Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1884-12-25

lePayS NouOlJ, vi All lheAbuIc pISSSSI
down and running over" in some un
seen manner. I. is not benevolence tt
boast and tell the world what you give
and DO for the poor. That is vanity
and accommodation inspired by sci.
fish motives, and God does not rscog
nize such gift, as true charity. Wha'
we give fro1a the hand must be prompt.
ed by clean, generous and eympa.
thetic heart
":Thank you. mamIna,' said Sadie
respectfully, As her mother ceased
speaking; II think I understand
now
Mr.. Benson entered the rCoc, lit a
cigar, picked up the paper and, settling
himself comfortably IN his chair, gave
bimself over to % perusal Of the svsa ts
Of the day.
Presently Sadie looked up fren the
Bible.
Papa" she asked, "are YOU rich"
Mr.. Benson looksd up from his pa
per as he answered:
God has bsen good to me daughter ;
He has blessed US all with excellent
health and prospered me in all my uu-
dertakings.'
"Yes, sir, bat papa" she continued,
looking him directly in the face, do
you ever give anything to the poor'''
An expression of Sudden confusion
crossed his features. He seemed to sit
uncomfortably, and h. shifted his posi-,
tion several times ere he answered in a
somewhat abstract way.
"Well, yes-that is sometimes. But
what prompted that question - he in.
quired, gazing at her curiously.
She read the verse ever for him.
lie made no reply at its eoaclnsion,
but puti;ed away vigorously at his cigar
and tried 10 set interested in his read
irg. Bu3 somehow or other his mind
wandered he could concentrate hi,
thoughts upon no one particular obj
in the Journal. His cour rtenancc had
relaxed into a grave and sober express.
sion. He picked up h:s hist and went
out into the rippins air.
"Do ever give snythizg 10 the
poor Tia true Tn rich, but since
I've acquired ray wealth there's some
thing left undons. What is it" he
mentally queried.
Conscience whispered: "Giye and it
shall be given unto you
X =
Christmas came at last, bright and
crisp, and the whole world seemed
joyous and glad, Sadie and Fankie-
he was SaGie's bfotlar--had risen be-
fore the stars %erc out o. the heavens
and were shouting aad laughing as
they looked upon their presents; aa>l
mamma and papa, too, joined them in
their happiness, while Aunt Matilda,
whose slu'abars had been disturbed by
the din aud noise, lamented the "ex-
travsgant expenditure Of hard-earned
money for foolish toys for foolish chill
dren."
"Taka it away take it away + she
shrieked as frankie blew loud blast
on his trumpet, my head is nearly
burstilg!' And clapping her hands
to her cara she fed percipitstely from
the room, followed by the laughter Of
Mr.. and Mrs Benson.
Toward midday Sadie ,trolled up
on Eighth street, wandering along,
looking first in ous window, and then
in another. AT one she halted to sd
mirs some dolls, and while there she
took q piece OF candy tron her pocket
and Was raising it to her mouth.
81 like candy" squeakod = voice
close beside her. Looking around, she
discovered y mite of Humanity who
had cr.pt up unobserved gazing u2
wistfully into her face.
Then YOU shall have this" she
quickly replied, Offering him the can
dy, which be eagerly seized. His
clothes were a medley Of patches, his
shoes were out and torn cap crowned
his hazen hair.
Now, that's somebody's poor boy. /
know she argued. II think III take
him home with nae. I'm SURE mamma
and papa will give him something. III
ask him at any rate.
Little boy" she said, "do you want
to 20 home with me and get Christmas
cake?"
"Oh, yes, ME dor exclaimed the
little fellow, cIapping his tiny cold
hands, while his thin face beamed all
over with smiles.