A DOG'S CHRISTMAS-TREE.

BY ESTELLE M. HART.

Yes, a Christmas-tree just for a dog, and he liked it, too. Liked it, did I say? He thought it was the loveliest thing he had ever seen, and barking couldn't half begin to express his feelings. His eyes, his ears, his feet, his tail, all were animated to the last degree, in his vain attempt to express his rapture.

Shep's mistress didn't have any little boys and girls at her house, and I suspect that Shep got a good deal of the petting that would have belonged to them if they had been there. But it was Tina, the maid, that thought of a Christmas-tree for his favored dogship. She got a tiny green tree, and set it up in a box, and hung it with popcorns and Shep's favorite candies. Then she placed it in the corner of the parlor, and Shep's mistress invited him in, and explained all about Christmas-trees to him, and told him that this was his very own. Don't you think he knew every word she said? Then why did he begin to bark with all his might, and jump around the tree, and around his mistress, and race about the room as if he had lost his wits, and then go over to the tree, and, sitting down beside it, put his little paws together and “beg” for some of the goodies "this very minute"?— that's what his eyes said. The tree lasted several days, for Shep's mistress dealt out the candies to him a few at a time; and how they did enjoy the fun!

That was two years ago. Last year Tina got another little tree, and dressed it up in her room, where no one could see it. When she had finished it, she opened the door and came out into the hall with it in her hands, intending to take it down into the parlor when no one was looking. But a pair of sharp eyes in the lower hall spied her the minute she started, and what an excitement there was! Don't you suppose that a dog can remember such a splendid thing as a Christmas-tree a whole year? If you don't, you would have been convinced if you could have seen the rapture that was

expressed in every motion of his ecstatic little body, as he scampered up the stairs and round and round Tina, barking with all his might, and almost upsetting her and her precious burden. He superintended the placing of the tree in the parlor, then he rushed off, post-haste to tell his mistress. She was in her room, but a frantic barking outside the door told her that something important must be attended to at once. soon as she appeared, Shep jumped upon her in wild delight, then rushed as fast as he could back to the parlor, barking to her all the way to "come quick." She followed him in, and there stood Tina and the Christ

mas-tree.

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"Why, Tina," said her mistress, "I had forgotten all about it!"

But Shep said, “Not I"; and he suddenly sat down before it and began to beg. Wasn't that a funny thing to please a dog?

This is a true story; and you may be sure that there will be another tiny tree for a merry little dog when Christmas comes again this year.

THE CHRISTMAS-TREE AND ITS HISTORY.

This is the title of a long but interesting article by Dr. Alexander Tille, professor of German literature at Glasgow University. Once on Christmas Eve, so runs a Protestant legend, Luther was travelling alone across the country. Above him the sky shone bright and clear with thousands and thousands of stars; and the picture impressed him so deeply that, when he got home, he made it his first business to get a fir tree from the nearest wood, set it up in the house, and cover it over and over with waxlights.

The tree was to be a picture to his children of the evening sky, with its innumerable lights, which the Lord Jesus left that night to come down to earth. This legend, however, is not old, and there is no proof in Luther's writings that the tree, with its

Passing over all the folk-lore associated with the Christmas-tree in Germany, we come to Goethe and Schiller and the allusions they have made to it. It was in 1765, at Leipzig, in the house of Körner's grandmother, that Goethe first made the acquaintance of a Christmas tree. It was adorned with sweets, and under it lay a manger with a child Jesus, etc., made of sugar. In 1767 Goethe lent a hand in decking a tree for Christmas. In his works Schiller has never described a Christmas scene; but in 1790, after his marriage, he set up a Christmas tree in his own house.

By 1830 the custom had grown pretty prevalent in Germany. In some parts of Saxony an early morning service at six o'clock is held on Christmas Day. On the altar table there is a Christmas-tree, and every one is expected to take with him a candle or a lantern. The tree thus takes the place of the manger in the Christmas celebration of the Catholic South. To-day the tree is universal, even in Jewish families.

In 1840 Princess Helena of Orleans, introduced the custom at the Tuileries, and it was not long in making its way in France. The ex-Empress Eugénie has rendered similar service. In 1870 the German army kept Christmas in France, and now Paris requires some 40,000 Christmas-trees. The Christmas-tree found its way into London also through the royal palace. In 1840 Prince Albert became Prince Consort, and it was he who brought the Christmas-tree to the Court of St. James, whence it gradually, though slowly, made its way among the aristocracy, and now the custom is quite common in the metropolis; but in Scotland and Ireland it has scarcely got beyond the German families settled there.

THE COMING OF THE NEW YEAR.

Through the sombre stillness of a winter night galloped the New Year, to where, on Father Time's vast estate, in the loftiest room of his Castle Beautiful, the Old Year lay dying.

Feeble was the voice and white was the

"Why was I summoned to witness so sad a death scene?" he questioned of Father Time, who stood near the sufferer's bedside. "The Old Year is a stranger to me. I have been sent for needlessly; therefore, good Father Time, do not force me to look upon his suffering.”

The Old Year, overhearing these low whispers, motioned the Young Year closer to his side. In a voice faint with exhaustion, he murmured :

"I have sent for thee, O young Prince New Year, to wear the crown that for so brief a while has rested upon my forehead. The world lies at thy feet. Rule it wisely and well, as I have endeavored to rule it, until thy spirit, also, shall be summoned to walk amid the shadows of the past; so thy work shall be gratefully remembered and a blessing follow thee even unto the Unseen Land whither I am journeying."

The trees trembled in the wind; shivering clouds shadowed the sky. With a longdrawn, sighing breath, the Old Year parted from the world he had loved and served so well.

To what an inheritance had the young Prince New Year been called! All the wealth and wisdom of past ages, carefully treasured, rested with the world at the foot of the throne; but Prince New Year rejoiced not in their magnificence. He was to wear the Old Year's golden crown; but how could he lead the grand old world? Trials and temptations manifold and powerful lay before them. The Young Year shrank from the responsibility of his position. Seeking relief from perplexity, he turned his troubled face eastward. There banners of glowing light heralded the dawning day. Slowly the brightness struggled upward into the dusky, over-hanging sky. From before it all shadows fled. The Young Year, beholding, waved his hand exultantly to the morning sun, and cried in tones of joy to the roused and expectant world: "We will move with the light upward. So shall the prophetic words of your departed king, the good Old Year, be fulfilled; and a blessing shall come to us now, to stay with us forevermore !"

MAUD L. COTTON.

Athol, Mass.- Second Church: Our church showed its interest in the Athol Country Week by giving three times as much as all the other churches put together. Of the $182.96 raised for this most deserving charity, the Unity Club gave $4, the Sunday-school $22.68, and the church $114.03. Our vesper services, which are held the first Sunday of each month in place of the guild service, are well attended, and promise to become popular with all lovers of good church music. About a year ago one of our members, Mr. George W. Bishop, was appointed railroad commissioner; and, at the recent election, another good member of the church, Mr. Harding R. Barber, brother of Prof. H. H. Barber, was elected Senator. We feel proud of being able to furnish such men.

The Thanksgiving service, in which all the local churches always unite, this year was held the evening before Thanksgiving, -i.e., Wednesday evening, November 25; and our pastor, Rev. Carl G. Horst, preached the sermon. The annual collection for the American Unitarian Association will be taken up the first Sunday of this month. Thursday evening, November 19, Mrs. Fifield gave an interesting talk on the work of the Women's Alliance, with the purpose of organizing a Branch in our

church.

In reporting one of the recent guild services, the Athol Transcript says: "The Guild of the Good Shepherd continues to grow, as an auxiliary to the work done by the Second Unitarian Church; and its meetings are of the most helpful and beneficial kind. The range of subjects is varied, and trenches upon nearly all which are discussed in the pulpit. At the meeting last Sunday evening, the large number present had the pleasure of listening to a very interesting essay read by Miss Stella Barlow, who took charge of the meeting, on 'Discipleship to Jesus." This contained a great many fine thoughts which help and uplift. Rev. Mr. Horst spoke at some length upon the same subject, in his usual pithy and interesting style. Mr. Horst always has apt words for his hearers. Others offered extracts in the way of poems,

selections, etc. Mrs. Warren West rendered two beautiful vocal solos. There was the usual singing of anthems and hymns and responsive and Scripture readings. The meeting throughout was one of interest and benefit to all. It was voted to use $5 for benevolent purposes, to be left in the hands of the benevolent committee.

Berkeley, Cal.—The parish was cheered by the large number of Unitarian women from Alameda, Oakland, and the two churches in San Francisco, who visited us on October 18, bearing warm, social greetings and big luncheons. Mrs. Wattles presided, Miss Easton read an interesting paper, the Misses Henry and Roeth gave us charming songs and recitations, and Mrs. Wilkes and others urged us to "stick" to our church through her trial. Mr. Payne, our minister, is one of the most eloquent and spiritually helpful preachers in our denomination. The parish is blessed and uplifted by his ministrations. He is perfect in every relation of life, revered and beloved.

Bernardston, Mass.-The women belonging to the Unitarian society are preparing to hold their annual fair and festival November 30. Rev. Mr. Birks has been training the young people of his parish in the musical line; and on the 30th of this month the Fraternity, numbering over fifty members, gave a musical and literary entertainment under his direction, it being a prize contest. $25 remained from the proceeds for the treasury. The fraternity not only assist each other, but contribute toward the parish expenses. Their meetings are held every Sabbath evening at the church parlors with good attendance. Often those who do not attend any church may be seen there. The meetings are conducted mostly by the young people; although the pastor is always present, and ready with his words of encouragement. The parsonage has recently been renovated, and put in good repair, Mr. Birks himself doing most of the decorating. The parish has not been in so good a condition for many years, and the congregations are increasing.

A

Boston, Mass.-Boston Unitarian Club: The monthly meeting, held Wednesday evening, November 11, was one of the most interesting in the history of the Club. large part of this interest was furnished by the ladies who, at the invitation of the Club, were present to grace the occasion. It is seldom that the Club indulges in luxury of this kind; but the brilliant success of its hospitality in this direction will, no doubt, be a strong temptation to repeat the success whenever it can command a sufficient excuse. On this occasion the admirable excuse was furnished of a reception to the president of the Club, Hon. Roger Wolcott, Acting Governor and Governorelect of Massachusetts, and Mrs. Wolcott. The reception was held in the parlors of the Vendome, from 5.30 to 6.30 P. M.; and Unitarians prominent in every walk of life had an opportunity to meet the Governor and Mrs. Wolcott, and to congratulate Mr. Wolcott upon receiving the greatest majority ever conferred upon a Governor of Massachusetts. The dinner, held in a large dining-room of the Vendome, was attended by some three hundred and twenty ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Francis Lowell, vicepresident of the Club, presided; and addresses were made by Gov. Wolcott, Rev. Edward Everett Hale, D. D., Hon. Sherman Hoar, and Samuel J. Barrows, who was congratulated upon his recent election to Congress.

Brockton, Mass.-The Unitarian Club of Brockton and vicinity held its first regular meeting of the season in the vestry of the Unity Church on the evening of Thursday, November 19. The occasion was a very enjoyable one to all present, -some one hundred and thirty in number. A fine collation, served by caterer George E. Bryant, 2d, first engaged the attention of the members of the club and invited guests. The election of officers for the ensuing year then followed, Rev. Rush R. Shippen being re-elected president, with a long list of vice-presidents, Richard W. Nutter secretary and treasurer, and F. B. Howard, A. C. Thompson, and O. A. Miller directors.

A musical treat was furnished by Mr. Leon Van Vliet, the famous 'cello player of Boston, and by Mr. Fred. S. Sprague, basso. The address of the evening was by Rev. Charles G. Ames, pastor of the Church of the Disciples, Boston, his subject being "Good Society," and was replete with original and witty sayings, of dry, New England humor. Good society, he said, must not be confounded with fashionable society. The four sins of the latter were ostentation, exclusiveness, insincerity, and servility. Exclusiveness is never more selfish than in religion. He quoted the statement of James Freeman Clarke that the Unitarians of a certain place were dying of dignity. In closing, he suggested that many more people might come

to the bread of life, if it were more often spread with the butter of human kindness. The next meeting of the club will be held on the third Thursday of December.

the

Chelsea, Mass.-The fortnightly Sunday evening services conducted by the Young People's Religious Union are admirable in every detail, and reflect honor upon the union. Two services were held in October which were helpful and encouraging, and two in November,-the topics being, successively, "Service: Man's Duty to Man, and "Worship: The Need of the Human Soul." The Chelsea Branch of Women's Alliance, co-operative with the Social Circle, gave a sale on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday afternoon and evening, November 19, 20, and 21, for the benefit of the church. On Thursday and Friday evenings the unique entertainment, "Notable Books in Novel Covers," J. A. J. Wilcox, librarian, was presented; and a special entertainment for the children was given on Saturday afternoon. The work of the Alliance is largely confined to its home field, it being one source for the reimbursement of the church treasury. Under the presidency of Mrs. Reccord, it has increased to a membership of forty. Mrs. Kate Gannett Wells gave an address at the October meeting, and Rev. A. P. Reccord spoke before its meeting in November. Each occasion was followed by an informal reception and a social hour.

Chicago, Ill.-First Church: Mr. Fenn left for Cambridge on November 7, to fulfil his duties as University Preacher to Harvard College. During his absence Rev. Mr. Crothers of Cambridge supplied the pulpit of the First Church. Mr. Crothers, while in the city, also spoke before the Free Religious Union in the University of Chicago, and attended the Illinois and Wisconsin State Conferences. The Women's Alliance has had successful meetings this year, and will give its annual fair and dinner on December 9. It is now expected that the new Memorial Chapel will be completed early in the spring. Meanwhile, Mr. Fenn holds services every Sunday afternoon in a hall in the same neighborhood; and, considering the disadvantages of the meetingplace, the services are very well attended. Mr. C. E. Park, a son of the late Mr. Park, of the Pittsfield Unitarian church and a descendant of Dr. Park of Boston, is assisting Mr. Fenn in his church work, and pursuing a course of theology in the Chicago University, under Mr. Fenn's direction. --Unity Church: An encouraging spirit of activity prevails in the various departments of the church work. The Ladies' Aid Society, in addition to its regular work of making garments to be distributed through the Elm Street Settlement, is sewing for the Children's Aid Society and for the

Burling Half-orphan Asylum. It has been decided not to hold a fair this year, as has been the custom in past years, but to raise the money necessary to carry on the work of the Aid Society by a series of social entertainments. The first of these entertainments, which was a combined "birthday" and "library" party, was held on the evening of October 30, and proved a great success, both socially and financially. Mr. Bulkeley attended the Illinois State Conference, held at Sterling, November 10-12, and spoke twice, once on "Positive Religion, and again on "The Young People's Religious Union." He spoke on the latter topic at the Wisconsin State Conference, held in Milwaukee, November 11-13, and also addressed the annual Congress of Free Religious Societies, whose sessions held at Indianapolis the third week of November. On Sunday evening, November 15, Mr. Bulkeley went to Hobart, Ind., to preach before a liberal congregation, which has been meeting there for some time, but which has no pastor.

were

-Third Church: This church has had a serious misfortune in the loss of the church building, which was completely destroyed by fire on Sunday, October 25, just at the hour of morning service. The directors of the Lewis Institute kindly offered the use of that building till other arrangements could be made, and the congregation is now meeting there. The future course of the society has not been definitely decided upon; but it is probable that steps will be taken to secure a new building site, farther removed from the centre of the city.

Hyde Park, Mass.-The first in the series of vesper services occurred at the First Unitarian Church, on November 8, at five o'clock. The address was by the pastor, Rev. A. G. Pettengill. The choir was assisted by Mrs. A. B. Stockbridge, soprano, Mrs. Frances E. Porter, contralto, Mr. A. B. Stockbridge, 'cello, Mr. George E. Doty, bass. This meeting was well attended, despite the rain. These afternoon vespers will occur the second and fourth Sundays during the coming months. The music is under the direction of J. A. Crowley. In the vestry, Thursday even

season

Keene, N,H.- The Unitarian club of Keene, N. H., held its first meeting of the on Wednesday evening, November 11, in the parish house. Fifty-three members were present. Rev. Arthur May Knapp spoke in a very happy vein of "The Characteristics of the Japanese." The following officers were elected: President, George B. Twitchell, M. D.; vice-president, F. C. Faulkner, Esq.; secretary and treasurer, F. E. Howe; executive committee, Rev. C. B. Elder, F. W. Chase, W. R. Porter. The club begins this eighth year of its existence with increased membership.

Lowell, Mass.-The Middlesex North Association of Unitarian Ministers met on Tuesday of last week with Rev. and Mrs. George C. Wright. The weather was good, the attendance large, and the papers interesting. The essay was by Rev. Granville Pierce of Chelmsford, the sermon by Rev. Isaac F. Porter of Littleton, and the book review by Rev. Enoch Powell of Nashua.

Middleboro, Mass.-The ordination of Frederic C. Brown and his installation as pastor of the First Unitarian Church of Middleboro, Mass., occurred on the afternoon of November 10, with the following order of service: organ voluntary; anthem, "I will magnify Thee"; invocation, Rev. R. W. Boynton, Roslindale; reading of Scripture, Rev. J. F. Tucker, Middleboro ; hymn; sermon, Rev. John Cuckson, Boston; solo, "The Holy City," F. J. Parsons, Boston; prayer, Rev. C. A. Allen, Bridgewater; response; right hand of fellowship, Rev. R. W. Boynton, Roslindale; hymn (written for the occasion by F. A. Eaton, Lodi, Wis.); charge to minister, Rev. R. R. Shippen, Brockton; address to people, Rev. J. P. Forbes, Taunton; hymn; benediction, Rev. F. C. Brown.

Needham, Mass.-The annual harvest concert of the First Parish Sunday-school was held November 1. The table and platform were covered with fruits and vegetables brought as harvest offerings to the Children's Mission. All united in a praise service of responsive readings, song, and prayer. Harvest Bible texts were repeated by the classes in turn, songs were sung, and poems recited. The pastor, Rev. P. S. Thacher, gave an interesting talk to the children.