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For the Advocate and Guardian.

CLOUDS.

How beautiful the effect of clouds upon a landscape. Did you ever notice a field of wheat in a bright June day, when light clouds were flitting across the sky? How the whole expanse of delicate verdure quivers and trembles in the shimmering light. And did you ever watch the green hill-side, as the sun was now and then obscured, to see the various shades of color come and go over it? How, when clouds are fleeing, as from invisible pursuers adown the sides of the mountain, the craggy tops rise dark and grand as monuments from the field of mist. And who had not admired the gorgeous glory of the bed in which the sun delights to hide after a long torrid day?

Once I remember when the sun had been veiled for three dismal days with heavy grey clouds just as it was about to set, I looked across the wide bay from my window, and on the opposite shore a single line of sunlight shot over hill and plain. I could not see the sun itself, and could only conjecture the spot, where through a rift in the clouds, it dropped its golden glory down upon the earth it had so long seemingly forsaken, as if in promise of future smiles and gladness. But it seemed as if a door had been opened in heaven to let out a gleam of its effulgence upon a sad and toiling world.

I have loved, too, to watch the shadows in the heaving sea, or the rippling river, when the moon was at its full, and clouds crept stealthily over its face. And what benighted voyager has not gazed with a thrill of delight upon the one bright star that steps forth between the lifting clouds of a black, tempestuous sky, and greets it as the animating symbol of hope more than ever bright and beautiful for its dark surroundings?

On the land or on the sea, by day or by night, surely the beauty of natural scenes is enhanced by clouds. What variety, what softness of tint, what delicate shadings, what contrast, what fine combinations of loveliness do they reveal to us, which would never appear if the flaming sun shone with ever-undimmed lustre, if its scorching rays and garish light poured in one unbroken tide upon the landscape. And lovely as is the silvery radiance of the moon, its charms would be but half expressed, if clouds were never suffered to sweep over its smiling face.

And can we see no beautiful effect of clouds in the moral atmosphere? If the sun of an unshadowed prosperity were permitted to pour its rays upon our life, should we not miss many of its finer developments, its most attractive revelations? Where are displayed the sweetest aspects of gentleness and patience but under the clouds of trial and vexation? Where does the believer's heart show such varieties of sweetness and purity, such exquisite shadings of goodness as when the sunlight of God's dear

love is alternated with the grief which He sees it needful oft-times to inflict? What brings out the brightest manifestations of the true Christlove, but the heavy drapery of disappointed affections, of privation or loss or crushing wrong, about the spirit? And when do faith and hope flash out with such radiance as after the dark days of bereavement and sorrow?

Clouds never extinguish the sun in the heavens. The sun is still there in unchanged glory, and no cloud was ever so dense or dark, but that his rays could, at some time pierce it. Let us learn to welcome the shadows with the sunlight. Both are necessary and the one would not be perfect without the other. Did not the apostle understand and rightly estimate the shadows of life when he said, "But we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

H. E. B.

Advocate and Guardian.

NEW YORK, OCT. 1, 1864.

PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY. CHANGES have been rung upon this theme, and yet it is one of such immediate and momentous interest, that it should be made secondary to no other.

The terrible war may be nearing its close. The clash of arms may soon cease. PEACE may soon spread its unspeakable blessings all abroad; and it may be far otherwise. Perils

may be before us where least suspected and ere the final issue of the strife, some, yea many may sail through bloody seas. The cruel sufferings of the prisoners may be protracted-the triumphing of the wicked, though "short," may fill many homes with anguish. The following extract suggests to the Christian "trying the utmost power of prayer." Is not the present a crisis that calls for just this trial?

"In the beginning of the year 1798, when angry clouds were hanging over England, and a wild spirit of discontent and murmuring spread through the masses, Hannah More, then in the zenith of her popularity, drew up a series of resolutions, to the observance of which she solemnly pledged herself. One of these resolutions was this:

'I resolve to pray at least twice a week, separately, for the country, in this time of danger, independently of the petitions offered up in my other prayers.'

Is not this a resolution which commends itself to every Christian heart in this land, now? We do in all prayers I trust those of the clos

more.

et, of the family, of the social meeting, and of the sanctuary remember our country. This is well. We should do this if there were nothing peculiar and afflictive in its condition. But the perils and sufferings of the present, demand We have fallen on strange times. The darkness deepens, and we are experiencing a more overwhelming baptism of blood. More and more evident is it becoming every day, that human wisdom is folly, and human strength weakness, for such a crisis as this. Whither then should the Christian heart of the nation be turned at such a time? Whither but to God, from whom only our help must come ?

Public petitions are well, let them be offered from every sanctuary every Sabbath. Days of national humiliation and prayer are well;let them be from time to time appointed, and let them when appointed be more faithfully observed. But it is to the prayers of the closet we would look with hope-to the pleadings of earnest, believing souls alone with God.

Admit that there was one hundred thousand such souls that had solemnly formed, and were faithfully keeping a resolution like that of Hannah More, setting apart two seasons each week for special, exclusive prayer for the country, would there not be ground of hope here? Would not He, whose ear is ever open to the voice of prayer, listen to, and regard these pleadings.

It was a resolution of the great John Foster, formed at one period of his life, that he would We have try the utmost power of prayer. been, and are trying the utmost power of the nation in other respects. Wealth, skill, science, whatever the nation has, is freely brought forth in this emergency. And this is right. Let us do with our might, withholding nothing, however dear, which the country demands. But while we do this freely, cheerfully, let the church remember, there is another and mightier power, which she is called on to wield-the power of prayer; and let every believer form the resolution of Foster, to try its utmost power in the day of the nation's peril and need. Will not you, my brother, whose eye now reads these lines, resolve that you "will pray at least twice a week separately, for the country, in time of danger?" Prayer has power with God. It is too late in the world's history to question it; there are too many witnesses from among the dead and among the living,too many recorded promises and examples in the Bible, to leave room for one doubt on this point. Encouraged, then, by promises and examples, by the testimonies of the living and of the dead, by our own experience, let us try the utmost power of prayer."

BLACKWELL'S ISLAND.

IN a recent No. of the Independent, our good brother Cuyler, in describing a sail from New York to the City of Elms, says:

"The most suggestive part of the sail is the run between Blackwell's Island and

Ravenswood. Only a few rods of water separates the beautiful villas and pleasuregrounds from the long, grim rows of prisons, insane hospital, and alms-house. On the one side smiles plenty, embowered amid flowers, vines, and tasteful porticos; on the other side lower wretchedness and despair. On the one side, honesty and industry come and go at "their own sweet will;" on the other shore, fraud and violence leer out through prison-gratings. Five minutes will take you across from Ravenswood to the Island. Even so has a five minutes' deed of dishonesty or lust sent many a man over from the domain of virtue into the dungeon of crime and remorse. And a whole life-time has not sufficed for his return to the good character he lost so speedily. When we sail through that narrow channel, with so much on the one hand to remind us of Paradise, and so much on the other to remind us of Perdition, we cannot but think of the great gulf in eternity, across which God's enemies will be tortured with constant visions of the unapproachable bliss of heaven."

We commend to our readers the contemplation of this picture, so true to life. To those who have often visited this Island and looked behind the scenes, the comparison between "Paradise" and "Perdition" will not

seem inappropriate. Those visiting the city for the first time for the purpose of observing the objects of interest in and about New York, will find a walk over Blackwell's, Randall's, and Ward's Islands, and their several institutions, suggestive of themes of thought for a life-time. The sight of the eye will deeply affect the heart, and the visitor will not again require an answer to the inquiry, "Why care specially for the children of the city-streets? Why clothe and feed. them, and strive to win them to the love of virtue, industry, truth, and honesty; and thus save them in youth from a destination across the stream, dividing the Islands from the city?"

A little reflection at this stand-point would lead any parental or Christian heart to wish to guard the little children from the brand of the pauper-from the cruel taunt, in after years, "You were taken from the almshouse." From the bitter experiences known to infant innocence where want of human love is felt and borne, in sickness and silence, with none to pity or relieve. That such provision is a public charity, necessary in many cases, there can be no doubt; but recourse should be had to it, for friendless childhood only when no better door is open.

The Insane Asylum, the Work-House, the Prison, with their many hundreds of victims of early crime-why should the rising generation come up to fill the places to be

vacated by those so long a curse to the earth? Why not save the children, while salvation is possible?

YOUNG GIRLS.

Ar our last Board meeting the following letter, from a valued correspondent, was read, eliciting a strong expression of interest in behalf of this class, and a discussion as to the best mode of reaching and permanently benefiting the largest number.

Home work, nor have such been sent, knowThey have not been overlooked in our ingly, where their influence might be corrupting. Thanks to a kind Providence, there

are

some self-denying Christian mothers among the many friends of the work who have done and are doing for cases similar to that cited, just what the good lady in Brooklyn so wisely accomplished. But the numbers to be cared for are annually increased by the increase of population and the early influences for evil, and some measures for their rescue on a scale commensurate with the necessity are most desirable, and we trust, may not long be delayed.

Dear Friends,-Permit me to address you in behalf of the young girls. Many of them children of crime, some of them steeped in it from infancy, and all with strong natural proclivities for evil.

I would plead that these be not sent into the families of virtuous children, that the seeds of corruption be not sown broadcast through our land. But that a suitable train

ing and restraint be provided for them until they attain maturity. How strong the propensity to evil is even under the most careful training, the following fact will show.

A lady, in Brooklyn, during her visits to the poor, became much interested in a young girl about eleven years of age, and after much thought and prayer, decided to take the child home and train it for usefulness and heaven.

With great care she carried out her design, placing her for instruction in household duties under an old, tried servant, and herself instructing her in reading, writing, and sewing. The child was dishonest, untruthful, and untidy. Nothing daunted, the lady diligently sowed the seeds of truth, untiringly strove to eradicate the evil. At sixteen the child was nearly a woman, honest, truthful, tidy, and a capable house-servant. About this time she manifested a deep interest in the things of eternity, and after a suitable time, made public profession of faith in Christ. The lady felt that years of patient toil were amply repaid.

Two years passed, one night E. had gone out on an errand, and failing to return at the hour for retiring, the lady sat up for her. Upon inquiry as to her prolonged absence, she told the dreadful story. At ten years of she told the dreadful story. At ten years of age her debased mother made merchandize

of her virtue, and for eight years she had carried a moral infection. (I suppose this to be the secret of so few rescues.) That evening, in a moment of weakness, she had yielded to temptation. Her remorse was deep, begging her employer to take her worthless, ungrateful life! We think her repentance was sincere. She was subsequently married, and now is residing at the West.

I would call your attention to, first, how hidden was this evil, uuderlying the whole character, and what a powerful engine of sin to be brought into a family of children! In the providence of God this young mother was led to look into this matter, and her children were never left alone for an hour with this girl. The mother's own hands always prepared the younger ones morning and night, until they were able to perform the duty alone. An experienced woman had charge in her absence. But this is not usual. "A young girl to mind children" is a usual want. Better these young girls anywhere else, and yet put them into our kitchens, they will fail to learn good morals there. They need a home where they shall be drilled and developed-a home of love and care from those who may lead them in the paths of virtue. Can you give it to them?

THE COOPER INSTITUTE.

*

"THE Fifth Annual Report of the Trustees of the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art."

We have examined the pages of this Report with great interest, and make extracts from it which we hope may be the means of guiding some to congenial and eventually profitable employment.

"The trust-deed of Mr. Cooper directs that the revenues of the corporation (which last year were upwards of $30,000) shall be devoted to and among the following objects and purposes:

1. To regular courses of instruction, at night, free to all who shall attend the same, on the application of science to the useful occupations of life, &c.

2. To the support and maintenance of a free reading-room, of galleries of Art, and of scientific collections, &c.

3. To provide and maintain a school for the instruction of respectable females in the arts of design, and in the discretion of the Board of Trustees, to afford to respectable females instruction in such other art or trade as will tend to furnish them suitable employment."

During the past year 1,281 young persons have availed themselves of the free night classes, to study Chemistry, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Architectural, Mechanical, and Free Hand Drawing.

The Reading Room, which is open free to all without tickets, from 8 A M. until 10 P. M., is supplied with 160 newspapers, 110 magazines, and 4000 volumes, and had an average of six hundred visitors daily in 1863. The number of pupils admitted to the "Female Art Department" last year was 173. In this department pupils who can afford it are required to pay from $1.50 to $2 per week for tuition, and for every one so admitted, two poor and deserving girls are admitted free.

From Mr. Cooper's letter accompanying the trust-deed we copy the following.

"To manifest the deep interest and sympathy I feel in all that can advance the happiness and better the condition of the female portion of the community, and especially of those who are dependent on honest labor for support, I desire the trustees to appropriate $250 yearly to assist such pupils of the Female School of Design as shall, in their careful judgment, by their efforts and sacrifices in the performance of duty to parents or to those that Providence has made dependent on them for support, merit and require such aid. My reason for this requirement is, not so much to reward as to encourage the exercise of heroic virtues that often shine in the midst of the greatest suffering and obscurity.

It is the ardent wish of my heart that this school of design may be the means of raising to competence and comfort thousands of those that might otherwise struggle through a life of poverty and suffering."

JOTTINGS.

Saratoga.

ONCE again we are permitted to pass a few days in this charming village. Autumn is here, quite in advance of its advent in the city. Crowds are leaving with every morning train for distant homes. The streets are more quiet than in midsummer. The springs give forth their healing waters to fewer and less eager pedestrians, and yet the aged and the young come at the usual hours in long procession, "drink and away," and return to drink again after a ramble through the beautiful grounds of the park, or a stroll 'neath the tall shade trees that overhang the broad streets. Would that all were as ready to come to that Fountain of which if a man drink he shall never die.

These never-failing springs are indeed a marvel. Rising from some hidden source far in the earth, located less than two miles apart, with medicinal qualities suited to the various ills that flesh is heir to, they seem

indeed to be a special gift of Divine Provi-
dence.

Every season, even in war-time, increases
the number of their visitors, so that during
the hot months Saratoga is a little world of
itself, in which every portion of the country
is represented.

It is well that the churches here are living
churches, whose members feel their Christian
responsibilities. Well that a daily union
meeting is sustained during the season, where
those who prize the hour of prayer—“sweet
hour of prayer,"-are found of one accord in
one place.

The Home and kindred charities have
many friends here among the citizens and
their guests. Through one and another
we are glad to hear favorably from several
of our dear children. A Christian brother
mentions to us one pursuing his collegiate
course, who in the absence of his guardian
conducts the family worship, takes charge of
his business affairs, and receives from all
who know him merited confidence and es-
teem.
Another says,
"What we have ex-
pended for our Home child, I count among
my best investments."

A friend on whom we called this morning,
and to whom the Society is largely indebted,
read to us an interesting letter recently re-
ceived, from a once most unpromising Home
protege, who in the process of her early
training, had given much solicitude. The
"thoughtless child" is now a discreet woman,
happily settled in her own home, with an
ample competence, feeling deeply her re-
sponsibility as a wife and mother. She ex-
presses her heartfelt gratitude for the early
religious instruction received, and which she
is now trying to impart to the little ones God
has given her.

We are reminded by sundry interviews
with friends from different localities that the
aid recently furnished to extend our work,
gives joy to many hearts. All are glad, too,
that kindred institutions have been remem-
bered with equal liberality, so that unex-
pected provision is made for the increased
suffering and diminished resources occasioned
by the war.

As we walk abroad the thought contin-
ually recurs, "There's beauty all around our
paths." Sunrise and sunset, skies clouded
and cloudless, have a glory all unknown
save in the country, where the view is unim-
peded. And, these grand old elms and ma-
ples! What a rich gift from our Heaven-
ly Father. The mission of the trees-who
may not find in it a topic for pen-sketches of
wide scope.
But just opposite the Congress,

we look with sadness upon a row of these beautiful elms all scathed and marred; the fire has passed over them, leaving only the withered trunks and branches. They look as though they had braved the fierce flames, as if loth to die. The green twigs just starting at their base, remind us that "there is hope of a tree if it is cut down that it may sprout again." But the well-known edifice -the Saratoga Water-Cure-over which their goodly shade was spread from year to year, lies a heap of unsightly ruins. Once and again with hundreds of others, we had shared its hospitalities. Reminiscences of precious seasons of prayer and praise within those walls, will be to many lasting as life. It was a home where God was acknowledged in the daily sacrifice, where pastors and missionaries, desiring needed rest from the weariness of mental toil, ever found a congenial moral atmosphere, with ample opportunities to impart and receive benefit. We were glad to learn that the former excellent proprietor, notwithstanding this severe calamity, was enabled soon to re-open his establishment in the Continental, a new and commodious building provided with all needful appliances for the comfort of patients and guests. We regard this institution as well worthy the liberal Christian patronage it continues to receive.

Wherever we go or stay, in the house or by the way, the ear is often greeted by ear nest voices, discussing with intense interest the state of the country, its prospects in the near future, the duty of the hour, &c. Patriotism and loyalty seem the rule, the reverse the exception; while among the weaker sex it is manifest that the heart of every true woman yearns to do her part, as best she may, to hasten the time when a righteous peace shall pervade our afflicted land. But we must away. Here we are in a quiet car that runs over the Harlem route without changing. Owing to the late rains there is no dust, and the clouds prove an ample sunshade. Forest and clad in grove rainbow hues, meadow and field carpeted with richest green, farm-house and villa, lake, river and rivulet, mountain and landscape, vary the moving panorama till we enter the suburbs of the million city, where work and care are pressing, and the time spent in repairing physical energies must now be fully redeemed.

WANTED AT THE HOME.-Second-hand clothing, for des titute young women, hundreds of whom need a decent outfit, in order to go forth respectably and renew the effort to "live honestly by the work of their hands," also children's clothing and basted work for five Home Industrial Schools.

THE CHILDREN.

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OUR correspondent, "V.," sends us article about "the children," that we think suggestive, and, although many of our readers are familiar with the history of "The Rough House," and other institutions across the water, to which her attention has been specially directed, perhaps there are others whom it may lead to comprehend more fully the blessed meaning of the passage,. "He setteth the solitary in families."

The first steps taken, with regard to our own Institution, had in view the object of setting the solitary in families, taking the little desolate, friendless child of early sorrow, and placing it—by adoption, if possible -in a home of love, where the family ties that God has so wisely instituted might encircle it, and prove a solace, a safeguard, and a stimulus to well-doing, needed by every member of the great human family. As fast as may be, our Home children are placed in families in the rural districts, and yet

there are some for whom we cannot thus

provide as speedily as for others. For such, whether in our own or kindred institutions, we think, with V., the family system, so far as circumstances permit its adoption, is best adapted to their highest good.

THE CHILDREN.-I have been thinking whether we do not make a mistake in our public institutions, especially our orphan asylums and houses of refuge, in making them so large and comprehensive. Not that fewer inmates should be received, but that they should be divided into families or classes, to take away that dreary feeling of being

but one in a multitude.

I was struck with this in a little story of a child who was left destitute of friends by the sudden death of her mother, while traveling, and who was placed in an asylum,

where she remained for some time before her friends could be found. She was cared for and taught, as one of the many, but there was no one on whom she had any claim more than a hundred others, and the poor little thing longed for a kind breast on which to lay her head-some feeling of home. "He setteth the solitary in families."

I have thought the same in reading a history of the lives of some of the German workers who, in prayer and faith, have given their lives for the good of their fellow-menFalk-who worked so hard for the good of poor boys-Fliedner, who helped on the training of nurses and deaconesses; Gossner and Harms, who threw themselves into the work of missions, and Immanuel Wichern, who first established the "Rough House system. It seems, the Rough House was merely an accidental name, taken from the first house they occupied, and which already bore that name when it was acquired by purchase or gift.

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The history is written to show how much may be done by faith and prayer, and with small means; but the part which struck me with equal force, was the wisdom of establishing the inmates, not in great institutions, but in families. Generally, eight or ten were together in a house by themselves, with their own laws and rules, the elder being chief-with their own festivals and holidays, their own songs, and morning and evening worship; all of one sex, but preserving, to a certain degree, the family relation, retaining a little individuality.

In this way, it was possible to begin on a small scale, adding a new house as the means came, or the children to fill it. I do not know if the success of the system was wholly owing to this, but patience, and faith, and perseverance seem to have done wonders.

There are questions of economy in our institutions which might operate against this plan, where one large building, one series of long tables, one great school, one set of work isolated houses, but the plan might be parshops, may be more easily managed than tially carried out, even thus. Suites of rooms might be given to one family, and separate tables, even in one hall, while of course the members of a family would not be completely isolated, but would be scattered among others for their various occupations. In this way the family idea would be still more completely carried out.

It is impossible here to enter into all the details, but the experiment is worth trying and depend upon it there is something in it. "He setteth the solitary in families."

V.

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Is not God, then, merciful? Yea, most merci"As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn ye, turn ye, from your evil ways; for why will ye die?

He condescends to plead with men to repent and return to Him, promising life if they will do so. Shall the blame be laid upon Him, then, if proud souls refuse to accept His most reasonable terms, or upon those who reject them and perish, rather than submit. To the obedient child of God there is peace, to the disobedient subject there is no peace.

0.

FROM AN AGED FELLOW-LABORER. Dear Sister Bennett,-Permit me to give utterance to my thoughts and feelings on hearing of Mr. Rose's munificent gift. I thank God that in the beginning of our work no such gifts were bestowed upon the Home, but that ten thousand little offerings, the fruits of love and self-denial, came from believing and praying souls, far separate in body, but one in spirit, to increase the faith of its managers in God and humanity, and to awaken in them a deep sense of their responsibility to use prudently the gifts of those whose faith had made them almoners.

And I also thank our Heavenly Father that so many of those who worked in faith and

love, through great difficulties to build up and

sustain the Home, are spared to witness its usefulness and hear of its prosperity, and to unite in thanks to the Giver of all good, and to His agents, for the means intrusted to our care for the relief of the needy. May Mr. Rose's confidence in our institution produce in each manager an earnest desire and effort to use wisely the aid provided; and may he be refreshed and enriched in spirit by imparting to a multitude, through various benevolent societies, the means of physical, mental, and spiritual life. If the rich were wise and patriotic, they would be prompted by economical motives, not only to give, but watch over those whom they desire to benefit, and thus grow intelligent as lawmakers and rulers-thus protect themselves, their property and society from the evils which

idleness, ignorance and vice, enlisted under the banner of traitorous politicians, bring upon communities and nations. The ignorant and vicious are coming to us from all nations. The children of the ignorant and vicious in our midst will soon fill the place of their fathers, and become friends or opposers of laws made to protect the rights of all. Every true friend of this Union will seek to educate the young in the knowledge of righteousness, as the safeguard of freedom, and glory of man.

Thanks to the Saviour, for benevolent institutions, through whose schools the children of poverty and vice gain a knowledge of Christ's I words and works; from which we may rea

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You have visited this beautiful town, and received a welcome from those who have been earnest fellow-workers in building up the Home for the Friendless, and looked with admiration on the mountains and hills which encircle it, and the majestic and graceful elms that beautify its streets. You have looked upon it with the eyes and feelings of a stranger. It was the home of my childhood. I not only see things as they are, but as they were when magnified in size and beauty by my childish imagination. Time has thrown over it another charm, that of association. An experience of love and kindness-of joy and sorrow, has closely united my heart to this birth-place and burial-place of my family; and, though I miss many loved ones that have cheered me with their welcome, I feel their influence and see their works which praise them.

With gratitude do I witness the growing prosperity of the laboring class, and the beautiful homes of the descendants of those who seemed doomed to poverty. Their schools, manufactories and savings-bank have elevated many, making them useful citizens; and the town is now reaping the fruits of their knowledge, industry and economy. * * *

As we value our freedom and the brave men who are dying in its defence, so will be our treatment of their widows and orphans. Shall the latter receive from society parental care, or, from short-sighted motives of economy, be farmed out to the cheapest contractors, and through neglect become enemies of virtue, and witnesses against the covetousness, ingratitude and short-sightedness of those who lightly esteem humanity and moral culture? I pray and hope that there may, in every county, be a Home for the Friendless, where not only the children of soldiers may have parental care, but all of God's little ones be counted worthy of care, and an opportunity to reveal their gifts. May such a home beautify this town, and the earnest women who have aided us, and are now so earnestly working for the comfort of soldiers, find their reward and happiness in managing it, witnessing its usefulness, and telling their children's children its origin as a work of love!

My love to our dear sisters and fellowworkers.

Truly your friend,
Danbury, Sept. 9th, 1864.

H. H. STARR.

If you would not be in perpetual doubt in regard to your acceptance with God, then do not spend your time in conning over your condition, but look around you and see what there is that you can do for Christ. Half the time employed in prayer and faithful effort to save souls, which is taken up

in looking on the dark side of one's case, would not only

dispel the thickest gloom that ever shrouded a mind, but would result in bringing many precious immortals to participate in redeeming love.

EXTRACTS FROM VISITOR'S REPORT.

THE case of Mrs. L., a soldier's wife, with two children, was commended to our notice. She had received nothing from her husband since last October. He enlisted in Boston, and thereby forfeited the relief-money to his family in both places. We visited her and found her apparently deserving; works faithfully when she can find work to do. Gave her two dollars, for which she was truly grateful.

Our old sufferer, Mrs. A., called. Her mother and child are very ill. Poor, sorrowing woman, she is tidy and careful, and tries to be hopeful. Her customers are all in the country. We found her mother very ill indeed; gave her assistance. "Lord, pity the widows," we say from our full hearts; "hasten better times, that food and raiment may be purchasable."

Called on Mrs. M., and found her daughter about to be taken to W. for a while by a kind lady who knew her father. Mrs. M. told me they had not tasted meat for three weeks; seldom had more than bread and water; were glad to get that. We gave her a dollar, for which she tried to express how thankful she

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reason.

Finding a little child in the street crying heartily, we inquired the "Oh!" said she, "I am afraid to go home. People won't give me anything, and my mother will beat me." We went with her to the shanty in which she lived, and as we entered it, her mother looked drowsily up-it was 10 A. M., --and asked what the lady wanted. The child replied, "O, mother, the lady asked me if I would like to go to school and have a nice, clean frock; wouldn't I, mother!" The response was, "What have you got in the basket?" When the child answered, "Nothing," the mother sprang toward her, and the little one flew out of the door. We strove to calm her, saying the child was not to blame; areas were fastened, food was scarce. "As sure," said she, "as my name is Mrs. S., I will make her back pay." Talking was fruitless, the child was out of sight, so we quickened our pace to a burly policeman, and told our story, pitying the child. "O, no danger of her," said he, "she'll come off all right."

Visited Mrs. C. Her husband is with Sherman's army. She has five children and has received no money since last October, except relief-money. She expressed great joy on seeing us and heartily thanked God for our coming. She said she had but five spoonfuls of corn meal that day for herself and children. This was Monday, and as she would get no reliefmoney again until Friday, we gave her aid.

A lady wished to have a poor Irish woman, presented as a stern, cold woman who had who had seven children, visited. She was relittle of the tender mother about her. We went as desired, and offered to find good homes for

some of her children, if she would consent, but she said she had no fear but that she could keep them. Her two eldest are going off as drummers.

Visited Mrs. B. and found hers a case of sorrow indeed. She was in great need of clothing and money. We promised to call again.

Were asked to look after a case in St. Sought for the person faithfully for two half days, but could not find her.

Poor N. S., almost blind, received her dollar with thankfulness. Speaking of one of the ladies connected with the Home, she said, "How kind she is, pity she should ever die." "O," said we, "you'd not want to keep her here always." "Yes, indeed, ma'am, for the poor, I would.”

Called in to see Mrs. P. She is anxiously awaiting the return of her employers from the country, as she finds it difficult to meet expenses, house-rent and provisions being so high. Gave her a dollar with pleasure, knowing how well she will use it.

Mrs. M. and daughter are both suffering much. We often call and find the pair sadly in want of a little assistance. How they are to live in the coming winter, we know not.

Went to see a soldier's family. The husband had not been paid for six months, and the wife had parted with one thing after another to get bread for her hungry children, till the room was bare of any furniture but a little stove. One of the little children, a girl, five years old, had on only the skirt of an old dress; she was bare above the waist. Her mother said she didn't go out of the room at all, for if she did the other children in the house laughed at her. A neat little sacque was given to us next day for the child and fifty cents for the mother. We shall not forget them.

Made application for the admission of an old lady to the Old Ladies' Home, but without success. They have concluded not to receive any more names on register as there is no probability of an opening for from three to five years; have received as many as 56 applications a month; could fill a building as large again as the one they now occupy.

Visited Mrs. J., one of the poor colored women assisted by us after the riot. Her aged mother has died since we last called. She is the sixth of the fifty-seven widows on our list last winter, who have passed away from earth.

WILT THOU BE SAVED?

BY BONAR.
THEN linger not in all the plain;
Flee for thy life, the mountain gain;
Look not behind, make no delay;
O, speed thee, speed thee on thy way.
Haste, traveler, haste!

Poor, lost, benighted soul, art thou
Willing to find salvation now!
There yet is hope, hear mercy's call.
Truth, life, light, way, in Christ is all.

Haste, traveler, haste!

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