Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1839-01-11
AND GOOD WILL TO MAN"

How many there are among us at this
moment, who scarcely think of Christmas
as the birth day OF Redeemer who never
remember that there is an especial reason
why they should lift up their hearts in
thankfulncss to God, or open their doors
in hospitality to mai. AS a people, we
are not unmindful Of other days ofrejolcing.
Few New Epganders would allow a
thanksgiving to pass without some attempt
at preparation and festivi,y. The New
Year is opened by US with one Of the most
social and friendly customs on earth II
would be deemed an outrage on patriotism
were we to allow the Fourth Of July to
pass without observance and TO forget
the birth day of Washington would be
little less than sacrilege. While we are
ever ready TO lavish praise and thanksgv-
ing for national blessings, can we, as
Christians, refrain from opening the heart
to all tina, is joyful on the anniversary Of
that event, which burst as glorious sun
light, not over one nation and one people,
but alike, over the whole universe; which
sent Holy Being on earth, who was to
renovate and purify our whole natures by
his example and his doctrine; who planted
the seeds Of morality, patience, charity,
and oil the Christian virtues, and who fer
tilted them with his blood, as a blessing
which should remain to US for ever.
By flingug off the shackels of an estab
shed church, and seeking liberty of cons
science in new land, our pilgrim fathers
could in no wise have wished to discourage
the commemoration of day so sacred 10
every Christian heart, as that which gave
birth 10 our Saviour; and how that day
could have sunk into neglect which at pres
cnt exists in this country, we are at loss
to account. Christ was not the Redecmel
of the Catholic or Episcopal church alone
but of all churches and OF all people. The
influence is shed alike on the thronet
monarch, the humble husbandman, and ,ht
sleeping infant; it is universal as the air W,
breathe, sacred as the throne Of heaven
from which it emanates. The day which
gave it to US should be celebrated with
n Joy as universal as Christianity. Here, il
# the western world, where its influence j
c felt as bcneiiclally as on any part of th'
d Globe, i, should be day Of more than com
= mon rejoicing. Our churches, our houses
e and our hearts should al be flung open
It Prayers should ascend from every sacre
# desk and anthems should peal up from ever
d altar dedicated to the Most High. Thl
;. day should be the jubilee of universe
e Every spot where Christianity has ioun
IS room 10 bad and blossom, should be ope
is to sunshine and happiness. The winds
II heaven should be vocal with Thanksgiving
o gathered from the missionary and his con
}. verts in the plains of Africa and Asia, !
e the Atlantic islands, and from the million
IS of enlig hened beings Throughout. Europ
8, and The Americas. 1t is q lofty idea, thu
ls different nations, governments and creed
10 can all if, up their voices in harmony, an
,e give thanks that this is the birthday of
IN Saviour.
i. 1t would be glorious change. if, on III
ID day, every hearhs,one night be mac
II warm by Christmas fire, every parent
b blessed by the gathering of his childrt
sh beneath the family roof-,ree, and if your
~ and old would collect together in the
- dwellings and in the temples of worship
a. give praises and to sing halIeluiahs that
ho Saviour was born unto them. We won
nd see Christmas revived with all the @
,u fashioned warm hearted hospitality Of mer
90 Eng land-Christmas presents, plumb pu
-, dings, misletoe and all, nothing could
~ better Than The custom as it exists beyo
al the sea-