No. 8.-VOL. V.

Our Convalescent Home.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE. ROBABLY our readers will have decided long ago and not without reason-that we owe them an apology for the apparently shabby manner in which we treated them last month, when we invited their attention to a frontispiece which never appeared!

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We are fain to confess it was disappointing -most disappointing! Yet scarcely so much so to our readers, perhaps, as to ourselves. After the anxious, though interesting, business of correcting and approving the designs, after the correspondence and interviews with the various functionaries through whose hands they must pass, after the pleading and explanatory notes with which we fondly hoped to introduce them to nouce, it somehow fell out that the said deAs miscarried on their dangerous passage between architect, draughtsman, engraver, printer, and publisher, and were not forthcoming.

Well, it is no use (as the proverb hath it) to cry over spilt milk, and we can but express our hope that the month's period of expectation may only enhance the interest with which the plans will be received, now that they have actually appeared.

PRICE 2d.

Very earnestly do we reiterate the cry for help, for, as our readers can now see for themselves, it is no light undertaking upon which we enter. No! The Hospital which has been designed is on a large and extensive scale, the accommodation will be considerable, the wards spacious, the needful fittings and appliances as complete as we can make them, and—of necessity-the cost also will be represented by a grave amount of figures.

How can it be otherwise, when the needs which we endeavour to meet are so extensive, so universal-when the call for help besets us so urgently on every side?

Yet, great as is the venture, so great also we desire to make our faith in the upholding and assisting Hand of that 'Father of Mercies' to Whose glory we dedicate the work. We cannot doubt that the task we have in hand is one in which He is well pleased, being, as it is, the task of tending and healing His sick, and those sick-not only the poor and needy-but the little ones. whom He loves so tenderly.

And with this feeling of confidence and trust (may it never forsake us !) we are about to take the first formal step in the way before us-viz., the Laying the Foundation Stone. As we mentioned in our last, this ceremony has been arranged to take place on August 8, on which day the Right Hon. Earl Nelson has kindly promised to come and perform it. The order of proceedings will be as follows :Evensong at three o'clock at Broadstairs

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Church, with Sermon and Collection for the Building Fund; after which the Clergy, Orphans, and Sisters will form in procession and walk to the cliff close at hand, on which our territory is situated, and where the rising walls, already visible, point out the desired spot. Here the function of laying the Corner Stone will at once take place, and earnest supplications will be offered up for the Divine Blessing on our building. Collections towards the Building Fund will be made at the church and at the site. Those friends who, though not able to be present, would wish to make a special contribution on the occasion, may have their gifts solemnly offered to GOD by sending them to the Rev. R. A. Fawssett, The Rectory, Broadstairs, who will add them to the Offertory.

It is almost superfluous to say that we greatly desire the presence of our friends and well-wishers on this occasion, and in order to facilitate this, arrangements will be made to run a special train from Victoria for all who desire to attend. This train will start at 11.30 A.M., and return at 6.30 P.M., leaving ample time for all the passengers to assist at the whole of the proceedings: fares for the double journey, 10s. first class, 5s. third class.

On arriving at Broadstairs, all guests and well-wishers, who have kindly come to cheer us by their presence, are requested to proceed to the Temporary Home, 5 Wrotham Crescent, should they desire to see it, or else to the schools (adjoining the church), where tea, coffee, and other refreshments will be served both before and after the service. Tickets both for the railway journey and for admission to the ceremony can be obtained only from the Secretary, 27 Kilburn Park Road, N.W.

In these days of rapid transit, is it too much to hope-nay, to expect that a very large number may think an afternoon well spent in a 'run down to Broadstairs,' in order to take part in an event which is fraught to us with so many future hopes, so many present anxieties?

Much, very much, lies before us between the Laying our Stone next month, and that

happy day when our wards will be lined with their small beds, and our rooms peopled with the little, feeble, pale-faced patients, to whom it will be our joyful mission to bring health, and bloom, and vigour.

And we should like to gather round us at the outset the sympathies and good wishes, the prayers and intercessions, of all good Christian loving hearts, who may, not only in spirit, but with their presence and their voice, unite with us to invoke a blessing upon this work.

Doubtless among our very large body of members and friends, there must be many absentees, who will still be mindful of us and pray for us God-speed on the 8th; and we shall value their co-operation none the less that they are far away. Yet it must be said that there is nothing like a personal visit to secure a real and permanent interest in any undertaking.

And it will be a very great gratification to us, if all who possibly can, will not only come themselves, but induce their acquaintances and others, who as yet may be strangers to us, to pay a visit to Broadstairs on the 8th.

Sympathy thus enlisted in so noble a cause would, we feel assured, continue to flow on, and, watching our labour as step by step it advances, do its utmost to promote the final completion for which we long.

It will be seen in the design, that the deeper black lines indicate that portion of the fabric which it is designed to build for the present. The Hospital will, when finally completed, consist of a large quadrangular building; but with our present funds, it will not be wise to undertake more than the portion indicated in the drawing.

Yet even this, when reared, will form a large and commanding pile, occupying, as it does, a fine and conspicuous position on the headland which stretches along the coast between Broadstairs and the North Foreland.

Contributions, either large or small, will be thankfully received by Miss A. M. Thomas, or Miss Helen Wetherell, 27 Kilburn Park Road, London, N.W.

Our Journal.

By the SECRETARY.

JUNE 27.-A caller at the Orphanage brought two beautifully made patchwork quilts, worked by a bedridden old woman who had been much interested in hearing of our orphans in their bright Home. 'I send you three large parcels, being the produce of another "general turn-out." The supply is so miscellaneous that I must apologise, and had I not known you have a hole for everything, I would not have sent them.' The contents of the box were most useful.

The children's card has come from the printer, headed by a photograph representing the ward which, it is hoped, may be built by the efforts of the boys and girls of England. We should like the offerings for this object to be as universal as possible, so that it may be really a representative gift from the many thousands of little ones in our land. We would, therefore, entreat all young cardholders not to confine their applications to their own acquaintance, but to send round the little collecting messengers to all houses, schools, &c., both rich and poor, where wellwishers are to be found.

June 29.-'The articles I send are from servants at Bournemouth. I have two or three more dresses, but they are not finished, so I will send them later on.' The parcel contained six dresses, two surplices, and other things, which had been made by servants whose interest had been excited in the various works of the C. E. A.

Another letter says: 'Miss E. S― will feel greatly obliged to the Secretary if she will send her six penny collecting-cards, and two for 30s., as she hopes to be able to fill them up, and so help a little towards the noble work which has been undertaken for God's loved ones at Broadstairs.'

A gift of 30%. came this morning for the extension of the Orphanage, a 5%. note from a young friend, and 15s. from a children's offertory at S. Peter's, Blackburn.

A touching letter came to-day, begging us to receive into our Convalescent Home a little girl whom the doctors want to be strengthened in order to undergo an operation for cancer on the nose.

Fune 30.-Two orphans arrived to-day. Their history is-like that of most of our little inmates-far from a happy one. Their father was a private in the Guards, who led a very unsatisfactory life, and was addicted to drinking. He sold out several years before his wife's death, and did little or no work, while she toiled hard as a laundress for the support of her little family. At last she died, leaving two boys and two girls, whom the father neglected most shamefully. The little girls were sent to various Homes, the father promising to pay half towards their maintenance. But he failing to do this, they were placed in a Union. An aunt took pity on them for a little while, but soon got tired of her charge, and back they went to the workhouse, after a few weeks, without any notice. The father having died, application was made to us to receive them.

A parcel of very nice' old clothing' has been received-the 'turn-out after a move.' Also, some handsomely-bound volumes of the Graphic; a very pretty piece of lace; a handsome pair of Indian silver bracelets, to be sold for the benefit of the Breakfast Fund; and a parcel of petticoats and aprons.

A clergyman at Wakefield sends 1. Is. from a children's offertory on Whit Sunday. He says 'Our children are all of the working class, and what is given is given gladly.'

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Two guineas have been sent for 'Baby Noble' a little girl mentioned in our June number, for whom we were anxious to secure another three weeks at Broadstairs.

Two poor women, E. B. and A. P., in Poole Workhouse, sent their pennies for our poor children's dinners.

A correspondent writes to ask for two 10s. collecting-cards, and papers for distribution descriptive of the Orphanage and Convalescent Home, &c., and also for the rules, &c., of membership.

Another kind friend says that she has

some linen which she will undertake to make into pillow-cases, if we will give her the size. July 1. Would it be any help if I bought two dozen copies of the Banner of Faith, and distributed them among the clergy who are not likely to have seen the magazine ? I shall be very happy to do this if you think it will promote the sale of your valuable magazine.'

To this good offer we must add the following note received by the Editor :-' Dear Sir, I write to compliment you on the able manner in which the Banner of Faith is conducted. It is just the kind of paper for the working classes, and a working-man would read it eagerly—yes, even a working-man who wasn't "religious."'

Fuly 3.-A four-post bed, spring mattress, bed-furniture, and other things from Wimbledon. 'I feel very happy,' writes a servant, 'to return you your card full. I only wish it were more, but I have thought myself fortunate to get this, as it is from working people and my fellow-servants. If you will kindly send me another, I will try what I can do.' Here is another equally pleasant expression of sympathy, also from a servant :'I had The Banner of Faith lent me to read, and I thought it such a nice book that I have got all the back numbers. I should like to have a card for pence for the Convalescent Home for Children. I am only a servant, but I will do my best.'

Two dear little girls arrived to-day, out of a family of eight, five of whom were in the Union, the youngest a baby of four months. The poor mother died directly after the birth of this little one, and the father a few months before of inflammation. The eldest is a quaint little girl, almost foreign-looking, her hair cut quite close to her head. She is very dark, and forms a striking contrast to her sister, a little thing of three, with golden hair and fair complexion, very sociable, but not with the demonstrative feelings of her sister, who is ready to make friends and to kiss everybody.

One pound came from Dorking - the Children's Offertory on Ascension Day-for

our London Children's 'Free Breakfast Fund.' Also we received a tin bath full of odds and ends.

One hundred and thirty-six articles of clothing for the Orphans from Stoke-byNayland arrived, and a lady sent us a most welcome gift of sixty yards of unbleached sheeting, and about the same of white calico, with remnants of flannel, all ordered direct from Shoolbred, for the benefit of the Orphanage.

Various sums of money received to-day; a five-pound note for the Convalescent Home, offered towards raising the 250/.; smaller sums for the same object to the amount of 15; 30s. from an apprentice, confirmed this year, the fruit of no little labour freely given out of his recreation time; 5s. from a little boy, given him for finding a lady's diamond ring on the seashore, and which he wished to give for the sick children; and 10s. from a Sunday Class of Boys at S. Winwold's, Hastings, for a child's breakfast. A cheese came from Ashbourne.

July 5-At the Docks.-To-day we started green-pea soup, as a change from the winter supply. This gave great satisfaction, in proof of which our cans were emptied by a quarter-past twelve, and many had to go. without their dinner. One man was heard to exclaim, 'This makes the second day you've sold out before I could get here.' And another man, standing by, kept shouting out at the top of his voice, 'All sold except the tins !'

At Paternoster Row.-Received an order for leaflets from a clergyman in Ceylon, and a letter from a native teacher in the same island. An unknown friend writes: 'Dear Sister, I have just taken down the decorations from our Font, and I thought perhaps the moss, ferns, &c., might be useful to you in some way, and might cheer some sick people, but you will know best. GOD bless you and your work.' One of the Sisters from the Docks happened to be here, so the ferns and daisies, &c., were gladly carried off by them for the sick among whom they visit at Poplar.

A letter ordering more of our 'Old Testa

ment Aids' says :-' I think they are invaluable for Sunday-school teachers.'

A friend writing from Buenos Ayres says:-'I enclose a cheque for 61. I hardly like to specify any particular object for which it is to be used, but I would suggest that, small as the sum is, some of it should be devoted to The Banner, as Church literature is so important.'

July 8.-Two sad appeals were sent us today. One was on behalf of the child of a poor woman in one of the London hospitals, whither she had been removed from the workhouse infirmary. The one great trouble of her fast ebbing life is her baby-little Rosie-only a year and eight months old, who is in the workhouse. She is fast becoming a sickly little thing, and the poor mother's heart longs to think of her child as provided with a safe home, instead of growing up within the workhouse walls.

The other petition is for two little girls of six and eight. The father died years ago, and the mother has just followed him—after a most suffering illness from cancer-leaving twelve children dependent on charity.

Received: two very nice bundles of clothing, the produce of two working parties at Campsall and Collingham.

A clergyman writes:-'I enclose 1. for your Building Fund. I would it were more, but I have to do everything in this parish. myself. I always read Our Work with the greatest interest, and often quote it at Home Mission lectures. It brings me back to my old mission work in the East of London, where I spent seven years, and I often wish I had had such a book as Our Work then. It would have helped me greatly, and prevented many a mistake. I always say a few prayers for your work on receiving a copy of the magazine.'

July 10.-'My little daughter would very much like to have a card with the photo of the ward which the children are to build ; we think it such an excellent plan for engaging the help of children.'

Another fruitful result of a lady's 'turningout' has come to our share, consisting of old

finery (to be sold), dresses, and skirts, a long white llama cloak, socks for boys, little nightgowns, and two academical gowns one silk and the other stuff-such as were in vogue in the days of 'black-gown preaching.' We hope to make these last up for Church purposes.

Ten shillings has come from the children at Muncaster School, and one of the teachers writes for two more cards; five shillings also from a class of very small children for the Orphanage. This being the first effort these poor children have made to benefit any of their fellow-creatures, the sender requests the Secretary to send a few lines of thanks which could be read to them, to show that their little acts of self-denial are appreciated.

We have had great pleasure in sending out a large number of collecting cards. One correspondent asks for twenty! Another will take six, another four, and so on. A little girl writes:-'I should like this ten shillings I send you to be spent on the ward which is to be called the "Children's Gift." I am only just nine years old, and I have saved up all my money for the last few months, and I am so glad to do something for the sick children.'

Some children in Quebec have sent ten shillings for the Kilburn Children,' as they call our orphans, in whom they take the greatest interest, and put aside their pocketmoney gladly for their benefit.

A clergyman writes: My little children will gladly try and collect if you will send me a card or two. I am so pleased with The Banner of Faith and Our Work that I have ordered both from my bookseller, and I shall hope shortly to forward specimen copies to my brother clergy. When in London last week, I visited your City Restaurant and Book Depôt in Paternoster Row, and bought several books, and I hope to give another order before long.

We have received a very interesting letter from the missionary priest at Ramnad, South India; this is what he says of Our Work:'Perhaps it would be interesting to you to know what becomes of Our Work after I have read it. First it goes to a native priest,