"When sorrow frowns, what power can cheer, Or chase away the falling tear Without the vile effects of beer, Like Pekoe or Bohea? What makes the old man young and strong, Like Hyson, Congou, or Souchong, Which leave the burthen of his song A welcome cup of tea. "Then hail the grave Celestial band, With planning mind, and planting hand, And let us bless that golden land So far across the sea; Whose hills and vales give fertile birth To that fair shrub of priceless worth, Which yields each son of mother earth A fragrant cup of tea." Another hymn in praise of tea was used in Cornwall, and often sung at tea-meetings by the Rev. J. G. Hartley, a minister of the United Methodist Free Churches. The lines possess little poetical merit, but are worth quoting on account of the pleasure with which they have been received by tens of thousands of people, and of their influence in unlocking the pockets of the people when the box went round. "When vanish'd spirits intertwine, And social sympathies combine, What of such friendship is a sign? A cup of tea, a cup of tea. "When dulness seizes on the mind, And thought no liberty can find, What can the captive powers unbind? A cup of tea, a cup of tea. "If one has given another pain, And distant coldness both maintain, What helps to make them friends again? A cup of tea, a cup of tea. "And if discourse be sluggish growing, Whate'er the cause to which 'tis owing, What's sure to set the tongue a-going? A cup of tea, a cup of tea. "If things of use or decoration Require a friendly consultation, What greatly aids the conversation? A cup of tea, a cup of tea. "And lastly let us not forget The occasion upon which we're met, What helps to move a chapel-debt? A cup of tea, a cup of tea." "It has served us many a good turn," writes Mr. Hartley, "and has helped to clear many a chapel-debt." It would be difficult, no doubt, in our day to cite a single case of a tea-party attended by 500 persons; but if large gatherings are fewer, small ones are more frequent. Every chapel, every church, every day-school, every Sunday-school, every religious association has at least four tea-parties a year: and thus not only is a very large amount of tea consumed, but a very large number of people are brought under good influences. In rural districts the Christmas tea-party is the event of the year. It is attended by all the lads and lasses in the neighbourhood; by the milkmaids and the ploughmen, who make sad havoc with the cake. Wonderful, also, is the amount of tea consumed. In fact a tea-drinking contest takes place at these annual reunions. At any rate he is the hero of the table who can drink the most.