expenditure in sympathy upon the sorrows and joys of real life.

A partial exception to this lies in those tales which are "founded upon facts," although in too many of them the "facts are by far the smallest part of the story. And the historical tales, such as those by Miss Emily S. Holt, are certainly much less open to the objection which we urge, and often teach useful historical lessons.

There are only two arguments of apparent weight which are urged in support of religious fiction. Firstly, that our Lord used parables to teach important truths. Certainly He did so. But one needs only to examine the difference between any one of His brief and pointed parables and the thousands of silly pages (several hundred often for one story only) which are issued in the name of religion, and it appears at once that the two things are perfectly different. Others, again, urge that religious fiction is useful for conveying truth to those who do not care for it sufficiently to receive it any other way. Be it so. Then why not leave it for those? We are writing, be it remembered, for those who profess to know and love the truth, and who ought not to need it to be wrapped up in interesting story before they will read it. And even for others it must not be forgotten that the "goodygoody" pieces are for the most part "skipped" by those who are supposed to receive religious ideas only in this form.

Still, we would not go so far as to say to the Christian, Read no fiction at all. Let it, however, be avoided rather than sought. Let it be the exception (if it must be had), and certainly not the rule. If it is found to be a refreshment of mind after severe strain of thought, let it be so used in extreme moderation. But let it be laid aside the moment it appears to be producing any of those effects on the mind which we have already described when speaking of novels pure and simple, and of those "religious" stories which it

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would be difficult to distinguish from them except for the weak solution of religion which they contain. We have further remarks to make upon the Christian's reading, and a few practical suggestions to offer as to what to read. These must stand over till next month.

The Christian Workers' and Invalids' Mutual Help Association.*

By Caroline K. Tomkins.

"I was sick and ye ministered unto me.'
"I believe in the Communion of Saints."

THE aim of this Association (formed in 1877, and now consisting of 184 members) is to bring each confirmed Invalid Lady in the United Kingdom into direct communication, by means of correspondence, with a Christian Worker.

Are there not many Christian women, as yet unconnected with this Society, who would be much cheered and helped by receiving letters from some hard-working Christian sister, busily engaged in many labours of love? And is there not many a Christian Worker who would feel it a privilege to brighten the sick room of one of her Lord's chastened ones with loving expressions of sympathy, with a graphic and detailed account of her work in its various branches, with a beautiful passage copied from a book, with a newly found treasure in the form of a hymn, some helpful thoughts from a recently heard sermon, or the sometimes strangely sweet and suggestive sayings of the children of the household.

Would not the Christian Worker find relief in telling her

* The Editor of Christian Progress warmly commends this work to his readers, and hopes that many will join.

perplexities and discouragements to one who she knows will lay them each one in detail before the Lord, and would she not go forth into the vineyard cheered by the knowledge that many special prayers for her and for her work are issuing from one silent chamber.

And what a large new life would be opened out to the Occupant of that silent chamber. She would feel that she has still something to do for the Master. There is that giddy, thoughtless girl who is yet so loveable, in her friend's class, who must be prayed for until she is won for Jesus, or there are hopeful signs, or perhaps very hard hearts in certain houses in her correspondent's district, and these must be specially pleaded for; or perhaps the Invalid can make some little woollen articles, or spare some left off clothing for the very poor; she can pencil a short note to some humble unknown sufferer, telling how the Lord has helped and supported her in her pain and weakness; or perhaps she can post an attractive Gospel book to some invalid amongst the upper ten thousand who may reside in her correspondent's neighbourhood: or perhaps she can send a few large print hymns and texts to brighten a cottage wall; and all this good seed will be sown in faith and watered by prayer.

When these prayers of the "two" that have "agreed together" are answered, as answered in God's time and way they assuredly will be, how the toiling one and the suffering one will rejoice together. She that tarries at home will indeed divide the spoil with her to whom the victory is given.

Not long would these two warm Christian hearts remain strangers to one another. Notes on the same passages of Scripture would be made and interchanged, and perhaps used for the Worker's Bible Class or by a sick bed, the same daily text-book or reading book would be used, special times and subjects for prayer would be mutually agreed pon, photographs would be exchanged, birthdays kept,

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needle-work discussed, flowers sent, and perhaps books and magazines would be lent, and the friendship would become very real indeed.

Every letter should contain at least one precious Scripture promise written in full. Whatever else is omitted there must always be space and time for a portion of God's word, which shall not return unto Him void. Sometimes the Worker can print these on a card in neat large letters, so as to be hung up within sight of the Invalid's couch.

The suffering one may not be able to answer every letter, and her not doing so should on no account be allowed to interfere with the tone or regularity of her correspondent's letters. When least able to write, the invalid will probably need and value most the words of cheer and comfort in the letter of her friend. At the same time it is most desirable in order to cherish affectionate interest that the invalid replies whenever she can, if only by a few pencilled words when those are all that are possible, and when she is unable to do even this she may be able to get a friend to write for her.

Many of the Members work for the London Medical Mission, and find great interest in doing so. One who has passed many years in bed writes, "The dear Lord has helped me to knit one pair of socks and to crotchet a shawl. I cannot find words to describe my feelings while working them. Oh, how good our dear Father in heaven is. He is sure to give His feeble ones something good, and the good is letting my poor fingers work for Him. How sweet is all work done for such a Master."

Dr. Saunders is very thankful for the help given to the Mission, and says the things sent have been most useful and good. He was so pleased with some patch-work cushions, made by one who has for years kept her bed, that he asked that one might be used in his waiting-room to suggest to others the idea of making similar ones. Several parcels of

useful clothing have been sent to Dr. Saunders each year. This branch of the work is managed by Mrs. C. Startin, Fairlight, Ellerdale Road, Hampstead, London, who receives money from those of the Members wishing to give it, for the purchase of material, sends money to those willing to work but unable to purchase materials, receives the work when finished, and forwards it to the Mission.

Some Foreign Mission work has been undertaken, and more might well be accomplished. One lady sent copies of the Christian, etc., to the aged widow of a Missionary, who continued to live in India, while others send books and tracts for distribution in South Africa and the West Indies. One Member is in correspondence with a native girl in Sierra Leone, and another with the wife of a Chinese Native Pastor.

In July of every year a Card of Membership is sent to each Member, and this she is particularly requested always to acknowledge, and to send a little account of her work. The Subscription, which is optional, although paid by most, is is. a year, and is sent at the same time. This covers the cost of printing, postage, etc. It is particularly requested that the Secretary may be informed of anything unsatisfactory or disappointing in the correspondence, of any change of residence, or of the death of any of the Members.

The name and address of the Hon. Secretary is Miss GERTRUDE FELLOWS, NELSON ROAD SOUTH, GT. YARMOUTH, who receives the names of all invalids and workers willing to join the association, and arranges their correspondence. She likes to have some idea of age, circumstances, position in society, etc., and then in faith and prayer, depending on God to guide her, she introduces by letter, the correspondents to one another. How constantly God has directed her choice is proved by the marvellous blessing this little Society has been to its Members. A few testimonies are selected. They might be multiplied to almost any extent.