does not argue mistrust in the providence of God. In managing the Lord's money there should be as much prudence as if there were no faith, and as much faith as if there were no prudence. Our list of annual subscribers is a very slender one, but then we have many friends who send as regularly as though they were pledged to do so. To them the cause of the orphan is felt to be a very sacred obligation, and to send of their substance from time to time yields a pleasure all its

own.

During the year our friends who take collecting-boxes and books brought in the sum of £923 18s. 5d. Meetings are arranged for the collectors from time to time, when the President is pleased to see them, and personally to thank them for their efforts in a cause which is so dear to his own heart.

The children in the Orphanage were supplied with cards, and their friends collected £222 11s. Od. This was regarded as a very precious offering, for it was for the most part collected in pennies, and was felt to be an expression of true gratitude.

Many friends residing at a distance, who are not able to attend the meetings, correspond with the President personally, and send in substantial assistance.

Altogether the amount received during the year from collectingcards, books, and boxes, reached the noble sum of £1,146 9s. 5d., for which we are truly grateful.

Our excellent neighbour, Mr. Newman Hall, devotes his Christmas morning collection to the Orphanage, and this year our friend, Dr. Parker, gave us a collection at the City Temple. A choir of the orphan children sang at each service, to the great delight of the friends present. We shall be glad to find this example copied, as the gain to the Institution far exceeds the amount of the collection.

Several Young Ladies' Working Associations have rendered considerable help by their loving labours, and their services are greatly appreciated.

Many friends who cannot combine with others in such a work can render us good service by making articles of clothing suitable for either boys or girls, between the ages of 6 and 15.

During the year, Mr. Charlesworth has gone to many places with his Choir and Hand-bell Ringers. The addition of £1,132 18s. 6d., after deducting all expenses, to the funds of the Institution from this source moves us to thank all our friends who have helped to bring about such a result. As stewards of the Lord's bounty, it was right that our friends should be informed of the nature and scope of the work in the best possible way; and as facts are more potent than words, the sight of a choir of neatly-dressed boys is more convincing than a long argument. The meetings, as conducted, do not merely afford an evening's diversion, they aim at benefiting those present; and many testimonies have been received to prove that this object has been attained. Mr. Charlesworth will be glad to correspond with any who can arrange for meetings in aid of the Orphanage.

From the Orphanage Acre at Waterbeach, under the skilful farming of Mr. Toller, we continue to receive a welcome supply of flour and potatoes. Other friends have sent us a portion of their potato crops,

and several millers have occasionally forwarded sacks of flour. Puddings and potatoes form important articles of diet, and we shall be glad if farmers will remember our orphans in "seed-time and harvest." Such an offering of first-fruits will sanctify the whole crop. A good friend at Reading has dedicated a pear-tree to the Orphanage, and sends either the fruit or the money realized by its sale.

It would be impossible to enumerate all the presents sent by generous friends, but they are acknowledged every month in The Sword and the Trowel. We repeat our thanks to one and all. We are sorry when friends do not receive a prompt acknowledgment of their gifts; but in almost all instances where this has occurred, the donor has failed to send name and address with the parcel. Please therefore do us the following kindness-Write in your plainest hand, and put your name in the parcel, and then send a post-card or note to say that such a parcel is on the road, and contains such and such articles.

Many generous helpers have died of late, and unbelief has asked how their places will be supplied; but faith is sure that the Lord who sent us old friends can send us new ones. We have never made flesh our arm, nor will we; our eyes are towards the hills, whence cometh our help, and our motto is, "I WILL TRUST, AND NOT BE AFRAID."

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We pray that our loving helpers may long be spared to share in our service of love; but as our heartiest wishes cannot keep them on earth for ever, even were we cruel enough to desire it, we trust they will not forget the orphans when they are distributing their estates. Do not put them in a corner of the will which may be torn off, but in the centre, where the Lord's work ought to be. As it is most important to comply with legal conditions, in order to secure the validity of a legacy, we append the necessary form. Persons deviating from such form are likely to frustrate their own intentions, and no sane person would wish to do that. It cannot be too clearly understood that bequests of land or houses for charitable purposes are null and void. By forgetting this fact, friends have put the President to serious trouble, involving him in actions at law, and all sorts of unpleasantnesses. He has too much to do already, and does not want to have his back broken with the proverbial last ounce. Those are wisest who are their own executors, and distribute their money in their own lifetime; but if this cannot be accomplished, friends should at least make their wills, and see that they are plainly drawn up and properly executed.

FORM OF BEQUEST.

I Give and Bequeath the sum of...

pounds sterling, to be paid out of that part of my personal estate which may by law be given with effect for charitable purposes, to be paid to the Treasurer for the time being of the Stockwell Orphanage, Clapham Road, Surrey, and his receipt shall be a sufficient discharge for the said legacy; and this legacy, when received by such Treasurer, to be applied for the general purposes of the Orphanage.

GENERAL ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31ST, 1885.

Balance of Dividends and Rents (less Repairs and Insurance)

Applications for the admission of destitute Fatherless Children, between the ages of six and ten, should be addressed in writing to the Secretary, and full particulars should be given. As the number of candidates is far in excess of the accommodation, the Trustees may decline to issue a form of application; for it would be useless to do so when there is no prospect of success. If a form be granted, it must not be regarded as a guarantee that the application will succeed.

The questions must be fully and frankly answered by the applicant, and the form of application should be returned as soon as possible. The slightest untruthfulness will necessitate the rejection of the case. Unhealthy, deformed, and imbecile children are not eligible. Only children born in wedlock can be received. Children whose fathers are alive cannot, under any circumstances, be admitted. Whatever the plea may be, no exceptions can be made to this rule, as the trust is definite and unalterable.

If the case is entered on the list of satisfactory candidates, the Trustees appoint a visitor to make personal inquiries. Should these be satisfactory, the child will appear before the Committee in due course; and if it is then among the most needy and deserving, it may be accepted for admission to the Institution, as soon as there is room.

Friends who are only acquainted with the case in which they are specially interested must not be surprised at its rejection by the Trustees at any stage if it proves to be less necessitous than others; nor must they wonder if the child is declined because of unsuitability; for the Institution is neither Hospital, Reformatory, nor Idiot Asylum. The Trustees maintain the strictest impartiality while considering the claims of the various applicants, and the greatest need always has the loudest voice with them; hence many needy ones must be refused because there are others in still more deplorable circumstances.

Applicants are requested not to call upon the Trustees privately, as they are bound not to attend to them otherwise than officially. Cases will be considered on their own merits, and applicants will derive no advantage from personal solicitation. Mr. Spurgeon cannot personally see any applicants, and should not be written to. All letters on this business must be addressed to the Secretary.

The Institution is mainly supported by spontaneous gifts, a number of donors sending as regularly, year by year, as if they were pledged to do so. An increase to the number of subscribers would be a great comfort to the President. Now that girls as well as boys have to be fed, clothed, and educated, the income needs to be doubled. Will not the reader of this Report become a helper? Subscriptions, large or small, will be gratefully received by C. H. SPURGEON, Westwood, Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, S.E. Collecting Boxes or Books may be obtained of the Secretary, Stockwell Orphanage. Gifts of Food, Stores, Clothes, Books, Toys, and useful articles, are always welcome, and should be directed to

VERNON J. CHARLESWORTH, Head Master,

The Orphanage, Stockwell, London, S.W.

NOTE.-Letters requiring an answer should contain a stamped directed envelope.