God's Answers: A Record of Miss Annie Macpherson's Work at the Home of Industry, Spitalfields, London, and in CanadaLowe, Clara M. S.
Religion
God's Answers: A Record of Miss Annie Macpherson's Work at the Home of Industry, Spitalfields, London, and in Canada
Lowe, Clara M. S.
Canada -- Emigration and immigration; Church work with children; Home missions; Macpherson, Annie
"One great pleasure of the children was to roam over the Home under
the orchard blossoms, glancing over the books of photographs and
recognising some friend or mate with whom some far different days had
been spent. Among the attractions were the tables of toys, pictures,
books, &c., sent out by English friends; and here the little ones
spent some of their hoarded cents, thinking so much of anything
really English. About twelve o'clock we gathered in the flower garden
in front, while sandwiches, buns, and milk were passed round among
the children. Your sister sat with them chatting to them of old
times, and answering many questions as to former companions and still
loved though often silent English friends. Can you picture the eager
listeners to the familiar voice of one who was to them the link
between the sorrowful past and the happy future?--a Bible lesson on
the lost sheep. My eyes often filled with tears when I looked at
their bright faces, and blessed God for the open door for them in
this country. There stood Jamie D--, who, with his little brother
Hughie, formed one of the saddest photographs of childish wretchedness
even Glasgow streets could produce; so bright, so well-dressed,
though still with a little of the old look of childish care.
William C--, the little fellow of four years old, whose mother died
in India, and the father on his return sank in a London hospital,
leaving little Willie friendless, was here with a lovely bunch of
hot-house flowers ready to present to Miss Macpherson, and to receive
from her one of the beautifully illustrated scrap-books made by
little English children. Willie has been nearly three years in his
happy home, surrounded by all the influences of education and
refinement.
"Now the friends were gathering thickly, and listened while an
earnest address was given to the boys by Miss Macpherson. When she
ceased, first one and then another gentleman stood up and gave their
earnest, hearty sympathy with and approval of the work, and of the
character of the boys. And here I must tell you, in passing, we
attribute much to the loving, tender training of your Hampton Home.
It is not that Canadian farmers would put up with _anything_, or
that a bad boy is so useful that his faults are overlooked; for here
every single boy is thoroughly known, and discussed over all the
country side. Mr. Grover, from the village of Colborne, quite cheered
our hearts with the good accounts of the twenty in his neighbourhood,
most of whom have joined his classes, and by their steady industrious
conduct are recommending themselves.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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