up

with wonder at the whole proceeding. The valleys are fielld with an indistinct maze of white mist, and small streams form along the edge of the path, washing down stones and pebbles into the angry little brooks below. By and by, when the sun comes out, the hills will be marked out in soft, thick, white lines, wherever the bed of a stream lies. At last we reach the foot of the hill, and turn into sight of the bungalow, where we perceive with much pleasure the red glow of a comfortable fire which old Appoo has thoughtfully lighted for

us.

Home again by nine o'clock, and breakfast on the table. Soaking garments speedily exchanged for dry ones; the ferns spread out to dry for pressing, and our last excursion to the jungle is ended.

THE GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY.

"The principle on which the Girls' Friendly Society is founded is that of forming a Society-a kind of freemasonry amongst women, of which the sign-manual shall be Purity, and the hand held out shall be Fellowship.'

THERE is always something remarkable in the gradual progress and formation of a Society. Springing, perhaps, from a single idea, 'dreamed into existence' by one person, then approving itself to a few others, then spreading and growing and consolidating itself, until the few have become a multitude, the seed has developed into a tree, the tiny spring into a river. With all living things this law of increase and development holds good, and so also with all Societies that have life if they do not increase and develop, they must diminish and finally dwindle away and die.

We think the readers of the Monthly Packet may find some interest in a brief notice of the progress of a Society which was only started two years and a half ago, but which has increased and developed during that time even beyond the most sanguine expectations. Beginning in 1875, with only a few workers, the Girls' Friendly Society numbers now about 4,000 associates, 140 branches, 22 affiliated societies, and many thousand members. It has its central head-quarters in London, at the Girls' Friendly Lodge, 245, Vauxhall Bridge Road, where its Secretary resides, where members can be received between their places, passing through London, attending a cooking school, &c., &c. A volunteer lady-worker resides also at the Lodge, holding several classes weekly for girls, and a registry office is carried on there by the associates of St. Peter's branch.

The Society has a monthly paper as its organ-Friendly Leaves-in each number of which are notices of the work done in the different branches of the Society. If these scattered notices could be brought together, we think it would be found that much real work has been done, though but little may have been said about it. It is not easy VOL. 24. 25 PART 142.

to give a comprehensive idea of a Society which embraces so many different kinds of work and influence; but we will mention a few details.

Take, for instance, the premiums for good service, given in most of the G.F.S. branches. A short time ago, in one branch alone, thirteen members received these premiums at their annual festival, in another branch nine were given, and in another two such premiums were awarded last year and four this year. How great an influence may in time be exercised by thus setting a premium on good character in service! Again: the G.F.S. has promoted Bible classes-so greatly needed for our girls-also the establishment of homes for members out of place who need a respectable lodging, as well as the opening of rooms in the evening for young women in shops, warehouses, &c., who too often spend their evenings in the dangerous atmosphere of the streets. Again, the registry work done by lady registrars saves many a girl from applying to low, unprincipled registry offices, and checks also the reckless discharge of young servants by thoughtless employers, which often produces such fatal results. So also the practice of encouraging thrift by giving a bonus on savings will have an important effect.

Further, to those girls who have been brought up in a union and have no home, the G.F.S. does indeed prove a mothering' Society; and we trust that this part of the work will soon be greatly extended with regard to workhouse girls in the provinces,* two members of the G.F.S. council, Miss Joanna Hill and Miss Oxenham, having undertaken this special department of the work. It is earnestly desired to co-operate with any ladies working already in the same field, and all such are invited to communicate on the subject with Miss OXENHAM, Nutcombe House, Weybridge.

Once more. There is another very beautiful feature of the Society which cannot fail, I think, to strike those who read its Branch Reports: namely, the blending of religious worship and the offering of praise with its festivals. I think I am right in saying that this is the only society which has a special service for its festivals with episcopal sanction; on the cover of this service-book are inscribed the words of Nehemiah, The joy of the Lord is your strength.' Surely it is no unimportant lesson to impress upon the young and eager hearts of our members that joy itself need be none the less joyous because rendered innocent and safe by the hallowing presence of the Lord.

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Last, not least, we hope for some benefit to our young people from the spread of good and at the same time attractive literature—an object which our Society has much in view. The G.F.S. Central Circulating Library consists now of 900 volumes, from which thirty-eight boxes (containing in all 666 volumes) are in circulation amongst the branches.

*The Metropolitan Association for befriending Young Servants is already engaged in the care of workhouse girls in the metropolis.

We hope in time to have a Branch Circulating Library in every diocese, and any help in carrying out this idea, as well as any contributions of books (which may be sent to Miss FitzRoy, St. George's Bank, East Molesey), will be gladly welcomed.

These are only brief indications of work that is being done silently and quietly in many directions. But while we record with thankful hearts the success with which God has hitherto blessed our Society, we would earnestly represent to all who read this paper that what has yet been done is merely a beginning. The aim of the Society is to have at least one associate in every parish and a branch in every rural deanery throughout England and Wales. It will be seen, therefore, how much help we need to make our 'friendly' chain complete. As the number of branches multiplies in each diocese, it is the object of the Society to promote diocesan organisation. The first diocesan meeting of the G.F.S. was held at the Deanery, Winchester, on the 29th of June last, when Mrs. Harold Browne kindly took the chair; two members of the G.F.S. council attended to represent its central organisation, and nearly every branch secretary in the diocese was present. It is proposed to hold a similar meeting for the London diocese in October, at the Girls' Friendly Lodge, when the best means of organising the work in London and of obtaining fresh workers will be discussed.

I would urge upon all who read this paper that they can help us in some way by joining our friendly band as associates themselves; by making it known to others who would be wise and earnest workers for it (I shall be most thankful to receive the names of any ladies of the Church of England, who will communicate with me, addressing: Mrs. Townsend, Honington Hall, Shipston-on-Stour). * Also by strengthening our central fund with donations, to enable us to extend our work, defray the expenses of the Central Lodge, and give grants to assist branch work. Any such help, which is greatly needed at the present time, should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer of the Central Fund, Rev. Sir Talbot Baker, Preston Vicarage, Weymouth. We are also anxious to make known that our Society admits all working girls, those in shops, factories, &c. (as well as those at home and in service), and that we are therefore desirous of communicating with any workers already labouring in this field, and of helping on their work as far as the present funds of the Society will permit.

And doubtless there are some who will read this paper on the couch of sickness-will they not help us, too, with their thoughts and prayers? Might they not join us, at least as honorary associates? and perchance union in our friendly work might become to them a ' voice of comfort' in their loneliness.

* Full information respecting the rules and constitution of the Society is given in a pamphlet, published by Messrs. Hatchard, 187, Piccadilly, The Girls' Friendly Society, by M. E. Townsend. (By post 1d).

One word in conclusion. With regard to this work for girls, I think we may truly say is there not a cause? Ask those who labour in our refuges; count, if you can, the number of the lost and fallen in our large towns, of the sunk and degraded ones in our country villages. Dear readers, all these were innocent once! There was a time when their girlhood was happy and unstained. How many of those who have now gone away into the silence might have been saved by a friendly hand, a loving heart! Shall we not try to save others from the same dangers? Is not prevention better than cure? Shall we not 'make purity possible by extending help'? Above all, in providing earthly friends for those who need friendship so much, shall we not also lead them to Jesus, their best and truest Friend, for Whom they are ever seeking, and Who is ever waiting to bless?

'Far and wide, though all unknowing,

Pants for Thee each mortal breast;
Human tears for Thee are flowing,
Human hearts in Thee would rest.'

M. E. TOWNSEND,

President of the Girls' Friendly Society.

A SOWER.

MUSTAPHA, a cobbler, had his stall at the corner of a street, where hung a lamp. Over the stall was a single apartment, lighted by the lamp, where he said his prayers and slept.

When Mustapha was not working at his trade, he was sowing seed. He would sow seed in every spot, it mattered not where. He sowed seed in so many places, that he often forgot where; so he sowed it over and over again. His neighbours had long been accustomed to him; moreover, they liked him, for he was helpful and kind, gentle and just, cheerful and contented. So, without let or hindrance, he sowed his seed in their bits of ground, promising or unpromising, or in flowerpots and boxes, cracked or broken; he was never interfered with. Neighbours only laughed at him, and asked him what was to come of it?-which meant, When flower and fruit would come.'

"Ah! a great deal will come of it, no fear of that,' was his answer; which meant, Flower and fruit will come,' at which they laughed again.

Years passed, Mustapha worked, and prayed, and sowed. His hair had grown white as the snow, his step faltered, and his cheerful whistling, once heard at the other end of the street, and which woke up the neighbours like the carolling of a bird, and which the sleepless listened for, could only be heard a few paces off. But the city rang with his wisdom, and men listened to him with reverence.

One day two distinguished-looking strangers, one a little in advance

of the other, stopped before his stall. They saluted the old man, who returned the salute, with the dignity that acknowledges high-bred courtesy. After they had discoursed with him, and were deeply touched by his simple faith in the seed he had sown that it would grow, and bear seed in its turn, the graver and more important of the two said

'I will give you a beautiful and comfortable house, and means to live, that the winter of your life may find repose and ease, for I feel shame that so much wisdom should be so meanly lodged.'

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'Blessed be the lips that speak kindness to age,' was Mustapha's reply. But, sir, this is my post,' and he pointed to his stall, 'and I may not leave it. If I did my seed would perish. It thrives not with wealth and ease.'

'Nor this gold?' said the stranger, holding out a purse; gold to get more seed?'

'No,' replied Mustapha; 'gold cannot buy 't, nor grow it; nor can I bribe where I sow it.'

On a finger of the hand that held forth the purse, Mustapha beheld the signet-ring of Omar. Then he knew it was the Caliph who spoke. 'Give me thy blessing, Mustapha,' said the Caliph, bending before the old man.

Mustapha laid his hand upon the stooping shoulder and said'May the seed of truth grow in your soul, until it becomes so large a tree, that the shadow of it will cover all your majesty's dominions.' The Caliph said 'Amen,' and passed on.

The stars were bright, the moon was bright, and they shone into Mustapha's chamber. The lamp that usually lighted it had burned down, and was nearly out. But a Presence, brighter far than stars and moon, filled the room with light. The Presence said—

Come, Mustapha, and see the fields you have sown, covered with fruit, and the beautiful home prepared for you by the Master, whose seed you have sown.'

THERE are probably many of the readers of the Monthly Packet who would be interested-if they knew of its existence-in a little Home at Winchester for the children of criminals; and if through the kindness of the Editor this short notice is allowed to appear in its columns, the writer hopes it may be the means of winning many friends for these little ones.

There are at present about fifteen boys and girls in the Home, one,