Children's Departraent.

For the Advocate and Guardian.

TO THE CHILDREN.

DEAR CHILDREN-You've heard it said that a tree is known by its fruit, that men never expect to gather grapes from thorns nor figs from thistles. We are going to place before. you the fruit of one of our Industrial schools, and you shall judge whether it be good or bad.

One of the scholars was going, for a while, to the home of a kind family in the country. When her fellow pupils heard of it, they said to the teacher," We love her and want to give her, something." She told them that those who wished could each bring to her a penny for the purpose. Just one hundred pennies were brought. The teacher proposed to add a little to it; but no, they said they wanted to give her something all by themselves. According to their teacher's advice, they bought a neat satchel, and of their own accord brought also little books that had been given them in Sunday-school. Maggie didn't know a word about all this, and when she came in the last day she was to be in school, and they presented the things to her, her eyes filled with tears, and she couldn't. say a word. Three of the girls wrote a note to accompany their gift, which I copy below. They did not have any assistance from any

one.

"Dear Maggie-We are sorry that you are going away, and we give you this bag, to show how much we love you. It is a present from our School. We hope you will have a good home in the country. We hope you will be a good girl. Remember God sees you, you must mind the lady, and do all that she tells you to do. We hope you will like working in the country, milking the cows. We will pray for: but you, must pray for yourself, that God will help you to be good as long as you live. When you are there remember your teacher and schoolmates. Good-by.

you

From your Schoolmates"

For the Advocate and Guardian, MINISTERING CHILDREN."

A MORE beautiful play-room could not be found than Aunt Mary's apple orchard, at the season when, every brown twig ends in a cluster of sweet flowers. There were gnarled roots of trees, with soft cushions of bright grass, and many crevices in the rough bark which served as closets for the doll-wardrobe.

It was the holiday time of Saturday after noon,, the children could see from the low, crooked branch of an old tree the silvery milk pans glittering in the spring sunlight and the white threshold of the kitchen-door. It seemed to be a time when everything was preparing for the stillness and beauty of

a country Sabbath. In Aunt Mary's store room were rows of fresh pies and cakes, and goodly loaves of white bread. The children's uncle watched their play from the porch, although he was apparently absorbed in his

paper.

Little Daisy, in her long-sleeved gingham apron, with her smooth, chestnut hair, and soft eyes, was showing her friend, a delicate, town-bred child, whose pale face and hair made her seem very frail, the mysteries of country playthings. Daisy held golden buttercups under Lily's chin to see if the yellow glow would be reflected on the blueveined surface. The little girls had a tea party, where the dolls drank tea from acorn saucers, sometimes a shower of apple blossoms fell in their laps, and on their shining hair. A noisy bee flew by, his legs yellow with flower-dust, a scent of new mown hay swept

over the orchard.

"We will pretend that an old blind woman lives here," said Daisy, knocking resolutely at the door, which strongly resembled a tree trunk.. "Come in, my little dear," continued Daisy in a high key. So the children sat down under the pink tree, while Daisy opened her basket and began to take out the materials for an imaginary dinner, flakes of buttercups for pats of butter, dried clover tops for tea, and sparkling little pebbles for lumps of sugar. Here, Chloe," said Daisy, "is something for the new week.; now I will read you this nice book," so the child, with the light on her face of real faith and love, read scraps of verses and hymns from her little store until Lily thought the play was becoming very solemn.

While the children were busy with their mimic world, Lily's sister came to the door, and looked out on the scene. This young girl had silky hair brushed from her temples, revealing the pretty features and lustrous eyes, the soft tint of her dress contrasted well with her white throat and wrists. The old uncle looked up and smiled on the fair girl in in the dark door way. Presently an old woman, bent and trembling, came slowly over the grass gay with dandelions. She opened the gate and approached the side door where Lily's sister was still standing. The uncle could not hear the poor woman's request, but he saw a haughty look curl her pretty lip, as she turned. scornfully away. This look pierced the old uncle's soul. Was not this poor woman a friend of the Lord Jesus, an heir of glory everlasting? In his kindest manner Lily's uncle bade the woman enter while he

Was not this

sought Aunt Mary, who knew how to help every sorrowful heart. The poor woman wore a faded gown and a broken straw bonnet, there was nothing attractive in her appearance to those who could not read in her meek face the marks of the Lord Jesus. Aunt Mary had the beautiful grace of real sympathy, every one felt that a friend was coming when they saw that plain dress and simple white cap. The errand was soon made known, a letter to the wounded soldier in a distant hospital was written, with many tender and persuasive words, and the money earned by the poor mother enclosed.

Daisy had been adopted by Aunt Mary,, from her infancy, it was her earnest study to make this little one a "ministering child." The lessons of doing for others, of "giving, hoping for nothing again," came down like showers on the mown grass. Lily and her sister had been cared for by their mother in a very different way, she was anxious that their health should be preserved, their bodies beautifully clothed, their forms made graceful and attractive, she had never longed to have them become "ministering children" unto the poor and needy. Little Daisy knew very well the paths leading to lonely homes, and many winning arts for lightening heavy burdens.

It was a pretty sight in the Saturday twi light to watch little Daisy and her aunt as they left the farm-house, with baskets and parcels. At one place Daisy stopped to leave a few pansies and buds for a woman who had no garden border; then they gave a bonnet newly trimmed to a Sunday-school child. Aunt Mary had pleasant, friendly words for every soul. So carefully had this love of caring for others been woven into her education that Daisy knew from child hood by real experience that it is more blessed to give than to receive."

แ

Aunt Mary's charities were not confined to giving merely physical comforts, it was her aim to be of service to every one she met on her way home. Daisy was often sent alone to carry fruit or flowers to an in valid, she read to the blind woman at the end of the lane, sometimes she picked bowls of crimson raspberries for a poorer neighbor. Even a child is known by his doings, from their earliest years they will show whether they are selfish and careless, or ready to place their feet in the steps of their Lord and Saviour.

Ministering children! how pleased is He who was once a holy child, when He watches these little rays of light on earth, little hands carrying blessings, little feet glad to run in the way of His commands, little voices trained to speak loving words to those who are faint and weary, little souls preparing, though love divine, to minister evermore in His presence. How many little ones will join this band of "ministering children on earth, in heaven?

"I love them them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."

adopted by the prominent religious bodies of our country, at their recent annual convocations.

The noble declaration of sentiment uttered by the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the prompt action taken relative to slaveholding-destined soon to banish it utterly from all the churches within its bounds-is an advance in the right direction that could not have been effected four years since.

The expression given by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church-Old School is equally indicative of progress. In reference to this topic their report says:

"We have all much to confess and lament as to our shortcomings in this respect. It is our judgment that the recent events of our history and the present condition of our church and country, furnish manifest tokens that the time has at length come, in the Providence of God, when it is His will that every vestige of human slavery among us should be effaced, and

that every Christian man should address himself with industry and earnestness to his appropriate part in the performance of this great duty. Those who were most deeply interested in the perpetuation of slavery, have taken away every motive for its further toleration, and have rendered its continuance incompatible with the preservation of our own liberty and independence."

Is not this a testimony from the high places of responsibility and influence, show. ing that conscience has at length been fully aroused from its long lethargy, and that "truth is mighty and must prevail."

Simultaneously with these unanimous expressions not only by those named but other prominent religious bodies, comes another sign of the times equally full of promise for good. A new spirit of home-missions and true Christian philanthropy seems to be awakened throughout the churches-a desire to make sacrifices for the temporal and spiritual good of the army, to carry to the freed men the knowledge of the truth, impart to them principles that shall make their freedom a blessing, by fitting them for its rightful use, is everywhere manifest.

These certainly are among the signs of the times that look like preparatory steps for right action on a larger scale when victory shall crown the right. But, oh, how vast the work to be done! How great

"The moral conflicts with the crime
And folly of an evil time,"

yet to be waged by the good and the true! "Who is sufficient for these things."

THE DRESS QUESTION.

WHAT, at the present crisis, is the duty of women with regard to dress-is a question to which the attention of the women of this city

has for the first time been specially called. A meeting composed of some 2500 women was recently held at the Cooper Institute to consider this question, and addressed by gentlemen of eminent ability. A pledge was proposed and adopted-with some modifications to which many hundreds of signatures

have since been attached.

If abstaining from the use of foreign luxu ries will tend to diminish the price of gold, this surely affords a reason why it should be done. If the country can be aided in its momentous struggle with hydra-headed wrong, by any possible retrenchment and self-denial on the part of woman, surely all, as one, should be ready for the effort.

For the past three years, our brothers, fathers, husbands and sons have been voluntary exiles from home and kindred, exposed to all the horrors, perils and suffering of the battle-field, the camp, and the loathsome prison-house, to save to us peaceful habitations, and a country with its cherished institutions

what have they not endured and suffered ! While woman's part has been but to minis ter, sympathize, prepare supplies, "wait and pray, pray and wait," bear suspense and bereavement, the loneliness and desolation caused by withered hopes and the utter There are wreck of the heart's wealth. many instances where she has in this manifested a Christian heroism, seldom-if eversurpassed.

And yet we are assured that the women of the North have scarce begun to make sacrifices, compared with those which the loyal women of the South have been called to endure. Verily we are a nation of mourn. ers, a voice of weeping has come up in all our borders, thousands all abroad wear the badge of their sorrow, and if there was ever a time when a large measure of outward adorning on the part of woman savors specially of impropriety and bad taste, that time is

now.

"A speaker at a late public meeting stated that among our hardy and enduring veterans on the Potomac, nothing so wrung their hearts or so nearly drew tears from their eyes, as the fact that we at the North are living, spending, dressing, enjoying ourselves very much as if there were no war in the country."

The deep meaning of the precept "Remember those that are in bonds as bound with them, and those that suffer affliction as being yourselves also in the body," is borne on every breeze, and we think few, who duly consider its claims will be disposed to pamper pride, vanity and selfishness, forgetting

that the influence of their example may not only promote heartlessness in others, but may help to lead the young and thoughtless

"Down to those dread abysses where

Both soul and body die."

We could wish that this dress movement, beginning as it has among the elite of society, may be pursued with the right motive, and go forward till its mission is accomplished. Let it advance till plain, modest apparelshorn of the yards that too often trail in dust, indicating lack of good sense, womanly neatness, and want of conscience in the wearer-shall become the acknowledged style, meriting and receiving the commendation that shall place its opposite among the antiquities of the dark ages.

A stated correspondent sends us the fol lowing good article on this topic:

RETRENCHMENT.

We know not for what reason it is, we only

know the fact, that women have been called upon to hold meetings and practice retrenchment, while men have had no such appeal made to them.

The whole subject has been fairly opened for discussion, and as usual, all do not agree. One pledge adopted, is this: "For three years, or during the war, we pledge ourselves to use no imported article of dress." Another reads thus: "We, the undersigned, during the continuance of this war of rebellion, pledge ourselves to refrain from the use of imported articles of luxury when those of home manufacture can be substituted." Some pledges specify articles, some do not; but all point to lessened importations and to economy of expenditure.

Various objections to these are raised. It is said that it would not be wise to cut off all importations, as that would cut off also a large portion of the revenue of the country, which is paid in gold. Again, it is said that the working classes abroad have been favorably disposed toward us of the North, and that this refusal to use imported articles, which they manufacture, might be used by designing men as an argument against us. Again, it is said that our manufacturers are making enormous profits and enriching themselves at present prices, and that we have no call to put ourselves to inconvenience and wear articles which do not suit us, that we may enrich them. Again, there are differences of opinion as to how much we should deny ourselves. A stringent pledge, like the first, cuts off all articles of certain kinds, some of which have become almost a necessity to us. To be sure, they do without them at the South, but it is because they cannot procure them. They literally "make a virtue of necessity."

We ask, What shall we do? and most of us are ready to do what is right and best, if we can decide what that is. Sumptuary laws are

impossible. Nobody can fix a standard; what
is simplicity to one is the height of extrava-
gance to another. No woman can set herself
up as a standard, though we have heard some
try. "Look at me," said one,
(C every article
I have on is American, and yet I can dress as
nicely as any one." I looked at her, and only
remember: a confused general impression of
flowers, and streamers, and furbelows of all
colors. I might look,, but I could not copy.

"I want to see every one dressed in uniform," said another; "all wear dresses like mine;" and she held up a thick, dingy, muddylooking worsted material, very good in its place, but, as a matter of taste-well-we could not agree with her that was all!

No, the object of the movement is to dimin ish importations, so that, we shall not be sending so much gold out of the country, and to promote care and economy in expenditure. And this by no means in dress alone. The only rule that can be given is that of the apostle, on another point, "Let every one be fully persuaded in his own mind." We have been a lavish, an extravagant, a wasteful people; lavish in expenditure, extravagant in dress and equipage, wasteful in food and luxuries. Those who have not been so can plead, "not guilty;" as a people, we are so. The enormous sums spent in foreign wines, cigars and imported articles of food, have been more than wasted, in the havoc those things have made with health and life. While a silk. dress hangs up innocently in the wardrobe, these luxuries have been doing positive mischief.

The reform should be sweeping, and the

resolution should be both with men and women, that as patriots and as Christians we must bring conscience to bear upon our expenditures, and live more plainly, dress more plainly, do more for our country and less for ourselves. Many have been practicing upon this rule already; but, as we too well know, others have not, and most of us know those whose heads have been fairly turned by the sudden influx of money in sums larger than they ever dreamed of possessing. Perhaps they must run their race of folly, but it is within our power, as a people, to become more wise, thoughtful and careful.

WORDS OF WARNING.

V.

FOR thousands of years has good combatted evil, and yet is the latter far from vanquished. Shall those who seek first the kingdom of God. and His righteousness, therefore, give up the contest? No, no, let them rather pray God to give them faith and patience and success in their labors. Let them strive to draw out those who have already fallen into some pit of destruction, and meair+ while lift up voices of warning that shall turn aside the thoughtless and pleasure-loving from the paths of danger.

e

She was shown at last to an inner room. from which she found there was no possibility of escape. Her ruin was sought, but her tears, her entreaties, her prayers, her innocence, at last wrought her deliverance. Do you think she did not learn, then and there, the deep meaning of the prayer," Lend us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ?"

Speaking of one of the so-called hotels on Broadway, a man said, "If any one should invite my sister to go there, I would shoot him." แ

Why?" "Because I should know he meant to ruin her. Many an innocent, but thoughtless girl has there lost her fair fame. Drugged wine is offered her, which

she foolishly accepts, and she comes forth from that den of iniquity with blasted reputation. With such, houses of like character' are replenished."

A teacher in a boarding-school led astray one of his pupils and when. the evidence of their misdeeds was growing unmistakable, compelled her by threats to sign a paper pledging herself not to reveal the partner of her guilt. In the ears of all such we would whisper, "Be sure your sin will find you out."

A young lady was passing a house one day when she saw a woman apparently fainting. She sprang to aid her, helped her into the house, when the door was suddenly barred, and she detained against her will and entreat ies for release. The woman who "fainted " had often seen this lovely and graceful girl. pass, and used the above-named artifice to ensnare her.

A man who counts his dollars by hundreds of thousands, under promise of marriage, wove toils about a lovely orplan girl,, from which she knew not how to escape: Year. after year he kept her in his power; despite the goadings of her conscience, ever promising, never fulfilling his promise to make her his lawful wife. For him she sinned, for him she suffered, and at last he spurned her from him as a worthless thing.

We have been narrating facts of recent occurrence, and we hope some, whose feet stand on "slippery places," may, warned by them, turn back ere it be too late, ere they learn from their own experience that "the. way of the transgressor is hard."

And, fathers and mothers, whose children are these men and women who are thus prey lng upon the best interests of society? Are any of them yours? Perhaps, young and guileless, yours still nestle in your arms, gentle and loving. So teach and train, them by precept and example; to do only that which is "lovely and pure and of good report," that you need never blush for them.

There are parents who for weary months and years have lost all traces of their erring ones, who grew weary of restraint and broke away from it.

Shall we tell where some of these may be found? Here is a Sunday paper. Half of one column you see is taken up with advertisements, like this: "Comfortable rooms, especially for ladies, **** and their infants adopted out to good homes." Do good and happy wives and mothers sustain such "infant nurseries?" You could not bribe them to part with their darling babes. Are poor mothers driven to them by dire necessi

EXTRACTS FROM VISITOR'S REPORT. WENT to Mrs. B.'s. Her husband deserted her five years ago, and she knows not whether he is dead or alive. She is in miserable health and purposes to leave her children to the Society. Was very favorably impressed in regard to her and shall visit her often.

Found a poor rheumatic woman suffering for want of proper nourishment and bedding. Left her one of the blankets given us by Mrs. M., also two dollars from the same source. Another lady provided her with a quarter of a ton of coal. The poor sufferer was ready to exclaim, "My cup runeth over; surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."

Visited a poor consumptive woman who has two sweet children in one of the Home Ind. schools. We visit her often; find her slowly, but surely going the way of all flesh. The as⚫surance that we will provide for her children when she is unable longer to do for them, affords her great comfort. Her appetite is very poor, we took her some dried apples, for which she was truly grateful, and gave her a dollar to get something that would be agreeable to her taste!

Called on the widow who fell, in the winter, and broke both her wrists. Her daughter, also a widow, with five children, was ill, and both were very glad to see us and talk with us about their troubles. They were needy and worthy, and thankful for kind words and aid.

Found a family of five persons in the fifth story of a house occupied by eight families. They came from England, purposing to make their way to Cincinnati. Their brother, their only male protector, died on board ship; they had no acquaintances here, their money was gone, and they knew not what to do. We made their case known to a good woman who says her money belongs to the poor. She immediately procured them coal and promised to give them two dollars a week as long as they remained here. Calling again this morning, we found they had gone to Cincinnati, and we trust they are now happy with their relations. They left the coal that had been given them to a poor widow in the house, so two families were made glad by the one gift.

A note was left, asking a visitor to look after two families living in one house. Found them two excellent, hard-working women, churchmembers, shrinking from disclosing their

poverty. They desired bedding, but, alas, we had none to give.

Were requested to visit a person in Av. She wanted baby-clothes, which we furnished her from our chest set apart for those articles, whose supply is unfailing as the widow's cruse of oil and barrel of meal.

A note was left for us yesterday, asking advice respecting a case of seduction which occured in Ireland in the house of a bachelor nobleman by his butler. The sister of the lord took upon herself the care of the girl, as her parents and grandparents had been their retainers. She landed here without knowing any human being. She was directed to an intelligence office. A gentleman waiting there was suited with her appearance, and brought her to his sister who found her everything she desired.

Months passed, she grew in their esteem, but her pallid face and weeping eyes told there was hidden trouble. The lady questioned her, she said she could not tell, she should be despised, and what would become of her. The lady kindly told her she mistook her character; if she told her the truth she would promise to do everything she could for her. She became quiet, went up to her room and brought from it a package, which on being opened, was found to be a letter from the family with their name appended, commending her to the care of the kind people of N. York. The testimonials were of the very best character. Arrangements were made with a widow to receive her under her roof for a while, until she was able to resume work, when she was restored to her former position in the family as a trusty ser

vant.

Were desired to visit a person who had been injured by a bale of goods falling on him. We found him a poor, emaciated creature, having dain in bed for fourteen months past. We asked why he had not been taken to the hospital. He said he had been there, but came home to die; gave a shocking account of the manner in which he had been treated. We asked why they had not applied at the Sisters of Charity's Hospital. He said they never asked the Catholics for anything, they were poor, very poor, church, priests, and institutions. We told his wife we were in the habit of reading the Bible and praying with those we visited. She said her husband was too low-spirited and could not hear it. May Christ have mercy on them and reveal Himself to them as their only hope of salvation.

Having been provided with a basket of provisions we gave it to them; also some clothing for their twin children. The man has since been at St. Luke's hospital, and one of his limbs has been amputated.

On Avenue C, called on an old man, whose son-in-law, long sick and cared for by us had gone to his rest. The old man wept bitterly as he said, "There is another widow and fatherless children left, but God is good: his last words were, I am going to Jesus."

Found the G. family under very discouraging circumstances. Mrs. G. suffering at home, panting for breath, having been unable for the last two or three weeks to lie down to rest, so bloated is she with dropsy. Their little one was lying contentedly in her little cradle where she most always lies when her papa is out. Mr. G. who has to be housekeeper as well as furnish daily supplies as far as he can, was evidently worried by his complication of duties, though evincing much patience. He goes out at this busy season, and does one job of work, then hastens home to see how his wife is getting on, and what she needs, for she is helpless as her child. Within a week after the above record, God released the sufferer, and we trust her freed spirit has gone to that blessed land where "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." Her end was prayerful and peaceful. When we announced to her the failure of our efforts to get her to a more comfortable place, she said, "Well, I'm in the hands of the Lord; and the cheerful smile that accompanied the words seemed to say, "Let him do what seemeth good in his sight. Though He slay me I will trust in Him."

Through the efforts and kindness of friends, a purse was made up to defray the expenses of her funeral, and she sleeps as she wished, by the side of her mother, in a quiet cemetery.

ALBANY "HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS."

SPENDING the winter at Albany and seeing an appeal to the legisluture for an appropriation of $5000 to the "Albany Home for the Friendless," and being informed by my friend, Mrs. James B. Sanders, (whom I was pleased to find one of the Directresses,) that this institution was auxiliary to ours, I would not return home without bringing the parent a personal report of its child and its doings, inasmuch as I could not find any published report of the good deeds of these excellent ladies.

I found their "Home" located in a narrow street, a short distance from the Capitol, being composed of two small dwelling-houses made to coinmunicate. The matron, who has been there twelve years-ever since the openingvery politely showed me through the building. I found her well acquainted with the parent Institution. She apologized for their "little Home," which she said could not be compared to our "New York Home." But small as it is, I was nevertheless impressed with the largeness of the benevolence. Twenty-seven aged, infirm, paralyzed, crippled and consumptive inmates have there a home for life. The rooms are comfortably furnished with the second-hand furniture and carpets of some better abode, which was neatly and comfortably arranged for two or three and sometimes one inmate, according to the size of the room, The character of the Institution is more like the "Aged, Indigent Female Institution" of New York than our's, differing, however, in