St. Joseph and the Infant Christ. This interesting picture was painted by an Italian artist, Guido Reni, who lived from 1575 to 1642. Perhaps he is best known as the painter of the "Aurora," which is so familiar to all picture lovers. The picture given above is in a gallery at St. Petersburg, and is catalogued as "The Flight into Egypt." In the original, Mary, the mother of Jesus, may be seen far in the background, seated upon a donkey, which is being led by an angel. Why is this picture so interesting? Because the artist has chosen to show us the infant Jesus in his father's arms, instead of in his mother's. We have a great many Madonnas, pictures, that is, of the mother and the child; but very few of the father and the child. Often in pictures of the Holy Family, Joseph is represented as standing by, leaning upon his staff, an inconspicuous figure. Sometimes he is leading the donkey, or is hard at work, or is left out altogether. The central figures, as a rule, are the mother and the child. But here is a very different picture. Here we have Joseph, the father, holding the child in his arms, and showing a wonderful tenderness and love. In his look there is also reverence; and in the child, as it reaches up to touch his face, there is the answering love and trust. It is certainly a beautiful picture, and suggests many precious thoughts. When we say that a mother's love is the most beautiful thing in the world, shall we forget the strength and tenderness of a father's? When we reverence motherhood, shall we forget the sacredness and responsibilities of fatherhood. When we talk about homes and home-love, about loyalty, and fidelity, and purity, and unselfishness, shall we forget that these ideals are for men and women alike, and that mothers and fathers ought to share equally home's duties and rights? And when we think of the spiritual life, of its faith and hope, of the love of God, and of that kingdom of peace and good will for which the name of Jesus stands, and tɔ which the church is pledged, shall we say that these belong to women, not men, or that men do not themselves feel the need of such inspiration and comfort? Can we doubt what the an-. swer to such questions should be? OUR CHRISTMAS MONTH. Our Christmas really began with the meeting of the Eliot Circle on Dec. 3, a meeting largely attended and full of the Christmas spirit. Next came the Parents' Meeting on Dec. 17, when the teachers of the Sunday School welcomed the parents of the children, and when a special address of advice and good cheer was given by Mrs. Clara B. Beatley, Superintendent of the Church of the Disciples School. This was the first meeting of its kind here. It was very helpful, and another will be held in the spring. were On Dec. 21, the Mildred Ellis Club had a delightful Christmas meeting. The parlors were lighted with candles and there special decorations. Quite a number of older guests were present. The subject of Miss Jones's interesting talk was "Christmas giving is Christmas living." On Sunday, Dec. 26, we had our Christmas services in Sunday School and Church. As everyone knows, there was one of our big snowstorms, so severe that many churches held no service at all. We had 42 at Sunday School and 25 at church, which we considered very creditable; but we were without organist and choir. Consequently we decided to repeat the church service on Jan. 2. So we had two Christmas Sundays. each in its way successful. Certainly the second was most inspiring. Then followed the Christmas festivals for the Sunday School and Eliot Circle. On Dec. 27 the teachers met for supper and spent the evening together, doing up the presents, filling candy horns and decorating the tree. On Wednesday came the Sunday School festival-with carols, Santa Claus, the Tree, and scenes representing Christmas in eight different nations, in which many of our children took part. The last was America, and when Santa Claus threw up the curtain, revealing the Christmas tree, the singers at the same time leading the School in "There's a Wonderful Tree," the effect was very beautiful. Everyone agreed that the entertainment was one of the prettiest and most appropriate we have ever had, and all thank Miss Crocker and Miss Jones for arranging it. The attendance was large, the cheers for everybody, led by Santa Claus. were hearty, and the Christmas spirit of goodwill was strong. We missed some of our members kept away by sickness, especially our Musical Director, Mr. Edmonds. We were happy to receive a message of love from our pastor emeritus. Mr. Winkley, and to send him ours in return. Last, but not least of our celebrations came the Eliot Circle Party, of which mention is made elsewhere. About two hundred and twenty-five. more than half children, were present and it was a happy time for all. So ended our month of Christmas. THOUGHTS FOR THE THOUGHTFUL. Has education given you sympathy with everything pure and clean? Can you look an honest man or pure woman straight in the eye? Do you see anything to love in a little child? Do you think that washing dishes or hoeing corn are just as compatible with high thinking as playing the piano or golf? Can you look into a mud puddle and see a reflection of God's beautiful sky in it; that is, can you see good in everything? Has education made you publicspirited, so that your interest extends beyond your own dooryard? Has it made you a brother to the weak? Have you learned the proper value of money and time? Have you learned how to make of the "Second Tour around the World," printed elsewhere in this number of "Our Work." WOMEN'S ALLIANCE. The December meeting of the Study Class was held on Dec. 1, the subject being the "Unitarian Belief in God." On the evening of December 15 a meeting was held at which Rev. B. R. Bulkeley of Beverly spoke on "Some Thoughts about Success." The January meetings will be held as follows:-January 12, the Study Class; subject, "Unitarian Belief in Jesus;"―January 26, Dr. J. H. Crooker will speak on "The War Against Intoxicants.” Everyone interested is cordially urged to attend these meetings. The next meeting of the New England Associate Alliance will be held at the Channing Church, Newton, on Thursday, January 27. All Alliance members are invited to be present. RED, WHITE AND BLUE CLUB. The Saturday evening social club for the boys of the West End opened on Jan. 1, in the church parlors. The few fellows who came in had a good time. and we sincerely hope that as each evening comes around new friends will join us. The parlors will be open on Saturday evenings from 7 to 9.30 for all boys who want a good comfortable place to read and play games. The Gymnasium is open for the older fellows, and with an instructor we hope to make it of practical value. We look for a good year in our work. ELIOT CIRCLE. The parlors were bright with the Christmas colors for our December r.ceting. It was a special pleasure to have with us Mrs. Anna Spencer Frost. who read delightfully many fine selections. Inspiring music by the Beacon Trio added greatly to our pleasure and helped to make this one of the most cjovable meetings we have had. Our children's party has become so popular that we were obliged to issue tickets this year, in order to accommodate the children for whom this party is strictly intended. We wish that our vestry were larger so that we could take all the children who wish to come. The SUNDAY SERVICES. 1.45 P M. Howard Sunday School. 3.15 P. M. Public Worship. Communion first Sunday in the month. 7.30 P. M. The Winkley Guild every other Sunday. The Church will be open every day from 10 until 1 o'clock. Mr. Eliot will be at the church on Wednesdays, and on other days by appointment; Miss Jones on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Miss Stokes on Tuesdays and Fridays. games, always an interesting feature, were led by Miss Dorothea Mason with other friends to help. Then came the Tree, with carols, ice cream and cake, presents, and candy, followed by the grand march, which closed the three hours' fun. Surely it was a jolly good time! We are now looking forward with pleasant anticipation to our tenth anniversary on Feb. 4. Rev. A. D. K. Shurtleff will speak for us and we hope to make it a memorable occasion. STEREOPTICON LECTURES. A A course of eight stereopticon lectures will begin on Feb. 9, continuing every Wednesday evening until March 30. full programme will be announced later, but the following speakers have been already secured: Mr. Arthur K. Peck, upon "Our New England Alps;" Miss Minna Eliot Tenney, upon "Picturesque Sicily;" Mr. Lyneham Crocker upon "Egypt and Spain;" Rev. Albert Lazenby, "Scotch Ballads." with Songs. As the course is to be of eight lectures instead of six, tickets will be 35 cents. Single admission, 10 cents, as before. SECOND TOUR AROUND THE The Winkley Guild will take its sec ond tour around the world on Thursday, Jan. 20, 1910. Many new and attractive places will be visited. A visit will be made with Ex-President Roosevelt in the jungle of Africa. It is urged that as many as possible take this interesting and instructive trip. Trains in sections will leave at eight o'clock. Tickets 25c.-to be bought from the president and members of the Guild. The proceeds of the trip will be de voted to the work of the Guild, so we hope there will be a large number of tourists. ITEMS OF INTEREST. The annual teachers meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13, at 7.30 P M. By invitation of Miss Faulkner, the meeting will be at her home. The next Sunday School entertainment will come on Wednesday evening, Jan. 26. The programme will be announced later. The next Church Meeting will be on Thursday, Feb. 3. Supper will be served at 6 o'clock. The devotiona! meeting will begin at 7.30. The Sunday School, by its classes and Lend-a-Hand Clubs, sent several Christmas presents to children of the Children's Mission -a subscription for the Youth's Companion, a set of tools for pounding brass, a large basket of toys and fruit; also flowers to two mothers in the hospital, and a meal ticket for a week to a man out of work. The Sunday School also sent a wreath of asparagus vine for Miss Merrill's picture which hangs in the directors' room. The Winkley Guild has voted to renew this from time to time. Now that there are no children at the Mission to be visited on Christmas morning, as was done for a number of years, the Sunday School and Guild are trying to help in other ways. The Mission has n ore children under its care than ever before, and its needs are greater. It is satisfactory to report, therefore, that the Howard Sunday School weekly collections for this good work since last Easter amounted to $42. It is with sincere regret that we learn of the resignation of Rev. Mr. Fisher, minister of ne Temple Street Methodist Church, to accept the position of associate secretary of the Laymen's Missionary Movement. Mr. Fisher has not only been a faithful minister to his own people, but a good friend and neighbor to all others. He was broad in his sympathies, and truly liberal in spirit. We shall not forget our friendly exchange of pulpits and other courtesies. We wish him great success and joy in his new work, which, as we understand it, is to be interdenominational in character. Mr. Fisher's successor in the church is Rev. Ernest Miller, recently of South Boston. The Waverley Oaks, Waverley, Massachusetts. The picture for this issue of Our Work is kindly lent us by our fellowworkers at the Barnard Memorial, once known as the Warren Street Chapel. We have one special bond of union with this "Children's Church," in the fact that Rev. Charles Barnard, its founder in 1835, was, for a short time previous to that date, one of Dr. Tuckerman's assistants in his ministryat-large. We are glad to claim him as one of our founders, and to recall his services as a pioneer in behalf of a joyous religion and a happy life for the young. Many of us have enjoyed the Barnard Memorial Festivals, still held on Washington's Birthday, at Mechanics' Hall. The Waverley Oaks will remind us of our summer outings and especially of the Eliot Circle picnics. In the September number of the Barnard Memorial paper, we find the following paragraph referring to these famous trees: "The oldest houses and relics in America are of yesterday in comparison with these venerable trees, which some writers have dated back to the visit of Leif Ericson to these shores 900 years ago. One prostrate giant was estimated to have been at least 800 years old when decay and storm laid it low. Although both as to size and age they are inferior to the giant sequoias of California, they are still wonderful trees, which our children should see and remember. |