mpion; and, Missouri Pippin.]

[Illustration: THE FLAMES CONSUMING THE OLD FARM HOUSE,
LOOKING NORTHEAST.]

[Illustration: THE BRIDGE OF LIFE.
The Bible elements of a good character: their two-fold foundation, and
bond--the Sabbath.]

Good books, that breathe the best thoughts and experiences of others,
are trusted friends, that bring instruction, entertainment and
contentment to the home. As companions and counselors they supply a real
want, that makes the home more than merely a place for food and raiment.
"Writing makes an exact man, talking makes a ready man, but reading
makes him a full man,"--that is a man of intelligence. A man is known by
the books he reads and the company he keeps. Let some of the world's
best books find an inviting and permanent place in your home.

Books and voices make a glorious combination. No one can tell what good
books and good voices may not do. The Word of God and the gospel of our
Lord Jesus, have come to us in the form of a book, and we call it by way
of pre-eminence, "The Bible," or Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments. Our attention has been directed to them by the living voice.
Let your tongues proclaim the glad message of divine truth and redeeming
love. The Holy Spirit will record the results in the Lamb's Book of
Life.

Read and preserve the books.

WIT AND HUMOR

"Laugh, and grow fat."

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine."

Aunt Dinah: "How long hab you dis set of dishes?"

Mother Hubbard: "Let me see; I've had 'em--four girls and a half."

Mike: "Do ye believe in the recall of judges, Pat?"

Pat: "That I do not. The last time I was up before his honor he sez: 'I
recall that face.--Sixty days.' I'm agin the recall of judges." Life.

Bishop: "Well, Mr. Jones, how do you like your preacher?"

Deacon Jones: "He's de best I eber seed, to take de Bible apart; but he
dun' no how to put it to gedder agen."

A Swede, that had not yet had time to learn our language was accused of
throwing a stone through a plate glass window. When the lawyers failed
to enable him to describe it's size the judge asked:

"Was it as big as my fist?"

"It ben bigger," the Swede replied.

"Was it as big as my two fists?"

"It ben bigger."

"Was it as big as my head?"

"It ben about as long, but not so thick," the Swede replied, amid the
laughter of the court.

* * * * *

The German's trouble with the English language.

Visitor: "T