In the time past I have joined the ungrateful custom of spending Christmas day in worldly gayeties. Thus I have helped to make the anniversary of the birth of Christ a day of feasting and fun. But surely to spend this day in carnal joys is very sinful. We should rather commemorate our Saviour's birthday by spiritual joys, in praise and thanksgiving to God. This has been very plain to me since I have felt the fear and love of God in my heart; and for years I have enjoyed trying to so spend this day.

The 25th of December last was a happy Christmas day to our church at home. Though our pastor was absent, we went to the house of the Lord and tried to worship God; and in doing so we felt His humbling love and grace in our hearts. We believe it is our duty occasionally or statedly to publicly read from the word of truth, to sing and pray with and for one another, and tell of our experience of grace, or of our trials and: sweet deliverences by the way. When we have thus engaged in prayer meeting or other spiritual worship, we have found that "God was in the place"--we have felt His joyous and comforting presence in our midst. When one obeys he is blessed in the deed' and when the church obeys she is blessed in the deed.

Brethren, let us as individuals and as the church of Christ, pray God to show us our duty; and give us grace to search the Scriptures, to obey Jesus and sup with Him.

Praise the Lord for salvation through the imputed obedience of Jesus Christ. Beloved, when you sup with Jesus, remember me.

Yours in bonds,

Sparta, Tex.          M.D. DENMAN.