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THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW,

EXERCISES

FOR

CHRISTMAS AKD HKW YEARS'.

LAWN PARTIES, MISSION BANDS,

AND

SUNDAY SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENTS.

^(^ 17JS33 ^

BY

MRS. ADA C. CHAPLIN.

yiy

BOSTON: HOWARD GANNETT TREMONT TEMPLE. 18S3.

Copyright, 1883, By Howard Gannett.

C. M A Twitchell & Co., 43 KIlby Street, PRINTERS.

CONTENTS.

Pa^e.

1. THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW, . . . " 7

2. WHAT WILL YOU HAVE? 13

3. THE YOUNG GIANT KILLERS, . . . . iS

4. THE STORY OF SEVEN DOLLARS, ... 22

5. SEEDS AND PENNIES, 26

6. THE BEST LESSON, 27

7. WHAT SHOULD A LITTLE LOY BE? . . 31

8. THE PENNIES, 31

9. THE ALPHABET CLASS, 32

10. THE FIVE WISHES, . . . . . .34

11. WHICH TREE WILL YOU CHOOSE? . . 37

12. THE TRY COMPANY, 40

13. HAPPY NEW YEAR, . . . . . .44

14. WHY DO YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS?. . . 45

15. EXAMINATION OF THE RECIPE CLUB,. . 47

16. DAILY BREAD, 56

17. INFANT CLASS EXERCISE, . . . .57

18. BIBLE CLASS EXERCISE, 6^

19. MISSION BAND EXERCISE, .... 75

PREFACE.

" Coals to Newcastle ! Ice to Labrador ! Warm- ing-pans to the West Indies ! Any other preposterous thing you please ; but not a new book of concert exer- cises before the American Sunday School public."

No, we will not. If you belong to one of those favored Sunday Schools which have always scholars enough to carry out the desired exercises, and exer- cises adapted to the desired number of scholars, this book is not for you. Neither is it for you if you belong to one of those ujifavored schools, that have never reached out a helping hand to draw in the indifferent, careless and unpunctual, and make them careful, punctual and trustworthy.

But if you believe that the first mission of the Sunday School, and especially of its public entertain- ments, is to this latter class, and have been, like the author of these pages, embarrassed by the lack of pieces that could be used for either a larger or smaller number of speakers, and that would not be injured by the absence of any one at the last, you may find help in this collection, all of whose parts are so ar- ranged as to require but one general rehearsal, and all of whose longer exercises (with the exception of the first) can be readily adapted to widely varying numbers of speakers.

A WOED TO THE lEADEE OF THE EXERCISES.

1. Select for the absolutely essential parts of the exercise the best speaker from among your most punctual scholars.

2. Be sure that every scholar is remembered, but especially care for those whom you would naturally think of last.

3. Send or carry parts to absent scholars. Many a wayward one has been brought back by an invita- tion to take part in some public exercise. Even the declining of an invitation may lead to the revealing and healing of suspected but not previously under- stood disaffections.

4. Do not urge speaking where it is really un- pleasant to the scholar, or where an invitation is declined merely to elicit more coaxing, but encourage the timid and backward, and spare no pains to inter- est the indifferent.

5. Let the scholars think of all these entertain- ments as a part of the Master's 'work.

6. Never engage in any Concert or other public exhibition without earnest prayer for wisdom to make it, in the highest and best sense, a help to all who take part in it.

THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

First Speaker {aIo?ie),

I have buried the Old Year away,

Buried it out of my sight, The New Year is merry and gay, I'll give it a welcome to-night. The past has brought many a tear to my eye, I'm glad that at last I can bid it goodbye.

I'll welcome the merry New Year,

The Old one is finished at last.*

But what are these forms that appear.

That come to me out of the past ?

Can it be that the wearisome months have not gone,

That the year I thought buried has only passed on ?

JANUARY.

We greet you, the months of the dying year.

We bid you farewell to-night, We shall meet you again in another sphere, When the ages take their flight. The forms that to-night in vision you see. To-morrow are lost in eternity.

/ came the first. In my snowy fold

I covered the earth away. My wild v/inds told, how with bitter cold And famine, from day to day Men were dying, whom you might warm and feed, And yon pitied them. Where was the ansv/ering deed .

* [Enter twelve young ladies dressed in white, as the twelve months.]

TEE OLD TEAR AND THE NEW.

FEBRUARY.

I told you the story again,

I — second child of the year, The story of perishing men, Of firesides desolate, drear ; Of little ones out in my pitiless rain. And of hearts that were aching with keener pain.

For a bitterer cold than mine

Knows the heart that is left alone. Whose sun has ceased to shine

And whose bread is turned to stone. Did you come with the warmth of a sister's

[brother's] love. And point those souls to the Friend above ?

MARCH.

I am March. I marshalled my host.

For the queen of the tempest am I. I shewed you a wreck-strewn coast, A raging sea, and a sky That only answered with darker fear The eyes uplifted with prayer and tear.

I told of a wreck-strewn coast

Where spirits desolate lie, And of others, tempest tossed. With never a beacon nigh. Did your light shine brightly across the wave ? Did you strive one soul from the storm to save ?

APRIL.

Then April came with a smile and a tear,

I called back the birds with their songs of cheer.

THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

The fetters of ice from the streams I broke,

The word of life to the trees I spoke. Did your song ascend with the song of the bird ? Was a deeper life in your spirit stirred ?

Mid the winter's winds you laid away

A friend, to rest till the final day ; In my opening promise of bud and bloom, Did you read the life that shall spring from the tomb ?

MAY.

With springing grass and blooming flowers,

With lengthening days and brightening hours,

With spade and plow and plenteous seed

Sown, broadcast for the winter's need.

With holier seed of heavenly grace

Seeking in souls a resting-place,

I came, and some with willing heart

Chose, ere I passed, the better part,

And some, with pledge of lips and hand. And vows their faith by works to prove,

United with the hallowed band

Confessing Christ's redeeming love. Did you, with them, your pledge renew ? And have you to those vows been true ?

JUNE.

I am the month of roses.

You call me the beautiful June, To me the earth uncloses Her heart in happiest tune. From flower and leaf came a song of praise And did your heart its anthem raise ?

10 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

JULY.

The midsummer month am I,

And through all of my glowing days The sun poured down from on high The strength of his scorching rays, And the grass that sprang fair and green in May Beneath the scythe of the mower lay

And I said, " All flesh is grass,

As the flow^er its strength shall fade, The reaper, Death, shall pass He spareth not one blade. Did you hear the voice of the new-mown ha}^ And another, whispering, " Work to-day ? "

AUGUST.

I told of the summer's ending, I loaded my fields with grain, Their heads, as they ripened, bending To whisper — O was it in vain They whispered, " The fruit of the fields I see, But what, O what, shall thy harvest be ? "

SEPTEMBER.

I came, my lap o'erflowing

With Autumn's store of gold, With purple clusters showing God's bounty manifold. Heardst thou a voice from vine and tree, "The Master seeketh fruit on ikee^ "

OCTOBER.

Then next comes the gorgeous October, The earth, in her arms, to enfold.

THE OLD TEAR AND THE NEW 11

Like a queen for a moment I robe her, With scarlet, and crimson, and gold. But my gold has all vanished, and ghastly and bare Are the desolate branches that sway in the air

I asked, " Are you seeking for pleasure ^

For gold that can last but a day ? Or first have you laid up your treasure Where no man can take it away ? " Did you hear the voice of the fading leaf, Of the finished harvest and garnered sheaf ?

NOVEMBER.

I came with glad Thanksgiving For the mercies of the year, For the joy, the bliss of living, For friendship's ties so dear. Little you cared though torrents poured From a leaden sky. Round the festive board Met those you love. To your truest Friend Did your heart in a song of praise ascend 'i

DECEMBER.

I came, the wan December,

I laid my terrors by, And gently said, " Remember

We watch here, you and I,

To see the Old Year die."

Her pulse is beating slowly. If you have done her wrong

I pray you, bending lowly.

Confess, and rise more strong To sing the New Year's song.

12 THE OLD YEAR AXD THE NEW.

First Speaker (rising).

But how can my spirit be free

From its burden of sorrow and sin ? ' No promise of hope comes to me, No Hght from without or within. The months that to-night in vision I see, Must I meet them again in eternity ?"*

THE NEW YEAR.

I am the Happy New Year, I come with a message of love

From the Friend, than all others most dear, The Heavenly Father above.

I bid you repent and believe.

And this hour, rejoicing, you may

The gift of God's mercy receive.

And the sins of the past wash away.

This hour, O speak but the word,

From a heart that is earnest and true,

And thy pledge shall in heaven be heard. And thy life, with the year, shall be new.

First Speaker {ciddressing the twelve months).

Farewell, Old Year. In peace we part.

I give to you the token That, though to-night the tears may start.

We'll meet in joy unbroken. You cannot move with fear the heart

Wherein God's peace is spoken.

* The New Year enters (a child dressed in white).

WHA T WILL YOU HAVE? 13

{Turiiing arid joining hands with the New Year.)

And hand in hand, New Year, with thee,

I go forth to the reaping. The heart the Son of God makes free

Knows naught of bitter weeping. The years behind, the years I see

Before, are in His keeping.

WHAT WILL YOU HAYE?

Santa Claus, dressed with cap, mask, robe and bells, as usual, seats himself, pencil and paper in hand, in front of a group of from six to twenty-one children.

SANTA CLAUS.

Through ice and snow

My reindeers go. Back to the land of the Esquimaux, Where north winds, whales and travellers blow, Where grand old Orion spreads his bow, Where sealskin caps on their owners grow, Where the gentle white bear murmurs low, Where the Northern lights at midnight glow,

Where you need not know

To reap or mow,

To plant or sow,

14 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

To plow or hoe.

But before I go, Tell me what shall I bring to you, When o'er fields of white, 'neath skies of blue, Next time by night my steeds come through ?

(^Children answer in succession^

1. Bring me a bran new pair of pants.

2. Bring me a grandma and forty-six aunts.

3. Give me a watch and a golden chain.

4. A steam-engine and a railroad train.

5. Give me a doll that will open her eyes.

6. Give me an owl that looks so wise.

7. Give me a rocking-horse, painted gay.

8. Give me a live horse, with plenty of hay.

9. Give me a reindeer, and sleigh-bells too, So I can be Santa Glaus just like you.

10. Give me some candy and figs and dates,

11. Give me a sled and a pair of skates.

12. Give me a beautiful Christmas cake.

With some little pies such as grandma'd bake.

13. Bring me a tool-chest, furnished with tools.

WHAT WILL YOU HAVE? 15

14. Bring me a work-box, with thimble and spools.

15. Give me an album, where folks might write Their wishes kind and their thoughts so bright.

16. Give me a pair of steers, with a yoke Made of the very hardest of oak.

17. Give me some book that would help me know How folks live in the land where your reindeers

18. Give me some furs, or couldn't you steal

A sack from the back of some wandering seal ?

19. Give me a dress so strong I can wear

It skating or sliding, and not have it tear.

20. Give me an arithmetic, pencil and slate.

21. Give me a fish-pole, with ready-made bait.

SANTA GLAUS.

(Who has been busy during the speaking with his pencil and paper.)

I can't quite promise my children dear

To fill out the list I've written here,

But I'll do the best that ever I can

For every woman and child and man.

But I'll tell you a secret — (don't say that I can't) —

By which you may always have just what you want.

Listen with care while I tell the rule,

16 THE OLD YEAR AND THE XEW.

For some clay you'll say, if you're not a fool, 'Tis the best gift old Santa Claus ever gave. Listen — " Never want what you cannot have." And now I wish to every one here A merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

(Santa Claus disappears, and the children resume their seats.)

If it is desired to add to the merriment of the occa- sion, the older people in the audience may be furnish- ed each with a line expressing some wish, reciting them in rapid succession without leaving their seats, immediately after the children's wishes. These can best be provided by some local rhymester who can adapt them to the characters of the speakers, and well known incidents of the year.

The following may serve as samples :

I want a tooth that will not ache.

I want a stove that knows how to bake.

I want a purse well filled with gold.

I want a wife that will not scold.

I want a husband that will not fret.

I want a fine black bear for a pet.

I want an organ always in tune.

I would ra-ther like a house in the moon.

WHAT WILL TOU HAVE? 17

I want a school that will always keep still.

I want some boys that work with a will.

I want to be chosen inspector of roads.

I want a garden with thousands of toads.

I want a mill-pond that never runs low.

I want a horse that goes steady and slow.

I want a turkey that don't care to fight.

I want a pistol to shoot cats by night.

I want some rags to make into rugs.

I want potatoes that grow without bugs.

I want a dog with a very loud bark.

I want a lantern to see in the dark.

Bring me, if you please, a four-leafed clover.

And me a sleigh that will not tip over.

Give me common sense, enough and to spare.

So that all these around me the blessing may share.

18 THE OLD TEAR AXD THE XEIV

THE YOUNG GIANT-KILLERS.

To be spoken by a company of boys and girls from four to twelve or thirteen 3^ears of age. The captain may be a little oicfer. It is an advantage to have the company led by a young drummer, and trained to perform some simple military movements, at the word of the captain, as they enter the house, and arrange themselves on the platform.

Number of speakers from lo to 27.

The boys should come first, each carrying an appro- priate emblem ; the girls next, each with a banner in- scribed with a word indicating her weapon.

CAPTAIN.

There are giants in Greenville,* stout and tall, Giants that jump and giants that crawl. Giants that shoot and giants that bite, Giants that sneak away 'round out of sight. And now these giants, one and all. We giant-killers mean to drive to the wall, To drive to the wall and kill them quite, And we want you to help us in the fight.

* If the name of the town in which the "Giant-killers" are to operate cannot be inserted in place of " Greenville," substitute the words "around us."

THE YOUNG GIANT-KILLERS. 19

DRUMMER.

I think with my drum I can make enough noise To drive giant "DuHness " away from us boys.

First Boy. {Emhle7n, a Rake.)

This is my gun, with shovel and rake I'll make the old giant Laziness shake.

Second Boy. (A lo7ig stick to which pen and paper are attached?)

With pen, ink and paper accounts I'll keep straight, For that kind of thing giant Cheating does hate.

Third Boy. {A Hoe)

A very strong grip has the giant of Debt,

But I'll hoe my own row, and conquer him yet.

Fourth Boy. (A Mission-box?)

This is my mission-box, with it I'll fight. To keep giant Selfishness clear out of sight.

Fifth Boy. {Slate and pencil?)

These sums are my giants ; they fight with a will, But my good slate and pencil shall conquer them still,

Sixth Boy. (A Hatchet?)

I'll split up a cord of good kindlings, all told, For in winter 'twill help to keep off giant Cold.

Seventh Boy. {A Watch.)

This is the gun that I fire just right,

To keep giant Tardiness clear out of sight.

20 THE OLD YEAR AXD THE yE]V.

Eighth Boy. {A Greenback?)

With my greenbacks I'll fight, for myself and the poor, To keep giant Hunger away from the door.

Ninth Boy. {A Violin^

Old giant Discord makes a great din, Eut I'll drive him away with my violin.

Te7tth Boy. (A glass of Water.)

You see, my friends, I've come To fight big giant Rum.

Eleventh Boy. {A Whistle:)

I'll whistle and try To keep off giant 0'_y.

First Girl. {Motto, Love.)

With love in my heart, I hope to kill The giants Hatred, Spite and ///- Will.

Second Girl. {Truth.)

The giant of Lies is strong and wise,

But with Truth for my motto, I'll fight till he dies.

Third Girl. {Faith.)

Faith is my weapon, and with it I dare

To fight with the giants of Doubt and Despair.

Fourth Girl. {Perseverance?)

Music scales are my giants, but I'll persevere, Till they turn into friends, my dull hours to cheer.

THE YOUNG GIANT- KILLERS. 21

Fifth Girl. {Firm?iess^

Two obstinate giants, I wo7it and I will, Firmness clianges to friends, other giants to kill.

Sixth Gij'l. {Humility.)

The giant I'm fighting is old giant Pride,

With the Envy and Malice that stand by his side.

Seventh Girl. ( Watchfulness^

A dangerous giant is giant Don' t Care, But I'll fight him with thinking and watching and prayer.

Eighth Girl. (Politeness^

I'll remember my " Please " and my "Thank you " to

say. That makes giant Jmpicdence hurry away.

Ninth Girl. {Try, Try Again?)

A first rate gun is the motto " I'll try," When I want the giant I can't to die.

Tenth Gi?d. {Good-natured)

A terrible giant is old giant F?'et,

But steady good-nature will conquer him yet.

Eleve?tth Girl. {Kindness.)

Old giant Gossip kills many a man.

But with kind words I'll light him wherever I can.

Twelfth Girl. {Kisses.)

There's an ugly old giant they call giant Po7it, But a kiss and a smile will soon clear him out.

22 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

Thirteenth Girl (A, B, C.)

This is my gun ; this A, B, C,

Will keep giant Know-Nothing off from me.

Fourteenth Girl. {Do Right,)

I can't count the giants that I've got to fight,

But the best gun to kill them is, "Always do right."

The order of these parts may be changed at pleas- ure.

THE STOEY OF SEVEN DOLLARS.

(For seven speakers or less. Boys and girls, or boys alone.) I. My dollar shall go for cigars and wine,

With a night at the circus. I know what you'll say : "The heathen " — I tell you no dollars of mine Shall be wasted on people so far away.

2.

My dollar — perhaps it will buy a new cane,

Perhaps make my next suit of clothing more fine.

At least boys, I think, when you see me again,

Vou'U say, " How I wish that his outfit was mine."

3- My dollar I'll add to my share in the bank,

I choose to plant seeds where they're likely to grow,

THE STORY OF SEVEN DOLLARS. 23

If you throw away yours, yourselves you may thank That you're poor, while I have my thousands to show.

4. For peanuts and candy my dollar shall go.

I'll buy cheap and sell dear, I will not eat one. With sharp bargains my dollar to dozens shall grow,

Great merchants have often in small ways begun.

5- I shall bury my dollar under the ground,

And mark the spot ; I shall bury it deep. I may not gain much, but at least I have found

A bank that is sure my money to keep.

6.

In books, pens and paper, I think you will find My money a wiser investment shall gain,

And defaulters and burglars are never inclined * To try for the dollars laid up in the brain.

7- What to do with f/iy dollar I'm sure I don't know;

Banks fail ; so do brains. I could not secure That in either my dollar to thousands would grow ;

I think I'll look out for investments more sure.

With a remark from the Superintendent that " We may hear from these dollars again soon," the speak- ers withdraw. After an interval filled with appropri- ate music, they are recalled and report.

I.

The circus belongs to the past.

The cigars, they vanished in smoke,

24 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

The wine took more dollars till at last Both bottle and habit I broke. And nothing I've gained for my dollar as yet, Eut a headache, some very queer thoughts, and a debt.

I liked my new clothing, O yes !

But the moths like fine clothing as w^ell As do we ; so perhaps you can guess What it was my new outfit befell. But I think that next time I've a dollar to show, I shall look for some place where the moths do not go.

3-

My dollar is now

A dollar and five. And I think you'll allow That if I should live Fourteen years, and the men at the bank should prove

■ true. My dollar by that time will grow into two.

4- My candy and peanuts I bought, My candy and peanuts I sold, And I really believe that I ought To be worth full five dollars in gold. And I should, were it not that my customers grew, While they watched my proceedings, quite business- like too

5- The dollar I buried away

In the bank, scarce a rod from our door, I dug out again yesterday.

THE STORY OF SEVEN' DOLLARS. 25

One dollar, no less and no more. 'Twas all right, I suppose, though I really can't tell Why a pebble might not serve my purpose as well.

6.

My books have made me know

Of countries so strange and grand, I'm sure when I older grow

I shall travel through every land. Then I'll tell their stories, and men shall be Glad to buy books that are written by me.

7- Your cigars have vanished away,

You never will see them again ; And you will grow old and grey Ere your dollar shall grow into ten. Your books have brought more, yet I hear a voice say, "If there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."

In those lands where you're planning to go,

There are w^omen and children and men Who'd have loved you a century ago,

They'd have loved you, a/id eaten you then. By thousands and thousands in those lands far away. They are gathered in schools and in churches to-day.

There is many an innocent child,

Widowed, younger than you or than me. Who never again could have smiled But for dollars sent over the sea. And somewhere I know in that marvellous ground My dollar is growing and will some day be found.

And I think by and by, when we stand In the city with pavement of gold,

26 THE OLD TEAR AND THE NEW.

And the people from every land Their wonderful story unfold, And we reckon the gain of our dollars, you'll say, 'Tis yours, not mine, that are " so far away^

SEEDS AND PENNIES.

(For two or three speakers.)

\st. What shall I do with the seeds I have found, Keep them for playthings, or lay them away ?

2d.

Scatter them, sister, over the ground. Beautiful flowers you'll find some day.

What shall I do with my pennies bright,

Keep them, or spend them for candy and toys ?

2d. (^Holding out a contributio7i-ho^?)

No, plant them ; they'll spring up when God gives the

light, And the blossoms they bear will be good girls and boys. {Pennies are dropped in box.)

In adapting to two speakers, give ist and 3d to the same person.

THE BEST LESS OX. 27

TEE BEST LESSON,

(For twenty speakers or less.)

isf Speaker.

From God's own book we have learned the story, How Jesus came down from heaven to call

Sinners like us to His home in glory. Tell me, which lesson is best of all ?

2.

O, the story that best / love to hear, Tells how the babe in the manger lay.

And how to the shepherds the angels came near, Singing songs of peace, on that Christmas day,

3- But / love to hear of the w^onderful star

That came to tell of the new-born king, How the wise men followed it from afar,

Each with his costly offering.

4- The lesson that most of all I love.

Tells of the voice that spake from heaven, "Thou art my Son," and the holy dove,

That from God's own hand as a sign was given.

5- I would rather read how Jesus saw

The fishers casting their nets in the sea, And promised them, " Sometime you shall draw

Men like fishes. Come, follow^ me."

28 THE OLD TEAR AND THE NEW.

6. I M^ould choose the one where the leper knelt,

And prayed, " If thou wilt thou canst make me clean." As I studied that lesson of love, I felt That Jesus could wash my soul from sin.

7- Yes, but I better love to tell

How the hand that withered and worthless lay, Christ by a single word made well.

Well on the holy Sabbath day.

But better still I love to hear

How on the sea, that stormy night.

The sailors were filled with deadly fear.

And Christ said, " Peace," and all was right.

9-

But a fiercer, deadlier tempest beat In the demon-haunted maniac's soul,

Till he cast himself at the Savior's feet. And a word from Jesus made him whole.

lO.

But I think the sweetest story of all

Tells of the little girl who lay Dead, till she heard the Savior call.

Then the soul came back to the lifeless clay.

II.

But best of all I like the one

That tells how, hearing the words he said,

THE BEST LESSON, 29

They forgot their food till set of sun, And Jesus the hungry thousands fed.

12.

/ would like on the wonderful mount to stand, Where disciples the Christ transfigured saw,

And their lips were sealed by the Lord's command, But their hearts were tilled with loving awe.

13-

But / love to read the stories he told ;

Of the father welcoming home his boy ; Of the sheep that wandered away from the fold,

And the shepherd that brought it home with joy,

14.

And I love to read how the farmer strewed His seed among thorns and on stony land,

But alone when on good soil he sowed

Came a hundred fold to the reaper's hand.

15-

But the children's chapter is dearest of all, How he took the little ones on his knee

And blessed them ; and still we may hear his call, " Suffer little children to come unto me."

16.

But I think there is none of them all so sweet. As the one that tells how the mother's prayer

For scattered crumbs that the dogs might eat, Was answered with more than a daughter's share.

But I love to read how Bartimeus cried, " Jesus, Master, have mercy on me."

30 TEE OLD TEAR AND THE NEW.

And how gently the Savior turned aside From the crowd to let the blind man see.

I love to read how the Savior rode

Into the city, its Lord and King, How the children sang, and the people strewed

Branches and garments for offering.

19.

Most precious of all that is written there,

To me, is the single word " Forgive," That fell from his lips, a dying prayer

That through his death might his murderers live.

20. And to know how the cross and the' crown of thorns

Gladly for 7fs the Savior bore. And how on that glorious Easter morn

O'er death and the grave he rose conqueror.

isf Speaker.

Yes, every lesson is best of all.

There is not one of the list I could spare. God grant we may hear the Savior's call

To his home above, and learn of him there.

This exercise may be used as a review after any quarter's study in the gospels, by omitting stanzas referring to topics not contained in the quarter's les- sons.

WHAT SHOULD A LITTLE BOY BE— THE PEXNIES. 31

WHAT SHOULD A LITTLE BOY Mt

(For two, three or four speakers.)

1. What should a little boy be ?

2. Loving and gentle and kind ;

Ready bad counsels to flee, Ready good counsels to mind. This should a little boy be.

I or 3. Whom should a little boy love ? 2. Parents and sisters, and all ;

But chiefly the Father above, Who hears when the little ones call; Him should a little boy love.

I or 4. What should a little boy do ? 2. In study, in work or in play.

Do the thing that is honest and true, And the Heavenly Father obey ; This should a little boy do.

THE PENNIES.

(For one or two speakers.) I. Take care of the pennies, My boy, and you'll find That, made up from pennies, You'll have dollars to mind.

32 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

2.

Spend wisely the pennies For Him wliom we love,

And so lay up treasure In Heaven above.

THE ALPHABET CLASS.

Distribute the letters with their accompanying maxims among the scholars scattered through the room. Then let Superintendent or teacher slowly call the alphabet, each scholar responding to his letter, the leader supplying vacancies.

A.

Attend carefully to the details of your business.

B. Be prompt in all things.

C. Consider well, then decide positively.

D. Dare to do right. Fear to do wrong.

E. Endure trials patiently.

F. Fight life's battle bravely, manfully.

THE ALPHABET CLASS. 33

G.

Go not into the society of the vicious.

H. Hold integrity sacred.

I. Injure not another's reputation or business.

J.

Join hands only with the virtuous.

K. Keep your mind from evil thoughts.

L. Lie not for any consideration.

M. Make careful choice of acquaintances.

N. Never try to appear what you are not.

O. Observe good manners.

P. Pay your debts promptly.

Q.

Question not the veracity of a friend.

R. Respect the counsel of your parents.

S. Sacrifice money rather than principle.

34 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

T.

Touch not, taste not, handle not intoxicating drinks.

U. Use your leisure time for improvement.

V. Venture not upon the threshold of wrong.

W. Watch carefully over your passions.

X. Extend to every one a kindly salutation.

Y. Yield not to discouragements.

Z. Zealously labor for the right.

&. And success is yours.*

THE FIVE WISHES.

Katie (throwing down a book upon her lap).

Think, think, think. The lessons are long, and hard, and dry; Sometimes, when mother isn't by,

My eyes begin to wink

* Baron Rothschild had the above maxims framed and hung up in his banking-house.

THE FIVE WISHES. 35

And I go to sleep. It seems really wronoj To spend so much time on these lessons long. O, I wish that I were already wise, That I knew the maps of the earth and skies, Grammar, Philosophy, Algebra, Latin too, and a little Greek, And French to read and write and speak; O then I might throw my books away, And then I could teach other people too. And O the good that I could do.

Jennie (letting her sewing fall from her hands). Work, work, work.

Katie, I'm tired as I can be.

And I think, if you were much like mc, You would not want to shirk

Your lessons and be already wise.

You would rather have what money buys,

Cloaks and dresses already made.

New ones as soon as the old ones fade,

No sewing or knitting through all the year. Horses for father, a gun for Will, Playthings and pictures for little Mill ;

A house, well furnished, for mother dear.

O, I'd rather have money than all your fame,

Or anything else that you can name ;

And I'll give to the poor and needy too,

So / could do good as well as you.

Susie (with a roll of sheet music). Girls, when I hear you tell Your wishes, I think if you only knew What 'tis to practice from twelve till two

Every day, you'd think it well That I wish that I had already learned

36 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

All the notes and scales, had already turned

All the exercise leaves, and could move my hands

At pleasure, wherever the book commands.

I love to hear teacher sing and play ;

It seems to carry my soul away

To better things. O, I hate this drill ;

But if I were blest with a master's skill

I think I could charm mother's headaches away,

And father I know would be oftener gay.

Now Fannie and Mary — your wishes, and then

I suppose we must go to our work again,

Fannie (dressed in mourning).

O girls, were I like you I might think your wishes wisest and best ; But since my mother her cold lips pressed

On her child's, I never knew Father or mother or sister's love. O, if my wishes could but remove Mother or father from out the grave, I'd study, or work like a very slave, Or thrum and drill from morning till night, I know God did it — it must be right But Mary, do you not think with me, That to lay your head upon mother's knee, Is the dearest wish that can ever be told. Is better than learning, or music, or gold ?

Mary.

Sisters, I want them all Parents and wisdom, and music, and gold, And a Friend, the dearest of all, has told

That if we will but call On Him, He will give them ; Jesus says,

WHICH TREE WILL YOV CHOOSE. 37

If we love Him God will our Father be, And He our brother, and we shall see Wealth and wisdom and every grace In Him, and we shall have a place Where heavenly music fills the air.

0 sisters, I wisk to enter there. May a holy heart to me be given,

A heart to fit me for earth or heaven.

Katie. Mary hath chosen the better part.

Jennie. Nothing is old when the heart is new.

Susie.

1 too would be holy and pure in heart.

Fannie. And Mary's wish shall be mine too.

WHICH TEEE WILL YOU CHOOSE?

isf speaker.

(The oldest in the class.)

Come, children, gather and tell to me Which do you think is the prettiest tree ? Which is the one you would like to be .''

38 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

Oak.

/ think the oak, so stately and tall,

With a century's growth, is the fairest of all ;

It bids us keep growing whatever befall.

Pine.

The pine is my tree, for bright and green Its branches all summer and winter are seen. "Be true through all seasons," I think that they mean.

Palm.

I'd be a palm tree. No care it receives.

But building wood, food and clothing it gives,

Every part is a blessing, fruit, timber and leaves.

Orange.

I'd be an orange tree, away from the snows, With flowers as fragrant and fair as the rose, And the juiciest fruit that anywhere grows.

White Birch,

I'd be a white birch in some beautiful park. Or wild in the forest ; but on my bark Only good children should make their mark.

Cherry.

I'm a cherry tree ; I'll blossom in spring,

And then, first of all, my ripe fruit I will bring,

Saying, " Let us be early in every good thing."

Maple. >

No tree for me can the maple beat,

WHICH TREE WILL TOU CHOOSE? 39

For maple sugar is good to eat ;

I wish that I could be half as sweet.

Walnut.

I'd be a hickory ; then I'd say,

Don't get mad at a little rough play,

But when shaken or beaten give nuts for pay.

Black Birch.

I'd be a black birch, with bark all along

My twigs for good people, but those who do wrong

Should find that my whips can be limber and strong.

Ash.

I'll be an ash tree, and then you may

From my wood make a carriage, a hand-sled or

sleigh, And the boys shall ride out with me every day.

Fig.

I'd be a fig tree, that will not spend All its fruit at home, but loves to send A part away to the very world's end.

Chestnut.

I'll be a chestnut, and if you try

To steal fruit, my prickles shall make you cry,

But I'll open and give it by and by.

Apple.

I'd like to be

An apple tree-;

With my fruit all free.

^0 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

Christmas-Tree.

The tree I like best is the Christmas-tree, With candy and playthings hung there for me.

/;/ Co?icerf.

It tells us of all the kindness and love Of friends on earth, and One above.

THE TEY COMPANY.

From 8 to 1 6 boys, led (if convenient) by a drum- mer, the boys wearing soldier's caps and carrying appropriate emblems, and one, near the centre, carry- ing a banner with motto, " Try, Try Again."

CORPORAL TRY.

Here am I,

Corporal Try, And here are a few of my soldiers you see. Without meaning to boast, I will say that almost As useful as ever man was, I can be. Without me Columbus never had sailed , Without me and my motto had Washington failed ; Nor without me an Erieson's skill had availed. 'Twas " Try, try again," made America free, And by trying still more, freer yet we shall be.

THE TRY COMPANY. 41

DRUMMER.

I'm trying to be a drummer,

And some day you may see Me drumming with an army

That fights for Hberty.

ist Boy. {Emble7n^ a Waterwheel.)

I'm trying to make a waterwheel,

You think it's only play, / think you'll like to come to me

With all your corn some day.

2d Boy. {Fen and Envelope^

I'm trying to write a letter

To aunt and uncle too ; Some day I'll write a volume

For critics to review.

-i^d Boy. {A Toy-Ladder^

I'm trying to make a ladder,

I think that I can climb To be a first-rate carpenter,

And build a house sometime.

\th Boy. {A Gun, or simply the banner^ " Try, Try Again .''^

I'm trying to fight the giants

Of Ignorance and Sin, To drive the bad thouo^hts out

And keep the good ones in.

t^th Boy. (A Hatchet)

I'm trying to help my mother, I shovel off the snow,

44 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

for Mr. Brown. Where this is not admissible, read, *' Schoolmaster please take care."

In No. 8, if it is a Christmas occasion, read, " this Christmas " for " the New Year."

In No. 10, substitute the name of your own town for Greenville, or read,

" Some day I'll drive the engine Upon the iron rail."

In No. II, for Greenville substitute the name of your own town, some neighboring one, or the nearest large city.

HAPPY NEW YEAE.

Fifteen children carrying banners, each banner dis- playing a letter of the words " Happy New Year," except the last which has simply a period.

H is for Heaven, for Hope and for Heart. A is Hope's Anchor, that never shall part. P IS for Purity, Patience and Peace. P is for Prayer that never shall cease. Y for Young hearts that shall not grow old.

N is a Nail, all good habits to hold. E is for Exercise, healthful alway. W is Work, but we'll mix it with play.

WHY DO YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS f 45

Y is the Yoke that is easy and light. E is for Everything manly and right. A is Affection, the brightest of chains. R is the Rest that forever remains.

Last speaker, or all in C07icert.

We'll put these together, and then we have here What we wish for you all, a Happy New Year.

WHY DO YOU LOVE CHKISTMS?

(Ten speakers or less.)

/ love it because my stockings Are full of candies and things,

The figs and dolls and goodies That dear old Santa Claus brings.

2.

/ love it because my grandma Will make me a Christmas cake,

And lots of pies and cookies, The best that she can bake.

3- / love it because the school-books

Are out of sight all day. And the children, big and little,

Can spend the hours in play.

44 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

for Mr. Brown. Where this is not admissible, read, " Schoolmaster please take care."

In No. 8, if it is a Christmas occasion, read, " this Christmas " for " the New Year."

In No. 10, substitute the name of your own town for Greenville, or read,

" Some day I'll drive the engine Upon the iron rail."

In No. II, for Greenville substitute the name of your own town, some neighboring one, or the nearest large city.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Fifteen children carrying banners, each banner dis- playing a letter of the words " Happy New Year," except the last which has simply a period.

H is for Heaven, for Hope and for Heart. A is Hope's Anchor, that never shall part. P is for Purity, Patience and Peace. P is for Prayer that never shall cease. Y for Young hearts that shall not grow old.

N is a Nail, all good habits to hold. E is for Exercise, healthful alway. W is Work, but we'll mix it with play.

WHY DO TOU LOVE CHRISTMAS ? 45

Y is the Yoke that is easy and light. E is for Everything manly and right. A is Affection, the brightest of chains. R is the Rest that forever remains.

Zas^ speaker^ or all in concert.

We'll put these together, and then we have here What we wish for you all, a Happy New Year.

WHY DO YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS?

(Ten speakers or less.) I. / love it because my stockings

Are full of candies and things, The figs and dolls and goodies That dear old Santa Claus brings.

2.

/ love it because my grandma Will make me a Christmas cake,

And lots of pies and cookies, The best that she can bake.

3- I love it because the school-books

Are out of sight all day. And the children, big and little,

Can spend the hours in play.

46 THE OLD TEAR AND THE NEW.

4- / love it for the presents

That grow on the Christmas tree, Because somewhere in its branches

I know there is one for me.

5- I love it because of the parties,

The sleigh-rides, visits and all, And because my uncle and cousins

Ars sure that day to call.

6.

/ love it because my mother Will take me up on her knee.

And tell me Christmas stories. As pretty as they can be.

7- / love it because I make presents

To brothers, sisters and friends, And every one of them for it

A pleasant " thank you " sends.

8. / love it because the hungry

And poor are on Christmas fed, The little ones who so often

Go supperless to bed.

9-

/ love it because, in the evening. The Sunday School children meet

To sing their Christmas carols, With music gentle and sweet.

RHYMING RECIPE CLUB. 47

10. / love it because it reminds me

How Jesus came from on high, How sometime, if I love and serve him,

He will take me to him in the sky.

EXAIINATION OP THE RHYIING RECIPE CLUB.

(For 27 speakers or less.)

Leader. — There are few things that cannot be suc- cessfully accomplished, either in cookery or any of the necessary arts of life, by a person of average abil- ity, if only there be given a good recipe at the outset. Without this the greatest care and the hardest work end only in failure.

The young misses before us have been for several months giving their time, and close attention to seek- ing out the veiy lest ways of doing things, and are now ready to impart to us the wisdom that results from their long continued and careful observation. And first, in the department of cookery, No. i will tell us how to make a rich, healthful and durable wedding-cake.

No. I. Take cheerfulness, gentleness, patience and prayer, Readiness blessings and burdens to share ;

48 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

Hearts joined for God, hearts joined for each other, Hearts joined to help every sister or brother. Mix well and bake slowly ; a cake will appear That will do to keep by you for many a year.

Leader. — The best made cake may be spoiled in the baking. Perhaps No. 2 can give us some assist- ance in that department.

No. 2.

If you wish to make A rich wedding-cake That won't crumble or break However you shake, Be sure' that you take Two bears, " Bear and Forbear," to watch o'er the bake.

Leader. — Next to this in importance I think comes the art of preparing a really good cup of tea. Will No. 3 inform us how to do it t

No. 3.

Let hones/^^ and proprie/^^, Sinceri/6'^ and humili/i?^, Punctuali/6'(2 and activi/^dr, Magnanimi/<?^ and Q\\2,x\tea

Within your urn be placed ; Add the milk of human kindness,

And sweeten to your taste.

Leader. — And now will No. 4 tell us how to make a good meat-pie ?

RHYMIXG RECIPE CLUB.

No. 4. Take a good heart and plent}^ of pluck ;

Be sure that your crust is tender and thin ; 'Tis a pie in whose baking there's always good luck^

And that never will fail a premium to win.

Leader. — And will No. 5 give us her experience in regard to turnovers ?

No. 5. ^ From folly to wisdom, contention to peace, From hatred to love that shall always increase, Tur7i over, my friend ; you will find that you've made A turn-over throwing the rest in the shade.

Leader. — And now, No. 6, what are the ingredients of a first-rate pea-soup ?

No. 6. Perseverance and patience and practical sense. Prudence and piety (never pretence), Peace, purity, practice in every good thing ; These P's make a pea-soup that's fit for a king.

Leader. — There are some condiments not gener- ally considered healthful, and yet we usually think of them in connection with soups and meat-pie. Will No. 7 show us how to secure pepper at any time }

No. 7. Praise a man to his rival's face. Or doubt the value of a lady's lace.

Leader. — And No. 8 will give us a rule for the in- stantaneous production of vinegar.

50 THE OLD TEAR AND THE NEW.

No. 8. Tarry in the hall After you call, And hear what they say of you, that is all.

Leader. — And now may we hear from No. 9, how to have ice-cream without a freezer ?

^ No. 9.

Adopt a girl who minds every slight. Two boys always ready to tease and to fight. To stand up for theit' rights, but not for the right, And you'll have I screcmi from morning till night.

Leader. — Most people would probably prefer their ice-cream frozen, I imagine, or at least not quite so hot, and apropos of this subject, I think No. 10 can tell us how to instantly reduce the temperature below the freezing point, without a refrigerator.

No. 10. Stop the man who talks the most Of the wonderful charity he can boast, And gives his neighbors the hardest knocks, And — pass him a contribution-box.

Leader, — Now No. 11, let us know how to make good apple-sauce.

No. IT.

Kind words, fitly spoken, are apples of gold ;

With these, as you cook them, love-apples mix well, With sweetening and spice. Then keep out in the cold

RHYMING RECIPE CLUB. 51

All who've apples of discord to give or to sell, And no mortal of apple-sauce finer can tell.

Leader. — Next to good apple-sauce comes good preserves. Our young friends have a large number of new and valuable recipes in that line. We will select a few of them. Will No. 12 tell us how to preserve pears ?

No. 12. No matter whether a pair of steers, A pair of tongs, or of hands or ears, A pair of eyes, or a pair of glasses, A pair of scissors, a pair of lasses, A pair of feet or a pair of shoes, The way to preserve them is wisely to use. And never their help to your neighbor refuse.

Leader. — And now, from No. 13 let us learn how to preserve peace and order in the community.

No. 13. Salt and pickle and lay away A dozen tongues or more every day.

Leader. — And just here. No. 14, some of our friends may like to know Jiow to pickle tongues.

No. 14. A look of pity for all who sin.

For all who labor a glad God-speed, A smile when the tempted their victory win,

These put evil tongues in 2i pickle indeed.

52 THE OLD YEAR AXD THE NEW.

Leader. — And now, No. 15, tell us how to prese?-ve a friend.

No. 15.

If you want that your friend should be always your

friend, Don't borrow his money, your own do not lend, Unless he can earn as fast as he'll spend. Don't ask for his secrets, don't tell him your own ; Be true, and then trust him, and soon you'll have

shown That a friend, well preserved, is the choicest thing

known.

Leader. — Apropos of preserves, it may be the time for No. 16 to give directions for making a lasting family jar.

No. 16.

A pout and a scowl — an inquisitive stare —

"I will" and "I won't," "You shall" and "Don't

care," " Remember I told you," " O nonsense," " So there," "I'm quite ashamed of you," "I'll go tell my ma," These materials cemented well, warranted are To make a strong, permanent family jar.

Leader. — Our young friends have a number of ether recipes, like this last, not quite in the depart- ment of cookery ; some of them are medical, some miscellaneous. Of the former class, as they expect ultimately to issue a volume that will take its place among the standard works on medicine, they will give

RHYMIXG RECIPE CLUB. 53

US a very few specimens. Will No. 17 give us a cure

for dyspepsia ?

A^o. 17. A few grains of fun to an ounce of good will Make an excellent anti-dyspeptic pill.

Leader. — No. 18, a prescription for heart-burn. No. 18.

Two grains of common sense, and then if you're not Quite cured, why next time try a good, hot, Strong mitten, applied directly to the spot.

Leader. — Blues result from many causes, but for one of the most common kind No. 19 will give us a safe and speedy cure.

No. 19. If you, my friend, are down with the blues,

Because you have not the best shoes for your feet, Work next to a man with no feet for his shoes,

And — well, the cure will be complete.

Leader. — Few things are more frequently prescribed than a sea-voyage, and nothing else probably is rec- ommended in so many widely different cases, but very much depends upon the nature of the sea whose waters you sail. Will No. 20 give us some practical advice that will enable us to make a wise selection .'*

No. 20. OE contuma-sea, aristocra-sea, And falla-sea beware ;

54 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

Sail the waters of intima-sea And expedien-sea with care,

So brilUan-sea and fluen-sea, Lest to idio-sea they lead ; - But on mer-sea and constan-sea Give your good ship full speed.

Leader. — This closes our medical prescriptions. Our miscellaneous ones touch nearly every class of topics on which the human mind can desire informa- tion. We will give you single specimens from a very few of these classes. Will No. 21 tell us how to keep hens from setting-?

No. 21. Take from the nest, scald, pluck and dry, And put them into a chicken pie.

Leader. — And No. 22, how to kill potato-bugs.

No. 22. With tvv^o stones and a pan of live coals you can kill The largest potato-bug found in the hill.

Leader. — We have similar prompt methods for overcoming other difficulties in the way of the farmer and housekeeper. There are some however that re- ally cannot be overcome. As a specimen of the best method of dealing with those, No. 23 will tell us what to do when it rains.

No. 23. Why do as they do in Spain, And that is — let it rain.

RHTMiyG RECIPE CLUB.

Leader. — The club has engaged successfully in many kinds of manufacturing. Let us hear from No. 24, how a first-class editor is made.

No. 24. A ton of patience, a bottle of ink, A hand to copy, a brain to think, Eyes that at all shortcomings can wink.

Conscience, energy, industry, care.

Good temper, all manner of trials to bear;

Bottle, shake well, cork close from the air.

From souring or drying preserve carefully.

From all that would stain it the mixture keep free.

It will make the editor you should be.

Leader. — Our club can give equally serviceable directions to any who wish to engage in the manufac- ture of merchants, lawyers or physicians, but we pass these by, and ask No. 25 to tell us all how we may secure a permanent home at the public expense. No. 25.

As fast as you earn a dollar, spend it ;

Borrow one from whoe'er will lend it ;

Charge two days' wages for one day's work,

And the rest of your obligations shirk.

Leader. — As there may be a number here who do not desire a home of that sort, but do very earnestly desire to know how they may be sure to " keep the wolf from the door," will No. 26 tell us how to make a good wolf-bar ?

56 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

No. 26. Drop tobacco and whiskey, late suppers and beer, Take a snug little cottage, with the one that's most

dear, Let economy, patience no troubles can tire. And industry, weld in affection's bright fire ; You will find (try it now if you've never before) The best bar to keep every wolf from the door.

Boys and girls may both be included in the club, by giving the cookery recipes to the latter and the medical and miscellaneous to the former. Should all be girls, and the number fifteen or less, the cookery recipes would be sufficient, and the name of the organ- ization changed from " Recipe " to " Cookery " club. Should there be not more than seven or eight in the club, the recipes should be re-numbered, and two, three or more given to each member.

DAILY BREAD.

1 What is the use of praying

To God for daily bread } Our father earns our living, And he will see us fed.

2 And why should we ask Jesus

That he would keep us well, Would guide and bless and help us ? I'm sure I cannot tell.

IXFAXT CLASS EXERCISE. 57

3 Listen, and I will tell you

The reason why we pray ♦

That God would feed and clothe us, And help us every day.

'Tis He who gave us father,

Who makes him kind and good,

And strong and wise, and willing To earn our daily food.

And if we truly love him,

He'll take us when we die To dwell among the angels

In his own home on high.

I, 2 or 3 Then let us always thank him. His blessing let us seek, Since God will surely listen To hear us when we speak.

The last four lines may be repeated by i and 2 in concert.

INFANT CLASS EXEECISE.

(Designed especially as a review of studies in the earlier part of Matthew.)

Introductio7i by a very little girl.

Listen, dear friends, while we try to tell Of Him who has loved us so long and so well ; Because that He loved us this offering we bring, From the lessons we've learned of our Savior and King,

58 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW

(Questions by one of the younger boys ; answers by class in concert.)

Q. Where was Jesus born ?

A. In Bethlehem.

Q. Who was his mother ?

A. Mary.

Q. Who was called nis father ?

A. Joseph.

Q. Who was his Father ?

A. God.

Q. Who came to tell of his birth .?

A. Angels.

Q. Who came to bring him presents ?

A. Wise men from the east.

Q. What guided them ?

A. A star.

Recitation — " The Evenmg Star.^''

Bright little star on Evening's breast,

How beams thy golden light, But fast thou'rt sinking in the west ;

Dear little star, " Good night."

And I, when I have bent my knee

And said my evening prayer To Him who made both thee and me,

Will to my rest repair.

Still thinking on that brighter star

That once on Bethlehem rose, And Eastern sages led from far —

I'll sink to sweet repose.

INFANT CLASS EXERCISE, 59

And O, when I at last shall lie

In Death's cold slumbers down, May then my spirit shine on high,

A star in Jesus' crown.

— Mrs. H. C. Conant

Q. "V\/ho tried to kill Jesus ?

A. Herod.

Q. Where did his parents carry him ?

A. To Egypt.

Q. Where next ?

A. To Nazareth.

Q. How old was Jesus when he talked with the doctors in the temple ?

A. Twelve years old.

Q. How old was he when he was baptized ?

A. About thirty years old.

<2. What happened next ?

A. He was tempted by Satan.

Q. What after that ?

A. He went about doing good.

(2, What should this teach us ?

A. To do good too.

Recitation by an older scholar.

Death worketh,

Let me work too ; Death undoeth, Let me do. Busy as death, my work I ply, Tilfl rest in the rest of eternity.

60 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

Sin worketh,

Let me work too ; Sin undoeth, Let me do. Busy as sin, my work I ply, Till I rest in the rest of eternity.

Christ worketh,

Let me work too ; As he doeth So let me do. Busy, like him, my work I pl}^. Till I rest in the rest of eternity.

Q. What did Jesus do to the lame ?

A. Made them walk.

Q. What did he do to the blind ?

A. Made them see.

Q. What did he do to the dumb ?

A. Made them speak.

Q. What did he do to the deaf ?

A. Made them hear. ^

Q. What did he do to the sick ?

A. Made them well.

Q. What did he do to the demons ?

A. Cast them out.

Q. What did he do to sinners .''

A. Forgave their sins,

Q. What did he do to little children ?

A. Took them up in his arms and blessed them.

IXFAXT CLASS EXERCISE, 61

Dialogue.

(Questions by a little girl ; answers by the class in concert, or one of its younger members.)

Q. What did our Lord and Savior say, When others wished to drive us away ?

A. Suffer little children to come unto me, For of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Q. What did he say, who from above

Came down to teach us kindness and love .'*

A. Suffer little children to come unto me. For of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Q. What were the words of him who bled,

Nailed to the cross, with thorns on his head ?

A. Suffer little children to come unto me. For of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Q. Wliat did he say whose spirit shed

Hope to the living, life to the dead ? A. Suffer little children to come unto me, For of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Q. If on his mercy we rely,

What will his words be when we die ?

A. Suffer little children to come unto me,' For of such is the kingdom of heaven.

(Questions by another member of the class ; answers by class, or one division of it, in concert.)

Q. Whom did Jesus first call to be his disciples ? A. Simon and Andrew, James and John. Q. What were they doing .?

62 THE OLD YEAR AXD THE NEW.

A. Fishing.

Q. What did he promise to make them ?

A. Fishers of men.

Q. What did he teach them to do ?

A. He taught them to pray.

Q. How ?

A. '• Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Q. What did he say those who heard his words were like ?

A. Recitation by one of the class, of Matthew 6 : 24-27.

Singing — " O if my house is built upon the rock," or " On Christ the solid Rock I stand."

BIBLE CLASS CONCERT EXERCISE. 63

BIBLE CLASS CONCERT EXERCISE.

THE CHARACTER OF MOSES.

(Especially adapted to a concert review after the study of the Pentateuch, or introductory to the study of Joshua.)

Teacher, and 14 or less members of her class, the latter dressed so as by emblems or letters to indicate the various virtues, and their opposites.

Teacher. — We have studied this wonderful man as a whole, but as the sun's light is made up of many rays, so every true character derives its brightness from the blending of many virtues. Let us see now, how this almost perfect character was formed. First then, Truth, what was your work in forming the char- acter of Moses ?

Truth, — Through all the forty years he spent in Pharaoh's court, I kept him from idols and held him to the worship of Jehovah. I guided his mother's lips while she told him of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of the promises God had made to his fathers. I led him, in all the haste of that last night in Egypt, to remember the bones of Joseph. I guided the thought of his father-in-law, Jethro, when he urged his son to choose for rulers only those who " feared

64 THE OLD YEAR AXD THE XEW.

God and were men of truth." And in later years, on Sinai, I wrote in his heart the law God had graven on the stone tables ; and when, on the plain between Paran and Tophel and Laban, he spoke his last fare- well, through me he gave warnings and promises that guided the people, through obedience to victory.

Teacher. — "Therefore love the truth." And Jus- tice, what share had you in this work ?

Justice. — I led Moses to choose the side of his people, a race of slaves, against Pharaoh, though the choice drove him from his palace home to the sheep- folds of iMidian. I nerved him to speak the word which brought locusts, and hail, and pestilence upon Egypt, which changed her water to blood, laid waste her fields till not one green thing was to be found in them, and at last slew the first-born in every house. I prompted the song of jNIoses and of Miriam when the Red Sea covered Pharaoh's army. I spoke through him when the earth opened and swallowed Korah, Dathan and Abiram. At my word fiery serpents came among the Israelites. And through all the forty years in the wilderness I so guided his mind that, in the thousand cases brought to him for trial, he never gave a false decision. And when the hour of death came, and he vras allowed to look upon, but not to enter the promised land, I led him to rejoice even in that.

BIBLE CLASS CONCERT EXERCISE. 65

Teacher. — "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Mercy, you went hand in hand with Justice through all those years. What did you ?

Mercy. — During those terrible weeks of the great plagues, I watched day and night for the first word, from Pharaoh that should make it right to stay the hand of justice. I whispered to iNloses the prayer that stopped the murrain and the hail, that dispelled the darkness and the pestilence ; I hardened Pharaoh's heart, that his sin and punishment might be something the less. That was all he would let me do for him, but there were those who did hear our warnings and entreaties, so that there came up out of Egypt with the Israelites, a great, mixed multitude whom we had led. Justice taking one hand and I the other, till they were follow- ers of the true God. It was Mercy, the divine mercy, that inspired the sacrifices for sin. It was mercy in Moses' heart that, when the people reviled him and were punished for it, pleaded with God, " Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of thy mercy, as thou hast forgiven this people, from Eg3q3t even until now."

Teacher. — " Mercy and Truth have met together ; Righteousness and Peace- have kissed each other." And Patience, you too have a story to tell. Let us hear it.

THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW

Patic7ice. — I know little of Moses' earlier life. During his forty years stay in Midian he first learned of me. There I told him the story of Job. There I trained the hand that had slain the Egyptian to hold quietly the shepherd's staff. When the people mur- mured for water or for food ; when they cursed him for rescuing them from slavery ; when they rebelled against his law ; when they refused to enter the promised land, and he was forced to wander with them forty years and die without entering Canaan, I so controlled his fiery nature that he spoke no word of complaint, but rejoiced to suffer for God and with his people.

— Teache7'. — '' Let us run with patience the race set before us." But patience too has its other side. The zeal that slew the Egyptian was converted, not de- stroyed. Tell us then, holy Earnestness, how did you aid the great prophet in his work ?

Earnestness. — From his mother's arms to the grave on Nebo, I never for one moment left him. Not only when he fought with Amalek, or when, filled with wrath as he saw the people turned from God to wor- ship a golden calf, he dashed the tables of stone to the ground, but through every step of the weary way, I inspired him. If my work was less distinct than that of the others, it is because I aided all. His very patience was an earnest patience, his mercy earnest

BIBLE CLASS COXCERT EXERCISE. 67

mercy. His justice and truth were full of zeal. His faith sprang from a soul full and running over with enthusiasm, and his hope and love were always glow- ing.

Teacher. — " He was clad with zeal, as with a cloak." Faith, Hope and Love- are ready to tell their stor3^ But I see others here who were not less busy with Moses through his lifetime, though they seem less eager to speak of their success. Policy, were not you one 1

Folicy. — Call me Prudence if you please. If Moses had followed my advice he would have lived and died in Pharaoh's palace. I said, " Stay, and grow up like Joseph, prime minister to the king. Then you can help your people without suffering yourself." If he had listened to me he would have been saved those forty dull, stupid years in the sheepfolds of Midian, and those forty troublesome ones in the wilderness. But he despised me, and I gave my strength to Pha- raoh. Years before I had whispered to that great monarch, " Come on, let us deal wisely with this peo- ple lest they multiply, and it come to pass that when there falleth out any war they join also our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them out of the land, and he heard me and set over them task-masters to afflict them with burdens, and they built for him treas- ure-cities." He obeyed me then, and through all his life. There are traces of his cities even now.

THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

Teacher. — But he perished. " There are many devices in a man's heart, nevertheless the counsel of the Lord that shall stand." Pride, Ambition, Envy, you too were among those who fought for the soul of Moses.

Fride. — Hand in hand we led him into Pharaoh's palace. Through all his boyhood I told him how grand a thing it was to be called the son of Pha- raoh's daughter, and later reminded him how unfit it was that one learned in all Egyptian wisdom should make companions of a race of ignorant slaves, but he forsook me. I stayed in the palace with Pharaoh. I helped build the pyramids. Thousands of lives they cost, but they were worth it. And then when Moses came back from Midian, and Pharaoh was tempted to hearken to him, I asked him, " Who is Jehovah, that you should obey his voice and let the people go ? " Say instead to the task-masters, " Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick as heretofore," and he heard me. And though, after that, he more than once forsook me, frightened by the words or the miracles of Moses, / stayed by him to the last.

Teacher. — Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." And now. Ambition.

Ambition. — I too lived in the palace, and showed Moses all the glory of the kingdom, and promised

BIBLE CLASS COX CERT EXERCISE. 69

him the second place there, if he would follow me. He refused. Once, after that, I spoke to him, " Let God destroy this people and make of thee a great nation," but he answered, " O Lord, if thou canst, save this people, but if not blot me I pray thee out of thy book."

I saw I was talking to the wind, and I left him to his folly. But when I whispered to Nadab and Abihu, on the great day when the tabernacle was dedicated, " You should be conspicuous on a day like this," they seized the censers and filled them with strange fire and rushed before the altar. So there were those who heard me.

Teaeher. — ''And there w^ent out fire from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord." Envy.

E7ivy. — I never spoke directly to Moses after he left Pharaoh's palace, until the very last. Once through Joshua I approached him. It was when El- dad and Medad were prophesying and I bade Joshua " Run and say, ' My Lord Moses, forbid them,' " but Moses recognized me and answered only, " Enviest thou for my sake ? I would that all the Lord's people were prophets." But at the last, after Impatience had led him to smite the rock, and he knew that he was never to lead the people into the promised land, I whispered, " You are less to blame than they. Leave

rO THE OLD YEAR AXD THE XEJV.

them alone and they will destroy themselves." He did not hear me, but instead I heard him pray, "Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, who may go in and out before them, and lead them out and bring them in ; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd." I doubt if he even knew I had spoken. But there was once that Miriam and Aaron heard and obeyed my voice, when they said, " Hath the Lord spoken only by Moses 1 Hath he not also spoken by us .'' " And Korah, Dathan and Abiram had heard it before they said to Moses and Aaron, "Ye take too much upon you. Wherefore lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord .'' "

Teacher. — " And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up." Impatience, Envy has partly told your story. Is there more ?

hnpatieiice. — I spoke often to Moses during the forty years of wandering, but he would not hear. Then I turned to the people. I prompted the making of the golden calf ; and when hunger, or thirst, or weariness overcame them, I said to the people, " Wherefore are ye brought to die in the wilderness t Choose you a leader and return into Egypt," and they heard me. And once even Moses heard me. The people begged for water and God bade him " Speak to the rock." I whispered, " Smite with your rod

BIBLE CLASS CONCERT EXERCISE. 71

the rock, and with your tongue the people." And he obeyed me.

Teacher. — "And the Lord spake unto Moses, * Therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land that I shall give them.' " Avarice, were you too one of the prophet's companions ?

Avarice. — We were all together in Pharaoh's pal- ace. After Moses disowned me there, I waited till the building of the tabernacle. Then I said to the people, " Keep back your treasures." They would not hear me, and as they brought more than enough I said to Moses, " Make yourself rich with what they bring." I know not whether he heard my voice. He only answered, " Let neither man nor woman bring any more work for the tabernacle." And I knew he was beyond my reach. But later 1 spoke to Balaam and he heard me.

Teacher. — " And the dumb ass, speaking with a man's voice, rebuked the madness of the prophet." Now, Unbelief, most active and subtle of all the com- pany, there are few who never hear your voice. Did you too speak with Moses ?

Unbelief. — /never give up. Others are discour- aged and withdraw, but I remain firm to the last. It was I, who, when Moses was commanded to speak to Pharaoh, whispered, "You are slow of speech, and

72 THE OLD YEAR AXD THE NEW.

of a slow tongue," and I prompted the prayer, " Send, Lord, by whom thou wilt send, but not by me." But after that he forsook me. In vain I tried to hold him back at the Red Sea, for I saw the danger that after- wards overtook Pharaoh, and might easily have over- taken the Israelites. It was I that kept the people from entering Canaan to fight alone with the giants that would surely have destroyed them, nor did I ever through all the forty years of wandering forsake them.

Teacher. — "So then they could not enter in be- cause of unbelief." Of you and your comrades, I can only say, as I would to him who lives by dealing poison to his fellow-men, " Your success, your speci- mens of finished work, are the deepest of all warnings to us to shun your influence." But there remain three without whose story we should know little of the form- ing of the character we study. Faith, Hope, Love, Christian virtues, but far older than the days of Christ, will you speak to us .'*

Faith. — " By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daugh- ter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season ; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeins: Him who is invisible."

BIBLE CL^SS CONCERT EXERCISE. 73

Teacher. — " The just shall live by Faith. ' Now, Hope.

Hope. — When in his early days Moses saw his people a race of slaves, I whispered, " Some day they shall be free." When he saw them despised and de- graded, and then thought, " I too am an Israelite," I whispered, " Some day you will glory in being an Israelite." When he saw the burning bush, and Fear would have driven him away, I whispered, " The God who said to Abraham ' Fear not ' is here to speak to you." It was I who, all the way, repeated to him God's promises ; who when he thought sadly of the unbelieving people left behind him, echoed God's word, "Another prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto them, like unto you. Him shall they hear ; " and who at the last hour, as he took his fare- well look of Canaan, told him of the brighter, heav- enly Canaan, his feet should enter before theirs should tread the ground of the earthly.

Teacher. — "For we are saved by Hope." And now last and chief of all is Love. How did you crown this glorious life 1

Love. — We three, Faith, Hope and Love, are so joined that our work becomes, like ourselves, insep- arable. The sacrifice of his palace home was a sac- rifice of love. Love to men gave him the patience, meicy and earnestness ; love to God inspired the jus-

74 THE OLD TEAR AND THE NEW.

tice and truth, which marked his every step. Over and over again, in those long forty years, his love sweetened waters of strife bitterer than those of Marah. Love spoke in every word of that long, lin- gering farewell, when knowing he must die, yet for- getting himself and remembering only God and the people, he urged upon those he was to leave the obe- dience of love. And when twelve centuries had passed, Love drew him from his home in heaven to the mount where, with the transfigured Christ, he talked of that great sacrifice of love by Him of whose life his own had been but a type.

For a class of eight or less, all but the teacher's part and those of the virtues should be omitted.

A MISStOX BAND EXERCISE. 73

A MISSION BAND EXEECISE.

(Let the questions be asked in turn by various members, wliile one, selected especially for the pur- pose, with ready memory and clear voice, gives the answers.)

I.

What gods do the heathen worship ?

Ans. — All the gods of the heathen are idols. Ps. 96 : 4.

They worship devils, and idols of gold and silver and brass, and stone and of wood, which neither can see nor hear, nor walk. Rev. 9 ; 20.

2.

Do we owe them the knowledge of the true God ?

A71S. — I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. Rom. I : 14.

3-

Can we not pay the deb^ without sending missiona- ries to them ?

A?is. — How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ; and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ; and how shall

76 THE OLD TEAR AND THE NEW.

they hear without a preacher; and how shall they preach except they be sent ? Rom. lo : 14.

4-

What was Christ's last command ?

A?is. — Go teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you. Matt. 28 : 19.

5- What promise does he give us ?

A71S. — Lo, I am with you alway ; even unto the end of the world. Matt. 28 : 20.

6.

What if we refuse to obey this command .'* Ans. — He that shall break the least of these com- mandments, and shall teach men so, the same shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:19.

7. What if I have very little to give ?

Ans. — If there be first a willing mind, it is ac- cepted according to that a man hath and not accord- ing to that he hath not. 2 Cor. 8 : 12.

8. What if I cannot give without real sacrifice ? Ans. — For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus

A MJSSIOy BAND EXERCISE. 77

Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. 2 Cor. 8:9.

9-

What if some of the money should be wasted ?

A/is. — Sow in the morn thy seed, and at evening withhold not thy hand, for thou knowest not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both shall be alike good. Eccl. 11:6.

t>^

10.

What if there is plenty to do at home ? A/is. — Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16 : 15.

II.

What is promised to Christ ?

An^. — Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Ps. 2:8.

12.

W^hat more is promised }

A/IS. — The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9.

13-

What has he taught us to pray ?

78 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

Ans. — Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matt. 6 : lo.

14.

Have we any right to offer this prayer, if we are unwilling to aid in spreading Christ's kingdom }

Ans. — Faith without works is dead, being alone, James 2 : 17.

Does it belong to us all to extend Christ's invita- tion ?

Ans. — The Spirit and the Bride say " Come ; "' and let him that heareth say " Come ; " and let him that is athirst " Come; " and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely. Rev. 22 : 17.

16.

Is it not enough that we invite those immediately around us ?

Ans. — Go ye into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in. Luke 14 : 23.

17-

Where shall we find the result of our labors and sacrifices ?

Ans. — After this I beheld, and lo, a great multi- tude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and peoples and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes,

A MlSSIOy BAND EXERCISE. 79

and palms in their hands, and cried with a loud voice, saying, " Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb."

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, " What are these who are arrayed in white robes ? And whence came they ? "

And I said unto him, " Sir, thou knowest."

And he said unto me, " These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Thereioie are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple, and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters."

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Rev. 7 : 9, 10-14, 17-

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CV^V^J^"-'-

THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW

EXERCISES

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BY

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