WORDS OF MINISTRY IN THE HOME. Christmas Fare for the Birds: IN ALLUSION TO, AND IMITATION OF, THE CUSTOM IN SWEDEN. BY THE REV. RICHARD WILTON, M.A., RECTOR OF LONDESBOROUGH, E. YORKS; AUTHOR OF 66 WOOD-NOTES AND CHURCH BELLS," ETC. HANKING the God of Harvest, we adorn The pillars of His House with flowers and leaves, Thus, when the icy hand of Winter weaves To feed the birds which live beneath His eye, Round which a hundred wings hover and fly; VOL. IX.-NO. XII. N 2 Praise among the Married: A HELP TO A HAPPY CHRISTMAS. ES, among the mar- those we love. It chills the best feelings, weakens the highest aspirations, when continuous and sacrificing effort calls forth no kindly return-no words of cheer, and of encouragement. The snow is ever unimpressible in the deep, hollow recesses of the mountain-cliff, where no straggling beam of merry sunshine melts it with kisses; cold and white, it sleeps in perpetual shadow, till its soft roundness congeals into ice. And thus the soul, if forced to abide in the shadow of frowns, under the continual dropping of hard, unkindly words, will assimilate itself to its mate, and become a sad and listless heart, lying heavily and cold in the bosom that should be all filled with glowing sympathies. Husbands often do not know with what ceaseless solicitude the duties of a wife and mother are accompanied. They leave home early, many of them; the routine of business-the same as it was yesterday, and will be months to come-is so thoroughly digested that the performance is comparatively without annoyance. They have no heavy or wearing household work to do, no fretting little ones hanging on to their garments, now to nurse, now to correct, now to instruct, while still the dusting, and the cleansing, and the preparing of food must be going on, and the little garments must be nicely fitted and made, or all would be untidiness and confusion. Yet how many an adroit manager contrives to get through with all this, willing-if she is but appreciated, and her valuable services esteemed-to endure calmly the trials incident to her lot, keeping care from her pleasant face by a merry spirit and cheerful demeanour. But if she never hears the kindly "I thank you," or beholds the beautiful smile that unuttered gratitude spreads upon the countenance of him for whom she has forsaken all, what immeasurable anguish will she not experience! We have often thought how poignant must be the grief, how heavy the disappointment of the young wife, when she first learns that the husband of her choice is indifferent to her studied efforts to please. Gaily as the bird upon the tree by her doorside she has gone carolling about her domestic duties. The day has seemed one long year-but still, twilight does come, and she awaits the return of her husband. How light is her step; how happy her brow! Like a skilful painter, she has touched and retouched all the peculiar though simple luxuries of her home, till they seemed to her like the adornings of a paradise. The hearth is bright and red-not a speck of dust is visible. She has brought out all her hoarded wealth; and the tables, the new-varnished bureau, and the easy arm-chair shine in snowy garniture. She has placed the pictures in the best light, hung up the wide sampler-her child work at school-made all things look cheerful and bright-placed a bouquet of brilliant flowers upon the neat supper-table, and another above the fireplace-and with pleasant anticipations she awaits his return. "How cheerful everything looks!" she murmurs; "and how pleased he will be! He will commend my care and taste." Presently the well-known step draws near; she flies with a happy smile to meet him, and together they enter their mutual home. What! no signs of surprise? No new delight on his features? Does he receive all her attention as a matter of course, something looked for, expected, easily done, and without price? Can he not pay her the tribute of a glad smile? Alas! he does not believe in praise; his wife must be disinterested, must look upon these performances as stern duties; if he praise now, and forget to praise again, they may be discontinued. She is disappointed, chagrined; and unless taste and perfect neatness are indispensable to her own comfort, she gradually wearies in well-doing, when a little kindly encouragement, a little praise, might have stimulated her to constant exertion. Many a wife becomes careless of her appearance because of her husband's indif ference. In the simple matter of dressnot so simple, either!-how often men think it beneath them to notice or approve the choice their wives may make! We once remarked to a gentleman that his wife displayed admirable taste in her attire; and what, think you, was his answer? With a sigh we record it: "Has she? Well, now, I should hardly know whether she had on a print gown or a satin dress." We involuntarily disliked him; and thought that the expression upon the countenance of his partner spoke volumes. Now we do like to see a husband notice such things, even to particularity. We like to hear him give his opinion as to whether such and such a thing is becoming to his wife. We are pleased to see a father interested in the little purchases of his children, instead of saying with a frown, "Oh! go away; I don't care for such things; suit yourselves." And in household concerns the husband should express his approbation of neatness. and order; he should be grateful for any little effort that may have been put forth to add to his comfort or pleasure; he should commend the good graces of his wife, and at fitting times make mention of them. Indeed, not one alone, but both should reciprocate the good offices of the other. We never esteemed a woman the less on hearing her say, "I have a good husband;" we never thought a man wanting in diguity who spoke of his wife as being dear to him, or quoted her amiability or industry as worthy of imitation by others. Who does not esteem the unaffected praise of a husband or a wife, above that of all beside? No motive but love induces either to "Speak the gentle words That sink into the heart." Solomon says, "Her husband, he praiseth her;" and only the morose and reserved, who care not to fill the fount of kindliness by pleasant words, differ from the sacred writer. How many a home have we seen glittering with splendour; where glowing marble, from Italia's clime, gives a silent welcome to the entering guest; where on the walls hang votive offerings of art that fill the whole soul with their beauty; where the carpets yield to the lightest pressure, and the rich hangings crimson the palest cheek yet amidst all this show and adorning -yet has the proud wife sat, the choicest piece. of furniture there for so her husband regards her. Formal and stern, he has thrown around her the drapery of his chill heart, and it has folded about her like marble. She is "my lady," and nothing more. No outburst of affection in the form of sweet praise falls upon her ears; pendants of diamonds drop therefrom, but their shining is like his love, costly and cold. We have heard such a one say, in times gone by, "All this wealth, all this show and pride of station, would I resign A |