The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-12-09
EIsie.s Chrysamtl,emums.

Mamma" said little Elsie Blake,
"did YOU hear DR.. Grey say last
Sunday that we should show our graft
|tude on Thanksgiving Day in some
other way than by eating good DIN
ner?"
"Yes,n said Mrs Blake. I have
often thought of that myself; you know
that the Jews gave special gifts into
the treasury at the time of the feast OF
abernacles-their Thanksgiving sea-
son. Nowadays people 60 to meeting,
and chiefly show their gratitude by
eating"
to God. they will overflow in some
way. Elsie's heart was full of love
and gratitude, for she had recent
lv given herself to Christ, and she was
eager to serve Him. Elsie's mother
was very benevolent, and none of the
DOOR within their reach were allowed
to 90 hungry or uncared for. Now
there was one idea expressed in DR..
Grey's sermon which she had never
thought of before. 'rhere may be
some around u.s." he said, whose
temporal wants are we'll supplied, but
who are hungering for sympathy:
Christians should not fail
to seek out these and relieve
their wants. DO not even
the publicans the same?' So, while
we remember the poor, let US also re-
member those who are in trouble OF
any kind"
Elsie was reminded of what DR.. Grey
had said by hearing about an old lady
who lived across the street, and that
evening, sitting before the fire, she
told her mother what she had heard.
Mamma" she began, "Jane told
me little while ago that old Mrs. May
is very unhappy, and Just sits and cries
over her knitting. What can he the
matter with her? She seems TO have
everything she wants."
"She has everything" replied her
mother, Except real sympathy. Her
son is away from home, and her daugh-
ter-in-law does not understand. why she
should prefer that quiet little place in
the country which she has just left,
when she is 80 much more comfortable
here in town. She misses her grand
children and her flowers. I went to
see her when she first came, few
weeks ago, but I have been too busy
since then to call again."
"Why cannot l go, mamma" SAID
Elsie, land take her some ofmy chrys'
anthemums ?"
"I think you might dear, tomorrow
morning. The poor old lady is home
sick, and needs cheering up"
It was rather an effort for Elsie, be.
ing diffident child to call on an entire
stranger. She was half inclined to
leave tLe chrysanthemums at the door,
but she thought that would be cold
way of doing kindness. So she asked
for Mrs. May, and was soon ushered
into her presence.
The old lady seemed very sad, and
did not look as though she realized
that it was Thanksgiving Day.
Being little deaf, she did not notice
Elsie's entrance until her daughter
said, Mother, here is little Elsie
Blake with some flowers for you"
You should have seen her face
brighten up. my dear, l am so
glad to see you," said she. Then she
took the flowers and smelled them
eagerly. "What sweet, clean smell
chrysanthemums have! | have been
wishing for some all the morning. 1t
does not seem like Thanksgiving with
out bunch of chrysanthemums."
II am glad I brought them," said
Elsie, not knowing what else to say.
II shall have them to cheer me while
you are all at church." confined the
old lady.
"Why, aren't you going ?" asked
Elsie.
"No: T cannot get up the church
steps, so shall have to stay at home"
Elsie stayed and talked for awhile,
or rather listened while Mrs. May
talked, and then took her leave, prom
ising to call again. -.
The old lady's day was cheered by
Elsie's visit, and I am sure she herself
was happier for it. Perhaps you will
think she did a very little thing, scarce
ly worth doing, and not worth men
tioning. Yet Elsie gave the old lady
just what she needed.
While we strive to do greater things
let us not forget to do little kindnesses
in His name.