The National tribune., 1892-12-22
FIRsT PRIZE CHRIsTMAs STORY.

1t was Christmas evening, 1891 Outside the
snowfiakes fell thick and fast; but within the four
walls Of Jasper Underwood's cottage ali was warm
and bright.
The family, consisting of the father, mother,
and four children, were gathered within the cosy
sitting room. which gave more evidence Of taste
than wealth.
Scattered about the room were many little arii-
cles OF household decoration, showing the def
work OF woinaIl's hand. while upon The table lay
file Of THE NATIoSAL TRIBUNE.
IL may he well to say that the Underwoods, like
all other persons, had been visited by joys and
SORROWS during the past year, but 1t their
custom 10 look on the bright side. and to make the
very beet of everything. And IL will be that.
a. they sat there they were silently acknowledging
God their sincere thanks for the piaay blessings
bestow ed upon them since the last Chris. day,
when Bess. the baby, and joy of the entire house,
hold. broke the stiffness by saying: Papa. WAS
Just thinking how good God Is to give such q
nice home and such pretty things around Us"
Yes, darling" said papa, rs he stopped to lay
his hand on the pretty. golden head Il was also
thinking of the many blessings bestowed upon us
by God during the past year"
And L. said Marcia. handsome girl Of 10
years. "hsre been thinking that year ago
had not known Charlie. Dear Charlie! / eau
scarcely imagine how lived before met him."
Aud her eyes were gazing fondiy on her lovely
engagement-TiDg.
And you never would have known him had It
not been for the Conversation Club; think Of that
Marcia !" the mother said
Then Mr. Underwood spoke, musingly: And
year ago had not learned the sad fate OF my
brother. Andrew. You remember we never knew
any thing definite about his death, but only knew
lac went into battle and wac never heard of more.
But while st the National Reunion, n. I. Z. &.
Guards. this year. met a comra6e. fciow-pris-
oner, who shared with him the horrors of Ander-
sonville Prison. He told of his beroism his
patience and his courage; OF his Christian rcsig-
nation and his triumph in death. Oh, would that
the dear old mother could have lived TO have
known the truth /"
She knows it now" said the wife, softly. "'He
doeib ali things WELL"
And my informant, the aged veteran con.
tinued the father, seemed to be greatly broken in
health and very INDECENT In circumstances. Can
we not send him come token, some kindly rcmem-
brsncs TO brighten his lonely hours?"
Yes, yesi Send him years subscription 10
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE ciiorused the Twins, Max
and Mare two bright lads OF II years.
A timely suggestion" said The father. II will
Now, my dear boys" said the fond mother
'can you relate any blessings you have received?'
Yes, mamma" spoke out Max. joyfuliy. "Tbe
weekly visils Of THE NATIoSAL TRIBUNE to our
home have been to brother Marc aud lasting
benefit. Yon know how much interest We have
taken in solving The puzzles. having the privilege
OF good books TO read at a very small outlay
through the C. C. Circulating Library, well a.
the fund Of knowledge obtained from the mass Of
letters Of the &. G. column"
I'm indeed glad to kno wv that ~ can appreciate
these golden opportunities" sale airs. Underwood
land while you have been benefited In this way,
have also. have had the pleasure OF my boys
company at Tie family fireside while other moth
ers' have been out upon the street, their moth
err know not where"
" And. ola, mamma" interrupted Marcia, " what
more could we ask 2"
And too. the nice things man ma prepares from
/ the Household recipes should be mentioned Sale
hearty, growing Mare who. we are reluctant q
confess. had very vOracious appetite. If
/ wasn't for the Household wouldn't we be in tin
soupl'
My dear boy" said Mrs. Underwood. "you arr
using slang. Does not tiIs G. q. interoict that?"
| Yes, Inamfas," biusliingiy stammered Mare
but. then. you know the boys all use u, and L
| forgot"
Another point In favor OF the @. c. 10 that vi
| arc thrown into such refined society" said tn
father. Then turning TO little Bess. who, with he
ing eyeiies. WISE preparing TO start on journey u
dream isnd. said: Can our little one think of an.
blessings we have rcceiyed?"
The long fringed lids were lifted Bsss wild
| awake now.
Il think. papa" she sRid. with an air o. erea
WISDOM the pretty things Sister Marcia ha
learned 10 make from the Household TO decorate
our rooms, makes ours the very beauiifnest hom
! la iowa.
Then having given her testimony, the tired bea
reCued back into SIS former rcstS-piace the blu
eyes were again vailed by the heavy lids. and Bes
sleeping the irusiiul. abandoned sleep OF child
! hood.
We'll /" continued Mr.. Underwood, at seem,
from al ihe eyiaence advanced. that we have de
rived az our benefits from the grand @. G.
1 Then, link of It's power for good Throughout
tho length aud breadth of this great couatry O
4 ours Alsd the work ID only in It's infancy 1 he
lieve lie future holds yet greater possibilities 70
needy veteran aud his family. TO console Tia
| bcreaved aud 10 comfort the afflicted.
Now nay dear children, all. let IL be your earnes
ctdeayar o do more in tue future la aid the prog
r. tl.d advance n;ent Of this noble Club. Let no
youF WAIVER, and that esr another Christ