But it is on these things and their faithful execution that the life of the whole matter depends, and by which steady progress is insured. It is the small things of the world that color the lives of those around us, and it is on persistent efforts to reform these that progress depends; and we may rest assured that they who see with greater eyes than ours have a due estimate of the service, and that if we did but perceive the mighty principles underlying these tiny things we should rather feel awed that we are entrusted with them at all, than scornful and impatient that they are no larger. What are we that we should ask for more than that God should let us work for Him among the tangible things which He created to be fair, and the human spirits which He redeemed to be pure? From time to time He lifts a vail and shows us, even while we struggle with imperfections here below, that towards which we are working--shows us how, by governing and ordering the tangible things one by one, we may make of this earth a fair dwelling-place. And far better still, how by cherishing human beings He will let us help Him in His work of building up temples meet for Him to dwell in--faint images of that best temple of all, which He promised that He would raise up on the third day, though men might destroy it. OCTAVIA HILL. FOOTNOTES: [4] _Macmillan's Magazine_ for July, 1869. [5] Cottage Property in London.--_Fortnightly Review_, Nov. 1, 1866. Organized Work amongst the Poor.--_Macmillan's Magazine_, July, 1869. THE WORK OF VOLUNTEERS IN THE ORGANIZATION OF CHARITY.