A STORY OF THE CHRIST-CHILD.
In one of those tall, splendid houses, standing in proud streets, inwhich some poor people imagine heaven to dwell, lived a little girl bythe name of Helen.
It was Christmas-day; and early in the morning did she jump from herbed, and run to look at her stocking by the fireplace, where it was hungthat Santa Claus need not be troubled to hunt for it.
There it hung, filled full, and all about on the sides had fallen thepresents it was not large enough to hold. O, how quickly did she emptyits contents; and how delighted were her exclamations!
"A beautiful bracelet!" she said to herself, sitting down on the carpetand drawing her little white feet under her; "just such a one, with theopal stone, as I saw in the window, yesterday, when I went to walk withmamma on Washington-street; and she sent me home, I know, so she couldbuy it. O, and this beautiful book! how its edges shine! What pictures!Let me see;--'From your affectionate father,'--I knew father gave methat;--and see the pretty cushion, and the box, and the china cups andplates for my doll; and O, a new silk dress for dolly, and somethinglittle, away down!" continued Helen, drawing out her hand and peepinginto the little stocking; then, putting her hand back, drew out a prettyring for her finger. "If this is not nice! I never _did see_ anything sopretty,--a ring and a bracelet! O, dear, dear! how happy I am!" Sheactually danced about the room for joy; and, when Katie came to wash anddress her, she scampered around and around her, for she could not keepstill.
There was ever so much candy too, and she wanted only to sit down andeat it, unmindful of Katie's remonstrances.
She had been so delighted with her presents as almost to forget themerry Christmas she was to bid her father and mother; and so, when shewent down stairs into the breakfast-room, where the hot rolls weresmoking, and the loving parents waiting, they had almost surprised herwith their wishes before she bethought herself.
Then she began to think of a party which was to be at her teacher'shouse, and of the Christmas-tree and the Christ-child, which so manychildren would go to see in their best frocks and best looks.
So, after the famous Christmas-dinner with its nice roast-meats, andpuddings, and pies,--after the game of romps with her father, and theride on the rocking-horse with her brother, who, at last, from meremischief, had tipped her off, and sent her crying to her mother,--shebegan to think about going there. She had seen herself nicely arrayed inthe pretty plaid dress, with the ring on her finger, and the opalbracelet on her arm, which she had found in her stocking that morning.Then she bethought herself of how all the children were to bring a fewpieces of silver for an offering to the Christ-child, that it might besent off into distant lands to children who knew nothing of the blessedChrist-child and the Christmas he brought.
It is true Helen had a bright box with a hole in the lid, through whichshe had dropped many a bright piece of silver; and it is also true thatthe box had a lock, and the key of the lock lay quietly in one ofHelen's drawers; but the money there was destined to some very great andvague purpose; and she never would have dreamed of unlocking the box andtaking from it any silver for the Christ-child. She knew well enoughpapa would give her money for that purpose. So to papa she went, andtold him what she wanted; and he, proud that his little girl shouldcarry as much as others whom she would meet there, gave her a beautifulgold piece of money--a veritable five dollars!
Then did Helen speed along with exultation in her heart--exultation forthe gold in her tiny pocket, and exultation in the very bright dress,quilted pink bonnet, and pretty white furs. And she was so oftenthinking, "What will Mary say when she sees this?" Not once did Helenask herself what the Christ-child, or he whom the Christ-childrepresented, the Saviour in heaven would say to the gold she brought.
Poor Helen!
She was not bringing the gold for the children so far away. She wasbringing it because the others would bring some, and she wanted hersseen of them!
* * * *
Away down in an obscure street, where you would not look for anythingkind or beautiful, lived a brother and sister, who made each other veryhappy in their love. Their names were Johnny and Susan. Johnny was alame, sick boy, who could not run out of doors and play like otherchildren. It was Christmas morning there too, even, and early had Susan,his sister, awoke to think of the pleasant visit she should make in theafternoon at her teacher's house; and she had even stolen from her bedup to Johnny's bedside to see if he, too, was awake; and when she sawthat he was awake and his countenance thoughtful, they began to talktogether about the day's pleasure, and how Susan was to remembereverything to tell it over by night to Johnny.
"O," said Susan, "to think how beautiful it will be, and I never in afine house before, and the two sixpences we have earned this week! Howglad shall I be to put them in my teacher's hand! Johnny dear," saidthe little Susan, looking tenderly on her poor brother, "do you notthink you need the sixpence yourself? I could buy you a sweet orange, orsomething nice for you to eat, it is so long since you had anything butbread and water."
"No," said Johnny, "I'd rather much give it to the Christ-child. I loveto lie here and think about it, and of those children so far away, whowill be glad when they, too, know of this beautiful day. I think of themso much that I love them, Susan, and I wish I had more than the sixpenceto send them."
Susan busied herself in preparing the breakfast of bread and water, andthen, when it was over and the work done up, she sat down by the side ofJohnny's bed, and read to him out of the little book she had broughtfrom her Sunday-school; and Johnny forgot, in the quiet peace of theday, how hard it was to lie still upon the bed, when he so often longedto run out and play; thoughts of love came into his heart, and tears ofgentleness into his eyes.
Their dinner was very different from the one Helen had eaten; but theywere happy, their hearts were full of expectation,--and Susan had gotherself quite ready, and, wrapping the two pieces of silver in a pieceof paper, she kissed Johnny, and set off on her way to the teacher'shouse.
But when Susan came among the children there, somehow they all shunnedher. In their plays, if they had occasion to speak to her, they passedon quickly, with a suppressed smile and hurried glance on each other.If, by any means, she spoke to them, they looked upon her inastonishment, without answering her words. They often whispered one toanother, casting curious looks upon her; so she knew easily they spokeof her. What could it mean? What had she done?
I cannot answer this well. She had a gentle, sweet face; her mannerswere neither rude nor obtrusive, and when she spoke, though her toneswere low, half fearful and trembling, still were her words as kind andpolite, if not kinder and politer, than those of the other children.
Poor Susan! and she had thought to be so happy that afternoon; she hadanticipated only kindly faces, and loving glances, and kind handsstretched out to her in the plays. For once she had thought to minglewith those pretty children as if they had been her sisters, and, whenshe went back to dear Johnny, to tell him of their loving words. Butnow--what! could she tell Johnny, to grieve him, of the sad afternoonshe was passing? She looked upon them more closely, trying to find outwhat it was that separated her from them. 'Tis true she wore no brightplaid dress and delicate cloth boots; she wore no bracelets on her arm;she had not found them in her stocking that morning. There was nonecklace about her neck; her hair was not bright and curling; yet,still, what could be the reason they shunned her so?
Susan tremblingly looked over her own dress. Her gown was scanty and ofcotton, her pantalets were long and narrow, but they were the best shehad; her mother had made them long ago, and Susan had so carefullypreserved them. On her feet she wore thick leather shoes; but she knewhow the money had been saved, little by little, from week to week, thatthey might be bought. If they were thick, it was that they might lastthe longer; and her hair was combed smoothly over her brow and braidedon her neck. Her hands, it is true, were not delicate, like theirs--theywere hard and red; but they had become so in working for the home, tokeep
it clean, and working early and late, that the mother might not bedetained from her work out, and that the lame, sick brother should haveno little want unsupplied.
And was it that her hands were red and her clothes coarse that thechildren shunned her--even, too, before they looked into her littlehome, and saw what she did there, how she comforted Johnny, and sweptclean the floor, and even found some time to read out of her books?Could they, with their bright frocks and rosy cheeks, have such veryweak and wicked causes for their displeasure against this poor child?Could they so willingly hurt her heart, when she had come from so manydays of toil to what she had thought would be a day of pleasure, so thatshe must often turn her head to wipe off the tears with her little redhand? And these children, had they come to honor the Christ-child?
Their teacher had watched their games, and saw how they played amongthemselves, and cast out the little Susan from their play; and shethought that not only did they dishonor the Christ-child, but her whohad brought them all together.
But Susan still thought of the Christmas-tree, the present it shouldbear for her, and how she should take hers home for Johnny; and shethought, too, of the two little sixpences done up in the paper in herpocket. Helen, too, was not unmindful of her bright gold-piece, and hadtaken good care to show it before the eyes of all the children; andSusan had seen it, and thought of Johnny,--how he had said he wished hehad still more to send to the children so far away,--and she thought thelittle girl with the gold-piece must be happy enough to send it; and shebegan to feel half ashamed that she had no more money, and, as theirunkind looks continued, she asked herself if she had any right to bethere.
But the Christmas-tree was ready. A servant came in and closed tightlythe shutters, so the room was all dark, and then the parlor-doors werethrown open, and there stood the tall, beautiful tree, with candles ofall colors, which were burning like so many stars, and above it hungthe Christ-child, with a smile as of love, and his arms stretched out ashe would call them to him. And on the tree were nice gifts, books andtoys, pictures, and lace bags, tied with gay ribbons, filled withcandies. But Helen, and all the children who had found rich gifts intheir stockings that morning, turned indifferently from these, admiringthe novelty of the Christmas-tree.
But to the child they had neglected,--the little girl in the cotton gownand coarse, thick shoes, the little Susan,--these gifts, as well as thetree, were very precious; for she had not jumped eagerly from her bedthat morning to find rich presents in her stockings, for she did notexpect them to be there; she had awoke early to think of the visit tothe teacher's house, the sight at the tree, and the gifts it should bearfor her and Johnny.
So she prized her gift more than all!
When the children saw how carefully she put the little bags ofsweetmeats in her pocket, instead of eating them as they did, theylaughed among themselves, and said something about her which was _socruel_ and so unjust, that I shall not even tell you what it was. Theydid not know she was saving the candy to eat with Johnny. Then, when shepondered over her little book, in admiration, and held it carefully inher hands, as though she was fearful of stretching it, they said tothemselves, she must be very ignorant to care for such a thing. ButSusan only shrank off by herself, thankful to have her portion in thesethings.
After this, came the time when they would bring their offerings forthose children who live in the far-off lands, where there is noChristmas; and the children began to wonder if Susan had any money, andto show each other what they had. Then their teacher drew her chairamong them, and began to tell them what it really was to wish thatothers might enjoy what we did; what it was to help them to do so, andbe careful not to rob them of one smile.
"This money which you would send to those children, that they may behappy as you are, if it does not tell them of your love, is useless tothem. And if, to obtain it, you have, in any way, denied yourself of onelittle thing, be sure God will look very lovingly upon you; and thosechildren, when you meet them in heaven, will put their arms about you,and tell you of their gratitude."
When the teacher said these last words, Susan's lip quivered, and hereye sparkled, for they were words of meaning to her; but they did notaffect the other children, for they were words of no meaning to them.
But Susan saw those children in heaven, in her fancy, and Johnny wasthere, no longer lame and sick; they ran and played over bright fields,and no one laughed at them, or repulsed them, or wore brighter clothesthan they. They threw garlands of flowers to each other, and when theylaughed the tones of their voices were like music.
Then the teacher called Susan to her side, and Susan put in her hand thetwo little pieces of silver; and the children, when they saw howcarefully they had been wrapped in the bit of paper, exchanged glances,and they who had the most money in their pockets smiled scornfully, aschildren can, upon one another. The teacher asks Susan how the littlemoney was got, and the child answers in a low tone:
"Please, ma'am, they are Johnny's and mine; we saved them since you toldus so long ago."
And the teacher, as she thinks of the lame, sick Johnny, and what thosepennies might have bought him--how he had denied himself--feels thetears come into her eyes, and she speaks to the children of Johnny, andtells Susan that when she comes into heaven, she shall certainly see thechildren she blesses now. But when she calls the others to her, and theyshow her the money so easily obtained, the teacher will not take it.
"Since you denied yourself not one thing for it, how do I know _love_made you bring it. And if love did not send it, how could it make thefar-off children happy? And how can you love those so far off, when youhave all helped to make this Christmas afternoon so unhappy a one to oneof the children I invited here with you? If you love not those close byyou, you cannot love those at a distance."
She told them how Susan nursed her sick brother; how she read to him,watched over him with cheerful smile and kind love; what she did for herbrother's comfort, and she showed them that the two pieces of silverfrom Johnny and Susan were really worth more in the sight of God thantheir silver dollars and gold pieces.
Then she told them a story. When Christ was one day sitting in thetemple, he looked upon all those who came to put money in the treasury.Many rich people, with proud airs and haughty hearts, threw in largesums of money; people called them benevolent, and sang loud praises tothem.
But Jesus did not call them benevolent, neither did he praise them.
At last came a poor widow, bringing with her two mites, which made onepenny. She had saved them of all she had, and humbly, with love in herheart, she threw them into the treasury. What a little, in comparisonwith what the others had thrown there! and yet Jesus, who before had notspoken, said of her:
"I say unto you, this poor widow hath cast more in than all they whichhave cast into the treasury. For all they did cast in of theirabundance, but _she_, of her want, did cast in all that she had, evenher living!"
And the teacher was careful to tell them, it was the spirit of love inwhich the two mites were brought, not simply that they were two mites,which made Christ bless the woman; for if, in the same spirit, she hadbrought twenty mites, her blessing would have been the same.
The children saw, then, how shameful had been their conduct, and itseemed just to them that the Christ-child should refuse their offerings.
But they asked if they might not give their money to Susan and Johnny?
"No," replied the teacher; "she does not need your money; she could giveyou nothing in return for it. But, instead, you may give her yourlove;--that she would like, and can return;--and, by-and-by, when youhave learned well your lessons of kindness, give the money where loveprompts you."
And, from that time, they began to learn these lessons; they saw howSusan, if her clothes _were_ coarse, had in her heart what was worthmore than fine clothes, and all the riches which are in the world; andif they would have their gifts acceptable to the Christ-child, theymust have such in their hearts!
* * * *
&
nbsp; Susan went home happy--bearing on her arm a basket of grapes and orangesfor Johnny, to tell him how the teacher had sent them to him, and thatthey must be more and more loving and self-denying, since their Godwould love them.
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ROSY DIAMOND STORY BOOKS.
6 volumes. Each volume handsomely illustrated. 80 cents.
THE GREAT ROSY DIAMOND. DAISY; or, The Fairy Spectacles. VIOLET: A Fairy Story. MINNIE; or, The Little Woman. THE ANGEL CHILDREN. LITTLE BLOSSOM'S REWARD.
These volumes are finely and profusely illustrated from designs byHoppin and other eminent artists. They are elegantly bound, and neatlypacked in ornamental boxes. As gifts for holidays and birthdays, where auniform value and appearance is desired, they are excellent.
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=_Mrs. Madeline Leslie's Books._=
PLAY AND STUDY SERIES.
/> 4 volumes. Each volume illustrated. Price, $1.50.
PLAY AND STUDY. THE MOTHERLESS CHILDREN. HOWARD AND HIS TEACHER. JACK, THE CHIMNEY-SWEEP.
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LITTLE AGNES' LIBRARY.
4 volumes. Each volume illustrated. Price, $1.50.
LITTLE AGNES. TRYING TO BE USEFUL. I'LL TRY. ART AND ARTLESSNESS.
For family reading and Sabbath School libraries there are no betterbooks written than these by Mrs. Leslie. With attractive and interestingstories are mingled wholesome truths and moral lessons. Of all thesebooks large editions have been printed, and they may be found largelycirculated in Sabbath Schools.
Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, post-paid, onreceipt of price.
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=LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston.=
LEE & SHEPARD'S JUVENILE PUBLICATIONS.
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OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS.
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RIVERDALE STORY-BOOKS.
Six volumes, profusely illustrated from new designs by Billings. In neatbox. Cloth. Per vol., .45.
COMPRISING
Little Merchant.Young Voyagers.Dolly and I.Proud and Lazy.Careless Kate.Robinson Crusoe, Jr.
These little volumes are very interesting and attractive, and they carrya moral with them, which, if heeded, there is no doubt will set Youth inthe right direction for its own benefit.
FLORA LEE STORY BOOKS.
Companions to the above. Six volumes, profusely illustrated from newdesigns by Billings. In neat box. Cloth. Per volume, .45.
COMPRISING
Christmas Gift.Uncle Ben.Birthday Party.The Picnic Party.The Gold Thimble.The Do-Somethings.
These stories are written in "Oliver Optic's" best style, and all areinteresting and attractive.
OUR STANDARD BEARER; Or, The Life of Gen'l Ulysses S. Grant: His Youth,His Manhood, His Campaigns, and his eminent Services in theReconstruction of the Nation his Sword has redeemed. As seen and relatedby Captain Bernard Galligasken, Cosmopolitan, and written out by OliverOptic. Illustrated by Thos. Nast. 16mo. Cloth. $1.50.
"This is a book for young men to read; for boys to read; and old menwill find their dull blood stirred by its graphic descriptions, itsthrilling narrative, and its hearty enthusiasm."--_New Bedford Mercury._
THE WAY OF THE WORLD.
By William T. Adams (Oliver Optic). 12mo. $2.00.
"This excellent writer for children has here tried his hand at writingfor grown people, and has succeeded admirably."--_Times._
"It is long since we have read a more interesting book."--_Gazette._
"The Way of the World is a popular story of the intense class, full ofthrilling incidents and exciting scenes, such as boys delight toread."--_Congregationalist._
Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, post-paid,on receipt of price.
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LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston.
LEE & SHEPARD'S JUVENILE PUBLICATIONS.
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OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS.
ARMY AND NAVY STORIES.
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THE SOLDIER BOY; or, Tom Somers in the Army. 16mo. Illustrated. $1.50.
"This is a story of the rebellion, narrating the adventures of apatriotic youth, who left the comforts of home to share the dangers ofthe field. He is carried through several battles, and for a while sharedthe hospitalities of the rebels as a prisoner. The story is true tohistory, giving in the form of personal adventure correct accounts ofmany stirring scenes of the war."--_Hartford Courant._
THE SAILOR BOY; or, Jack Somers in the Navy. 16mo. Illustrated. $1.50.
"Jack is the brother of Tom, the Soldier Boy, whose adventures in thearmy were so much enjoyed. We have only to repeat that there are fewbetter stories for boys than these of Mr. Adams'. Always bright and evensparkling with animation, the story never drags; there are no stupidtasks or tiresome descriptions; the boys whose characters are drawn arereal boys, impulsive, with superabundant animal life, and the heroes aremanly, generous, healthy creations."--_Hartford Press._
THE YOUNG LIEUTENANT; or, The Adventures of an Army Officer. 16mo.Illustrated. $1.50
"The Young Lieutenant" is a sequel to "The Soldier Boy," and carries thereader through the stormy scenes of the rebellion, creates Thomas Somersan officer, and as such he performs much difficult work in therebellion.
YANKEE MIDDY; or, Adventures of a Naval Officer. 16mo. Illustrated.$1.50.
"The incidents of the story are those which have occurred on the ocean,and on the bays, inlets, and rivers of the South, common in theexperience of all our naval officers who have been actively employedduring the war."--_Notices of the Press._
FIGHTING JOE; or, The Fortunes of a Staff Officer. 16mo. Illustrated.$1.50.
"The description of battles and sieges, of picket and skirmishing, ofcamp life and marching, are wrought out with thrilling detail, makingthe story truly fascinating; while, in connection with this, useful andpractical information respecting men and places is conveyed, and aproper spirit of morality and patriotism inculcated."--_Notices of thePress._
BRAVE OLD SALT; or, Life on the Quarter-Deck. 16mo. Illustrated. $1.50.
A book of adventure, of personal experience, describing a living hero,and exhibiting the great truth that, by fidelity of conscience, country,and God, earthly and heavenly blessings are secured.
Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, post-paid, onreceipt of price.
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LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston.
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