When the lovely burdens are carried forth, it is hard for the
bearers to resist the entreaties from many a doorstep for "one
flower, one single flower." Of the thankfulness with which they are
received when they reach their destination, we might tell countless
instances, and of conversions through the messages they bring we
believe not a few. Indeed who can say where the blessing ends? for
those who have found a blessing themselves will not keep the cards
under their pillow, but have sent them to soldier sons in India and
China, and to sailors afar off upon the sea.
The following lines were written by a poor woman, aged 70, in the
Mile-end Union:--
"Many an eye with the film of death,
With fading pulse, and bating breath,
Have cast a look on those things so bright;
And perchance a prayer with electric light,
Has passed through the brain with magic power,
Brought to the heart by a beautiful flower.
Beautiful thought to bring to the sad,
Sweet bright things to make them glad."
Of the numbers of labourers and abundance of texts and flowers
required, some idea may be formed when it is mentioned that thirteen
Hospitals, four Unions, some containing over 1000 inmates, and one
Lunatic Asylum, are provided for from the Home of Industry.
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