The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1884-12-20

J.
maybe can give you an idea of it mean
ing; that we should be generous; that
those who have an abundance of every
thing should give TO those who are poor
and needy; that what we give must be
given in free, unselfish spirit; God re-
pays doubly, or in measure pressed
down and running over in some unseen
manner. 1t is not benevolence to boast
and tell the world what you give and do
for the poor. That is vanity and SELF
commendatiou inspired by selfish mo.
tiyes, and God does not recognize such
gifts as true charity. What we give from
the hand must be prompted by clean,
generous and sympathetic heart, j."
THANK you, mamma" said Sadie, re-
specially, as her mother ceased speak
ing; 'I think understand now"
Mr.. Benson entered the room, lit a
cigar, picked up the paper and, settling
himself com 'ortably in his chair, gave
himself over to a rerusal of the events
of the day,
Presently Sadie looked up from the
Bible.
Papa she asked, ''aro you rich?"
Mr.. Benson looked up from his paper
as he answered:
God has been good to me, daughter;
He has blessed us all with excellent
health and prospered me in all my un-
dertakings.
"Yes, sir, but papa" she continued,
looking him directly in the face, do you
ever give anything to the pool?"
An expression of sudden confusion
crossed his features. He seemed TO sit
uucomlortably, and he shifted his posi-
ticn several times ere he answered in a
somewhat abstract way:
"Wel, yes-that is-sometimes. But
what prompted that question:" be in
quired, gazing at her curiously.
She read the verse over for him.
Ho made no reply at its conclusion,
but puffed away vigorously at his cigar
and tried to get interested in his reading.
But somehow or other his mind wander
ed; be could concentrate his though is
upon no one particular object in the
journal. His countenanco had relaxed
into a grave and sober expression. He
picked up his hat and went ont into the
nipping air.
DO you ever give anything to the
poor? 'Tis true I'm rich, but since I've
acquired my wealth there's something
left undone, What is it2" he mentally
queried.
Conscience whispered: "Give and it
shall be given unto you,"
y y - -
Christmas came at last, bright and
crisp, and the whole world seemed JOY
ops and glad. Sadie and frankie he
was Sadie's brother-had risen before
the stars were out of the heavens aud
were shouting and laughing as they
looked upon their presents and mamma
and papa, too, joined them in their hap.
piness, while Aunt Matilda, whose
slumbers had been disturbed by the dir
and noise, lamentel the "extravNgant
expenditure of hard-earned money fol
foolish toys for foolish children"
Take it away! take 1t away she
II, Ii, IL l., l.
his trumpet, my head is nearly burst
ing!" And clapping her hands to heI
= ears she fled precipitately from tht
room, followed by the laughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Benson.
Toward midday Sadie strolIed up OF
Eighth street, wandering along, looking
first in one window and then in another
At one she halted to admire some dolls
and while there she took piece of can
dy from her pocket and was raising it tC
her mouth.
II like candy" squeaked voice clost
beside her. Locking around, she dis
covered a mite of humanity who hat
crept up unobserved gazing up wistfully
into her face.
"Then you shall have this" she quick
ly replied Offering him the candy. whicl
ne eagerly seized. His clothes were {
medley of patches, his shoes were ou
and torn cap crowned his Atxen hair.
"Now, that's somebody's poor boy,
= know" she argued. II think I'll TAXI
+ him home with me. I'm sure mammt
aud papa will give him something, II
ask him at any rate"
Little boy" she said, edo you wan
= to go home with me and get Christmas
cake?"
"Oh. yes, me dol" exclaimed the little
E fellow, clapping his tiny cold hands
while his thin face beamed all oyer will
smiles.
Sadie took him by the hand and re
traced her steps up the street.
lob, just see there, girls There
Sadie Benson leading little beggar!'
remarked one of Sldie's acquaintance
to her companion, as they passed along
on the opposite side of the street.
"Well, 1 never 1t is her, indeed
would not be seen doing that ON thi
D treet," answered the girl with proud
, scornful curl of her lip.
9 But Sadie kept right on with her pro
q -tege, unconscious of the disparaging re
marks of her friends, and Indifferent Il
the vulgar gaze of the gay crowd o
q passersby.
At a corner they encountered police
man.
"Lost boy, ell? Shall take charge o
: of him, Miss2' said the policeman
reaching out his big hand toward tn
boy.