“I regret that I have not better acquired the art of pleasantly acknowledging the kindnesses shown me, and of showing my appreciation of people whom I really do appreciate. My influence with many would be greatly increased if I could but make them understand how warmly my heart goes out to them.” WILLIS J. BEECHER. DR. W. J. BEECHER, _Professor of Hebrew in Auburn Theological Seminary_. (_Luke_ ix. 23; xiv. 27.) AND didst thou hear the Master say He that would my disciple be, Let him deny himself each day, Take up his cross, and follow me? Oh! wondrous love, that did devise For us this “straight and narrow way,” Beyond which, in the distance, lies The realms of pure and perfect day. [Illustration: THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE.] [Illustration] A HAPPY BOY. HIS name is Willie Addis, and he lives in Plainfield, N. J. A few weeks ago his mother turned down the wicks of her kerosene stove, and leaned over it to blow out the flame, when the stove exploded, and in an instant she was in flames. With one bound Willie was in the kitchen, seizing the large woolen mat from the floor as he ran, and in less time than it takes me to tell it, he had wrapped the mat about his mother and extinguished the flames! The kitchen furniture was burned, but that was about all, and the dear mother was saved by her quick-witted ten-year-old son, who had heard somewhere that woolen wrapped closely about a burning object so as to exclude the air, will put out the fire. It is not every boy of his age who knows that fact; and there are many who, knowing it, would not have had presence of mind enough to have applied their knowledge promptly. Willie did, and he has his mother. Certainly I think he must be a happy boy, and I am sure she is a glad, proud mother. How is one to help hoping and praying that he may never be other than a joy to her in the years to come? MAJOR’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. I AM very fond of the little ones, and like to have them around me, and as the puppies are in the majority it will be their turn to have a short story this time. If you do not have to go home too soon perhaps I will have time to tell you more than one; we will see. Oh! the children are to stay to tea, are they? All right. Now, attention! All those who would like to hear a story about a chicken—“a real truly story,” as the children say—wag your tails. Those opposed, bark. Carried. The vote for the chicken story is about unanimous.