.S5 Copy 1 wm^^x ' vv VV^V*W ^cpAp^p^ vuv uuv\ju"WjV v ^y«M LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ■^Mvww,' UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ^^MMR gjvsw v.vwv'q 'vKj^^Sm ftyWM? mmmrn wmsm* t-:'mMW-rt ^V; ft W e^^ii *»8£ \^ v * v v; - - y v ■ # a ^mW^ w vw v v w&, •Wra THE ^ HOLIDAY CONCERT, A COLLECTION OF Dialogues, Recitations, and Concert Exercises, FOR THE USE OF SUNDAY-SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES AND HOLIDAY EXHIBITIONS MRS. M. B. C.'SLADE. CHICAGO : PUBLISHED BY JOHN E. MILLER & CO. K? Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by JOHN E. MILLER & CO., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. J. J. SPALDING & CO., Printers, Chicago. PREFACE. The Sunday - School Concert, or Children's Evening, has become a regularly established institution in nearly all churches of the various denominations. A demand is thus created for such exercises as combine genial, cheerful, and healthful entertainment with useful instruction. It has been our aim, in this little book, to aid in sup- plying this demand. We have also given special attention to the approach- ing holidays and festivals of Christmas and New Year. If our work wins the welcome that it has earnestly sought to deserve, it may be followed by others of sim- ilar character. Mrs. M. B. C. SLADE. Fall River, Mass., Nov., 1ST2. tyht l^olidag tyvnqeyl. A TALK ABOUT PALESTINE. WITH MAP UPON THE BLACKBOARD. BY MINNIE B. SLADE. Leila. Girls, let us talk a little while about Palestine. May. Why about Palestine more than any other country? Leila. Oh, because it is the land where the chosen people of God dwelt, and where the Prophets lived, and where Jesus did his mighty works. Lizzie. Let us have a map of it. Dora, won't you draw one ? Dora. Why won't you draw it yourself ? Lizzie. You draw the outline and I'll put in the Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan. Leila. And I'll locate some towns. May. And I can draw some mountains. (Dora begins to draw.) Ella. Now, while Dora is drawing, let us tell what we know about it. Dora. Let us give its various names. Leila. Canaan, Land of Promise, Land of Jehovah, The Holy Land, Judea, Palestine. Mamie. These are the names of the Land which was promised to Abraham, and where the Children of Israel came after the forty years in the wilderness. Etta. How large is it ? Leila. One hundred and eighty-five miles long and sixty-live THE HOLIDAY CONCERT miles wide. Will some one tell us what one of the United States it compares with in size ? [Let some gentleman in the audience who has been previously requested to do so, say, "It compares in size most nearly with Maryland, though you will see when the map is complete that it is shaped somewhat like New Hampshire.] Leila. Thank you, Mr. , we will remember that. May. Tell us about the trees of Palestine. Lizzie Here is the olive tree that grows upon the Mount of Olives, and the fig tree, with the stately palm ; and Bashan has its oaks, and Lebanon its cedars. Mamie. There the sweet white myrtle blooms, and the purple pomegranate, and the air is sweet with roses, and the bright flow- ers of which our Savior said : All. " Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow ; they toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that even Solo- mon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Nora. There is also the rose of Sharon; and I want to tell you that it is not a rose but a narcissus, exactly like the white flowers that we have in the spring. Remember this when you read : AH. " I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley. 1 ' Dora. {Turning from the board.) I have finished my work. Now while Lizzie draws the Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan, we will talk about the boundaries of Palestine. Nora. What are those mountains near your northern boundary? Dora, {Pointing.) Those are the Lebanon Mountains, where the great cedars of Lebanon grow. May. Now show us the eastern boundary. Dora. [Pointing to the lines.) At first, from the north, it passes along by the Mountains of Hermon and Mountains of Gilead ; lower down the River Arnon and the Dead Sea complete the line. Just about here is where Laban said to Jacob : All. " The Lord be between thee aud me, when we are absent one from another." Dora, And here, near the same place, Jephtha's daughter came out to meet her father with timbrels and dances. Ella, And what is on the south ? Dora. It goes from the end of the South Sea to the River of Egypt. And can any one of you tell me what forms the western line ? Mamie. The Mediterranean, Great, or West Sea. THE H.OL IDA V C O NCE R T. Lizzie. (Turning from the board.) While Leila adds the towns let us talk of the Sea and River. Mamie. As you have drawn them let us hear you describe them. Lizzie. The Jordan begins up here in the north, at the springs of Jordan, among the Lebanon Mountains ; it flows south through a lonely country, and enters the Sea of Galilee on the north and leaves it on the south, flowing onward to the Dead Sea. Ella. I have heard that the waters of the Jordan remain a clear stream, not mingling with the Sea in all its course. Nora. Can you show us where Jesus came to be baptized by John in Jordan ? Lizzie. We are not sure, but Bethabara was probabby here, a little to the north of Joshua's Passage. Nora. What was Joshua's Passage ? May. I will answer you in Scripture words : " Israel came over Jordan on dry land, for the Lord, your God, dried up the waters of Jordan from before you until ye were passed over." Lizzie, Mr. Blaisdell, may the school sing one verse of " Roll, Jordan Roll," on the 44th page of " Bright Jewels" ? (After Singing.) Mamie. And now let us talk about the Sea. How large is it ? Nora. It is ten or twelve miles long. Lizzie. What are some of the words of Jesus at the sea ? Ella. He said upon the shore : " Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." He said upon the sea, to the stormy waves: "Peace, be still." Leila. (Turning from the board.) Now, May, while you are plac- ing some mountains, I will point out my towns. Please name them. ( Poin ts to north-east shore. ) Nora. That is one of the Bethsaidas, and Chorazim was near here. (Paints to north-west shore.) Bora, That is Capernaum. (PoinU to south-west shore, ) Ella, That is the other Bethsaida. Leila. And what are these ? Lizzie. Tyre on the north, and Sidon on the south. Mamie. Let me recite what Jesus said of these cities : ''Thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shall be brought down to hell : Wo, unto thee, Chorazim, wo, unto thee, Bethsaida ; for THE II OLID A Y C A' CERT. if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which have been done in } r ou, thej^ had a great while ago repented." Leila. I point now to Jerusalem, of which Jesus said, ''Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets, how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gather- eth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not." And this ? Dora. Is Nazareth, where Jesus was in childhood " subject to his parents. " Leila. And this ? Nam. Bethlehem, where the angels sang "When Jesus was born in Bethleliem of Judea." Mamie. I wish you could point out just where Jesus said, " Suf- fer little children to come unto Me." Lizzie. It is enough for us to know that He said the dear words. I think I would rather feel that He is saying them everywhere. Mr. Blaisdell, may the school sing one verse of ' ' Come Little One," on the 40th page of "Bright Jewels"? {After Singing. ) May. {Turning from the board.) I am ready now to point out the mountains. These are ? Leila. The Mountains of Lebanon, where the great cedars grow. May. And this ? Lizzie. That is Carmel, the only great promontory on the western coast. What prophets loved to come here ? Mamie. It was here that Elijah prayed for rain, till his servant said, " There cometh a little cloud out of the sea like a man's hand." Dora. I never thought of that before as being from the Medi- terranean Sea. Nora. I suppose the more we search the Scriptures the more things we shall find that we " never thought of before." Ella. Didn 't Elisha also come often to Mt. Carmel ? Mamie. Yes, Elisha was here when the Shunamite woman came to tell him of her dead child. When he said, " Is it well with the child ?" and she answered, " It is well." May. {Pointing.) And this is ? Lizzie. That is Mt, Tabor, where Barak and Deborah overthrew the army of Sisera. Mamie. But we must not linger longer around the Holy Land, though we would gladly tell — THE HOLIDAY CO N CE R T. How Bethlehem and Nazareth, And sweet Siloam's Spring, And Kedron and Gennemreth Their sacred lessons bring : To Bethany would turn our way, Where Jesus Martha met ; Or go where oft He went to pray By night, on Olivet; But He who made it holy there, Doth to our spirits tell, The Holy Land is everywhere Where God with man doth dwell : And this shall be our willing choice, Whatever land we see, His path to tread whose loving voice, Calls, come and follow Me. [After this let the school sing " Following Jesus. " (pages 10 and 11) from " Starry Crown," by W. O. Perkins. Published by G. O. Russell & Co., Boston, Mass.] OUR TEACHER, GONE HOME. BY MARY B. C. SLADE. She dwelt so near her heavenly home, No clarion call she needed ; Death's angel only whispered, " Come ! " And glad her spirit heeded. So like an angel was she here. This side the pearly portals, That we shall surely know her there, Among the bright immortals. Oh, Father, help us loose our hold, Our yearning hearts' affection ; And trust her, in Thine upper fold, To Thy dear love's protection ! 10 THE HOLIDAY CONCERT foLLOwiNq jisiis. Words by M. B. C. Slade. m^ &=** -i-v— al- i. Come hith - er, lit - tie child - ren, Oh, will 2. His foot-prints bright and shin - ing, the way 3- 4- 5- The sick and weak, and fee - ble, the lame, The way is ver - y nar - row, the path So through all paths of du - ty, and do you will and is in • JL 'jL- m heavenly way to show? Je - sus used to go. al - ways sure to find, find the pearl - y gate, by and by, shall go, 4 > j 9 r 9 Un - til life's jour - ney's The poor are al - ways Oh ! swift to help the The gold - en street it To dwell with him for - THE HO LI DA Y C ONCER T. 11 p@LL©wt fiq jisils* — concluded. K end - ed, and — r^ t 1^1- all its work is done. Oh ! will you fol - low with us, Their doors we can-not shun, If we would fol - low suff 'ring, your lit - tie feet must run. If you w T ould fol - low en-ters when here our journey's done, Where we shall walk with ev - er, the best be - lov - ed Son ; If you will fol - low Je - Je- Je - Je - Je - sus sus sus sus sus the meek and the meek and the meek and the meek and the meek and low - ly low - ly low - ly low - ly low - ly one t one ? one ? one ? Oh ! will you If we would If you would Where we shall If you will -# *■"* t f- /> « l ^ p^g, g|N IL ; 1 a — J L> — d — * *-^ e ! i fol - low Je - sus, the meek and low fol - low, &c. fol - low, &c. walk with, &c. fol - low, &c. 12 THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. FORBID THEM NOT. RECITATION FOR A LITTLE BOY. BY MARY B. C. SL.ADE. Sometimes when father comes. My mother sa} r s to me, v ' Father is very tired to-night, Do n't climb upon his knee." Then father spreads his arms As wide as thej r can go, And takes me up and blesses me. Because he loves me so. I think that 's just the way, And just the reason why That Jesus used these words to say. Of children such as I : " Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not." 41 And He took them up in His arms, put His hand upon them, and blessed them." — Mark, ix: 14, 16. AVE WOULD SEE JESUS. BY MARY B. C. SLADE. First Sch. We would see Jesus, the wonderful child ; Second Sch. Go find Him with Mary, His mother so mild. In the manger of Bethlehem. jn Concert. Luke, ii: 16. Third Sch. And we would see Jesus, the beautiful son ; Fourth Sch. To Nazareth hills with His parents He's gone To be subject there unto them. In Concert. Luke, Hi: 51. Fifth Sch. Oh, we we would see Jesus, to manhood now grown Sixth Sch. Then come to the desert, where fasting and lone. From temptation He turns away. In Concert. Luke, iv: 12. Seventh Sch. And we would see Jesus, physician so kind ; THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. Eighth Sclt. Then go where the lame, and the halt, and the blind, Down before Him the people lay. In Concert. Matt, ix: 85. Ninth Sch. Oh, we would see Jesus, where us He may teach ; Tenth Sell. Then enter the synagogue, there will He preach, Of the Gospel of Love will tell. In Concert. Luke, iv: 16. First Sch. And we would see Jesus in some loving home ; Second Sch. To Bethany, then, at the eventide come, Where Martha and Mary dwell. In Concert. Luke, x: 38, 89. Third Sch. Oh, we would see Jesus, again and once more ; Fourth Sch. To Olivet come, when the supper is o'er, Where He often to pray would go. In Concert. Matt, xxvi: 30. Fifth Sch. And we would see Jesus when all these are past ; Sixth Sch. Then come unto Calvary, with Him at last, Where he dies on the Cross of wo ! In Concert. Luke, xxiii: 33. Seventh Sch. And shall we see Jesus again, by and by ? Eighth Sch. Oh, yes, if to walk in His footsteps we try, We shall go to the Lord we love. In Concert. Luke, xiv: 3. Ninth Sch. And say, will He see us and show us His face ? Tenth Sch. Oh, yes ! He has gone to prepare us a place In the house of our Father above. In Concert. Luke, xiv: 2. A CHAIN OF CHARACTERS, BY MINNIE B. SLADE. May. Girls, do you remember a play we once had ? We gave a name of a place, as Boston ; and then some one else gave the name of another, beginning with the last letter, N, as Aewport. Let us try it with Scripture characters. Ltt !> i"\ p X. J ' J 1 1 ' *• & d I j J J J I rrTi € * * J ! \S\) a m * g mr car - ols of joy ^L jfL JL #. we sing ; The bells in our hearts play a ■f- H*-^ #- |f- ■&- ■*- -e- ■»- ■#- C\ * I ! » • 2 ^ L* ^ 1 — -V- -N- $ joy - ful chime, As ju - bi - lant church-bells ring: And m +■ *- M. *. 3£ * | — jg^rig- 1 n * ^**» d y rr « P h i 1 iL 1 m fi » m -i-%- -J— — s- — s=j i rT> r » <* 2 9 \MJ b ' 1 so Ips-# K~ V the K- dear K- 1/ sto - K- ry — s- we tell a - new, And i 9i? * J — — — # — — — 0. — o — — -bH " ■]/ — — ^ — __./ — -U- — / I _^_ k 1 THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. 41 TtfE Bii^fEj ©p Jssds — concluded. 'm m^mmm^^s m m sing as the an-gels sang, When down from the heights of the JL #. #. rfc^taM: ^-f-^- £^ n # h. w r ^A^$ — i s 1- k— - -p- — p- — h- — «?■ — &— — bH — : 'fm $ • • * - ~"^ _ ~i~ ~~* — i -1 " 0=i=" V- ; » ^ * e _ @_ & £> _ i^ 1 heav'n - ly blue, CVg k ! T— The car - ols 4L of Chris t-mas 1 | jj rang. ^ ! C 1= ^ / w — 4-H5- 4c- — W — -V 1 — — »— -^-i CHORUS. ^_^ K- >jfc?t—0- f—f- v — 0--0 g — — # — P P~ ^T^ % . * & v \/ * r & @ ' # Come, ser - U 1 — ! ' aph choir, and sing with us i a - gain \c\°r f ' p j» # » • • # f d o |l7 tf i — [^ ^ _J^_ i " — 'v 'j i ~~-^\ § s— *- s The son< ;t£— p- ^r -5-P- of peace on earth, good will to men. f±r 42 THE HOLIDAY CONCERT, CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME BY MINNIE B. SLADE. CHARACTERS : Fatheb. Santa Clacs. Mother. Children — Nannie and Ned. Salesman. Servant. costumes : Children — Night-dresses. Santa Claus—Co-dt trimmed with fur, fur hat, large bag, filled with toys, on his back. For the others — Ordinary dress. Scene. I. A toy and confectionery store, with shopman behind counter; various toys on the counter and floor. Enter, father and mother, who look around at toys. They seem to ask to see others. Shopman shows a large doll. They ask price; shake their heads, seeming to say, "too high"; question it. Shopman shows a smaller one; suits better. They buy it, and other toys. Father counts out the money ; waits for change. As he turns, sees rock- ing-horse and drum; touches the latter; mother raises her hands, shakes her head, puts hands to ears; father insists, and buys it. Then buys oranges, candy, etc. ; pays again, and they pass out, salesman bowing and promising to send things. Scene II. A sitting-room. Bell rings. In a moment servant enters, and brings rocking-horse, drum, doll, and large toys, with various bundles; leaves them on the table and floor. Santa Claus appears at the door; looks in; sees no one; comes and carefully takes things and hides them outside, and disappears. Parents en- ter; seem amazed. Mother calls servant; asks where the toys are. Servant does n't know. Father accuses her of having taken them. She denies. Father and mother still perplexed. Curtain falls. Scene III. Chamber with fire-place, in which burns a wood fire. This can be easily mads by simply painting a fire-place on a, THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. 43 pcvper fire-board. Arrange so that Santa Claus can, without its be- ing noticeable, move it aside enough to come in between it and the curtain forming the back of the room. As the curtain rises, the little children are sitting on the floor before the fire, talking busily ; their clothes on chairs near by. They ask, " Where is Santa Claus?" apparently calling up the chimney to him. They run to the chairs and get each a stocking; hold it up; find it too small. Ned finds a hole in his; shakes his head; shows it to Nannie. She starts, and seems to tell him that she will get a better one; runs out and re- turns with two very large blue yarn stockings. They laugh, but as they go to hang them up, seem to question as to how Santa Claus can tell them apart. Run to table and write their names, which they pin on the tops, "and then hang a stocking on each side of fire- place. Get into bed. Then, in a moment, Santa Claus puts his head in at the fire-place, making a slight noise, which wakes the children, who jump up and look at him; and then, as he goes back, look in their stockings; but finding nothing, seeming very disap- pointed, go back to bed. Santa Claus returns, and this time comes in; goes to the bed, sees children asleep, and then fills stockings, commenting, apparently, at each article. He drums a noiseless march, and puts the sticks in, and drum under stocking; blows the trumpet, and at the sound, starts, and turns to the bed to see if he has waked the children; turns back to his toys; seems to rock the doll in his arms, and puts her head-first into Ned's stocking; finds his mistake, and corrects it; puts cradle under stocking, and then piles in and around the stockings bundles, smaller toys, oranges, candy, and the like. Starts to go up the chimney, and, seeming to have just remembered, goes to door, and carefully draw T s in a rocking-horse, which he leaves by the bed-side. Then standing by the children, he seems to shout, " Merry Christmas! " to them, and turns, and disappears up chimney, and rides off in his sleigh. The bells ringing loudly, wake the children, who run to the stockings, exclaiming at each article, drumming, blowing trumpet, trying on mittens, rocking doll in cradle, eating candy, rocking on horse, and having general merriment. They seem to shout, "Thank you! " to Santa Claus, up the chimney, and while their play continues, curtain falls. 44 THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. CHRISTMAS GIFTS — OR, WHAT WE DO AT OUR HOUSE. FOE FOUR LITTLE GIRLS. BY MARY B. C. SLADE. First Girl. What do you do at your house, wkeu Christmas eve is nigh ? Second Girl. We stretch a line at the chimney-side, And mother sees it is strongly tied; Then, hang our stockings, and go to bed. And just as soon as our prayer is said, We wonder and guess, till asleep we fall, What Santa Claus has for one and all. Then, long before daylight, we haste to pull From the line by the chimney oar stockings full. And that's what we do at our house. What do you do at your house when Christmas eve is nigh? Third Girl. We have in the parlor a Christmas tree; And each has his own little mystery In hanging upon the branches green His gifts for the others, by them unseen. Then mother goes in, the candles to light, And everything is so gay and bright, That you ought to be there, our joy to see, When we have our gifts from the Christmas tree; And that 's what we do at our house. What do you do at your house when Christmas eve is nigh ? Fourth Girl. We hear in the evening a rousing ring; We hurry the door to open fling; And, sure as you live, with his long white hair, And his jolly red face, Santa Claus is there! He opens his pack, and, with laugh and shout, We take the presents he tosses about. Then he 's off; but just after his visit is o 'er, Uncle John comes in at the other door! And that's what we do at our house. What do you do at your house when Christmas eve is nigh? THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. 45 First Girl. We, too, kang our stockings; but motker says, One tking we must do — all Ckristmas days — Just as sure as they come, just as long as we live; Some gifts to the poor we must always give. So a basket she fills, on Christmas eve, And tells us just where our gifts to leave. Would you know how the best time at Christmas is found? Help Santa Claus carry his basket around; For tkat 's wkat we do at our kouse. WELCOME. BY THE VERY SMALLEST BOY. Bowing. I 'm going to speak tke welcome : all you men and boys, I 'm very glad you 've come ; but you must n't make any noise ! Tkey told me to make a bow, and not be afraid of the men. Who' 's afraid/ I 've made it once, now I '11 make it again! Bows, and runs off the stage. A very little girl runs on. He did n't welcome tke ladies ! Wkat a funny fellow ! — Pointing to audience. Ok, wkat a pretty bonnet, trimmed witk blue and yellow ! But you must n't be looking 'round ; look right straight at me ! Ladies and girls, you are welcome — just as welcome as can be ! And the men and boys are welcome, just as much, and just the same ; I hope every one of you, when you go home, will say you are glad you came ! 46 THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. A CHRISTMAS DIALOGUE. FOR SEVEN LITTLE GIRLS. BY M. B. C. SLADE. Mary. I Ve been thinking, little sisters, if a heathen child should be Hither brought from some lone islet in the far-off southern sea, And should ask why summer garlands deck our house this wintry day, Why we seem so glad and happy, Annie dear, what would you say ? Annie. I would tell the lovely story of the Babe of Bethlehem ; How they laid Him in the manger, when by night He came to them ; I would tell how Mary dressed Him, and, with soft and fragrant hay, I think the manger-bed she made, where baby Jesus lay. Fanny. I would tell that gentle shepherds, watching o'er their flocks by night, Saw, suddenly around them, the shining glory-light, And heard the angel's tidings about a Savior's birth, And then the heavenly chorus, " Good will and peace on earth." Berne. I 'd tell the wondrous story about the guiding-star, That led the holy wise men from eastern lands afar, Until they found sweet Mary, and Jesus-child with her, And gave Him precious presents — gold, frankincense and myrrh. Carrie. Then I would tell how Jesus, this little, blessed child, Grew up to perfect manhood, holy, pure, and undefiled -, How, living, serving, dying, Himself for us He gave — He loved us so he lived and died, our souls from sin to save. Nettie. Then to the little heathen child I think that I would say, " Don't you think that we have shown you why we love the Christmas day ? THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. 47 Do n't you see we must be nappy, and our happy gladness show, Upon the birthday of the One who blessed and loved us so ?" Susie. And then we all would promise the heathen child that we Would send the knowledge of His love to islands of the sea. Till all the world shall Christmas keep, rejoicing for His birth, At which the shining angels sang, " Good will and peace on earth." From "Pure Diamonds." By permission. CAST YOUR NETS ON THE OTHER SIDE RECITE JOHN, XXI: 3-6. BY MARY B. C. SLADE. Seven fishers went out by night at sea, In a ship on the waves of Galilee; In vain they toiled till the night was o'er, Then Jesus stood on the shining shore; Across the sound of the sea he cried : " Cast your nets on the other side!" — The other side, the other side ! Ye shall fill your nets on the other side ! Not one of the seven said, " Why, Oh, Lord ?" For they loved to obey the Master's word. They cast, therefore, and behold they saw Their nets more full than their hands could draw ! They then rejoiced that the dear Lord cried, ' ' Cast your nets on the other side ! " — The other side, the other side! Ye shall fill your nets on the other side! Ye fishers who go as fishers of men, Casting over your nets all night in vain, The long dark hours have ye toiled within The tossing waves of a sea of sin! 48 THE HOLIDAY CONCERT, Your Master calls at the morning tide, " Cast your nets on the other side ! "— The other side, the other side! Ye shall fill your nets on the other side ! O, brothers! be glad, and strong in the faith; Ye are fishers of men, the Master saith; And grow not faint, though the toil seem vain, But cast your nets to the right again. The dear Lord's voice in j^our heart shall guide; " Cast your nets on the other side! "— - . The other side, the other side! Ye shall fill your nets on the other side ! [The above may be found, with music by Emilins Laroche, in J. R. Murray's Pure Diamonds," published by Brainard's Sons, Cleveland, Ohio.] SIX "BETHS." A RECITATION FOR SEVEN LITTLE GIRLS. BY M. B. C. SLADE. First Girl. What Scripture names have you all learned well ? Six in Concert. Names begining with Beth, we show.. First Girl. What does that mean, can you all now tell? Six Girls. The house of, or place of — that we know. Second Girl. Bethel is the place where Jacob dreamed Of the beautiful ladder; where angels seemed To ascend and descend from the skies; — said he, " This place is the House of God, for me! " Jacob said, " This is none other but the house of God." * * * "And he called the name of that place Bethel." — Gen. xxviii: 17, 19. Third Girl. The place of dates, where grew the palm, Was Bethany, quiet, peaceful, calm. Where often, at eventide, Jesus loved best With Lazarus, Martha and Mary to rest. "And now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve." — Mark, xi: 11. THE HOLIDAY CO N CE R T. 49 Fourth Girl. Place of mercy, Bethesda, the sweet, tender name Of the waters where Jesus once raised up the lame. No need for an angel, the waters to move, When Jesus drew nigh, full of pity and love. " There is at Jerusalem a pool which is called, in the Hebrew tongue, Bethesda, having five porches." — John, v: 2. Fifth Girl. Bethphage, the place of figs, my place once meant, Where Jesus remained, and his two servants sent. Saying, ' ' Go to the village, a colt 3^011 shall see Whereon never man sat; loose him, bring him to me." ''And it came to pass when he was come nigh unto Bethphage * * * he sent two of his disciples, saying, * * * ye shall find a colt whereon never man sat; loose him and bring him to me." — Luke, xix: 29, 30. Sixth Girl. My place is Bethabara, place of the ford, Where John came preparing the way of the Lord ; Where he was baptizing, when Pharisees came To ask him, ' 'Who art thou, and what is thy name ? " " These things were done in Bethabara, beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing." — John, i: 28. Seventh Girl My Beth is the dearest and best of them, For The House of Bread, it is Bethlehem, Where Jesus was born, when the angels of light Sang to shepherds that watched their flocks by night. "And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said, one to another, Let us go, even now, unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass. " — Luke, ii: 18. First Girl. Now, can you repeat these names with me, And remember the meaning of them? Six in Concert. Bethel, Bethany, Bethabara, Bethphage, Bethesda, and Bethlehem. 50 THE HO LI DA Y C O N C E A> T. THE OBEDIENCE OF JESUS BY MARY B. C. SLADE. The dearest picture of our Lord Is where the Scripture sailh, He subject was to Mary's word. In lowly Nazareth. The grace of God was on Him when He strong in spirit grew ; Yet He obeyed His parents, then, Was subject them unto. They found Him at Jerusalem, Among the doctors wise. Both questioning and giving them Astonishing replies. His Father's business He knows, His work He has begun ; Yet down to Nazareth He goes, A faithful, subject Son. Oh, young child Jesus, wise and strong, And full of God's dear grace, From Thee I learn what ways belong To childhood's time and place. This picture will I keep of Thee, The word the Scripture saith, And subject to my parents be, As Thou, at Nazareth. THE CAKE OF JESUS BY MARY B. C. SLADE. Upon the cruel cross of woe, Hung Jesus, crucified! His weeping mother, down below, Stood close the cross beside. THE HOLIDAY CONCEPT. 51 The waves of anguish o'er Him roll, Her Babe, her Son, her Lord ; ..... And Mary's silent, suffering soul. Is pierced with sorrow's sword. And that disciple, he could see. The best-beloved one ; ' Behold thy mother ! " then said he ; 4 ' Woman, behold thy Son ! " And from that hour, to his own home, .... . He who on Jesus' breast ; Was wont to lean, bade Mary come, And in its shelter rest, O, love divine, that, stooping down From crucifixion's woe, Could kindly care for these, His own. Because He loved them so. May we, in sorrow, pain, or loss, For others' good provide, As for Thy mother, at the cross, Didst Thou, the crucified. GLIMPSES OF JESUS. BY M. B. C. SLADE. I- First Voice. Who is this upon Nazareth's hills, Gathering lilies that grow by the rills ? All, Jesus of Nazareth ; from Jerusalem He came with his parents — was subject unto them. II. Second Voice.. Who is this in the Bethany home. Where He so tenderly loved to come ? All. Jesus of Nazareth. Low at His feet Mary is learning her lessons sweet. 52 THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. III. Third Voice. Who is this, where the waters cool, Gleam as they flow from Siloam's pool ? All. Jesus of Nazareth, tender, kind, Stands by Siloam and heals the blind. IV. Fourth Voice. Who is this, in the eventide, Walking up slowly o'er Olive's side ? All. Jesus of Nazareth goes that way : Thither he comes by night to pray. Fifth Voice. Who is this, by the blue sea's shore, Watching the waves when the night is o'er AH. Jesus of Nazareth ; it is He, Waiting His fisher friends to see. VI. Sixth Voice. Who has come, at the ruler's cries. Bidding his little daughter rise ? AU. Jesus of Nazareth ; and he said, " Maiden, arise ! " " She is not dead ! " VII. Seventh Voice. Who is this, when the mothers press Near Him, that He their babes may bless ? AU. Jesus of Nazareth ; kindly He Says, "Let the little ones come to me." VIII. Eighth Voice. Sweetly our glimpses of Jesus fall ; This is the dearest one of all. AU. Jesus of Nazareth, let me be One of the children blessed by Thee. THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. 53 WHAT DECEMBER SAYS. A CHRISTMAS RECITATION. BY MARY B. C. SLADE. Open your hearts, ere I arn flown, And hear my old, old story ; For I am the month that first looked down On the beautiful Babe of glory. You never must call me lone and drear, Because no birds are singing; Open your hearts and you shall hear The song of the angels ringing. Open your hearts and hear the feet Of the star led wise men olden; Bring out your treasures of incense sweet; Lay down your offerings golden. You say you look, but you see no sight Of the wonderful Babe I'm telling; You say they have carried Him off by night, From Bethlehem's lowly dwelling. Open your hearts, and seek the door, Where the alway-poor are staying. For this is the story, forevermore, The Master's voice is saying: Inasmuch as ye do it unto them, The poor, the weak, and the stranger. Ye do it to Jesus of Bethlehem, The Babe of the star-lit manger. A LITTLE SERMON, FOR A LITTLE BOY. BY MARY B. C. SLADE. I 'm but a little fellow, to stand up here and preach. My sermon is to teachers, who little children teach; Habbakuk ii: 2, my subject will contain. Make it flaest : " that is my text ; Make it plain; make it ■plain, 54 T H /■! HO LI DA Y C A ' C K R T. Firstly: Small boys and girls do n't know very much ; When you teach the Scripture, make it plain to such. Secondly: I will illustrate, just as the preachers do, By telling you an anecdote — my hearers, it is true: A very little girl, in Sunday school had learned The story that Lot's wife to a pillar of salt was turned. Now what a pillar was, this child she did not know ; And in her little mind she thought 't was a pillow ! So she gravely asked, one day (and it was not her fault), If Lot's wife, in the resurrection, would rise a bag of salt ! Thirdly : If that child's teacher had shown what pillars were, Do n't you see it had been easy to make it plain to her? Fourthly, and last, in closing, I'll give my text again: Habbakuk ii: 2. Make it plain; make it plain. A LITTLE THING. BY MARY B. C. SLADE. Once, in Judea's holy earth, A sapling sprang : its humble birth Was meek and low : It grew not on Proud Lebanon, But where sweet Kedron's pleasant waters flow. Spring's mild, soft showers, and summer's heat, Nursed the young plant ; and at its feet An offering Bright Kedron threw ; And so it grew A stately tree — that very little thing. Oh, sad the change, and hard to tell, That o'er the tree of beauty fell ; Struck to the ground, Its branches wide Kissed Kedron's side, .And chill winds swept its withered leaves around. THE HO LI DA Y C O iV C E A J T. So, low it lay, the passers by Gazed on it with a pitying eye, And mourned its loss. Oh, should those eyes Behold it rise, That fallen tree, a suffering Savior's cross ! A little thing they called it, when It budded first ; oh, shall we, then. Mere trifles call Life's little things, When time thus brings The Greatest ends from such beginnings small THE PARABLE OF THE TREES. SCRIPTURE RECITATION. The trees went forth, on a time, to anoint a King over them ; and they said unto the olive tree, " Reign thou over us." But the olive tree said unto them, " Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honor God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees ? " And the trees said to the tig tree, k ' Come thou, and reign over us." But the fig tree said unto them, " Should I forsake my sweetness and good fruits, and go to be promoted over the trees ? " Then said the trees unto the vine, " Come thou and reign over us." And the vine said unto them, " Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees ? " Then said all the trees unto the bramble, " Come thou and reign over us." And the bramble said unto the trees, ' ' If in truth ye anoint me King over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow r ; and if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon." 56 THE HOLIDAY CONCERT. AT THE CHRISTMAS TREE RECITATION FOR BOY OR GIRL BY MARY B. C. SLADE. Some love the oak tree, tall and strong ; The willow, bending down ; The elm, with graceful branches long ; The pine, with sweet, sad song ; The cherry tree, whose petals white Fall soft as summer's snow ; The apple tree, with blossoms bright, And fruit of golden glow r . But this strange tree, our favorite, Through one glad hour shall be ; For love's dear blossoms cover it — It is our Christmas tree. Around the tree we stand to-night, And joyfully declare, Some lovely fruit, or blossoms bright, For each, its branches bear. His sun and rain our Father lends To deck the forest trees; His love in human hearts he sends To make such bloom as these. So, while we bless these hands of love That Christmas gifts bestow, We '11 thank the tender Heart above, Whence all our blessings flow. ITE ^alitlaii fannqtrt, A COLLECT!' >\ lialigMI, |gdUtirai asA f unit | FOR THE USE OF Vmdau-school ^nmcersaries and jhoLtclan fdjibtttous, Mrs. JVT. B. C. SLADE. CHICAGO: Published by John E. Miller & Co. 1873- %» W E LlTTIE COEPORAL. Hu gilttstpated Maia^iae FOE BOYS AND GIELS. Thp: Little Corporal is now in its eighth year of pub- lication, and has from its beginning been distinguished for the purity and originality of its literary contents, and the beauty and excellence of its pictorial illustrations. The serial stories for next year will be a continuation of " Uncle Dick's Legacy," by Emily Huntington Miller ; " Hidden Treasfkes," by Mary A. Dennison, and a new story by Helen C. Weeks; besides a variety of shorter Stories, Poetry, articles on Scientific Topics, Natural History, letters of Travel, Home Amusements, etc. All new subscribers for next year will receive the remaining numbers of this year free. Two beautiful Chromos — er % fornigg ? » «* given to every subscriber. Chromos sent promptly. Terms, $ 1 .50 a year, including the chromos, un- mounted, sent postpaid for 10 cents extra ; Mounted, sized and varnished, ready for framing, 25 cents extra ; in clubs of five or more 15 cents extra. Specimen numbers with Premium List, Free. Address, JOHN E. M1LLEB, Pub., CHICAGO, ILL. sigsixv^sst;^,^ mtmwmmmm mmmwm&z ^m* }J£M v y ".:v v \A/ ,v^^; v w^Mm^Jb Ajbhuvywuv/ ^«W*^ i.^r.. Tv,r v V\ .www, wfe il^^^p^K m^mmm^ wlvSWUn 4Mjuu * vv - v ^ ■' fiKSsw^ ^\ IV iVljl , a /LA a V» ^ ^ z _ ^ J V N^ . \_y v> , ^ \, y s^ ** si 11® j. v ■•■■ d^M^ ywsw^wvKrvi TO^s m^mm?\ vW : i iUt: wmm Vwv wm^^ wzmsffim sm&s^M »6&m |^|^ ^:*w 'gWv ^w^v^w wvw^j „ V ^*W^- -rv;.Wvvwv^W"v v Wi ^ v :6^y tyttd^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS >] II II Ml III II II II I III II 021 100 623 7