Page:Distinguished Churchmen.djvu/371

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

THE REV. HARRY WILSON, M.A. 323

ladies, by the way, are particularly helpful in the social sense, and have achieved signal success in winning the men from drink and in bringing them into the temperance societies. They get on better with the men than we clergy do, the men showing themselves more ready to be persuaded by the ladies to amend."

"You said early in the interview it was patent from the outset that in order to work in the East End you must live in the East End. Do you really find it unhealthy living in these gloomy surroundings ? "

" You may take it for granted that East London is not healthy. My own practice, and it is the practice I encourage as much as possible among all my workers, is to go away right out of town for twenty-four hours every week, and have a night s sleep in the country. Life in the East End is un doubtedly very lowering. When I first came all the clergy were down-hearted and despondent ; now there are some of the keenest workers in existence to be found in East London, and the more effec tive and visible results of their labours keep them in good heart, and spur them on to greater exertions."

" Now, something about the origin of the Red House the public-house without beer Mr Wilson. The announcement has just been made that her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to send signed portraits of herself and the

�� �