A VERY UNUSUAL DINNER—AN OBJECT LESSON FOR
THANKSGIVING DAY

The speaker will bring a basket whose contents are mysteriously covered with a white cloth. Spreading a table-cloth upon the table, let him tell the children that he will set before them a Thanksgiving dinner; a dinner not of things to eat, but a dinner of things that will remind them for what they ought to be thankful,—a genuine Thanksgiving dinner. As he speaks, let him take out the articles one by one.

The first will be, possibly, a cup with nothing in it. But hold! there is something in it. It is full of air, as the children will tell him, and air is one of the commonest blessings, and one that we are most likely to forget to give God thanks for.

Taking out a candle, the speaker will light it and set it on the table. This will remind the children of the blessing of light. A lump of coal will represent the blessing of heat; a beautiful picture, the blessing of sight; a bottle of pills, or a little crutch, will remind them, by the principle of opposites, of their own health, which does not need any such thing. Two photographs, one of a man, the other of a woman, will stand for father and mother, and the dear ones at home. There must be a little coat to remind them of their nice clothes; an apple, to represent their food; a toy house, for their homes; and last,—and best of all, a Bible, to stand for Christ and all that he is to them.

As these articles are brought forth from the basket, they are to be placed upon the table, arranged as for dinner, and at the close the children may gather around the table, while the speaker offers a prayer of thanksgiving. Then let all sing a thanksgiving hymn.