ich she was individually in need. The letter which came
back to us after a week made those who heard it read in open school
clear their throats and wink away an inevitable tear. It revealed
(among other things) the fact that this poor servant had hitherto
made all the clothing for seven children with the bare needle. Now
she has a sewing machine. We all think, but none more fervently than
the children, that the memory of a few oranges, more or less--oranges
eaten three years ago--would not compensate for the glad
consciousness that life is easier every day in at least one prairie
home. Thus we were led to translate the Beatitude pronounced upon the
"giver" into our own experience, and we have its meaning in the
continuous stream of happiness which many have felt at the
remembrance of what our pennies wrought.

We have recently chosen an object for this year's offering; for the
practice of giving and not receiving at Christmas-time is now
habitual with us. Dr. Pike has told us about Philip Page, the African
lad now at Atlanta, seeking eagerly, but with insufficient means,
such an education as will qualify him to go back to his people a
missionary. We shall send him enough for his support for one, and
perhaps for two months.

Let me urge those who may read these words to allow no seeming
obstacle to prevent the putting in practice, in the schools to which
they belong, of the plan here described. Do not fail to give the
children for their Christmas gift the happiness that giving brings.
Do not delay to teach the young by so simple a lesson the difference
between the blessedness of giving and that of receiving. Identify by
all means the aims and methods of the Church and Sunday-school. Let
it not, even in a figure, appear to the child that the Christian
attitude is one of idle enjoyment. No matter how small the gift, it
is the _giving up_ which makes us the Lord's disciples.

* * * * *

RECEIPTS FOR NOVEMBER 1883.

* * * * *

MAINE, $425.02.

Bangor. Central Cong. Ch. and Soc. $250.95
Bangor. Central Cong. Ch. and Soc., _for Dakota M._ 1.56
Brunswick. Young Ladies' Missionary Soc. of First
Parish, _for Student Aid, Talladega C._ 15.00
Eastport. Central Cong. Sab. Sch. 5.00
Falmouth. First Cong. Ch. and Soc., 30; Second Cong.
Ch. and Soc., 7.20