CHRISTMAS IN AFRICA. 
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89 
happy as happy could be. One thing* caught my 
attention at once. It took two men to carry the 
gifts of rods and wires (native money) given to 
them by the people. These were strung across a 
bamboo stick, the ends of which rested on the men's 
shoulders. I quite expected the full amount would 
be given to the Mission funds. But they thought 
otherwise. I waited for a day or two, and as it 
never came I made some enquiries. What do you 
think ? They had used the money to buy goats and 
yams and made themselves a great feast. The next 
time we had a meeting at which they were present, 
I showed them how they had missed the true spirit 
of true Christmas celebrations, which never ex- 
presses itself in selfishness, but in making others 
glad. They were very sorry, and said it should 
never happen again. Another Christmas day I 
spent at the same town was a wonderful day in- 
deed. These very folks for several months had 
given small sums regularly to buy a church bell. 
The one in use was small and cracked. When they 
got several pounds I sent the order off to England 
for a large new brass one. And it arrived on 
Christmas morning ! Everybody soon knew and 
made a journey to the mission-house to see, hear, 
and admire ! But they saw more than they ex- 
pected. For with the same steamer had come a 
splendid present for our church from a dear friend 
of mine, the late Richard Sizer, of Hull. It was a 
beautiful harmonium. And when I played a tune 
on it they all said in chorus, It is fine too much." 
Then you may guess how extra glad we w^ere when 
I tell you that our letters from hdme and loved 
ones arrived at the same time, for it is not often 
