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TEDDINGTON BRANCH.-On the 10th of September, the anniversary festival took place. At the invitation of the Vicar, the Rev. R. Digby Ram, the Associates and Members met together at 5.30 p.m. for tea in the Infants' school-room, which was prettily decorated with wreaths and mottoes for the occasion. Tea was followed by an address from the Vicar, after which the tables were cleared away, and the girls amused themselves with games till nearly eight o'clock, when the whole party adjourned to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul for Evensong. The service was attended by many besides those actually connected with the G. F. S. The offertory was devoted to the funds of the Branch. The sermon was preached by the Vicar, who chose for his text St. John, xv. 14, 'Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.'

EMSWORTH BRANCH.-The first annual festival was held on the 18th of September at Warblington. There were twenty-two Members present and six Associates, with other friends. The festival commenced with a special service at three o'clock at the parish church, where an appropriate address was delivered by the Rector, the Rev. W. B. Norris. At the close of the service, the whole party proceeded to the Rectory, where an excellent tea was provided for them by the kindness of Mrs. Fellowes. After tea premiums were given to six of the Members for long service, and bonuses on savings to two. They were then kindly and admirably addressed by the Rev. W. Norris and the Rev. H. W. Sheppard, the Rector of Emsworth. After this, games were played. The party then broke up, much pleased with their entertainment.

THORNCOMBE (BRIDPORT R.D.) BRANCH.-A meeting of this Branch took place on September 23rd, the first anniversary of its formation. Owing to the scattered nature of the population only twenty-four members and friends were able to meet at Seaton, a lovely sea-side village, for a picnic on the shore, where all enjoyed the good things provided for them. An expedition to a neighbouring landslip had been arranged for, but unfortunately the weather interfered. Notwithstanding the rain, a very happy party returned by train to Chard Road station, and proceeded to Thorncombe Vicarage, where, by the kindness of the Rev. C. A. and Mrs. Bragge, they all enjoyed a substantial tea, the tables being bright with flowers, &c. The pleasant talk about the objects and growth of the Society, the value and meaning of its name, and of their own Christian names, we trust will not be soon forgotten, and at eight o'clock all joined in heartily singing, True friends help,' &c., before separating. The Members belonging to the Branch at Stoke Abbot not being able to come so far, arrangements were kindly made for their enjoyment.

DARLINGTON BRANCH.-On the 25th September, twenty of the Members met at the house of the Branch Secretary, Mrs. Hutchinson. After partaking of tea, they had music and singing; and the Vicar of Darlington, the Rev. J. E. Hodgson, gave a short address upon the aims and advantages of the Society. The evening closed by the singing of hymns and the Society's prayer.

BIRKENHEAD BRANCH.-This Branch, which was established early in the year, held its first festival on Michaelmas Day at St. Aidan's College. The day was lovely. About seventy girls assembled at 4.30 for service

in the College chapel, the special form for G. F. S. festivals being used. The Principal (the Rev. W. Saumarez Smith) gave an earnest and simple address. Tea was provided in the dining-hall, which was prettily decorated with plants and flowers by the kindness of some of the Associates. After tea, the girls enjoyed some games in the grounds, and then were entertained with music, illustrated books, &c. After singing the hymn, True friends help each other,' they dispersed at 7.30, much pleased with their first experience of a G. F. S. festival.

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BURFORD BRANCH, OXON.-This Branch celebrated its first festival at Burford on September 30. At two p.m. the Associates and Members met at the Vicarage, and then proceeded to the beautiful grounds of the Priory, kindly lent for the occasion by R. Hurst, Esq., of Hasham Park. After enjoying a variety of games, and also inspecting the interesting old mansion with its ruined chapel, built by Lenthall, the Speaker of the Long Parliament, the Associates and Members proceeded to the Girls' schoolroom, where an ample tea was provided by the kindness of the Associates resident in Burford. At 5.30 p.m. the special G. F. S. service was said in the grand old parish church. The choir were present, and the special hymns were sung most heartily. A suitable address was given by the Vicar, the Rev. W. Anthony Cap, which was listened to with great attention. After service the Vicar conducted the Members over the church, which had been recently restored, and pointed out the various objects of interest. The party then separated, after spending a most happy festival.

MARYPORT R. D. BRANCH, Carlisle DIOCESE.-The first annual festival of this Branch was held on 30th September. About twenty-six Members and six Associates were present. The festival commenced with a special service in Aspatria parish church at 2.30. The Rev. Edward Curwen, of Plumbland, gave an interesting and appropriate address, choosing Mark, iv. 26-28, for his text. The afternoon was spent at Brayton, the seat of Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Bart., M. P., where tea was provided at five o'clock for all belonging to the G. F. S. and also for the district visitors of the parish. Books and pamphlets were distributed as presents to all on leaving.

KENILWORTH BRANCH.-Although the G. F. S. has flourished in St. John's Parish, Kenilworth, since 1876, it held its first festival as a Branch on October 9th. The girls from Leek Woolton and Ashow met their fellow-Members at Thickthorn for games, &c., rendered very enjoyable by the lovely weather; and after tea went to St. John's Church for the G. F. S. special service. An address from Rev. A. Jones on the Society's motte encouraged the Members to give and expect help from each other in 'bearing' their 'burdens.'

PORTSMOUTH, PORTSEA, AND SOUTHSEA BRANCH.-The annual festival of the Portsmouth, Portsea, and Southsea Branch was held on Dec. 22nd. Four hundred Members, with Associates, attended a special service at the Parish Church, Portsmouth. The Vicar, the Rev. E. P. Grant, preached from St. Luke, i. 38, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord.' Tea was provided in the Lecture Hall. The Revs. E. Jacob, J. S. Blake, and W. S. Childs, gave short addresses; afterwards dissolving views were

exhibited and explained by Miss Robinson. Twenty-six premiums and eight bonuses were given to the Members. MINCHIN HAMPTON.-The annual festival of this

Branch was held on January 1. The evening commenced with tea at five o'clock, when twelve Associates and over eighty Members assembled in the schoolroom, which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion by some of the Associates. A most excellent meal had been provided, which all most thoroughly enjoyed. After the tea, three premiums for good service were presented, after which all adjourned to the church, where a very hearty service was held. The Rector (the Rev. E. C. Oldfield) gave a very impressive and useful address on the words, 'The joy of the Lord is your strength. On the Members returning to the schoolroom, they found to their surprise that a capital magiclantern entertainment had been provided for their amusement, by the kindness of the Hon. R. Henley Eden. A most pleasant evening was spent, the Members dispersing after singing some Christmas carols.

DURHAM BRANCH.-The first annual festival of this Branch of G. F. S. was held on the 7th January, 1880. The Members, numbering 107, with twenty-five Associates, met, by the kind permission of the Vicar, at the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow, where they joined in the Society's Special Service for Festivals, and afterwards adjourned to the Assembly Rooms (kindly lent for the occasion by the Misses Weatherall). After tea, a pleasant, sociable evening was spent, the chief amusements being a 'snowball,' from which each Member drew a small gift; and an exhibition of dissolving views. The Members also joined in singing some Christmas carols. The festival was closed by a short address bearing on the Society's work and motto, from the Rev. J. G. Norton, followed by the hymn, 'Sun of my soul.'

DOVER BRANCH.-The winter festival of this Branch was held on January 27th, when about 100 Members and fifteen Associates assembled in the National School. The meeting opened by singing 'True friends help each other,' and Canon Puckle and the Rev. E. Woods addressed the Members with earnest words of counsel and encouragement. Forty Members received bonuses on deposits in Savings Bank, and forty premiums for good service were given. After being shown some excellent views in a magic-lantern, the Members were regaled with cake and oranges, and dispersed at halfpast eight.

TEIGNMOUTH BRANCH, SOUTH DEVON.-The first festival of this Branch was held on Wednesday, Nov. 12th, 1879, at the Temperance Hall, in the afternoon, when twenty-four Members and thirteen Associates assembled. The meeting commenced with prayer, followed by the appropriate hymn, 'The old friends and the new;' after which addresses were given by the Vicar, the Rev. J. Metcalfe, and the Rev. G. A. Jacob, D.D. Premiums were then given to five Members who had been in the same service over two years, each receiving a handsome book. The hymn, 'True friends help each other,' was then sung, and all sat down to an excellent tea, each Member having a bouquet and illuminated card on her plate bearing the date of the festival. After tea, there was a little music and reading, which brought a very pleasant afternoon to a close.

ABERGAVENNY BRANCH.-On January 2nd, about sixty Members assembled for tea in the Girls' Schoolroom at Abergavenny, several Clergy, Associates and other ladies were also present. After a short address from the Secretary, the Rev. E. Jenkins spoke to them on the subject of self-improvement and thrift. A tree laden with gifts was then lighted up. Some Christmas carols were sung and each Member received a present drawn by ticket. Reading, music, and games followed. 'God save the Queen' ending the evening's entertain

ment.

STRATFORD-ON-AVON BRANCH.-The annual winter's entertainment of this Branch was held on January 21st, in the Large Hall of Trinity College, kindly lent for the occasion by Mrs. Collis. After tea, a useful address was given by the new Vicar of Stratford, the Rev. J. G. Arbuthnott, and a magic-lantern with pictures of India and Affghanistan were shown to the Members, afterwards followed by music. About fifty Members were present and ten or twelve Associates.

ST. PETER'S (GREENWICH) BRANCH.-A meeting to inaugurate this Branch was held on December 15th, and was attended by upwards of ninety young women and girls and several Associates. After tea, a hymn having been sung, the Rev. F. Storer Clark, vicar of the parish, introduced Miss Hawksley, Member of the Central Council. A most earnest and impressive address, explanatory of the objects of the G. F. S., and of the benefits of membership, was then given by Miss Hawksley, and was listened to throughout with the greatest attention. 'True friends help each other' was heartily sung, and the vicar then explained the special Branch arrangements. After the meeting had been brought to a close by the singing of the Doxology, several names were given in for membership, and many more have since been received. This Branch now numbers about seventy Members.

HACKNEY AND UPPER CLAPTON BRANCHES.-On January 29th the Hackney Branch, joined by about forty Members and several Associates of the Upper Clapton Branch, held their first united winter festival in the Collegiate Schoolroom, Clarence Road, Hackney. The Members began to assemble at five o'clock, and at half-past, grace having been said by the rector, sat down to tea, which all seemed to enjoy. The tea was followed by a conjuring entertainment, which lasted over an hour, and apparently greatly amused the Members. The total number of those present was about 180, and amongst them were the Bishop of Bedford and Mrs. How, the Rector of Hackney, and the Rev. L. E. Shelford. At a quarter past eight nearly all proceeded to the parish church, where a short service was held, and the Bishop delivered a beautiful address to the Members from James, i. 26, to which the greatest attention was paid. The listeners can scarcely fail to profit by the earnest words and sound advice so kindly given them by the reverend prelate. Thanks are due to many Associates and friends who kindly contributed towards the expenses.

NOTICE.-Respecting communications for the 'Reporter, see the Notices on p. 65.

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HOMES OF REST-GENERAL FUND.

It is desired to collect, by degrees, a Homes of Rest Fund, to secure admission for our Members to Convalescent Homes where payment is required. We think many of our Members may like to help their sister Members by subscribing small sums for this object. The smallest donations, from ONE PENNY upwards, will be received with pleasure, and may be forwarded to HoN. LADY (B. C.) GREY, Fairmile House, Cobham, Surrey.

They will be acknowledged each month in the Magazine. The following are gratefully acknowledged :—

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Donations should be sent in before the 10th of the month, to ensure their acknowledgment in the next number of FRIENDLY LEAVES.

Branch Secretaries and Associates in the undermentioned Dioceses may apply for grants for Sick Members from this Fund as follows:

DIOCESE.

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Chichester Lady Maryon Wilson, Searles, Uckfield. London Miss F. Walker, 52 Oxford Terrace, Hyde Park, London, W.

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Lichfield The Lady Mary Herbert, Styche, Market Drayton.

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The Lady Jane Levett, Wychnor Park,
Burton-on-Trent.

Peterborough Mrs. Milman, the Governor's House, H. M.
Prison, Holloway, N.
Rochester Miss A. Goodrich, Prospect Villa, Central
Hill, Upper Norwood.
Winchester... Miss E. C. Orr, Cheriton Rectory, Alresford.
Worcester ... The Lady Norton, Hams, Minworth, Bir-

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FRIENDLY LEAVES.

VOL. V.

EDITED BY M. E. TOWNSEND.

APRIL, 1880.

Plain Words for Young Women.

BY THE RIGHT. Rev. W. WALSHAM HOW,
Bishop Suffragen of Bedford (for East London).
II. TRUTHFULNESS.

NEED hardly tell any of my readers that truthfulness is a grace much insisted on in Holy Scripture, while a lie is spoken of as an abomination in God's sight, and liars are classed among those who shall have their portion in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. God is a God of truth, and all that sins against perfect truth must be most hateful to Him. All this you know quite well, and do not want reminding of it.

But it is one of the ways in which we all deceive ourselves, to allow the truth of things told us in God's word, but never to try to make our own hearts and lives agree with that truth. We keep our region apart by itself. We take it out, as it were, and look at it on Sundays, like our best clothes; but we have a common everyday suit of quite a different pattern. We hear a preacher say from the pulpit on Sunday how God requires truth in His children and hates lies; but on Monday we go to the market, or are busy with our work, or talk with our friends, and we forget that what we heard on Sunday, and thought quite right and good, has anything to do with the thousands of little words

No. 44.

we speak. Yet it is certain that a Sunday religion which makes no difference in us on Monday is a mere pretence and sham, and is no religion at all. Religion is for every day and all day; and if it does not govern and alter our thoughts, and words, and deeds, in all little things, as well as great things, and for seven days in every week, as well as for one day, and for twenty-four hours in every day, as well as for the few minutes we spend on our knees in prayer, it is a vain and empty thing, and not fit to be called religion at all.

So now we must think about truthfulness in our everyday life. Let me ask you, first of all, to read over carefully the 3rd chapter of St. James' Epistle, in which he warns us against the sins of the tongue. That will show you how dangerous a member, how unruly and hard to govern, the tongue is. Perhaps St. James was thinking most of unkind, unguarded, and uncharitable language; but what he says applies, for the most part, quite as much to untruthful language. The mischief and wrong done by even careless untruthfulness is untold. But it is not because of the mischief and wrong you may do by untruthfulness, that I very carnestly warn you against it, but because of its deep sinfulness in the sight of God.

Now the first thing I want you to re

member is, that truthful words come out of a truthful heart. What you must aim at is, 'speaking the very truth from the heart. You cannot have a pure stream from a dirty fountain. There must be an honest love of truth in the soul, and an honest desire to be always perfectly truthful, else you will not succeed. 'Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,' that is, whatever the heart is full of is sure to come out in the words. So, first of all, strive after, and pray for, a truthful heart.

If

I suppose, if once a perfectly truthful heart were gained, there would be little need to say more. It would be just as it is with love. once we loved our neighbour as ourselves, we should want no commandments telling us not to hurt and wrong him. Love would be indeed the 'fulfilling of the law.' And it is just because we do not love our neighbour as ourselves that we need laws and rules to guide and govern our conduct towards him. In the same way it is just because we have not got perfectly truthful hearts that we need to be constantly watching, and guarding, and curbing our tongues. So let me give you a few little hints to help you to be quite truthful.

1. Beware of cowardice. Very often this is the real root of much untruthfulness. Many who do not wish to tell lies, and do wish to be truthful, are led into this sad sin by fear. I know how hard it is for some to be brave enough always to tell the truth. For timid girls few things are harder. Yet, dear friends, nothing is too hard for the grace of God.

2. Beware of untruthfulness caused by the love of pleasing. A great many persons are caught by this snare. They would not tell a plain downright lie, but they do not think

any harm of exaggerating, improving upon a story, adding a little to the strict truth, to make what they say more amusing, or more astonishing, or more interesting. Their intention is to say what is pleasant, and not simply what is true. This is a special share to talkative and high-spirited persons, and must be very carefully watched against.

3. Do not believe in 'white lies.' No lies are white. By 'white lies' people mean lies which do nobody any harm. But if they do nobody else any harm, they certainly do the speaker of them harm. They destroy the delicate sense of perfect truthfulness; and one that has got used to 'white lies' will never find it very hard to go on to black

ones.

4. Remember always what a lie means in the sight of God. It is anything meant to deceive another. It need not even consist of spoken words. You can lie by silence. You can lie by a look. You can lie by speaking words in themselves perfectly true. Take a

case.

A young girl is sent by her mistress with a note and told to wait for an answer. The lady she is sent to is out, but comes in in five minutes and writes the answer. The girl then goes to some friends of her own and spends half-an-hour with them. When she returns, her mistress asks her what has made her so long, and she answers, 'The lady was out, and I had to wait for the answer.' This would be actually true, and yet a lie, because hiding other truths, and meant to deceive.

Ah! dear friends, the more you look into it the more you will find out that 'the heart is deceitful above all things.' May the God of Truth give you the love of truth, and the honest desire to speak always the very truth from the heart.' You know who is called the

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