The Home Circle | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 17, 1890

The Home Circle.

STRETCH IT A LITTLE.

TRUDGING along the slippery street, Two childish figures, with aching feet And hands benumbed by the biting cold, Were rudely jostled by young and old, Hurrying homeward at close of day, Over the city's broad highway.

Nobody noticed or seemed to care For the little ragged, shivering pair Nobody saw how close they crept Into the warmth of each gas-jet Which flung abroad its mellowy light From gay shop windows in the night.

"Come under my coat," said little Nell, As tears ran down Joe's cheeks, and fell On her own thin fingers, stiff with cold; "'Tain't very big, but I guess 'twill hold Both you and me, if I only try To stretch it a little. So now don't cry."

The garment was small and tattered and thin, But Joe was lovingly folded in Close to the heart of Nell, who knew That stretching the coat for the needs of two Would double the warmth, and halve the pain Of the cutting wind and the icy rain.

"Stretch it a little," O girls and boys In homes overflowing with comforts and joys! See how far you can make them reach— Your helpful deeds and your loving speech, Your gifts of service and gifts of gold; Let them stretch to the households manifold. —Selected.