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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance, 1911-12-21, Page 2CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM. 'Mile the spirit of dinietnias is in, it large end tr.:.' t('net: mare:eel, it finite its toot appropriete tee:en:lien th, the 03untry home, The (ino ieheee day 1)! hit th It UMW Pillp) limn in a manger, and this filet eierne from the beginning to associate the day mid do et»uotanee with the ineironment of the husbanaman. Then, too, the joy, good- will and peaee of the Yeaticiati liett•ou are so thoroughly in keeping nide the pre- vailing winter spirit of the farm home that Chrietntae, in the northern hem'. sphere at least, imolai a- a fitting cia max of the einteeli. Thera is Mae about the term which drawn one into sympathetiontact with nature. It starlets ad the antithesis of the mereenery tendeney ana artificiality of the city. The country Immo is near- est the ideal home, and Christmas has proportionately greater enipheeis, mean- ing and seemlinees there than anywhere else. Nor must it be forgotten that the country tee been. and to 0, certain ex- tent will continue to be, Me rserulting- groom/ from which the leading evil.% of the city are drawn. The old farmstead, therefore, is the parental or ancestral lame of a. large, proportion of our cele- brating population; All these facts conn bine to give spectial !significance to Christnuts on -the farm, and lend bright and vivid prospeet to the thought "Horao for Christmas." "Home for Christmas!" How much those words foresbadowi They mean, Bret of all, reunion, greeting, fellow- ship, tho warinth of sieterly and bro• therly, fatherly and motherly love. The mewled brothers and dame with their families the maiden daughter at borne, the bolelterous brother, with the beaming olden who delight iI the dual function of pare„nt and graudparent; yes, Christ- mas is e, time of pulsing heartbeats, lieightening color, kindling goo, and joy. Also, it is a. time ef reinembranee, of kindliness and plemeant surprise. The chiliirmas toys, the parents' present* to eaoh other, grandfather's slippers and grandam:41meg knitting -bag, the dozen tokens of kindly memory, all speak of thoughtfulness and generosity und love. In the eity, ,meseute, presents be some- timee given from considerations dffor. mality and dutv, but in the eountry we think the spirit of the preeentation receives emphasis rather them the value of the gift. • For this let us be thankful. Christmas le also a time of feast and merrymaking. Not that gluttony is ite excuse or aim, but turkey and, plum pud- ding are meant to be enjoyed, and the gratification of ft healthy appetite is as proper and satisfying in its way as gratifying one's eppreeiation of beauty or his sense of wit. The Christmas din- ner truly contributes to the Christmas spirit Of gladness and good -will. Such sports and opportunities for mer- rymakiug as the country affords! What exerciee ean equal skating ou a broad pad,a. creek, a river or a lake? What game is better than "shinny," and what sport euepasses coating for healthful - nese, conviviality, and genuine, unadul- terated fun.? What a treat is sleighing behind 0.• pair of prancing roadsters, and who better enjoys it than the young folk from the oity, tired of the bugg trolleys and the honk of motor cars? Whether for sentiment, or abandoninent to merriment and fun, the country !times the city far behind, to adapt Burns' familiar phrase. The Christmas visit renews che city - exiles' interest in the farm. The deep - filled Mews of hay and stacks of straw, the granary and the turnip cellar, tell- ing of thrift and plenty as they do, hold a perennial intereet fur the son whose boyhood doge -were agent upon the land. Ttie silo, with its Mate of emollient feed, Is an innovation with which previoue vie- -its have already familiarizedhim, while the nuteierous labor-saving inaplements and methods or modern agriculture are develepmentes'Whieh lie Watches with ap- proval. In the _stables he finds much to excite his old interest in the stock, and follows with more or less connected pre- cision the particulars which Fred vouch - Wee AS to the pedigree, (recordedor otherwise, as the case nuty be) of this particular promising heifer or that well - proven icoev. The individuals of the sheep -bairn and the pigpen have less to eonnect with his recollection?, of the pashebut in the hone stable he nog. nines 'Torn and Pot, and observes tbe later stock old Jess has presented to the farm. Round and. about, eyes sparkling, ears tricked, ond gesture animated, dittoes the eellie dog. sharing to its full- est degree the festivity and spirit of the oceasion. The trip of inspection through the farm 'buildings strikes many plhaeant -trains on the chords of mem- 1• met ;Lusk niturne to flu !Louie hop- ing that 1'r-11 will realise when ho le well off, and eLay by Old farm, After tile daa's jovial frolle and .fun, • mine .the peneive reminiscent!! heera of lehrietinas night. The reeelleetion of early days, when Howard and. Nellie • were "mane' and. before Fred and. Kate were born; days of more frugal economy, of harder and ntore seeding toll; *lap, however, of hope and confidence and' thtift, dale which so swiftly passed away•-ead to a soft but quieter on . templation of tbe reinalnino yeare on the farther Milt of the grand meridian of life. But the vigor and 'hope of the prime of Me, though softening into a inore subdue' energy, a riper judgment, and a mellower charaeter, still avail to suetain the courage of tbe elderly couples Promise has developed into fulfilment. "The ancient .bridegroom Ana the bride, Smiling, eontented una senile, . Upon. the blithe, bewildering scene, fiebold, well pleased', on every aide, Their forms and. features. nudtiplied." So ends Christmas day; and. the Christmas spirit, opening with a swelling note of gladness, concludes with a cad- ence of Christian hope, lumpiness, peace and. good-wile—Farmer's Adroeate. • THE CHILD AND CHRISTMAS. • A. little volume which has appeared among the Christmas books is the story of a small lioy who liad lest his tempo. rary home and adopted parents througli the unexpected arrival of a child. of their own, and who was being sent, tag- ged, beck to. the institution ba had come from. Some kind. people On the train undertook to mitigate their own lonell- ness—it was Christmas alve-aand the boy's by filling a stocking for him, Whea the cilia was told to go to bea so that his stinking might be hung up ready for his presents from Santa Claus, he wailed with grief because no one had told hint that it was getting near Christmas. He had missed the pleasures of anticipation, Who is there can tell how much the memories of "Christmas- past" may have helped to counteract the hardening, ma. terialistic influences of the world. So Ie t, the child continue to think of Christ - alas and to- anticipate its joys in the good, old-fits/stoned way. Not the least part of the anoicipation to the boy or girl, who is of not more than ordinary childish selfishness, Is that of giving. The saving up of every coin for weeka be- forehand, and then going out to spend the hoarded wealth—on a dozen chang. Ing minds as to which of all the articles the sum will cover, are the best 'eau°, and most acceptable to father, mother and the ether intended recipients; the planning and contriving, to make things one's own self; the skilful concealment of parcels that no one may find out be- fore the time, and the constant self- heetraint lest the secret be told. in some expansive moment—all this is a keen joy to the child, and has it not also ita beim. falai effect on the development of thought for others? Of all the methods of giving, none holds sueh a place in the child's fancy as the stocking. There is—first of all the ceremony of hanging it up, limp and ready, after careful examination by its owner so that there may be no lurking bele, even though it be perfectly now. • The successful -filling of the stocking need not entail much actual: expense. Any little trifle, even an uncommonly rosy apple, takes on many times its or- dinary value when discoveted wrapped in tissue paper in the depths of a Christmas stocking, So far as the child's pleasure in the stocking is concerned, it, is better to fill it with inexpensive packets than to put in a few more costly articles. Home-made candy in a pretty ilttle box, a small tartan bag of nuts and raisins, an orange or choice apple, some barley sugar animals, a tiny doll or toy of the kind that eanebe bought for a few cents, Such articles wrapped up mysteriously give ample satisfaction. The real joy lies in tlio discovery of the lumpy, knobby, full stocking; the guess- ing, from feeling it over outside, what it contains, and the Neal realization by taking out one package after another. CHRISTMAS. And well our Christmas sires of old .locoad when the year its course -had renal, And. brought blythe Christma.s back again, With all its hosnitable train, Domestic and religious rite Gave honor to the holy night On Christmas eve the bells were rung. Sir Walter Scott. THE MESSAGE TO SANTA CLAUS. "Now won write to Santa Claus," As by her elbow, Tom, her brother "One letter will have room enough Than Tien ceueneneed to nem! rj "Put dem a erar of roller tkateut— A latetrie ensile% wore art' gun—git `Got all re lima.? .111. ada era And box (,f-WIrt xhst won't lea F efs sorry, Mg, but you. lose Oitte ftiU tiertio, pen hi hand, , took Ilia ruixious :stand. Ir WHIt 3%0 both demand" soiote, and that is what he mil: ball bearing ()nee: a sled; 11 el it 'shoots real lend. in, el knife or two, Ve reora for yopil 'm only half way through." "Yes! Sniff all you like! Den emelt good, guess. I've been eo busy these pest days 1 haven't even, hed time to sniff. "1 declare I'm as ezeited as a and. Well, 1 never. Not in. al any life did 1 SOO k mil fruit. Howell have to holler me out a punkin, eel put It on, the table, fillee to epillire over with orange% apple% grapea and bananas. "Oeme on, if youwant, right hate the kitchen. I'm all done, now. Yes, ohne, sieek all you like. Why, I don't think thatmeny pies. Mary Elion Bengay she make e 15 kende, but I tell Henry that'a all noesense. Ten's plenty! "Walt! I'll name leen to, you. Mirtoe, apple -sweetened -in, punkin, apple- sweeteued-out, cranberry:tart, squash, :sweet potato, lemon, raises, and crean. Then there's an ap•ple-custeed puda ding and a baked choecillite one. The eakea are lei the din' room enee board. Want to ;see them? We have them in the evenize wile ice cream, when, nobody feele like muoh. "There's Lady Washington, ead Matildaee dark 'chocolate, and Henry's mother's fruitcake, and gold aaxl sil- ver, and. ooeoannt layer, besides three kind4 of jumble% lieu wait. I'm go - ea' ing to fix you a. boxful to take home. Yee, I will tee And a cream pie. warrant your Intsband'll like that. Men, always do. There. "Yee, there'll be 21 to sit down. We have Hoary's folks for Christmas,. Theme; too many all at woe. "Hard for aneP Bless your heart! I love it! These two big turkeys axe Muffed full of pleasant thoughte be - &idea breadertunbs and sewage meat. All the time I've been puttee sugar and butter and eggs and orpicee to- gether, I've been just thtnkire of all the pooe things that are too stylish for havise real Ohristanas any more. I spose I could give thanks at dinner in a hotel, if I had to, but .dianow. Seems to me you need au your folks around, nice and sociable. There's Lone families to come, all moo OV439i egos. .And lively—don't eay a word. The doines tiniest young ones think up—. But we iuet like it. They mule to Umlaut. Yes, sir. To eat chicken and dumplinga, and etess late even -in'. Oh, it'a a day. How they do vieit, big and little, "Themes one Great Grandmother. Stele tvonderful. And two grandmo- thers, bes•idea the mothers and fathe sae and all the ehildr•en. And eat— Well I "Give me a good plateful of tuekey end ceseels'ey jelly and vegetables, I ow, and never mind the ongtrays. "Then after dinner we re at a while,- usually, The old folks just visit. The youug onee-eo oat to walk, or kick a. football 'emend •the lot. Then when -dinner's kind of settled, why we all ploy games and do tricks. "Of eoruee, it isn't all joy and gladness. There's empty placee, very now and th.en. In the evenin' 'before the berms are lighted, we talk of those that have been here, times Past eo's the children shan't forget. But we don't talk mournful. We speak of how they'd want us to be happy, even without them, and how they're never forgot in OUT sneetin's, It brings tbom mighty olose. And we are thankful for the day. CHRISTMAS SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON LESSON XIII.—DEO. 24 ,1911. Jesus Born in Bethlehem—Christ. mas Les6n.—Matt, 2: 1-12. Oorainentery.— I. The coming of the Wise men (vs. 1,2). 1. When Jesus was born—The month and the day of Christ's birth aro not definitely known, but the date now accepted, December 15, B. Os 4, corresponds to the fade which we have bearing upon the event. It appears intioneistent to gay Christ was born four years before Ohrist, but it mit be borne in mind that during aeveral cere tries after tbe corning of Christ there was no uniformity among nations in reekoning tirae. Finally, in the sixth century, a learned monk, Dionysius Exiguits, was appointed to ascertain the time of Christ's birth, and it WO.S ordered that history shoilld be dated from that time; but Dionyeins, who first published Ids calculations in A. D. 520, put the birth of Jesus about four years too late. In Bethlehem—Bethlehem means • "House of bread." Bethlehean was situ- ated six miles south of Jerusalem, Of Judea—There was another Bethlehem,' which was situated in Galilee (josh. xix. 15). The name Judea waa given to the region comprising the southern part of Palestine. The greater part of Judea was formerly the territory occupied by the tribe of Judah. Herod—Herod the Great, He was an Falomite' and although a proselyte to the Jewishreligion, wits notorious for his wickednese and, cruelty. He reigned thirty-seven years in Judea, and died a few months after the birth of Ohrist. At this time "the sceptre was departing from Judea, a sire that the Messiah was now at hand.' Wise' men—Or magi. "Originally a class of priests aanong the Medea and Persians, who formed the king's privy council." They were men of learning and wealth. Augustine and- Ohryeestom say there were twelve magi, but the common be. lief there were but three. "The Per - Sian magi. believed in a Messiah or future Saviour, who should in the latter day appear and renew the world in righteousness."—Whedon. From the east—Perhaps from Melia, or Persia, or ekesibly from Arabia. To Jerusalem —It VMS natural for them to expect to find Jesus, the new-born Xing, in the Jewish capital. They had reason to sup- Peee that the birth of a king would be generally known. 2. Where ia he—This 'inquiry in Jeru- salem brought Jesus into popular notice and called attention to the fact that tbe Itiesaileh was to be bore in Bethle- hem. Born King of the jews—This was a title unknown to the earlier history of Israel and applied to no one exempt the Messiah. It reappears in the inserip- tioin over the cross.—Carr. Notice that ;Jesus was 'Urn" a. king. His star— Many interpreters, especially those who seek to eliminate the supernatural, ex- plain the "star" or "radereal appearanee" by a eonjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, whieh occurred in May, B. C. 7, and again in December, with Mara added. It is, however, much more in harmony with all the facts to believe that the star which attracted the attention of the magi was provided for the occasion. To worship him—To do hini hoinage. They were bold to confess the object of their oenninz. ' 11. ilerod's distress and pilot (vs. 3-8). 3. Heard these things—The inquiry of the SVP30 men for the infant Xing was reported to Herod at once, and created a profoand sensation. Was troubled—. The remembrance of his pest deeds of cruelty and oppressionand his knowl- edge of the Borneo policy in making fro - vent changes in the rulers of her pro - clues tombined to arouse his fears that his tenure- of office was exceedingly tun certain. He feared that the Xing whom the wise men had demo to worship was about to displaee him. .All Jerusalem with him—Pearing that he Would make this an oecasion for renewing bis acts of bloodshed. 4. Had gathered—He assem- bled the Sanhedrin.—Lightfoot. Chief priests—This expression probably cum. prehetids the acting high priest and his deputy, those Who had beett high priests —for at this time the office was often transferred by the Boman authorities-.. and 'the heads of the twenty-four eat - reload fanlike, which David. had distrl- bote& into so many courses," Scribes— The learned interpreters of the atomic law and the collectors of the traditions of the elders. Many of them were Phu - 'sees, Demanded of them. Where the Christ (R. V.)—Orthe Messiah, the offi- cial title of the promised deliverer. "The Wise men had fetid nothing about the Christ, or the Messiah, but only about the Xing of the Jew. Herod stae that this Xing must lie the expected Mes- siah." 5.Dy the prophet—The prophecy is found in Mie. 5: 2. 5. Art in no Wise haat (R. Ve—lefiealt says, "Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee thall he tome forth un - tome that Is to be ruler in Israel." This made Bethlehem "in no wise least." Al- though Bethlehem was little, yet ib was exalted above all the other cities of le reel." This Made Bethlehem "in no wise 1eMt Albhtnlgh Bethiebem was little. yet it wee exiiated above all the other rides of Weal. The elects --"The thou - senate Ma 11: 11.) n* tribe had been ifissitetabsel tato thermatnia, and era oath I ....L........,.........„,__ _..L.......—....._____.— . _ sub -division there was a ehleftain or prince.—Morison. A Governor—To con- trol and tole. Who shall be shepherd (R, V.) ---To feed and care for his flock as a shepherd. Christ is both Shepherd and Xing. My people Israel—israel wait God's people in a peculiar Renee. 7. Priv- ily calledosalerod desired. to keep the thee of °Julia's birth as secret as point - hie lest the Jews, who hated alin, should take occasion to rebel. Required of them diligently—"Learned of them exactly." —R. V. Re inquired of them the exact time and received positive information as to the time the star appeared. As- suming that the star apepared when the child was born, he would thus have some Iden of -the age of the child. 8. Re sent thein—He assumed control; but they fol- lowed the directions of the Lord, Search diligently—Herod was honest in making this charge to them; be greatly desired to receive definite word ecmcerning the new Xing. And worship bine also—Herod had no desire to werslap Jams. His only object in desiring to know about him was that he might put him to death, but he was to be defeated in bis cruel pur- pose. IIL—The Finding of Jesus (vs. 0-12). 9. the star .... went before them—The same star which they had seen in their own country 110W again appears. • The star had disappeared for a, time, and this led them to inquire in Jerusalem for the youug Ring whom they sought. Snaernatural helps should not bp ex- pected where ordinary means are to be had. stood over—The star pointed out the very house.—Benson 10, they re- joiced—The Greek is very emphatic. They rejoiced exceedingly because they saw they were about to find the Child, and because they bad such unmistak- able proof of being in divine order. That alone is enough to cause rejoicing. 11. fell down—They prostrated themselves before him according to the eastern cus- tom. "In this net the person kneels and puts his head between his knees, • las forehead at the same time touching the ground. It was used to express both mall and religious reverence.'—clarke. gifts—The people of the East aid not approach into the presence of kings with- out bringing them presents. The cuss tom still prevails in ninny places. gold; ete.—Cold would always be useful, while frankincense and myrrh were prized for their delicious fragrance. These were the very presents Isaiah mentioned: "All they from Sheba shall come: . they shall bring gold and incense" (Lat. 00:0). "In- cense, or frankincense, is a resinous gum, flowing from a tree, gashed for the pur- pose, growing in Arabia and Lebanon. Myrrh is also a gum obtained from a tree in Arabia,"—Whedon. 12. warned of God in a dram—God communicated his purpose to them in a raanner that they understood, and the impression or convictioo was so dear that they at onee obeyed. should not return to Herod—The command had beeri given them by Herod. to return to hint With A report regarding the child Jesus, but now there came a command from a higher source not to return. to Herod. God could have preserved -the life of the infant Saviour, even if Herod had known all the facts about him, yet he saw fit to blend. human agency with divine in his protection. another way—They could easily have gone estst from. 13etalehem, and thus returned to Jeru- salem. r homes without going back to Questions—Where wits Jesus born? When? Who was king of jedea? What was the character of the king? Who cisme to Jerusalem seeking for Jesus? From whence did they come? Why was Jesus tailed Xing of the Jews? How had the wise men been led in their aearch? Why was tiered troubled.? Why was Jerusalem troubled 2 Whom did Herod gather together? For what purpose? What charge did Herod give the wise men? Why? Ilow did they approtich Christ? What warning was given tie the wise neon? After leaving Jeetisi whet did the wise men do? now are we rewardea for seeking Jesus? PRACTICAL STIAVBY. Topie.—The 'vital 'question. • L Propounded by Wise men. II. Investigated by rulers. III. Solved according to scripture. I. Propounded lar wise men, "Where LIU Of the .dying year, With witheree leaf and sere. The deer Christ month Is here, Holding a day gm dear. nay of the Heavenly tlata6, VIMto earth heaven came. When to her woman -hie eyes, bottled the Midnight tildes. When on her ravished ear, Fell anon voices clear. Whin glory Oene around. Hating it hely around. Oh. *tory *West and true, 11Yeer old stit4 neer neer. $. Christanui, we weloome thee, Moaning brae. With thy deep mystery. Of Width we ; ?MOW to Otte hearts to -day. A. LeAURNICOM nitomnott. wie.iw..44.4‘fieweeviiivielpiersey • Is het" No greater subject ever en- grossed the attention of mortal's than pressed upon the wise men who journeys ed to Jerusalem in search of him who was "born King of the Jews." The in. quiry of the wise melt was pointed and aired, It admitted no doubt as to the actual birth of a new king. Their ques- tion, was important. It meant that a change was at hand. It touched the interests of all he world and inspired glorious nope to believing' hearts. The faith of the wise men stood in etrong contrast between the Gentiles and the unbelief of the Jews had been fully verified in the course of history. The Mat chapter of this gospel points out the part of the Jewish people bad in connection with the Messiah. His gen- ealogy and birth show that salvation was of the Jews. This 'second chapter presents the interests of the Gentile world in Christ. The star was the first ray of light to the Gentile world, The wise men were not in fear of any lass by the advent of a new king, though he was born of another nation. They were not guilty of any crimes against Itis people and so they were beneffited by each new revelation respecting him. They were not only wise for their much learning but because they sought full enlightenment regarding Clod'e revela- tion to the world of which they had gained only a faint glimmer. Their course had been straightforward since the first light fell upon them. From the first to the hist they were diviiiely guided. They were encouraged in their hopes by an inward inspiration. The star had given testimony. Their hearts credited that token and they went to Jerusalem, the centre .of Jewish wor- ship, to gain a mare perfect • know- ledge. IL Investigated by rulers. The scriptures were called into use As the 6011PCO of information upon the inquiry of the wise men. The Jews autl Gentiles compared notes about Christ. The Gen- tiles knew the time when the star ap- peared. The Jews knew the place by the scriptures. The Gentile ssought further knowledge in all sincerity. Her- od called upon his eliief men to see what was written, but he had an unprincipled purpose in looking into the scriptures. Ile was a man made up of falsehood and cruelty, yet bearing the title of "Herod the Greet." Christ, in the man- ger, was a terror to that unjust ,enon- emit, on his throne. It was a inark of humiliation put upon the Lord Jesus that though he was "the deeire of all nations," yet his coining into the world was little observed and bis birthplace obscure. Though on some accounts Bethelehem was little, yet it had the pre-eminence over all tbe cities of Is- rael in that Christ Was born .there. The wise men fearlessly inquired, "Where is Ire?" while Herod privately inquired of them "what time the star appeared." He clother his evil design under the ap- pearance of religion. He attempted to deceive the sincere, earnest seekers af- ter Christ by • professing to have the same desire they had in finding Jesus. III. Solved itecording to scripture. The knowledge of the Gentiles was 'in- creased through the scriptures and their faith strengthened and their way di- rected, while the same truth condemned the Jews, who did not seek the Christ. The ineonsisteney of Herod is also seen in that he believed the letter but reject- ed the spirit of the scriptures. The wise men journeyed from a far country to; worship the new-born king, while • the Jews, his kinsmen, would not go to the next town to bid him welcome. It might have been a discouragement to those wise men to find him whom they sought diligently, thus neglected by his own nation. Without waitinee, to wit- ness his reception by las own nation, the wise men expressed their Accept- ance of him ite the true Xing acoerding to their seriptures, and proceeded to the plane where the infant Savior was— concealed yet well known, hated arid feared yet longed foe nee loved, sig- nally despised yet marvelously honored, beset by extreme dangers yet kept in perfect sada. The wise men did not count themselves bellied or deceived when they MIN the plate where he was Ring selves. to him and then their gifts. born; but as having fouud Tt.bite they sought, they first presented them- -4 LITTLE ONLY -LONELY. It's nice to be the Only One, Your mother loves you so, When 'people want to borrow you Site hates to have you go; ' But when she goes away herself; Or ladies come to cells Itai lonesome in the garaen And it's lonesome in the hall, And then you Want ,Another One To laugh at you and lily, 'Little Only, Little Lonely, Never mind! Let's play!" eke to be the Only One • When father's home at night. But it's lonesome in the nursery When he takes away the light. You think how tory Two would hip.* Another little bed Mother little pillow AM another little head; You shut your eyes and thirtk it, d t Isk • teitil it's almost true: "Little Only Little Lonely, Bere's 0, Mt for Ton!" —Margaret Les MIN" tie LITTLE MISS JEANIE CHRISTMAS eeardee childish face wore a, very thoughtful, earnest expreeslon as she stood by the window watching the wide snowflakes whirling liko downy feats. ors, Ito the wind swept them into drifts itt the comma of stove and doorways. Perhaps it was the sight of the two 'ragged, shivering little children that had made her so Unusually thoughtful, and her little heart woe aching with pity for all the poor, houseless ehlidree who would have no share in the glad Christ- mas joy. "Mamma," she said, presently, leaving • her poiiition by the window to rest her- self in her little rocking -cheer beside her mother. "Mamma, 1 wise 1 could det something to make some poor little children happier on Christmas. I shall be so happy eared that 1 would like to realm somebody else lutppyeteo." "That is the .cight Christmas spirit, Jeanie, darling," Baia her mother, paste - ung in her work to kiss the earnest, up- turned face, "We ought not to be self ish in our happiness." "What ean I do, mamma? :there are so many poor little children, and 1 can not help thern, all. °Attie you think of something nice for me to do for them?" Mamma, thought for a few monemts while her needle went speedily bock and forth as it travelled down the long seam. al know of something you can do, girlie," she said at last, as she sinned Into the expectant face. "You know 1 told you that you might have a party Christmas afternoon. Now, instead of inviting your little school 'friends, who will have happy times at home, how would you like to invite some poor little ones who are net expecting any pre - sato and who have never Oad ve happy Chrielmas?" jeanie's face was a 'mingled expres'sten of pleasure and dismay. 'That would be nice, znamma," she said, after a moment's hesitation, "but I'm afraid I'm selfish; want to have the girls here from school so much. Couldn't 1 have two parties, one ou CluistmaiNfor the poor children, and one afterwardsnsfh000kmr4 r the gilieesa?" aia‘ • "I'm afraid not, dear. It would be too much expense. Besides it would not be your Christmas gift, if you did not make any afterlife° for it. It would be papa's gift and mine. 1 would not urge you to do this, but you can think about it, and decide for yourself." "What poor children could I. invite to my party, mamma, if I decided to liaise them?" asked Jeanie. "The little boy who brings the evening paper bits two little sisters, one of them a poor little cripple, who cannot walk without her crutch. You might invite those three. Then when Mrs. Sills brought the clothes home Otis morning she told me of four little children whose mother is sick, turd who have not enough to eat even. They live in the Same house with her, and she is trying to get help for the popr family, for they are nearly deetitute, You could add those. little ones to Titer list, and send the poor mother nowt Clirtiginas cheer. We eau soon find plenty to invite if you decide to have the poor little ones in- stead of your schoolmates." Jeanie went back to her seat in the window, and with her face pressed dose against the pane, watched the whirling snowflakes in silence, and thought until her brain was weary. 8he wanted to make the poor little children happy, but then how could she give up the party to which she had been. looking foie:ant for so many weeks, She was going to have such a. lovely new perty dress, and that must be given up, too, if she gave u ptlm-party. "inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of one of theee rny brethren ye have done it unto me." ahe whispered the words softly to herself as they came into her mind, ana somehow after that ham her mind, and somehow after that it did not seem so hard to deride, Sure- ly she could make the sacrifice for the Saviour, who hail wine to earth to bring the great gift of salvation. "I have decided, nomuna," she said re- solutely a few •thonients later, and there was no sound of reluctance in her voice. (A happy party it was that gathered in Mrs. Maitfand's spacious porter on Christmas ofternoon. The pinched, wan faces of the little guests grew bright and rosy with happiness, wIlich was re- flected in Jeanie's own, tied their ale - light was unbounded when towards the close of the afternoon they were miler ed into a room wheer a, brightly illumin ated Christmas tree was standing lade with svonderful fruit. There wee a use ful present for each one of the guest upon the wide brOteches, as well as van des and oranges, and little Jiramy, tin newsboy, shouted whit delight as h thrust his hands into the worm red init tuna The poor sick mother was not forgot ten, and a basket brimming over wit good Whigs gave lier a twit° of Christ Inas eheer. It was hard to tell whe was the hap pleat, Jeanie or her tittle guests, en when the last one had departed sh threw ber arms about her mother' neck lovingly, and whispered,in her oar "This is the happiest part of my Charlet DM, mamma, for 1 was happier in see lug those poor little children. than whe I got my presents" "It is more blessed to give than to re. calve," was the toeing answer. A SONG OF CHRISTMAS. (Paul West in New York World.) Oh, let us Bing of Christmas times, The gladdest of the year 1 " Ole, letua hear the merry chimes Which ring ee loud and clear! Those Yuletide chimes, What joy the bring! But what's the ming abouta Ah, here's the gladsome tune they "Shell Out, Old Man, Shell Ontr Ob., let un sing of Christmas joys. Of faces gay and bright! -How suave the elevator boys When you come home at night! "Good evening, sir! A nice, crisp • day!" Their eheery voices shout, • But his is what they mean to say: "Shell Out, Old Man, Shell Out!" Oh, let us sing the janitor And eke the serving maid! How clean -the hal loutside your door; , How wel lthe table's laid! Hew warm their welcomes! How sincere' Their warmth you seate can doubt, And yet this echo burns Your ear: "Shell Out, Old Man, • Shell Out!" So let us sing of Christmas love And of the blithe Yuletide; Of miatletoe that haugs above, Of sleigh -bells' songs outside; Of stockings filled with presents rare, To make the children shout, Tho while y6u close your eyes and hear The glad, glad carol, sweet and clear, A earol that is most sincere • At just about this time of year, Which makes you dread, with shiv'- rng fear, The bills that soon will eure appear And rob your soul of joy and cheer— This carol in the atmosphere, Resounding on your worried ear: "Shell Out, Old Man, Shell Out!" SETS AND TUNICS FOR CHRIST- MAS. S.ets for trimming boaiees in gold pas- sementerie and jewel embroideries will make charming presents. Some of these Ore in the square deeollete shape, aud others in the form—of berthas. All kinds of jewels are imitated in these, but peri - (bets appear to be the favorite, probably because pale green is ono of the fashion- able evening colors this winter. A black gown cut square back and front is easily given a look of elabora- tion by the addition of one of these sets, which include shoat sleeves. . The Detachable Tunic. The evening tunic offers itself for con- sideration as a suitable present, and will commend itself to many ite being "just the thing." One, for instance, in blade net, sewn closely in an Egoptian design with the now chalk -white heads, would give all tne greater pleasure to the re- cipient bicause she will perceive at owe that it can be worn over a gowit of any color, or over plain black or white. A black levee, the design picked out in gold. thread and the outlines finished with gold ince, is equally adaptable. Very Adaptable. As a girl remerked whose dress allow- ance is strictly limited: "I shall take all the trimming off .my white .slik and my black satin and weal' them as they are under tunics. With three of these I shall look as if I bad a dozen different even- ing gowns." It is quite feasible, if only a judicious choice be made; BEANO NEW GAME! IT'S GREAT. aresisimarimmiona PLAYING THE Na 1-iano! Beano! Until Rah! Rah! This isn't a new college yell, neither is it the name of a new hash- ery, but it's a new game, a new Christmas genie, if you please. Bieseand is so stuck on Beano—tot itiet plain beans, but the Ilean-Olt thing, that even tie'? budget 18 well. nigh forgotten by all but 80M6 Of the peers and David Lleyd-George. Now as to the game itself. Yon have to bave a hot plate, the larger the better, arid of course the plate must be warmed frequently. Then get AA many oar caps& taltitsno, or tb he plain ab�nt it, juMping beans, M them are Aitiorl. 1)1 '" eeeeeel... W GAME, 8EANO. Tho plate having been previously eiteled to tesemble a tweet, the ef- forts of the players are directed to- ward getting their bens to jump into the tentre, the player owning the bean that hops nearest the eentro WIOS the game.. The ?miller bean which is used in the game tipens in August. It has a svornt inside, a worm that has 16 feet and lives until the following Mey, when it sttecumbe to the in- firmities of old .ege. This seem when its feet aro eohl /6 entirely in repoee. But when the hot plate beglee to toest its toes all 16 feet •get into ao. Mon, and then the bean begim jump- . .. riThe Vinh: A vance d THEO. HALL a Proprietor ' DR, AGNEW 1 PHYSICIAN, SURGEON, ACCOI,JOHEUR. ' OB3se t— • 17pataire in the blaodonate Moak. 1 Night calls answered at onto.. DR- ROBT, a. REDMOND 11.C. iii. Asia) Ii. it, O. P. (alma Physician and Surgeon. (Hr. Ohisholm's old itatid) ----... . ..........-...--- • ARTII1JR J. 'ERWIN D.D.S.. Lag. Doctor of Dental Surgery of the Pen. nsylvanie College and recent ate of Dental eurgery of Ontario. —Ontee In Ildecdopald Mock— W. J. PRICE B.S.A., LOS., D,D.S. • /one? Graduate of Ilniyersity of Toronto and Licentiate of Royal College of Dot tat Surgeons of Ontario. Orwtoi ing figairms BLOM( -- WINGITAIll •••••••••.••r•••••••••••••••,,......••••••••.••••••••••••,....... General Pleasantly Open Rates bursing)-113.60 to location tIon—AlltiresafttISS • WINGHAM Hospital. lOnder Ooverumene buipectiolo.) situated. Beautifully furnished. to all regularly licensed physicismo.. for patient" (which inOlod0 board and to alete per week, according of room. Per tarther informs L. MATTHEWS Superintendent, Box Yell, Wingham, Ont,. R. VANSTONE BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR • Money to 'loan at lowest rates, OPorcom :—BEATEn MiZaz, • WINGILAM. DICKINSON & MIMES Barristers, Solicitors, etk Wee: Meyer Block, Wing:Goan. . It L. DloMnson Dudley Holmes J. A. MORTON BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR. • MONEY TO LOAN, Office:—Morton Block, Winghara . , --- WELLINGTON MUTUAL FIRE INS. CO. Established1840. • Head Moe GUELPH, ONT. Risks taken on all cleans of in- surable property on the cash or pre. Dolma note system. JANES GOLTHIC; CHAS. DAVIDgon President. Secretary. RITCHIE Lib 005EN8. Agents. Wingham, Ont A. WINGBAM * Fanneie horses, ket can Money par at RATES,—$5.00 $10 Same banking , E, S 1V1 1 T H BANKER — ONTARIO , who want money to buy cattle or hogs to feed for mar- have it on reasonable terries. transmitted and payable at any Bank in the Dominion. and under, 8 eta. to $80, 10 ote. $30 to $50. 16 eta. rates charged on principal points in the U. 8. C. N. GRIFFIN GENERAL AGENT Issuer of Marriage Licenses. Fire, Life, Accident, Plate 141ase and Weather Insurance, coupled with a Beal Estate and Money . Loaning businesa. •-. A ATOIlle culckly ""8"“" Lions strlotcrucant "kat= ttialOottce, $CitiilifiC A hendsonitly nInti A novroclealerl. .MUNN Brandi• 01/E1l 60 YEARS* " ..", o EXPERIENCE ,--e" • :••••.'..1z.'.:':;70:',,•••.'.. ... .c. , e . TRADE MARKO 'a Denictio COPYRIGHTS %Ite. sending &sketch and deaerIntton may ascertain or °plaice% frookyrbethor ea 15 PrlirilanitallOrmrs"1". en .f onatellanti tool, trgth°1=TU.Tralar. without Charge, ft the • American. ilinstrated weakly. Lamest n of any noinntino journnl. Texan* ep sees a 3e1r. posUice prepaid. *eta OCO.,,,2,. 6tItirn41")" New Yg.rk ak .. r st.. Washington. D. ,. . , , , .....„. . r,,,sS .i.,.......,1 ....,..,.: o• PROMPTLY SECURED e sotielt the business of Manufacturers, Engineers and others Who realize the advision. Ity ef having.their patent business transacted by Experts. -Preliminary advice free. aeries Moderates. Our fuventorie Adviser gent opus Legnest. Marion te Mario*. New Voris Li re Sft mewed atui Washington. wutipot UP, SANTA' OLAUSI • Vander 111qtab. Chrisfmus, Loathe long de way. 'Ile slower thatt a railroad' - Dat what chillun say. Dey wants 'im fer ter hurry ito An' rase de time er day. Dreamin"liout einuita er i1 tin i' --Atlanta Omstitatiea. ---seesse GRADED PIICr (London Public- Opinion.) The autegrapli fiend he* taloa bis match in eh. Steam, ne Cie mateent netts:due who was mato to snot les. name "with love ana Merles" Im ci pea:. true matinee oat IL, witdosed her L:CO ftgrATIII tali Cr: • 1,t0itrenit 1:111th IOVA and klampi Love Without Riftiles la .17" ,p1.41.