who is never tired of preaching sermons about the wonderful manner (to him) in which English people get money, organise missions, and carry on their objects. I ofter hear extracts from the Secretary's Journal, translated into Tamil, read from the pulpit. He is always delighted to get Our Work. Then it goes to another missionary. After that it takes a journey of Soo miles to be read by members of the Guild of the Holy Standard. So you see it does good work even here. If we were not so wretchedly poor we would send you some money for your orphans, but that is quite impossible. However, you have our earnest, heartfelt prayers.' The same letter witnesses to the great bodily labour incurred by the missionary, owing to the vast distance he has to travel. 'Mr. W. is 3,000 miles from me, and I could get to England sooner than I could get to his mission. In India distances are considerable, but because they are so considerable and we have to do them somehow, we do not think so much of them as you in England. If you travel thirty-two miles in a train you feel you have been a long way, whilst the other day I rode twenty-three miles at one go, on horseback, and then got into a bullock-cart and did seventy, and then into a train and did 800 miles, and after all thought nothing of it. But though we think nothing of them, distances are great and truly awful in this country. You are kind enough to say you wish you knew what kind of Church papers would be welcome. If some kind soul would send me the Church Times week by week I should be more than thankful. Last year I paid for a year's subscription up to March, but this year I cannot afford it, and when it is done I shall miss it considerably, as it seems the only connecting link I have with news at home.' Address Rev. F. Matthews, S. P. G. Mission, Ramnad, South India. July 11-At S. Katharine's Restaurant. A hamper of fresh white pinks arrived to-day, and three sacks of potatoes. There having been a great increase of men on the Wapping Dock by reason of a brandy ship coming in, some of the extra hands have been rather clamorous in their eagerness to procure the much-required food. But the officials, whose ever-ready kindness and consideration for us deserve our hearty gratitude, no sooner perceived it than they ordered some barrels to be placed in front of our stall, so as to form a sort of gangway for the men. Placing a foreman at each end of the passage, the customers were made to pass through in single file, so that the greatest order prevailed, and every man was served in less than a quarter of an hour. At Poplar we visited a house to-day where the father was ill and in hospital. His wife is left with four children to do the best she can during his absence. The eldest little girl was working a machine when we entered, but in her anxiety to see if we had brought any food, she looked off her work a moment, the material slipped, and snap went the needle! 'Oh, child! there's a penny gone!' cried the mother, and immediately the poor child, who is only nine years of age, burst into a flood of tears. A penny is a very precious sum in such a home as that. The next little girl, catching sight of the soup, clung to her mother's skirts, crying and begging her in pitiful tones to give her something to eat-she was so hungry! This is by no means a solitary case. Illness and lack of work have brought many a family in Poplar to dire poverty and destitution. A lady sends 77. 16s. for the Convalescent Home. She enumerates the various quarters from whence this sum has been raised. A ten-shilling card filled by some children, another by a cook, a third by three maids, a fourth by a lady's-maid and housemaid, another partially by a Sunday class of boys and a girl milliner. I have taken the hint offered in the June Our Work, and send ten shillings which I have received as a birthday present; please use it for anything which requires most help.' Received five serge frocks, six black aprons, and a supply of underclothing, from a working-party at Dover; a superfrontal from Leicester, a complete orphan's outfit, and two large boxes containing coats, waist coats, mantles, caps, &c. Five pounds were sent as a thankoffering for restoration to health, to be reckoned among those collecting towards the 250/.; and five shillings with the words 'for a child's breakfast-will send some more soon'; from 'A wellwisher towards all poor children.' A correspondent from Surbiton writes: 'I had such a nice letter from the Lady Principal of S. Margaret's Home, Maritzburg. She said she had been looking over some numbers of Our Work, and was delighted to find that she could interest the little black girls in the "Orphanage of Mercy," and they have promised to remember these English orphans every evening in their prayers. Is not this gratifying ?' The following letter is from a clergyman. in Sussex - Dear Madam,-I am sending you four shillings-churching offerings-as a contribution, in a humble way, towards the expenses of the Convalescent Home in course of erection at Broadstairs. I am exceedingly interested in the perusal of Our Work, which is kindly sent to me every month, and I regret that local and other claims prevent me from manifesting my deep interest in the various good works undertaken, and so successfully carried on by the C.E.A., in a more substantial manner. 'I may add that I introduced The Banner of Faith into my parish, and find it much appreciated. One young mechanic said he wished it was issued weekly instead of monthly, as he was very much taken up with it. Trusting a full share of GOD's blessing may attend the C.E.A., I remain, &c.' July 12.-A large parcel of old things has come, and also one from the Shephalbury working party. The workmen have begun digging the foundation for the new wing of the Orphanage, which will give the greatly needed accommodation for a hundred more children. 'Thank you very much for sending me a card for "The Children's Gift" Ward; my little sister of eight years old has undertaken to fill it, but I should like to have another on my own account.' The new card referred to has already called forth great interest from children in many quarters, and our juvenile friends show much enthusiasm about it. We have no doubt that their zeal will give them a lifelong interest in the Ward and its little inmates, for whom they have thus generously helped to provide. A great Benefactor writes: 'I feel as if I had the privilege of a corner in your Orphanage of Mercy, and I should like also to have one in your noble work of providing for the little convalescents who so sadly need your care.' A friend says that if we will send her patterns of the articles wanted, her working party shall make them, and she will undertake all expenses of materials. 'I thank you with all my heart,' she adds, 'for opening this door of usefulness to all. It has brought forth fruit in more than one case already. Teaching them that they have something to give, makes people value their own privileges, and higher motives for helping follow.' A sale of work at Bath has brought us today a draft for sixteen pounds. All thanks to the workers and contributors! Also a collecting-card, ruled for 120 pence, was returned with 120 shillings. At Paternoster Row.-We have received a delightful sack of vegetables-fresh cabbages, spring onions, lettuces, parsley, herbs, and some late rhubarb, a great help in the Restaurant. Also another basket of flowers from the friend who has never failed to supply us weekly with them, since primrose-time began. A third present we had to-day was a large parcel of maps, school-books, &c. A number of ladies appeared at dinnertime, after the Girls' Friendly Service at S. Paul's, hoping to get luncheon here. One or two had written beforehand to ask if we could provide for them, but we were obliged to explain that our accommodation would not admit of any such arrangement, for we have no ladies' room,' and at the busy hour of noon our limited space is entirely at the service of working-men.' · This morning we served breakfast at the Row to the Bishop of Zanzibar's party, after the celebration at S. Paul's. The Bishop himself breakfasted elsewhere, much to the disappointment of our young waitresses, who had looked forward to seeing him. But we were glad to hear afterwards that the breakfast had been satisfactory to the rest of the party, and we hope that it will become a pleasant memory of their last day at home, when they are far away. 'Please send me twelve copies of "Short Prayers for Servants," writes a clergyman. 'I never saw anything I liked better for the purpose.' We are thankful to receive this commendation of our little publication. A cheque for 100l. came this morning from a very great friend. How thankful we feel for such an important addition to our Building Fund! The Haberdashers' Company sends us a donation of ten guineas. One of the clergy writes: 'You shall have an offertory for the Convalescent Home. Our parish is a large agricultural one, with only one gentleman in it, so the offertory will be small, but it will show our goodwill towards your very important work. Can you send me a hundred leaflets for the seats?' Another says 'I have fixed S. James's Day for an offertory, as a Sunday is not possible.' One hundred pairs of stockings came from the Orphanage Knitting Society, all beautifully knitted. Fancy the expense and time which these ladies save us by such a gift as this-coming every few months, as it does, most regularly! The Docks.-We have started a soup-truck, specially designed for the benefit of the unemployed. In accordance with the wishes. of the giver, it has been named 'The Don.' Its place of standing is just outside the middle gate of S. Katharine's Dock, and close to the Irongate Wharf. On its arrival, it was closely scrutinised by a group of men standing near. Poor fellows! the steaming soup and appetising-looking pudding certainly were most inviting, but to obtain either was a somewhat difficult matter, for they had had no work that morning, nor perhaps for days before. At last, after some earnest conversation, they managed to collect between them the sum of one penny halfpenny. This they laid out in a halfpennyworth of soup and a pennyworth of pudding. The catcher broke up the pudding and divided it amongst the party, and then each took a drink of the soup with evident satisfaction. When all was gone, one of them approached the truck to return the basin, saying, 'Thank ye, ma'am, that's first-rate.' An old woman guarding an orange stall opposite seemed to be surveying us somewhat jealously. Presently she covered over her oranges with a cloth, and came across carrying in her hands a quart mug. I'll just have a ha'porth of yer soup.' Having received it she forthwith began to grumble out, 'Call that a ha'portlı, do yer?' C With that she took it round to all the men, but finding no one to second her opinion, tried some neighbours within doors, with the same result. Then it evidently struck her she might as well taste the soup, and, finding it not so bad, she drained it at a draught. Once more trotting back to the stall, she said: 'I've come back to tell yer your soup's very good. I liked it, and I wish yer good luck. You'll do well after a bit, if yer'll have patience at starting; and in the winter yer'll get a real good trade.' One of the fortunate possessors of a piece of pudding turned round and said: 'Why, Kitty, ye look better already for it. You can eat a piece of pudding now, can't ye?' Nothing loth, she accepted the offer, then remarked: That ain't so bad, neither !' More customers at our new stall. One observed to-day: 'So this belongs to the same party as takes soup on the Docks. I used to work there afore you come; and it was cruel, I can tell you, to work all day with nothing to eat. It is true they used to bring in some stale saveloys, but, as often as not, one 'ad to throw 'em away. Your's is a true Christian act.' One man having bought a piece of pudding, went straight into a public-house, and in a few minutes returned with a party of his mates. 'I've been to show 'em how they can lay out their penny better than spending it on beer,' he said confidentially. Another remarked: 'Well, now, this is just what's wanted. Work's bad, and we don't get it reg'lar. We're often very poor, so we likes to lay out any money, when we has it, to the best advantage. It's nothing to us to go two or three days without dinner. There's only one cookshop here, and their meat puddings are 6d., so we often spend our penny on a drop of beer, for want of something else.' The Church Extension Library. ITS OBJECTS AND PROPOSED ENLARGEMENT. T is possible that in a large and widespread Society like the C. E. A., some of its branches may be almost unknown in their working to a great number of the members, and we fancy there are many hundreds to whom the idea of 'The Library' conveys not the slightest meaning. Often it is thought to be a mere parochial institution, perhaps for Kilburn itself; whereas one of the most valuable points in our beloved Society, with its 2,000 actual members, scattered all over England, &c., is its adherence to the comprehensive motto'Pro Ecclesia Dei.' We desire to work for the Church at large, whether in England or the Colonies, and to take up no painfully narrow geographical idea, or any merely local work. So with our Literary Branch. It began in a very humble way ten years ago, being first founded to meet an often expressed wish of those living in country parishes who cannot obtain access to helpful religious books, and of many others who cannot afford to buy such for themselves. Of course the ordinary Circulating Libraries' contain very little sound Church literature, though they give us plenty of scientific works and fiction-both valuable in their way, but not supplying the higher needs of the soul. Often do we hear people say how thankfully they would read valuable devotional and ecclesiastical works, both for help in their own spiritual life, and for the sake of teaching others, but that they do not know where to borrow them. 'The Church Extension Library' is now humbly endeavouring to fulfil this widespread wish among the present generation of earnest members of the Church, many of whom are but just waking up with joy to the real knowledge of what it is to be a member of the Holy Catholic Church and of the Communion of Saints, and who feel the need of being built up' in their most holy faith! 6 The plan adopted is very simple, encumbered with few rules, and has been found to work well. A considerable number of members have joined together in placing their own theological works at the disposal of the Society. They freely send them by post whenever asked for. All subscribers receive them post free, and change them as frequently as they may desire, on sending a post-card to the Honorary Librarian. All are provided with lists of the works in circulation, those already catalogued numbering 1,000 volumes. Other titles are now ready for a supplemental catalogue. The yearly subscription is very low, 2s. 6d. for C. E. A. members, and 5s. for non-members. This has been done intentionally, in order to place the books within the reach of all. Any surplus, after the expenses of postage are paid, goes to the purchase of additional works, though the amount is necessarily small at present. We now feel that the usefulness of this branch might be very greatly increased, if many more of our members would be generous enough to lend their own books, and allow them to be placed at once on the supplemental catalogue, thereby conferring a very great boon on those who could never otherwise have a chance of seeing them. Surely books should be one of our least selfish possessions; for the beautiful thoughts of other minds which have helped ourselves may very justly be sent forth to do the same good office for our brethren. And if some who cannot comply with this suggestion would send small donations towards the purchase of new books, we should gradually be enabled to enlarge our library. Sunday-school teachers, the holders of classes, and managers of guilds, &c., who need instruction in dogmatic truth, are very glad to borrow catechetical and devotional books to help them in preparing lessons. Such work is often very arduous to those who have little leisure, and who yet feel the true missionary longing to impart to others the Faith that has blessed their own souls so abundantly. There is another large section of society, too, which stands in urgent need of help at a very important crisis in their lives, and for whom we fear it is seldom provided-viz. the poorer clergy. This is especially the case at the time of their ordination, either to the Diaconate or the Priesthood. Expensive and standard theological works are very properly required, by the bishops' examining chaplains, to be closely studied, and the poorer curates are often very hard pressed to obtain them; in fact, their price is a most serious difficulty in many cases, and at a time when other heavy expenses are necessarily incurred. Yet these books are an absolute sine qua non, without the hard study of which many candidates for ordination would be summarily rejected; and it therefore seems a most legitimate branch of help for any 'Church Extension Library' to take up. A certain set of standard works are probably used in most dioceses, and a supply of these on our shelves, we have reason to know, would be an invaluable boon to many preparing for ordination. Will some of our ever-liberal members, then, enable us in this way to help those whose after-teaching will be of such deep importance to the future members of the Anglican Church? A generous response to this appeal would enable us to do something substantially useful in this direction; and, with the 20,000 copies now circulated of Our Work, such a source of aid would soon become widely known to the clergy themselves. May we remind our readers of the well-known saying of the saintly Bishop of Geneva-S. Francis de Sâles: He who lends or gives a spiritual book does a work acceptable with God. In this day of blasphemy and rebuke, does it not become a very serious duty for those who have enlisted themselves under the great banner of Christ and of His Church, to provide what antidotes they can against the flood of poisonous literature that meets us on all sides. The children of this world are very 'wise in their generation,' as the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field, so we must meet falsehood and distorted truths with that whole glorious Faith 'Once for all delivered to the saints.' We must give the uninstructed a 'reason for the hope that is in them,' a logical knowledge of the great deposit of truth, and instil a personal devotion. to the Incarnate Son of GOD as the foundation and essence of all true and righteous belief. 'Yea, hath God said?' is the old evil suggestion; and thousands now make shipwreck of the faith by seeking after philosophies, falsely so called, while denying the LORD that bought them. In these days, the good old habit of intellectual submission to the teaching of the Catholic Church has so far died out with many, that they only crave for something new, and in their fear to be thought illiberal they are blown about with every wind of doctrine. One of our deepest modern poets has said most truly Yet, behold! behold the world of books is still the world, And worldlings in it less merciful though more puissant. Every knife that strikes is edged with elemental fire to assail a spiritual life. The beautiful seems right by force of beauty, |
