Sir,

CORRESPONDENCE.

ST. PETER'S HOME, KILBURN.

It is now some months since, through the kindness of the Editor, I made a plea in The Monthly Packet, for books, to form a Library for St. Peter's Home, Kilburn; and more especially for the use of the Incurable Patients in the Home. At that time the only books in the Home consisted of those belonging to the Sisters, together with a few volumes of miscellaneous reading given to the Sisters, for the use of the sick, at odd times.

The appeal thus made has been most generously answered; and books of many a varied hue (both inside and out) have been sent as offerings to the Home. Some of these have been already acknowledged-as the donors desired-in The Monthly Packet; some remain still to be acknowledged (as three Vols. Saturday Magazine from M. C., and Ten shillings and Five shillings sent anonymously for the purchase of books); but others, and by far the larger number, have had private acknowledgement. Some of the books sent were unfitted for the purpose, and these have been disposed of as advantageously as possible; others are being illuminated, and converted into picture books for the children's (St. Christopher's) ward; all have been of some use; periodicals sent in numbers have been put together and bound; and from the huge mass has been formed Libraries, of which the following is a brief account, sent to me one of the Sisters of St. Peter's.

"There are about sixteen hundred books in the Home, which are divided into two Libraries, about seven hundred being kept in the "Community Room," and called the "Sisters' Library "-consisting of books belonging to the Sisters, and of others sent in answer to the appeal in The Monthly Packet, but which are thought too learned for the sick patients, though books are lent from the Sisters' Library for reading aloud, for the Ladies' Ward, or for any special case. The rest of the books, called the "Home Library," are kept (when not in use) in the "Vis Room;" they consist of 136 Vols, of Religious works; 327 Vols. of Amusing Literature; 198 Vols. Histories and Travels; 48 Vols. Poetry; 124 Periodicals, and 61 Children's books. From this library about 40 vols. are taken for each ward, they are changed every two months, and any patient is allowed to have a book for her private reading, the name of such book and patient being entered into a register kept for the purpose.'

Added to these standing libraries, the following periodicals are sent monthly; and are most highly valued: Aunt Judy's Magazine; The People's Magazine; Magazine for the Young; and The Net. To these (if I may still go on begging) might be very advantageously added-Hardwicke's Science Gossip (four-pence); Good Words (which is very popular); and The Churchman's Companion.

None but those who are acquainted with Hospital work can tell the intense pleasure that is derived by a whole ward from any fresh, pleasant little incident-a new book, a paper, a basket of country flowers, a little fruit "fresh from the country," with all the happy aroma of green fields, sunny walls, or pretty gardens; all helps to turn the mind outward from the body's sharp pain, in gratitude to those who minister so lovingly to the weary monotony of sickness; and (having begun to beg) I may mention here, that I know of nothing which affords more pleasure to sick people-especially those of the poorer class-than a basket of good flowers, such as, at a glance, a poor person would know were of the best the donor could send. I have often gone into a ward with a basket of such flowers, every eye has been fixed lingeringly and lovingly upon it, and I have gone from one invalid to another, giving a flower here and there into the wasted hands, and never without some response, such as Oh, whatever is this? ah! but I never saw a passion-flower before, never heard tell of it,'-then perhaps I would tell my tale, and the occupant of the bed on either side would listen, and the simple flower would furnish the grandest theme that ever human lips could descant upon, and the theme-flowing naturally from the every-day occurrence, fraught with interest alike to the teller and to the told-would steal gently into the hearers' heart with its full treasure of sweetness and comfort; and so I would ask such as possess beautiful gardens or conservatories, sometimes to dedicate a tithe of their contents to the service of Christ's suffering ones, sending them the day before some festival (that a part might be given to the Chapel), carefully

packed, carriage paid, and directed to the Superior of St. Peter's Home; and I would earnestly ask them to do this, not once, and then in the whirl of every-day life to forget St. Peter's Home, but to accept it as a little work, to be done carefully and regularly at certain fixed times, and I think that the flowers which are left will seem all the sweeter that some of the selfsame blossoms have been dedicated to the service of Him Whose Love gave them all to us. Is it not Mrs. Hemans who so touchingly speaks of the earth-decked with such gorgeous beauty by the Creator's Hand-having nothing to offer Him back of all His gifts, but A Crown

of Thorns.

But I am leaving St. Peter's Library too long, and I have a few more words I want to say.

It may be interesting to some to know, that the books in the library which at present are most asked for, are, The Churchman's Companion (of which one lady sent twenty Vols.); Good Words; Monro's and Adams' Allegories; Miss Yonge's works; Neale's Readings for the Aged, &c. The Sister adds, 'just now, "The Messiah," by Mr. Anderdon, is being read aloud in St. Barnabas, and is much appreciated.'

I could not, for want of space, mention the names of all who have so kindly responded to my plea, but I should like to name as amongst them, the Editor of The Monthly Packet; The Bishop of Ely and Mrs. Browne; Mr. Macmillan; Sir John Coleridge; Mr. Longman; Mr. Richard Massie; the Rev. George Maclear; with many another goodly name attached to many a goodly work. The Sister in charge of the books sends me a little list of works they are still anxious to add to the Library. Amongst them I find Blunt's Coincidences,' and 'Household Theology; Archbishop Trench on the Parables, Miracles, Gospels, and also his 'Lectures on the Seven Churches;' Bishop Ellicott's Life of our Lord;' Miss Yonge on the Catechism; Miss Pratt's books on Flowers, Ferns, and Sea-weeds (published by the S. P. C. K.); Canon Kingsley's 'Madame How and Lady Why ;' "Glaucus,' &c.

6

I may perhaps be allowed to add that some of the wards in St. Peter's Home are not yet finished, but there are (at this moment when I write) forty-two patients in the Home. The ward for Incurables (containing fifteen beds) is full, but,' the Sister adds, some of the patients in the other wards are certainly never likely to recover.' The children's ward (St. Christopher) is opened; it has been made as bright and cheerful as possible, one lady kindly furnishing the money for a series of medallions (containing incidents in our Lord's Life, relating more particularly to little children) to be painted on the walls. By-and-by, when the Home is quite finished, I shall hope to be allowed to give a more concise account of its working in these pages; till then, I rest content to leave its various needs to Him Who has given to His followers this strict command, Sell all that ye have, and give to the poor.'

6

Fr.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MONTHLY PACKET.'

Dear Madam,

Can you give me space to plead a want of a somewhat rare nature, and yet which may be perhaps easily supplied by some of your readers?

The Work-house Visiting Society, conducted by Miss Twining, the Home for Training Girls, in New Ormond Street, and the Home for Incurable and Infirm Women, are well known, and deservedly so; but it may not be within the knowledge of all, that Miss Twining receives into her own house (20, Queen Square, Bloomsbury,) a select and small number of aged women, making small payments, whose only alternative would be the work-house, as a shelter for their declining years. She also receives several epileptic young ladies, whose friends are unable to provide for them. A more truly loving Christian work could hardly be, as may be easily verified by any one who will take the trouble to call and see what is being done.

The work is so far of a private character, that I am not aware if Miss Twining seeks pecuniary help; but this I do know, that she gladly accepts the services of a few ladies, who go in from time to time, to read, play on the harmonium, or have a friendly chat with the inmates, whose time must necessarily sometimes hang heavily, notwithstanding all the pains taken to provide for their interests.

I remember, some time since, seeing a letter in these pages, signed (I think) 'Gladys,' containing an earnestly expressed wish from a young lady that she could find something useful to do, her parents having objections to her visiting the poor in their own homes. The case is only one of many-and a most difficult question it ishow far it is desirable to allow young girls in the upper and middle classes to come in contact with vice and misery, in our large towns, even for the sake of doing good.

Here, then, is work for such as seek it, and which can only be done by refined and educated ladies-work to which no right-minded parent can object; a healthy employment for one's talents, a safety-valve for energies which are so often misdirected for want of a proper channel in which to flow.

I was particularly struck with these ideas yesterday, in the course of a visit at the House. A lady, who gives her time and assistance in the manner already described, said to me, 'How glad Miss Twining would be of a few more helpers: the old ladies like to see a fresh face now and then, a little music is such a treat to them.'

I am trespassing too much on your space; let me leave the subject with your readers, only adding that I write this without Miss Twining's knowledge, at the same time feeling perfectly sure that any application or offer of help, to that useful and excellent lady, will meet with a hearty response. I am, dear Madam,

January 13th, 1870.

Yours faithfully,

M. A. B.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

No MS. can be returned unless the Author's name and address be written on it, and stamps be sent with it.

Contributions must often be delayed for want of space, but their writers may be assured that when room can be found they shall appear.

A Rustic begs to know where to obtain a Report of the Bishop of London's Fund.

E. P. G.-The fact is true. Some payment is due from a magazine for the matter it contains; and in the case of The Monthly Paper, those who answered the Questions agreed some years back to devote the proceeds to the maintenance of a scholar at Miss Arthur's School.

K. is referred to any advertisement list of Masters's. The books she mentions would all suit a village library as far as we know, but we have not read Vanny Croft. The Baron's Little Daughter was published by Musters.

E. B. C.-Smith's Biblical Dictionary is the standard. This is very large, but there is an abridgement; and the S.P.C.K. has also three useful volumes, entitled Scripture Sites, Scripture Manners and Customs, and Scripture Natural History.

J. C. H. would be glad to be informed to whom Macaulay refers in the following passage, which occurs in his essay on Moore's Life of Byron :

'Two men have died within our recollection, who, at a time of life at which many people have hardly completed their education, had raised themselves, each in his own department, to the height of glory. One of them died at Longwood, the other at Missolonghi.'

Byron, of course, ended his career at Missolonghi; but who died at Longwood?-Does not this refer to Napoleon's early success?-ED.

J. C. H. is glad to be able to inform Ruby that the beautiful and touching poem, The Land o' the Leal,' is set to music. It forms one (No. 27, Vol. II.) of a collection of Scottish Songs, arranged by Finlay Dun and John Thomson, and published by Paterson and Sons, Music Sellers, 27, George Street, Edinburgh, at the price of 1s. It is also to be found in No. 51 of Chappell and Co.'s Musical Magazine, along with twenty-three other popular Scottish songs, the whole selection costing also Is. The Land o' the Leal' is set to the same music as Burns's celebrated and popular song, 'Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled; but the two songs are, of course, sung with such an essential difference in expression, that it is hard to believe that the notation is exactly the same. 'The Land o' the Leal' is a very favourite tenor song, and is exquisitely sung by Mr. Sims Reeves.

Volo non Valeo informs Ruby that the only time she has seen 'The Land o' the Leal Bere of to music was in a small book of songs, collected, she thinks, by the Rev. Uploman, on the plan of The German Garland of Songs, and published, she believes, by Aylott Brothers.

Lucinda informs Ruby that she has a copy of "The Land o' the Leal,' published by Lawson, 42, Rathbone Place, Oxford Street. It is a single sheet, price 1s.-music for one verse only-and was bought many years since.

M. B. answers to the same effect.

In answer to Marietta's question, Volo non Valeo begs to tell her that she has always understood that 'Cleanliness is next to godliness,' is a corruption of an old proverb, which originally ran, 'Cleanliness is next to goodliness,' (comeliness,) which is certainly the most sensible proverb of the two.

B. M. will find the lines

Thou, who art standing on the shore
Of life's dark river,'

in Wordsworth's translation from Michael Angelo.-Quoted as such in Edith Vernon's Life-work.-E. S. G.

M. E. B. will be much obliged if any Correspondent can tell her who is the author of the chorale in which the words

And thus to Jesus I will go,
My longing arms extending,'

occur, and what are the remaining lines.

Selbergh asks what is the meaning of the following passage in the History of Normandy and England, (Vol. III., p. 380,) by Sir Francis Palgrave:

'It was in that Abbey (Westminster) that Charles, altering without assignable cause the colour of his royal robe, appropriated to himself the prophecies which told the misfortune of the White King.' Who was the prophet?

Mary. In the Lyra Apostolica the signatures are: a.-J. Bowden, Esq. B.-Rev. R. Hurrell Froude. y.-Rev. J. Keble. 8.-Rev. J. H. Newman. .-Rev. R. Wilberforce.

E. B. would be very much obliged if any of the Correspondents of The Monthly Packet could tell her of any institution where a poor widow could be received on the payment of a small sum per week. She is in delicate health, and unable to do any hard work; but she would be able to make herself useful in needle-work, or in any light employment.

Margaret would be very much obliged if anyone would tell her when the incident recorded in Longfellow's Warden of the Cinque Ports took place, and what was the name of the Warden.-The Warden must have been Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington. We do not remember the incident of the salute, or of the French fleets, but it could be no one else.

We are begged to give the present address of The Ladies' Industrial Society, 20, Upper Berkeley Street West, Hyde Park Square. (Removed from Bayswater.)

Received with many thanks, for The Children's Dinner-table, St. Mary's District, Soho, Stamps from Violet; Miss J. Jamcey (two packets); Etta and Cecil; Little Mabel; A Reader; Three Little Readers; A Servant; Miss Minnie Long; A School-room; Georgey and Mabel; Wincham Hall, a Little School-girl; Ötterbourne; Johnnie and Katherine; Bertha; Y. E.; M. and B. and I.; B. and E. A.; and several anonymous sums. 12s. 6d., from C. M. C., for the Mission, is also acknowledged with thanks.

Also, a Post-office Order for 9s., from J. C. Alleen, for The Sisterhood at Shoreditch. The Rev. E. Beck gratefully acknowledges £1 from C., for The Newfoundland Church Ship. A copy of the Journal of the Visitation Tour of the Coadjutor Bishop of Newfoundland in July and August, 1869, will be sent to C., Post-office, Stourbridge, in the course of the next month, by the Rev. E. J. Beck.

The Hospital for Sick Children gratefully acknowledges a present of pictures from G. E. B.

St. Matthias, Kensington.-Acknowledged, with many thanks :-Sir Archibald Edmonstone, £10; Stamps, Anonymous, Is.; Stamps, F. J. B., 2s. 6d.

For The Invalid Kitchen, acknowledged with many thanks-Mater, 2s. 6d. Will Ynaf kindly send an Address to which a letter may be sent?

St. Andrew's Waterside Mission.-We desire to direct attention to the accompanying Advertisement.

St. Luke's, Mile End.-The Rev. William Wallace thankfully acknowledges a Bundle of Clothes from A. M. C.

The St. Peter's Sisters, Kilburn, have during this winter and last carried on a small Needle-work Society at their Mission in the City Road. Work to the value of 1s. each has been given weekly to at least thirty poor women belonging to the three parishes they visit, and the clothing made has been sold at the cost price of materials. As, however, from the present distress existing in that part of London, much of this remains unsold, their funds are beginning to run short; and they venture to ask if any of the readers of The Monthly Packet would enable them by a timely donation to go on giving work during the next two months, and thereby help their poor neighbours without pauperizing them. Subscriptions may be sent to The SISTERS, 354, City Road, E. C.; The Rev. W. B. ALFORD, Holy Trinity Parsonage, Church Street, Hoxton, N. (Treasurer); B. LANCASTER, Esq., Mount Greville, Kilburn, N. W.; Mrs. PEARSON, 13, Beaufort Gardens, S. W., (Secretary.) Any lady requiring ready-made clothing for charitable purposes will be supplied at cost prices.

The Sisters of the Poor request the address of the person who sent them a parcel from Cambridgeshire about December 17th, 1869.

Acknowledged thankfully, from S. F. to M. A., for the Cripple, 5s.

The Rev. William Handcock, 19, Masborough Road, Hammersmith, W., gratefully acknowledges a donation of £50, from a reader of The Monthly Packet, (M. T.) in aid of the New Permanent Church for St. Matthew's Mission, Hammersmith. Any further contributions would be most gratefully received, as £3000 are still required, and all local help exhausted.

Suffragan Bishops.-We returned this, declined with thanks; but it has come back to us from the Returned Letter Office, marked Not known.

Magdalen Hall has begun a Monthly MS. Magazine, for the improvement of her pupils in composition. She would be very glad if any of the readers of The Monthly Packet would write for it. Contributions from girls still in the school-room, or having just left it, will be most welcome. The Magazine will be forwarded in turn to all whose papers are inserted. Address-Magdalen Hall, 4, Eaton Grove, Lee, S. E.

In answer to F. D. E.'s question about the disposing of point-lace, I beg to say that I should advise her to advertise it in a paper called The Exchange and Mart, which is published every Wednesday. She had better send for a copy to any newsagents, and then she will see what the conditions of the advertisements are exactly. The work must be really good, and perfectly clean, and not too highly priced, or it will not sell.—X. Y. Z.

Violet will thank one of the subscribers if they could tell her why the 14th of September and the 13th of December are found in the Table of Days of Fasting in the Prayer Book, and in the Calendar known as Holy Cross Day, and Lucy, Virgin and Martyr. Also, what rules have to be observed, and how do you obtain admission to join the Home belonging to All Saints, Margret Street.- -If Violet had taken the trouble to look attentively at her Calendar, she would have seen for herself that September 14th and December 13th are not themselves observed as a fast, (any more than Whit-Sunday,) only the three Ember Days after them. They are chosen in order to bring the four Ember Weeks at the four seasons. The first rule we would give Violet to observe would be to mind her grammar; not to make one an antecedent to they, and then run off to you. We really do not know if she wants rules for Fasting Days, or for All Saints, Margret Street, as she is pleased to spell it. We should advise her to apply there for the rules. But may we request our inquirers not to disgrace our pages by such shocking grammar another time. We leave it us it is, as a wholesome warning to vulgar carelessness; for bad English is vulgar, whoever uses it.

John and Charles Mozley, Printers, Derby.