the report of the Secretary, Mr. T. A. Boyd. cess, and the fallen brother be made the conFrom it we quote: queror. These discouragements, and these trials of the faith and hope and patience of these good Samaritans, are, however, more than compensated for by the goodly numbers of those in whose behalf their labors have not been spent in vain. This is fully demonstrated by the results as taken from a table in their report: Number who have resided within the home from April, 1880, to 1881, Of these, there are men whose lives give evidence of a thorough change, warranting us in classing them as reformed, Men who show some change, but of whom one can "The home has now completed the ninth year of its existence. These have been years filled with heroic efforts and personal sacrifices, they have been checkered with sunlight and shadows, with failures and triumphs. The very character of the work renders it necessarily one of continuous struggle. The effort to raise the fallen and save the perishing is sure to be discouraging, and is by no means always crowned with success. In its earlier years the home was hampered in its operations by the unexpectedly large expense incurred in altering the buildings Nos. 913 and 915 Locust street. By persistent effort this obstruction was removed; but the facts given in the report of the executive committee will show that the trials and difficulties of the home have been greater during the year just passed than in any one preceding it. A generous public, however, came to our aid, and by strenuous exertions on the part of Deaths, the officers and management we have been able to repair the damage sustained and put the home upon a surer footing than ever. Every day's experience proves that it is absolutely necessary to enlarge our buildings. To carry on our work thoroughly, we need more extensive and complete hospital accommodations and an opportunity to make a classification of our inmates upon their first entrance into the home. "The Ladies' Board, so largely interested and successful in the past in aiding the development of the home for efficient work, are expected, now that difficulties which heretofore obscured their labors are removed, to place the home again, by reorganized effort, in a more advanced position for effecting good." Of all the serious trials through which the management of this institution has to pass, of all the discouragement that one should think would surely weary them in the work, none is greater than the fact that so many in whose behalf they have invested not only the utmost care and attention, but their most earnest prayers, supplemented by sound admonition and good advice, and whom in many instances they have aided in restoring to a. social status in life, again fall by the wayside. But even this does not deter them in their noble efforts. It only induces them to work the more assiduously and perseveringly, feeling conscious that their efforts must eventually meet with suc Men who rise and fall continually, whom we classify as failures, Unknown, 330 148 72 57 39 Let the Christian reader pause here for a moment and consider that nearly all of these reformed men are converted men; not only reformed from drunkenness, but from all other sins, converted to a new life, and believing in the grace of God, through Jesus Christ the Lord, as practically powerful to save. Does it occur to the reader that when our Saviour went about doing good among sinners, that it was among those broken in spirit, poor and humble, and the outcasts of society, that he realized the greatest results of his labors, the largest measure of the fruits of true repentance, abiding faith, and good works? It has often occurred to the writer, that the men whom God has blessed with the strength to bear the burden of this work had this fact in their minds at its inception, and have had due regard to it all through the process of its development and elaboration. And surely they have occasion to rejoice, since they have had a like experience with their Master. Rare, indeed, is the institution, in this city or in the world, whether it is a church or whatever else may be its character, that can make a showing which will favorably compare with the above results. There is still another stimulus which strengthens the hands of the managers of this home. We THE FRANKLIN HOME. have given above the results only of one year's But the greatest encouragement which the managers of the home have to strengthen their generous hearts is the fact that this army of reformed men represents a host of reformed homes where once grief-stricken wives are now happy, where anxious-browed sons and sad-eyed daughters are once more cheerful, where the hard lines of deep sorrow traced on faces of old and gray-haired mothers have been smoothed away, and who find their hearts giving expression to their sentiments through the tender songs of the happy long-ago. It is almost impossible to picture in language, or for the imagination to conceive, the length, the breadth, the grandeur, and the beauty of such an influence exerted over the happiness, the comfort, and the peace of a thousand homes; an influence at once cheering and encouraging to active workers in the prime of life, soothing to the aged shortly to pass away, and which must leave its impress upon the destinies of generations yet unborn. We paid the home a visit lately on a pleasant Sunday afternoon, and found the chapel crowded with graduates of two, five, seven, eight, and nine years' standing, among whom were interspersed many friends of the home, grateful wives and parents, smiling-faced little children, and who by their presence exhibited the gratitude they felt for what had been done for them. This, we learned, was the usual character of these meetings, excepting those of the Godwin Association held on Thursday nights, and which are strictly pri vate. After the singing of a hymn, with musical accompaniment, by Mr. Busenius, the well-known and accomplished organist, who generously con tributes his services for the good they may effect, the exercises of the meeting are opened and conducted by Mr. Samuel P. Godwin, the President, who, on these occasions, directs his efforts to bringing his audience to a fuller realization of their close relation to a personal God, and of not only the possibilities, but the facts relating to a nearer communion with Him. In pressing his deductions, at all times logical, upon the consideration of his hearers, he largely draws facts from the deep and strong experience of his own active life, as well as from others, by way of illustration, and in such a manner as to most strongly emphasize the instruction given. On the same Sabbath we also attended the evening meeting, which was equally well attended, and was addressed by the Hon. Judge Pierce on the text, "The kingdom of heaven is within you." It is impossible to estimate the effect of two such pertinent, perspicuous, and most eloquent discourses, upon a body of men who, from their present position, are in so reflective a condition of mind and possessed of such impressionable hearts. Considerably interested in the institution, we were induced to again visit it on the following Tuesday evening. It was the occasion of a testimonial meeting, at which the Superintendent, Mr. C. J. Gibbons, demonstrated some of the principles which governed the home, and gave some of the experiences which his close observation and solid judgment has crystallized into what may be termed a diagnosis of the different phases of the inebriate's career. We cannot do better than to quote his language in reference to the subject under consideration: "The man whom drink has driven to the shelter of the home usually enters it with but vague ideas and purposes of reformation. He is broken down physically and mentally, he has worn out the patience and alienated the affections of his family and friends, he is not unfrequently embarrassed also pecuniarily, and worst of all, is broken in spirit and without hope that he will be able to break the fetters that render him the unwilling, almost despairing, slave of alcohol. This being his condition, the first thing done is to quiet the disordered nerves and excoriated stomach and to remove the physical maladies produced by excessive drink. Skillful medical treatment, and careful nursing, generally bring the patient in a few days to an approximately healthy condition, though time is necessary for his complete restora- their prayers, their labors, or their means in this, tion to vigorous health. "The next step is to extend to him sympathy and encouragement, to rekindle a spark of hope in his lacerated heart. He is made to feel that, however abandoned his condition, there are still those who care for him and feel an interest in his welfare, and who are ready to extend to him the hand of help and brotherly kindness. He feels assured of the possibility of success in his attempt to reform, when looking at the encouraging example of those about him-his fellow-inmates. His most pressing wants are relieved, and if the necessities of his family trouble him his mind is made easy in regard to them. If, as is sadly too often the case, his vicious life has separated him from wife and children, steps are taken to heal the breach if possible and reunite him to his family. Where it can be done (though our power in this direction is necessarily limited), he is aided in obtaining employment, and stimulated to get at work to regain that confidence and respect in the community which he has forfeited by his habits of dissipation. "We have no confidence in the permanence of any reformation that is not based upon sincere religious convictions and sense of duty. A radical change of heart is necessary, and we know of no other means by which that change can be effected. The drunkard, to be rescued, must be born anew to fresh hopes, to higher aspirations, to purer tastes, and to holier desires. We do not hesitate to employ, in proper subordination, human aids and motives; but the aim of all our efforts is to bring our erring and fallen brother humbly, earnestly, and with sincerity of purpose, to seek and accept Divine assistance. And we believe that when this is honestly and intelligently done, no attempt at reformation need be a failure." Society is certainly a great debtor to the home, for the reason that hundreds whom it reforms might otherwise become a burden to the State. It is indebted for the many hundreds the home has returned to its ranks in a condition to become useful and honored citizens once more. It is not to the State, however, nor to society in general, that this great benevolence appeals, but rather to those individuals who feel their hearts warm toward it, who will make an intelligent study of its work and results, and are willing to engage either with God's harvest field, and help gather in the sheaves. Its man To the philanthropical we would say that this is one of the worthy objects deserving their consideration. It is not by any means self-sustaining, as the books of the institution will, on examination, fully confirm, and its labors are of course very much restricted for the want of means. agement is sustained, however, by the reflection that its healthy influence will at all times exercise the willing support of a most benevolent spirit so characteristic of a generous-hearted people. This has promptly answered the appeals of the home in the past, and we feel confident it will be equally prompt to respond in the future. While the immediate funds of the institution may be sufficient to carry out the work with its present facilities, the field of operation is so great that it is simply impossible to extend its sphere of operations, without a corresponding increase of facilities. To do this will require additional funds. The management, deeply encouraged by the success which has thus far attended its labors with such limited facilities, feels constrained to ask additional contributions from friends and others, to enable it to speedily accomplish the purpose. The home as now conducted is in a better condition for efficient work, if provided with the means, than ever before. Its affairs are controlled and supervised entirely by the executive committee, which constitutes the superintendence, Joseph K. Wheeler, Esq., being the chairman of that committee; a gentleman well known for his stern integrity, practical business qualifications, and sound judgment, softened by the dews of Christian charity. Under that direction, C. J. Gibbons, who was the superintendent during the early years of the home, is now the acting superintendent. With such zealous and untiring workers at its head as Mr. Godwin and Mr. Gibbons, and a board of managers consisting of some of the most respectable and honored men in both the professional and business walks of life to direct its affairs, the charitably disposed need have no fears as to the success of this great work. These men have builded on a sure foundation, on a rock that shall withstand the beatings and lashings of the angry waves, a rock that shall stand for ages as the synonym of that true faith which recognizes God's work and mercy in their every labor in behalf of fallen mankind. ONLY A MILLION. BY CHARLES GIBBON. CHAPTER I.-THE GREAT MR. CAWLEY. "LET me get a million and I shall be quite happy." That was poor Samuel Cawley's cry. Poor? yes, you will understand presently; he had the million when he died. He had a moderately comfortable start in the world, thanks to the industry of his father, who left him a small steady-going business and the requisite knowledge to carry it on successfully. Samuel Cawley did carry it on successfully, and various political and commercial events operating in his favor enabled him to transform his moderate business into an extensive one. He was devoted to his work, and having the quickness to use the lucky events of the day advantageously, he found himself in a few years at the head of an establishment into which money seemed to flow of its own sweet will. At first he was humbly grateful, then he becaine excited, and next the craving to become a millionaire seized him. That craving fairly mastered him; it was the mainspring of his every act and thought; he had no hope, no care-almost no religion, above or outside that desire to possess a million. Everything prospered with him, and his ambition was realized. One morning he found that he possessed a million; and, singular as it may seem, he closed his books with a sigh of relief, satisfied! But he was somewhat puzzled to find after the first few days, which were occupied in self-congratulations, that he was not quite happy. There was something he wanted still, and what that something was he did not know. He opened his eyes, as it were, for the first time upon life outside his ledger. He had never had any real experience of youth, had never known play as a boy, or sport as a young man: the world of business had so completely absorbed him, that the world of pleasure was unknown to him. Being still young-just turned forty-he determined to explore this strange world in search of that something which he still required to make him happy. He left his business to take care of itself; that is, he spent a couple of hours daily in his office instead of ten or more as he had done formerly; and the two hours were sufficient to keep everything straight. He took a large house in the West End; he purchased an old mansion in Sussex with about a thousand acres attached, and abundant shooting and fishing also-unfortunately, not having had any training in these sports, they afforded him no enjoyment. However, they would please his friends. The appointments of his town and country residences were perfect-that is, as perfect as his servants would permit them to be. The cooking, when the cook was in good humor, was excellent; the wines were the best that money could obtain. Mr. Samuel Cawley was surrounded by troops of friends; he was put up at half a dozen clubs, blackballed by two-much to his astonishmentand accepted by the others; he found himself, in short, courted on all hands as a man of sterling worth-as a man whom it was a privilege to know. He was amazed by his own popularity; he had never suspected that he possessed the qualities requisite to shine in society, until he found himself in society and shining with all the brilliancy of a newly-discovered planet. All this was very agreeable. After he had got over the awkwardness of his first appearance, he began to enjoy himself; he began to think this world of amusement a very good world indeed, and the people in it a kindly and sensible people, with few prejudices comparatively speaking, and most ready to recognize native talent-for had they not recognized him? He was the hero of the hour, and he was highly delighted to recognize himself in that character; ladies admired his taste in art (his portrait by an R.A. was soon in the Academy), and spoke of his sympathetic nature; gentlemen praised his possessions, and professed the most friendly envy of the gifts which Nature and Fortune had bestowed upon him. Cawley was gratified exceedingly; but he never thoroughly understood what a great man he was until at a large dinner-party (for which he provided) his health was proposed. Then he saw himself in his true colors. He was not only a successful man (cheers-why, nobody knew, for there was nothing novel or striking in the observation; probably it was only meant as a sign of the universal worship of success); but he was a man endowed with the sublime philosophy which could recognize that there was something nobler in the world than mere success in money-getting (a bit of humbug cordially appreciated, and therefore cheered); a man who said to himself-‘Enough, I shall enjoy life, and I shall help others to enjoy life, as we are doing at this moment, thanks to our generous host (more cheers). To what better, to what nobler purpose could a man devote himself? (hear, hear-quite justifiable this time). He was rendering a great moral service to the world, and the speaker did not doubt that the world looking on-especially the poorer classes, who were not privileged to share in these magnificent hospitalities-would learn a valuable lesson (still more cheers). In the glorious roll of British benefactors of their species the name of Samuel Cawley would go down to posterity as one of the brightest examples of how a true gentleman should live and help others to live, etc., and more and more cheers as the champagne circulated. It was quite settled that he was a great man who ought to live forever in the flesh, but who assuredly would live forever in the grateful memory of posterity. Cawley was not a fool; and, tumbling into his bed in the small hours of the morning, he said to himself, "That is very nice; but of course we must take it all with large proportions of salt." Nevertheless, he swallowed a large quantity of what was very nice without any salt at all, and he was not in the least aware of the mistake. He did do good, though: he subscribed liberally to miscellaneous charities; he helped many a poor wretch out of monetary scrapes (life or death to the wretch, but nothing at all to him, beyond the trouble of filling up a check), and he did not even turn his back upon poor relations. He had a troop of pensioners. But he had a weakness: he liked his benevolence to be recognized. He professed with becoming frankness that he did not want thanks; he was only too glad when a few pounds could help anybody; at the same time, he liked people to be grateful. He liked to hear his own praises sung, and was inclined to look discontentedly upon those dolts who accepted his disclaimers literally and remained silent. He would even, to particular friends, report what he had been obliged to do for poor So-and-so, lamenting all the time that So-and-so should have been so unfortunate as to require his help, which he gave so cheerfully, or rather willingly, as Soand-so was such a deserving fellow, only rather careless and extravagant. So-and-so, in fact, would never "get on," unless he altered his ways and acted according to Mr. Cawley's instructions. But, poor fellow, he was a good creature, and the great Mr. Cawley felt obliged to give him the money to help him over his present strait, although Mr. Cawley fully expected that he would have to do the same thing again in a very short time. This confidence was repeated, in confidence of course, to Mr. Cawley's visitors, much to that gentleman's glorification, whilst poor So-and-so found himself presently looked upon with pitying. eyes by everybody, heard the goodness of Mr. Cawley hummed in his ears, until he became conscious that people were shrinking from him the more they buzzed round the millionaire, and he felt ready to curse Cawley instead of regarding him with honest gratitude. That was Cawley's weakness; he had found the flourish of his check-book apparently such a potent "open sesame" to people's homes and hearts, that, while really desirous of acting kindly, he lost all sense of the necessity for the generous thought which is even more essential in the composition of kindness than the free hand; the one being the product of a good heart, the other of good for tune. Surrounded by friends, his society eagerly sought by clever poor people and by dull rich people; the proprietor of an excellent estate and the master of a million, there seemed to be nothing left for Mr. Cawley to desire; and yet Mr. Cawley felt that there was something still wanting to complete his happiness. He began to be cynical and to quote the line, "Man never is, but always to be blest." He did not know where the line came from, and he did not care; it looked like a truth, and that was enough for him. He several times thought it would be the best thing for him to return to business, and to apply himself to the accumulation of another million or to the losing of the million he possessed. But that was a very wild idea, and he easily reconciled himself to the theory that his hand was somewhat out of business, and his health would no longer endure hard work. He even thought of marriage. He examined various desirable objects in the marriage market; but, being a man accustomed to making a good bargain, he turned away from the numerous avail |