"After my return to Canada, having got thoroughly interested in the work, seeing at least that it was doing a good work for London in relieving the over-population there, I decided, if in my judgment the work was as well cared for in Canada, and as much care exercised in placing them out in homes as in gathering in and training, then it would prove a good work for Canada also.
"Now, (after over ten years), I can say, from large personal experience, that the placing of several thousands of these young, sturdy, willing workers in the homes of our Canadian fanners, through this agency, has been a blessing to Canada, not only as workers, but also in many cases carrying good religious influences with them. The greatest care is exercised in selecting suitable homes, and in no case is a child placed out unless the applicant brings good certificates of character from the minister or justice of the peace. In these homes of the farmers the youngsters are well-fed, well-clothed, and well-treated, in most cases made one of the family. I have constantly inquired, in various localities, as to how these young people are getting on, from prominent men, such as judges, members of Parliament, mayors and councillors of towns, ministers and fanners, and am satisfied as a whole they turn out as well as the average of young people from any class of society. Some prove unsuitable—these are returned to the Distributing Homes and given a fresh start; some few turn out badly or sickly—these are returned to England: but compared with the large number that turn out well the average is very small. I know the Distributing Homes at Knowlton, at Belleville, and at Galt; they are fine, comfortable, substantial buildings, and at Galt there is a farm of 100 acres of land. I know the workers and the oversight they take in training until placed out, the care taken in placing out, how they visit and correspond with them, and I have seen and possess hundreds of letters from these youngsters, written voluntarily by them from their new homes, many of which have been published in Canadian as well as English papers from time to time. I have seen and possess hundreds of photographs of these waifs and strays as taken into the gathering Homes in London, then brought out to Canada, then, after being here two, five, and even ten years, the progress being marvellous.
"Now, in conclusion, having within the past month visited the Galt Home and Farm, with more than fifty healthy, hearty, vigorous youngsters being trained and fitted for work among Canadian farmers, it is my firm conviction that this work is being well done on both sides of the Atlantic. It is being carried on upon right principles and from pure motives, and God has owned and blessed it wonderfully. There is not only room for, but a hearty welcome also for hundreds more of such emigrants. The work has proved a blessing to Canada as well as a blessing to England, and those engaged in it should receive hearty encouragement on both sides of the Atlantic.
"—Yours faithfully,
"MONTREAL,July 1st, 1881."
Miss Macpherson writes after Lord Dufferin's visit to the Galt Home:—
"His lordship said, 'We meet your children everywhere, and they are so happy; we have crossed the ocean with them, and even last night where we were slaying we were waited upon by one of your boys as a page,—he did it well too.'"
May Miss Macpherson's solemn words on stir up many to follow her self-denying efforts, and may the same blessing attend them.
"Since 1868, we have been receiving the love offerings of the Lord's almoners, and under the direction of two auditors and a public accountant, a yearly balance sheet has been issued. To the praise of the Lord who knoweth the needs of the destitute ones we have sought to help, we have not been permitted to contract a debt, or been left in want of bread or clothing at any time. Our faith has been frequently proved, at times for days, and at others for years. Yet our 'God is love,' and we are in His own wondrous school, and bow to every trial.
"From 4000 to 6000 pounds annually have been the requirements of the mission. As it came, so was the money spent, leaving us often with a very small balance, but always on the right side.
"When the funds have been low we have often been led to wonder and adore the love that placed our burdens upon the hearts of others, causing them to consider Him who loved them, and who had enjoined us to go forth and sympathise with the 'Christies' grinding their old organs, and the 'Jessicas,' with broken hearts, crying for bread in the alleys of our great city.
"Our sainted sister, Miss Havergal, once earnestly entreated us to write on about the needs of little children. Mrs. Herbert Taylor, now in glory, said, 'Oh continue unto the end pleading the Christ-like cause.'
"Yes! we are stewards, and not of money only.
"Do these departed workers regret one effort made for Jesus? It is only now we can watch with Him for the little children,—the opportunities for self-denial will soon be past. No more long voyages, or sleepless nights,—soon the Lord Himself will come, our bungling and failures all blotted out by the blood on the Mercy-seat. Let us employ every remaining hour for our Lord as He leads us forth; let the eye rest upon the grace that was in Jesus when He took the little children in His arms (Mark x. 13-16). How full of tenderness as we see Him placing the child by Himself (Luke ix. 47, 48). Would we follow Him, then shall we be faithful stewards of every gift with which He has entrusted us. When we have had nothing left but Himself,-so near to faith's vision,—then how inexpressibly full has shone out one or other of the 33,000 precious, never-failing promises.
"Precious Comforter! drawing ever near to His oft 'perplexed, reasoning, troubled' ones; waiting to comfort them; showing them His hands and His feet, and lifting those hands to bless them (Luke xxiv)."
"'A little while' for patient vigil keeping,To face the stem, to wrestle with the strong;'A little while,' to sow the seed with weeping,Then bind the sheaves and sing the harvest song.
"And He who is Himself the Gift and Giver—The future glory and the present smile,With the bright promise of the glad 'for ever,'Will light the shadows of the 'little while!'"