Frugality is an old fashioned virtue that is deeply covered with the alluvion of modern extravagance. With a large proportion of the community--economy is no longer a governing principle. More generally is this the case with public bodies and associations. When we look at the enormous and worse than useless expense of public buildings a large proportion of them are marked with an extravagance far from republican simplicity--large expenditures without enlarging comfort or convenience, Girard College is an example in point. A large portion of the money expended on that too splendid structure, was diverted from its legitimate channel--_the support and education of the poor orphan_. It is a tolerated--not an excusable error. So with many other public buildings erected with money drawn directly and indirectly from the hard earnings of the people. As inconsistent as it is--professing Christians have adopted this error with a vengeance--although the great Author of Christianity was born in a stable--cradled in a manger and preached his thrilling soul-cheering sermons in the open air. As churches are now conducted--how great the change--how alarming the contrast. The landmarks of primitive Christianity are buried by the alluvion of human inventions. Millions are expended in building extravagant edifices--furnishing them with velvet, damask or other cushions--the congregation involved in debt--the poor necessarily excluded--when half the amount contracted would have been sufficient and the other half should have been expended to alleviate the wants of the suffering poor and in sending the Gospel of Peace to the destitute. Extravagant professed followers of the lowly Jesus--think of this when you rise from reposing--perhaps _sleeping_ on your gaudy church cushions. Think of the birth place of your Lord--of his life of poverty--his friendship to the poor--his constant efforts to do them good--of the habits and limited comforts of his disciples--and more--think how destitute you are of the very foundation of true religion--HUMILITY. How will you answer for these things at the searching tribunal of the great Jehovah? Even your funerals are marked with an extravagance that should be reduced to an amount that would leave a sum sufficient to make your poor neighbors comfortable for a long time. If you would honor the religion of the immaculate Redeemer--learn and practice frugality--enlarge your charity and adorn your conduct with consistency.