Christmas in Gregory Normal Institute does not mean simply _receiving_, but we have what has proved to us, after a trial of two years, a much better plan--that of _giving_. It is truly surprising how much can be given, even by those who it would seem are too poor to give anything. On Thursday, December 19, it was announced by the principal in all the rooms that all who could bring a Christmas offering might do so on Friday, the last day of the term before the holidays. Before eight a.m. Friday the articles began to come in, and the variety would discount any country grocery store, I am sure. Flour, meat, rice, grits, cracked peas, beans, potatoes, apples, turnips, cabbages, greens, onions, sugar, tea, coffee, eggs, bacon, wood, kindling, matches, soap, pictures, thread, needles, pins, and in fact almost every article that can be eaten or worn or made use of in any way. Quite a good deal of money was contributed, and that was used for buying articles for needy persons. What struck me most forcibly was the willing and cheerful giving. Some things came from homes where there was scarcely to be found as much more of the same thing as was brought. I must mention an instance of real sacrifice, though the things brought will seem, without doubt, to those who read this article, as of but little worth. One little girl we had picked out of the most wretched hovel only a few weeks before, so ragged that except for pity you would wish her out of sight; and when I saw her coming in with her gift I thought, "What can she bring?" Well, she brought all she had to bring--literally her whole wealth--a few dirty little picture cards which some one had given to her and which she had treasured "lo, these many years," judging from the dirt accumulated on them. The gift seemed trivial, but it meant something to this little girl. Hundreds there are in this very city who are in no school--who can't attend for want of money. Oh that God's treasures could be used to save his own dear children! Thank God there are many who hold a little of God's gold who have laid it on the altar for His use! I wish some of the consecrated gifts I have received and used for two poor children, with the accompanying letters, were not so sacred; I should feel like mentioning some--where a poor factory girl sent one dollar, with a "God bless you!" and where a good mother in Israel sent fifty cents in stamps, saying, "This is my consecration money of three months." So poor was she that the accumulation was by a penny now and then. Many larger amounts I have received, but all with the same cheerful "God bless you!" that so cheers the heart of the missionary far from home and loved ones.