. Ay, and at times by sweat of blood itself.

I am no disparager of either public or private worship-GOD forbid! And there is no one that enjoys a beautiful Service and reverent Ritual more than I do. But really, to see the utter selfishness which some people dignify with the name of religion would make some of the old saints stare.

'Take this class of rough factory-lads; try to civilise them and save them from ruin,' urges a Mission priest.

With the greatest pleasure; but you see So-and-so is preaching a course of sermons, and I shouldn't like to miss one of them.'

'Coine along, old fellow, and help me with my out-door service in the slums next Sunday morning,' begs a young lay-reader of his muscular friend.

Well! this was not the way the Church was planted during the first three centuries! The heathen were not turned from their idols to the Truth after such a fashion. And when we reflect, that taking into consideration the increased population of the globe-there are probably quite as many Christless souls to be won as there were in the days of S. Paul or S. John, we cannot forbear crying out, 'Who is on the LORD'S side? Who will deny himself, take up His cross, and save some of these poor souls at some sacrifice of his own ease and enjoyment? I don't think he will find it a beflowered cross such as one sees upon an Easter card. It will be a cross like the Master's a rugged, heavy cross of sweat and suffering, of blood and anguish.

Still I believe there are many, even in this self-indulgent age, who do devote themselves in real earnest to GOD and to the service of the Church and the poor. Not theirs to look out for wealth or fame-'to plant and build,' and yield themselves to the enjoyment of domestic bliss and social amusement !

'LORD JESUS!' they cry, 'take all there is of me. Take my poor heart, brain, strength, money-all that I have, all that I am. Only let me live to Thy glory and the good of others, and die in Thy favour.'

These are the disciples whom JESUS loves. He takes them in His arms, and lays them upon His breast. Through them He can work great wonders and miracles of grace. They suffer and toil with Him now, but they shall rest and rejoice with Him throughout eternity.

Who will take up the cross, and join this faithful pilgrim band?

There is a phrase of modern scepticism which recognises a certain amount of good in Christianity; which indulges, for instance, in rapturous eulogy of the precepts of the Gospel and Christian morality, and extols the beauty of character of our Divine Redeemer.

He is spoken of as the model man-one who has ennobled honest labour, and crowned with everlasting honour such virtues as peace and forgiveness, as opposed to war and revenge.

All this while they furiously assail and scornfully reject the Divine origin of Holy Scripture, and the supernatural mission of the Church of GOD.

Yet the result cannot be separated from the cause which produced that result; and nothing can be more flagrantly unjust-more opposed to common sense-than the fierce invectives which infidels, who cry up the Christian virtues, hurl at the Church through which Christian morals have been diffused throughout the world.

As well revile the sun while rejoicing in the light and warmth diffused by that great luminary. As well rage against the clouds, while our hearts are filled with thankfulness that the thirsty ground is drinking in those raindrops which will secure us the fruits of the earth in their season!

Monthly Botes.

E have several times remarked in the pages of this journal that the site secured and paid for at Broadstairs could hardly be better. It comprises six acres of excellent freehold land, situated upon an open breezy cliff close to the North Foreland. It is well out of the little town of Broadstairs, and, standing high, commands a sea view which stretches far away to the South Foreland, and the ill-famed Goodwin Sands. It seems, indeed, a spot where-if anywhere-health and vigour must return to the most feeble, the most diseased of earth's children.

But-as has once before been remarkedthough our site can boast such great natural advantages, it stands sorely in need of artificial improvement. For, with the exception

of one gift of trees and shrubs made by a very kind friend last autumn, it is as bare as possible-not even a bush breaks the level line of short turf and clover which form its sole vegetation.

Now another benefactor has come forward and promised us the generous donation of 10%. to help in stocking 'the estate.' He has also proposed that an experienced gardener should begin planting his present the second week in May, and suggests that we should make this known in Our Work, as it would be a good opportunity for others, who might be thinking of helping us in the same manner, to send their contributions. Will some of our numerous supporters think kindly of this suggestion?

It would be a great advantage if the beautifying and laying out of the ground could be effected at one and the same time, under the direction of an able and skilled manager. Also every month is a gain for the growth of the evergreens and flowering trees, &c., which we hope will afford shelter from the sun, and cheerful green even in the midst of winter.

Should the plan meet with acceptance, this satisfactory result will be obtained-that, when the beautiful structure which forms our frontispiece is actually built and completed, it will stand forth upon no bare or barren piece of soil, but will find itself surrounded by lawns, and shrubberies, and recreation grounds, which will be a profit and pleasure to our sick children little short of the Home itself.

Contributions, either in the shape of young trees, plants and shrubs, or the money wherewith to purchase the same, should be sent as early in May as possible to Miss E. Paget, 5 Wrotham Crescent, Broadstairs, Ramsgate.

A suggestion was kindly made by a lady a few weeks ago, that fifty persons should each give a 57. note towards the Broadstairs Building Fund. Thus, she said, 250%. would be raised towards this great undertaking 'without much difficulty.'

And, not content with merely suggesting,

she gave a practical proof of her goodwill by promising to head the subscription list with the first 57.

A friend, hearing of the plan, immediately seconded her, and we report with much gratitude that several persons have followed. this good example, and that nearly half of the total sum is already guaranteed.

It would not surprise us if the whole amount of 250l. were paid in before the close of May.

It will then be for those of our readers who are anxious for the success of our enterprise to start something fresh. This large and spacious Home-so much needed-can only be built by a strong and united effort; and should any plan suggest itself to any of our friends for raising the needful funds, we hope and trust that they will act upon it promptly and bravely. The cause should be as dear to all who have loving and pitiful hearts as it is to us.

Let us incite ourselves to vigorous and persevering action by the thought of the thousands of little ones who will profit by our efforts, and who in after years will rise up and bless the kind benefactors who saved them from life-long weakness and misery, and were instrumental in bestowing upon them the most precious of earthly blessings -Good Health.

We are glad to be able to announce that the proposal to establish a Free Banner Fund' has been favourably received in several quarters, and we can already show a list of persons who have either given a donation, or promised an annual subscription.

Gladly should we see this list lengthened, for during the past month we have received entreaties from several clergy and Mission workers to sell at a reduced rate, out of compassion for the necessities of their parishes.

But we have already made this concession in favour of one navvy missioner, and some others similarly circumstanced, and as The Banner of Faith barely covers its own expenses when sold at the full price, we dare

'If you can find a lady to join me in adopting one of your orphans, I shall be very happy to pay half the sum usually contributed by an adopter.' These words reached us just too late for insertion in our April number; but we assured our correspondent that her kind intention should be made known at the first opportunity, and that, we doubted not, a partner for the good work would soon present herself.

This lady does not mention whether she wishes her child to be quite a little girl, or one of what we term 'the industrial class '; that is, orphans grown sufficiently strong to help in the household work, which they generally begin after they have entered their twelfth year. But we have little orphans and big ones ready for 'a lady.'

Let it, however, be always remembered that this 127. is not a payment made to render a child eligible for admission to the Orphanage. It is a voluntary offering made to a perfectly free institution, which receives poor children. from any part, upon the sole condition that they are friendless and destitute; it is a kindly and thoughtful effort to lighten the burden of those who have accepted the tremendous responsibility of feeding, clothing, and educating a family which now numbers 160 members; it is an ingenious plan for giving each child the additional stimulus of an outside friend who loves her, and who shows an interest in her welfare and her conduct. Good, earnest, sensible fellow-workers many of these adopters prove themselves to be, and we most gratefully acknowledge the untold benefits resulting from their co-operation.

We have to thank some good friends for timely gifts of blankets and old and new clothing, forwarded to the Convalescent Home at Broadstairs. Great was the delight both of the Sister in charge and the children at the arrival of these useful parcels, which

have added greatly to the comfort of the little ones.

Those interested in this particular branch of our work will no doubt rejoice with us at the liberal help which has enabled us to secure the house adjoining our present little Home, until the large building is completed. No longer are we compelled to close our doors to the many little victims of disease and starvation that would fain enter them; and in some mysterious way this cheering fact appears to be known, for each post now brings us letters pleading the cause of some young invalid, for whom the doctor prescribes change as the only remedy likely to be of any avail. And visitors to Broadstairs may often meet some white-faced little ones being escorted by the other children from the station to the Home, and looking perfectly bewildered by the first glimpse of green fields, and fresh foliage, and far-reaching sea that meets their gaze.

Presents of new or cast-off clothing, boots and shoes, sheets, toys, books, groceries, &c., will be most thankfully received all through the summer.

Parcels, Post Office orders, &c., may be addressed either

The Sister in Charge,

or

Miss ELEANOR Paget,

5 Wrotham Crescent, Broadstairs,

Ramsgate.

It is proposed to hold a retreat at the Orphanage of Mercy for members of the Teachers' Friendly Union, beginning on the evening of Whit-Monday, May 29, and ending on the Wednesday following.

Since the proposal for such an association was first brought before our readers' notice in the January number, we have received various letters of inquiry on the subject from National schoolmistresses and others anxious to join. All testify to the hearty welcome which such a scheme would receive, and to the help and comfort which it might, under

GOD's blessing, afford to many an earnestminded, hard-working teacher.

We cannot forbear from quoting one or two extracts from letters received, as showing how cordially the matter has been taken up. One writes: 'I have seen with the greatest interest the proposal for a Teachers' Friendly Union. I have often longed for something of the kind. . . . . The support of a union such as you propose would, I should think, be a great help and comfort, and in the many anxieties and trials of our calling the thought of being banded together, with common rules, common prayers, in one common work within and for our Holy Church, would be an inexpressible blessing.' From another came the following:-'I cannot tell you how thankfully such a Friendly Union as that proposed in Our Work would be welcomed by many teachers. In no profession are help and advice, sympathy and guidance, more urgently needed. I think your proposal has only to be made known and hundreds of my fellow-workers would most gladly avail themselves of the boon. . . . The few days' Retreat would not be the least of the benefits.'

Acting upon the desire expressed in these last words, we thought it would be a happy initiation of the Union, if those teachers to whom Whitsuntide holidays bring a short season of leisure could be invited to meet for a day's retreat and conference at the Home, where the Sisters will gladly afford them accommodation. Anyone wishing to do this, or to join the Association, is requested to write to The Sister Charlotte, Orphanage of Mercy, Randolph Gardens, Kilburn, London, N.W.

A short paper of printed rules and prayers for daily use has been issued, in which the objects of the Society are described as follows-It is to be 'An Association of National schoolmistresses, communicants, who desire to set before themselves as a primary object in their life, the use of the opportunity afforded them of training the children under their care in the fear and love of GOD, and as attached members of the English Church.'

The 'merry month of May' will probably soon find our country friends laying out their gardens for the season, if, indeed, the exceptionally early spring has not already tempted them to make a beginning. May we put in a plea for their remembrance, if they find anything to spare from their bedding-out"? It is true that our garden at the Orphanage is of modest dimensions; but the borders surrounding the building are capable of producing a bright show, and of giving great pleasure to the inmates when stocked with. scarlet geraniums, calceolarias, and other gay summer plants. As we have no money to spare, however, for such ornamental accessories, we should be very grateful for contributions towards our garden stock either in kind or in money. It is not everything that will flourish on our somewhat poor, heavy soil; so we may mention that verbenas (scarlet and white) and the lovely blue lobelia, geraniums and nasturtiums, have been found. to bloom luxuriantly the whole summer long. We also much want some hardy creeperstraveller's joy, jessamine, honeysuckle, &c.— for the Orphanage walls.

*

In the hope of this meeting the attention of some interested in Pretoria, we venture to insert an appeal from one who is giving up good prospects in England to work in this distant corner of God's vineyard.

Waves of trouble have passed over the Transvaal, its bishop, and his small band of workers.

It is a poor diocese, and the spirits of many out there are drooping for want of sympathy and help from the mother-country. May the following letter awaken sympathy in some able and willing to help :

:

'I am going out as a missionary clergyman to work in the diocese of Pretoria, South Africa, early in May; and knowing that you help in the Church's work in all parts of the world, I venture to ask if you would assist me to obtain any or all of the following articles.

My passage money and outfit I am safe

about.

My wants are a small tent, Wordsworth's Greek Testament, a small portable altar, a magic lantern-the slides to illustrate Our Saviour's birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension-and an air bed, which can be filled by a small pair of bellows; the bed will be laid on the floor of the tent, and can be folded up when not in use. A small harmonium or good English concertina would be also most useful.

Livingstone says in his book on Africa, 'A fourth box contained a magic lantern, which we found of much use.'

My position will be that of an 'Evangelist,' an order of clergy which the Bishop has created; and therefore a tent to keep off the burning rays of the sun at one time, and the sheets of water that fall at another time, I shall indeed be most thankful for.

I throw myself on your Christian liberality. On our part we have promised a portable altar, with small chalice and paten, and linen.

Should anyone be able to give any of the above-mentioned articles for the use of the itinerary clergy, the address can be obtained by applying to

Mrs. HAIG,

27 Kilburn Park Road, London, N.W.

Those who responded in so kind and generous a manner to the appeal headed 'Signals of Distress' in the February number of Our Work would rejoice could they see the change which has been effected, through their kindness, both in Mrs. B.'s appearance, and in her outward circumstances.

She will now for the remainder of her days be able to enjoy a weekly allowance of 6s., so that she need no longer forego the luxury of a clean nightcap, &c. ; for this will quite cover all expenses of cleaning and washing, besides providing her with various extra little sundries, which will all greatly contribute to her comfort. Her housekeeping anxieties are also greatly reduced by meat dinners provided three times a week, besides a regu