What is said of it by many:
"It will be very beneficial,"
"I would heartily recommend it,"
"I am glad my children are taking it up,"
"I consider the books first class,"
"It's just what I've been looking for,"
"Can safely recommend the books to all,"
"I wish you God-speed,"
"The idea is a good one."
For books, address the Librarian,
For plan and methods, address Secretary.
I knew Charlie Newcomer, and I lovedhim. To me he seemed to have a brightfuture. And that other children may beled to take his good example in unitingwith the church while they are yet children,I take pleasure in telling the storyof his life. I have told that story oftenfrom the pulpit, in children's meetings,and I tell it now, in this way that a largercongregation may be reached.
In the home of Charlie and Bessie's parentsat Ringgold, I wrote every word ofthis sketch. It is with considerable hesitancy,too, that the parents allow the factsto be told, since it enters right into theirhome life, and since some might misjudgetheir intention concerning their children.
May his heart's desire now be realized—tobe a missionary.
"Hurry up Charlie, for as soon as weget our dinner over, we want to playbase-ball, and you're on our side, youknow," called one of the scholars of theRinggold school to Charlie Newcomer,as he was going home at noon for his dinner.Charlie's home was only a few rodsfrom the school house, and on the sameside of the road.
"All right, boys, I will," he answeredin return, and in a minute more he washome.
[Pg 8]Dinner was not ready when he reachedhome, for his mamma had been puttingout her washing that forenoon. So hebrought the water and then went to thecellar for the bread and butter while hismamma made the gravy, and dinner wassoon on the table. While they were eating,Charlie said, "Do you think, mamma,I can get up head this afternoon? I'vestudied my lessons very well."
"I don't know, indeed," said his mamma,"you cannot unless some one aboveyou should make a mistake, and the otherscholars are as anxious to stand well asyou are."
"They're awful hard lessons, and surelysome one will miss, and I'm just waitingfor a chance like that. You know Ihate to be foot," he continued, "and if Ihadn't 'a' missed that day three weeksago, I would have been head now."
He had finished his dinner before hismother and little sister, and was off to[Pg 9]school while they were yet at the table.
The boys in the play ground hadchanged their minds about playing base-ball,from the fact that some wanted tobegin playing right away, while otherswanted to wait for the return