"O, it is that that breaks my heart," she said. "The god must have the _best_. When I had a perfect one he would not take the other. Alas, my boy, my boy!" Why should not many who live in this land of light be shamed--not by the deed, but by the devotion of this poor heathen? Under the gentle law of Christ, we know that God's demand for the best we have only bids us use it for him, and devote it to him. If we serve him selfishly, may not even the poor dark-souled Hindoo mother rise up and condemn us?--_Selected._ [Illustration: BEGINNING TO WORK.] [Illustration: The P.S. CORNER] HAPPY NEW YEAR! Only three little words, yet how much they mean! Isn't it a wonderful thought that it rests with each one of you to decide whether you will be happy this year or not? Now I see you open your eyes! "How, can we tell what is going to happen to us?" Ah, I did not say that; but don't you know, if you are soldiers of the great King, he will take care of you; and whatever happens will give you the sweetest, highest happiness there is in this world? We talk about things "happening," but it is well for us to remember that this King of ours manages all things, and is pledged to make "all things work together for good," to those who belong to him. How many of you are blooming for him? How many of you who have not yet settled the question, will come over to His side before this New Year's Day is done? Oh, I hope you are all preparing for a Happy New Year. Lovingly, PANSY. _Fred_ from Rhode Island. I am sorry your "other letter" was not answered, but glad that you did not wait for it. It is so pleasant to hear that the badges help our young people. So you found THE PANSY blooming where you did not expect it? The truth is, we Pansies are a very large family, and are wonderfully scattered. I have marked your letter to be copied, for the other Blossoms to enjoy. _Mary_ and _John_ from Tarsus. Dear, far-away Blossoms, we welcome you. How strange it is to think that in the very country where the great Paul lived so many years ago, two little Pansy buds are growing for Jesus. I hope you may be very fragrant flowers in that far-away land. Will you give my love to little Robert Livingstone? _Gertrude_ from New York. I am glad for you. "Whining" is a habit very easy to form, and very hard to break. It requires a good, strong resolution, such as you have made. As for "prompt obedience," I heard a gentleman once say, that no one was fit to command, who had not learned to obey.