Dear Journal:—A few weeks before Christmas it was suggested that an offering of love and gratitude be made to the dear Mother, from First Church of Christ, Scientist, Albany, N. Y., which would be sure to please and be accepted by her.
A general invitation to join in the "Christmas present to Mrs. Eddy" was given, and the instant outpourings in response proved the delight with which the opportunity was received. Every man, woman, and child came with their gifts, and the tender words and loving wishes that were expressed as each brought in their mite, were most touching, and proved how sincere was the love to our Mother, when at that particular time or season it meant denying the usual claims of Christmas at home.
We had hoped to place a few books in public places, but the result far exceeded our expectations, for we were enabled to place the following: Science and Health, with all the author's published works to date, and the Journal for a year, also the Granite Monthly, in the New York State Library, in the Young Men's Association Library, and in the Albany Penitentiary. Science and Health, and the Journal for a year have also been placed in the Albany Jail, in the Boston and Albany R. R. Men's Association Library (in East Albany), in the South End Library, and in the R. R. Branch of the Y. M. C. A. Library (West Albany). All of these places received the literature with great kindness, and expressed a willingness to receive future additions. The children were most delighted with the work, and now are trying soon to be able to add "Miscellaneous Writings" to each list.
