"On account of these meetings we could not make our usual preparations for a Christmas concert and presents to the children. Accordingly, we invited them all to our parlors to a reception on Wednesday the 26th, and to our great surprise, there came a Christmas box on Tuesday, with presents for every one, greatly to the joy of the little ones, yes, and of the large ones also. After the distribution of the gifts, delightful music bubbled from every throat, and the universal testimony was, 'This is the best Christmas I ever spent.'" Straight University, New Orleans, La.: "We are having a glorious revival. Every night during the Week of Prayer there have been glad hearts. I think there is scarcely a boarding student who is not thoroughly aroused. Most are seeking the Saviour. Eighteen have found peace. Many day students, and others who are not students, have been much interested. One young man who has been a scoffer at all good things, came to the meetings, and soon came under the influence and asked us to pray for him. As I write in Stone Hall, I hear on all sides the sound of prayer and singing." The new church at Crossville, Tenn., was dedicated on Sunday, Dec. 30th. The new building is very tasteful and convenient, in a beautiful and central location. Six new members were received--all Northern people. The house was full both morning and evening. Much interest was shown. Rev. G.S. Pope preached in the morning and Rev. S.E. Lathrop in the evening. Sherwood Academy opened its new winter term with increasing numbers. The school is gaining favor with all classes and is doing an excellent work. * * * * * "Habits and Manners," is the title of a neat little volume by Mrs. W.A. Armstrong, of Hampton, Va. It is made up of the lectures delivered by Mrs. Armstrong to the students of the Institution, and is a remarkably clear statement of the rules that should govern the habits and manners of ladies and gentlemen. These lectures, though originally addressed to colored students, are equally applicable to white people, for here, at least, color makes no difference. The book has many other items of interest, as for example, rules for cooking, recipes, etc. * * * * * THE CHINESE. * * * * * A GLIMPSE AT SHADY SIDE. REV. W.C. POND, D.D. Our friends will get a quite one-sided and mistaken view of our work among the Chinese, as of any other missionary work, if they have nothing but the sunny-side reports to read. It is a war that we are waging, and war is serious business. The varied fortune of the battle involves defeats, incidental and temporary, on the way to the final victory. Sometimes it is hope deferred.