The one house contains play-room and second sitting-room on either side the entrance; a day nursery and two or three bedrooms above; a kitchen and diningroom for fifty below. In the adjoining house we found a very nicely fitted up small chapel, dormitories well lined with little beds on the higher floors, and an airing-room for linen and a second dining-room below stairs. The rooms are sadly small for the purpose, and it is evident that space is greatly needed; but what there is is made the most of, and plenty of pictures, flowers, &c., make the dwelling very bright and home-like.

I had just time to inspect the various apartments and to partake of some tea, which was invitingly laid out in the playroom, when the clock warned us it was time to retrace our steps to the station for the evening train, and soon after dusk we were again in busy London. The day had been one which, with its bright sunshine, its successful arrangements, its hearty services, solemn invocations, and fervent intercessions, its eventful ceremony, its gathering in one common interest noble and simple, clergy and laity, sisters of charity and secular workers, orphans and children, seemed to augur happily for the future of S. Mary's Home. May it prove, indeed, to have been full of good promise for the

morrow!

It fell to the lot of the present writer, some ten summers ago, to visit Broadstairs when the little seed was first sown out of which has germinated the present grand enterprise, and to be then welcomed into the little cottage lodging which the Sisters had hired as a first experiment. That cottage contained what was then the whole community-viz., four Sisters, with seven little gutter girls from the slums of Lisson Grove, whom they had selected as worthy objects from their ragged Sunday-schools. No orphans had they then; no servants, and no industrial-girls to supply the place of cooks and housemaids. Very little attention did they attract from the residents in Broadstairs, beyond the notice which a passer-by on the shore would

bestow on the seven little bony-legged children who paddled and careered about upon the sands.

One would not have dreamt in those early days that, within a few minutes' walk from that first tiny settlement, would be procured and purchased in a few years' time so noble and extensive a site for the erection of a building so grand in its design, so expansive in its object !

In view of such a retrospect do not the words seem verified, 'A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation'? And may we not take courage to have faith and patience, trusting that in the providence of GOD this holy work shall be brought to a happy consummation?

And yet we know it must be a 'faith that worketh,' and a patience that is not content to sit idly still! While, therefore, we wish all success to the Community into whose hearts GOD has put it to found and to organise this Children's Home, let us from with. out lend a willing hand, and with our money, our influence, and our efforts do all in our power towards raising the needful funds, the anxious burden of which must rest so heavily on those more immediately responsible for them. C. W.

Our Fournal.

By the SECRETARY. JULY 12.-Some days ago a party of twenty-six of our elder girls went for a day's excursion to S. The invitation had been one of long standing, and therefore much had been thought of this day in anticipation. The lady to whose house they had been asked gives them a yearly treat, and generally it has been the younger division of orphans who have been the lucky ones, but this time the servants' of our Home received a special invitation. No difficulty was found in getting through all the housemaids' work, the cleaning, and the cooking

by a very early hour, and then, in all their best attire, they met in the hall.

They were soon conveyed, by underground railway, to Liverpool Street, where they had half an hour to wait, and during that time a group of mechanics, who had been watching the girls with great interest, made a collection for them, and brought a handful of pence to the Sister in charge, saying, 'Please, ma'am, accept these coppers for those young 'uns; I think there will be a penny apiece.'

Arrived at the end of their railway journey, they had some distance to walk to the lady's house, and on their way were overtaken by a large waggonette and pair, the driver of which was very anxious that they should avail themselves of his carriage. On being told that they were too poor to afford the drive, he said that they must get in all the same, as he intended to take them for nothing. When they arrived, Mrs. Ccame out to pay him, but he said, 'Oh no, ma'am, I promised to take them for nothing, and so I means to.' This long day was only too short for the children's enjoyment, but we think their kind hostess must have been not sorry when her exertions for their amusement were ended, and the time came to say good-bye. The weather was perfect for the occasion, and all went off most merrily.

Two servants have sent nine aprons for the little waitresses at the Docks, made by them on Friday evenings while Our Work is read aloud to them. "They take great interest in all the work of the Society,' writes their mistress.

Ten pounds of tea sent by a friend, a hamper of vegetables, some cherries and gooseberries.

'Will you please send me eight cards for the Free Breakfast Fund, as, after talking to my school children this morning about your work, and telling them how they too could bring poor wandering sheep into CHRIST'S fold, five girls and three boys came forward and asked for cards. May a blessing attend their efforts to help on the noble work you are carrying on.'

July 14. One of my parishioners,' writes

a clergyman, 'has, on the occasion of the birth of his child, given me a guinea to be expended in whatever way I think best. As I think it would be most suitably applied to some children's charity, will you kindly accept it on behalf of the Children's Free Breakfast Fund?' Two sisters also enclosed 10s. to provide some poor little ragged child with a breakfast. A dozen small blankets which have only been washed once have arrived. Some petticoats and under garments were brought by the young ladies of a school in Hendon, made by them in their leisure hours. The C. E. A. Needlework Society contributes 232 articles. Mrs. H―, in forwarding them, says: 'Fears have been expressed that you will be rather overpowered by the number of pinafores ;' but, with so many little wearers to provide for, we can assure our kind helpers that this is not at all the case. One of the bundles was marked, 'From a chronic invalid.' Two welcome contributions of 10l. and 10s. have been received, the former to be spent on a holiday excursion for poor women, the latter to be given to the Children's Free Breakfast Fund. Other sums of 57. and 4s. 6d. are gratefully acknowledged.

A correspondent says: If your van will call at my house I think I have a good many things which will prove useful in your labour of love.'

July 15.-A clergyman says that if we will send some collecting-cards he will disperse them among his friends, adding, 'No project could have deeper sympathy from me than one so truly beneficial to the lambs of CHRIST'S flock.'

'I have been lending Our Work in the kitchen, and this morning my cook tells me she feels so much interested in the Convalescent Home that she should like to give 5s. towards the Building Fund, and my little boy is collecting farthings for the Children's Ward.'

Several most kind letters from the clergy received. One writes that he accounts it a privilege to join as an Associate Priest, and promises to subscribe 17. 1s. annually.

Several donations came for our school

treats, and sums mounting up to 25%. 10s. for the Building Fund. Two quarterly payments for orphans, and 47. for the Breakfast Fund, with 57. for the Mission near the West Indian Dock.

The Daventry Working Party sends a parcel containing most useful things.

Five shillings towards the General Fund received, also a set of artificial teeth.

Another request is for a dozen penny collecting-cards for the Convalescent Home.

'I am glad to say,' a correspondent writes, 'that I believe our Vicar intends to ask our children at the children's service to give their alms to the C. E. A., once a quarter.'

July 17.-The Knitting Society have again forwarded their quarterly contribution of stockings for the Orphanage. These ladies are indefatigable in their exertions.

A box came containing an Indian outfit, with the basket and cradle of a baby who had died with its mother. These sad relics were sent by their English friends in the hope that we should make them useful.

A lady, writing from Harrogate, says :I have just ordered a copy of Our Work to be sent to the superintendent of the public baths, who has promised to place it on the tables of the waiting-rooms.'

A contribution of 10s. for one of the baths came from a correspondent, who says she well knows the great pleasure and benefit of sea-bathing, and would like to help others to enjoy it also.

July 18.-The following gifts have come to hand to-day-10s. for treats to orphans, an iron bedstead, bedding, one pair blankets, two pair sheets and a counterpane for Convalescent Home; 57. for any purpose preferred; 27. for the Poplar Mission; 17. for proposed sea-water bath; and 5s. donation to the Children's Convalescent Home.

A kind friend promises to distribute Our Work, another asks for collecting-cards 'for the 'Children's Gift.'

A large parcel has arrived from the Melksham Mission workers, with many useful garments made at their monthly meetings; another from the Garstang Guild. Two

boxes came from some old people who meet in a cottage while a lady reads to them: she proposed that they should utilise this time. by knitting, &c., for our Home, which they undertook to do with great zeal.

Two sisters, after a visit to Broadstairs, expressed their interest in all they saw and heard, both at the Temporary Convalescent Home, and at the site of the new one.

In answer to the notice in Our Work that even disused finery is acceptable, we have received a package containing a dress and some flowers.

A Post-office order for 10s. towards 'The Church Sunday School Union' was sent us to-day. Also 2s. 6d. from a reader of the Banner of Faith.

A request is sent that we will allow our van to call at a friend's house for old newspapers, dresses, and boots. The following is encouraging :

'I think your Orphanage is beautifully arranged and the children all look so well. and happy. I often look back with pleasure to the day spent at Kilburn. I enclose 5s. for the extension of the Orphanage.'

One writer asks if disused gentleman's clothing is of use to us? To which we answer that we should receive it most gratefully.

45., 55., 2s. 6d., 10s., 25., Is., il. 1s., and IS. 6d., have been sent for the Convalescent Home.

The following is from a clergyman's wife

'I will certainly with pleasure do my best to get your card filled for the Convalescent Home. I have been much interested in the publication Our Work which you have sent for some time, and should like to subscribe to it. I have wondered who sent it, and have feared each month lest it should not arrive. We think (my husband and I) that we might be able to give the proceeds of a concert next winter to the Home, which will be better than an offertory, for that does not amount to much in a country village.'

A country parson encloses 2s. 6d. from

himself and 2s. 6d. from his wife in aid of the good work.

Church Sunday-School Union, 6 Paternoster Row.-A native teacher writes from Ceylon, pleading for help for his schools. He says: 'If you will be pleased to send some books either from the Church SundaySchool Union, or from some clergyman or other Christian gentleman, kindly give them over to the Lord Bishop, who is now in England.'

Another letter says: "Will you kindly send me the first of the Old Testament Lesson Notes? I have lost this one, and I value the series so much that I wish to have it complete. I consider they contain the best instruction for the purpose I ever came across-in fact, are most valuable.' Such commendation of our helps to Bible teaching is, indeed, most gratifying, as showing that our Sunday-School Depôt is supplying spiritual needs that are much felt.

A friend who has most kindly helped us with the correspondence and accounts here for some time past, and is soon about to leave town, has written-enclosing 17. 15., and hoping that his gift may help to defray the expenses of a more professional clerk.'

For 'washing-up' at our Workinen's Restaurants we require a large quantity of cloths, and with constant use they are soon worn out; so we greatly welcomed this week two thoughtful presents of seven dozen new ones, of various patterns, which will set us up for some time to come in that department.

A couple of cheeses arrived, one of which was forwarded to S. Katharine's.

Welcome anonymous hampers of fruit and vegetables have diminished our greengrocer's bill in a very satisfactory manner.

July 21.-A country choir from Suffolk came to tea after a long day's sightseeing. We were much pleased by the kind satisfaction expressed by the clergyman who brought them at all the arrangements, and were especially amused and gratified at hearing the milk commented upon for its creamy, country appearance. He ended by saying that hardly a Sunday passed in which he and hist

family did not think and speak about our work.

A lady from the Cape thus kindly writes: -'I enclose 10s. as my mite towards the Building Fund of the Convalescent Home. In our Sunday-School I have a class of little coloured children, and I should be very grateful if you could spare me a few pictures of the most familiar New Testament subjects, as I find it easier to teach them that way than any other.

'I hope you won't find me troublesome. I am trying to interest several people in your good work by lending them my magazines, and hope by Christmas-time to be able to send you another small donation. You have my constant prayers for your success in all your works.'

July 22.-A poor girl sent a beautifully embroidered handkerchief; she said she had long been trying to make up 10s. for a poor child's breakfast, but had not succeeded; would we sell the handkerchief and allow the profits to be devoted to this fund?

A lady who keeps a school sent for a dozen cards, that each of her girls might return with one she had filled in the holidays.

The lady's-maid who now for several years has collected for the poor people's dinners at Christmas, and in summer for our orphan's trip to Broadstairs, brought 4. 10s. this morning.

The Infant School children at Ringmer sent 57. 10s.

This morning we had letters from a husband wishing to build a small ward in memory of his young bride, and a lady in memory of her husband. The latter adds,

'I should like his name to be remembered by your orphans and convalescents at Broadstairs.' There are many to whom it would be a satisfaction thus to connect the name and memory of their dear lost ones with some good work for the living; and though the cost of a ward may exceed the means of many, they might be able to afford the annual sum necessary to endow a free cot-viz., about 25%.

We insert the following little incident for

the children of the Guild of the Guardian Angels; it was told us by the Mother :-A little girl, herself ill, begged for a card to help the poor sick children, but being upstairs in bed she had few chances of earning or getting money to fill it. During her attacks of bronchitis, she was obliged to wear poultices for days and days together, and this made her poor little tender skin so sore and irritable that often it was a work of difficulty to change the poultice without many tears being shed. Some one happily suggested that for every poultice that was applied without a tear, she should have a penny for her card. Henceforward these remedies became a source of pleasure rather than pain, and with much delight she filled her card and transmitted the IOS.

Seven pounds ten shillings, the proceeds of a small sale of work, and 12s. from the same industrious helper, came this morning; also one pound five shillings, the offertory from the Churches of Carleton Forhoe and Crownthorpe. A little boy wishes very much for some children's cards to fill up. He is saving his pennies for them.

A clergyman writes: 'I shall be very glad to become one of your Associate Priests, and to help your good work. I am going next week to Westgate, and shall hope to see your children at Broadstairs.'

Fuly 22.-At the Docks.-Our friends from the country have been so kind in sending us fruit and vegetables that we have not had any to buy this week. This is an immense boon to us, as this cold summer everything is exceptionally dear about here. We have, unfortunately, been unable to acknowledge several hampers, as there was no address given. The excellent broad beans are highly approved by our customers.

July 26.- When the van is coming down this way, would you ask them to call for an old carpet and a few odds and ends.'

'Could you send the van on Friday morning for two sacks of potatoes and some old clothes?'

'Would you think it worth while to send your cart here for some plants, geraniums,

&c.? I am afraid they are hardly worth accepting, but they are still flowering and may be welcome. We have also some old chairs we would send, which would require mending, but might be of use.'

Such inquiries as the above we gladly answer in the affirmative, for a system of fetching and carrying from the houses of our friends is regularly organised, and we would gladly know of other doors at which to call on the same errand.

At Poplar.-One of the Sisters, calling on an old woman who was confirmed last Sunday, found her crying with pain in her leg. 'It's been wuss again,' she said. 'I think getting in and out of the chair that I was took to church in strained it a bit. But there, I don't mind; I'm that happy, and I do thank God for sending the Sisters to me.' The same old friend made her first Communion a week later, and to the Sister who visited her afterwards she thus expressed her feelings 'Oh, Sister, it was beautiful; it was just like angels !'

Here are some of the humorous sayings of our customers on Tower Hill :-'Let's have a penn'orth o' your soup, miss.' 'What, you?' cries a comrade standing by. 'Yes, I've 'eard so much talk about it that I've come to see for myself.' 'Don't you give him too much, miss; he'll only find fault." 'I reckon I don't, now; and a ha'porth of pudding too, please.' After demolishing them They ain't bad tackle, either of them.'

One man bought 3d. worth of pudding for his little ones; another secured 2d. worth for his wife, remarking as he took it 'My missus'll wonder what I've got, for I'm taking home more than I brought away.'

August 1.-Contributions amounting to 33. came for the Convalescent Home, 40/. for the extension of the Orphanage, 31. for the General Fund, and an application to receive five poor children into the Orphanage. The case is as follows:-A poor widow, aged forty-one, died a few weeks back, leaving five children between the ages of thirteen and two. She had been a strong,