Part 162 (1/2)

THE FORERUNNER

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE

BY

CHARLOTTE PERKINS GILMAN AUTHOR, OWNER & PUBLISHER

1.00 A YEAR .10 A COPY

Volume 1. No. 14 DECEMBER, 1910 Copyright for 1910 C. P. Gilman

You can't give what you haven't got.

The best gifts are love and wisdom, courage and power.

Lay in some!

IN AS MUCH

The Christian arose upon Christmas Day And solemnly cleared his score: He called on the sick, to the needy gave alms, And entered the prison door.

He lent to his friends, gave away his old coat Was never by sinners enticed, And handed the man who complained of a throat A cup of cold water--iced.

He bestowed on a newsboy a new pair of shoes, And quoted in pious glee: ”In as much as ye've done it to one of these least Ye have done it unto me.”

That night he dreamed upon judgment Day: Men's hearts were all in their throats; To his pained surprise he was hustled away And herded among the goats!

”Oh Lord,” he cried, ”there is some mistake, I have always remembered Thee!”

But the world's neglected children rose And gazed reproachfully.

And a voice replied, ”Thy punishment take; Thy duty thou didst not see!

In as much as ye have NOT done it to ONE Ye have NOT done it unto me.”

A WORD IN SEASON

”Children pick up words like pigeons peas, And utter them again as G.o.d shall please.”

When Grandma came to the breakfast table with her sour little smile and her peremptory ”Good morning,” every one said ”good morning” as politely and pleasantly as they could, but they didn't say very much else. They attempted bravely.

”A fine morning, Mother,” Papa observed, but she only answered ”Too cold.”

”Did you sleep well, Mother?” ventured Mama; and the reply to that was, ”No, I never do!”

Then Uncle John tried--he always tried once.

”Have you heard of our new machine, Mrs. Grey? We've got one now that'll catch anything in a room--don't have to talk right into it.”