Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-02-03
SzInlout5's Department.
From the Daily Times.
Christmas among Christians.
By IsvIsInLr eREEN. ssa.

bIlSnt BioNeu the coal IN the CRATE OF
Mr.. Goodly's perlor last Christmas eve-
ming. The Christian holiday wa5 about
closing, and As had been his custom for
years. Mr.. GoodIy had gathered his fam
lily around the cheerful fire to review the
events Of the day. Mr.. Goodly was a
.pious man and unlike too many Of his
neighbors, properly appreciated this sa-
cred anniversary. He believed II to be
Of all others, day when the Christian
should rejoice in the goodness Of his Ma
ker, and manifest his-thanklulness by
doing all in his power 70 make those
around him happy. Consequently,
Christmas was always joyous at his home
and he aud his kind wife and their affec-
Tomato children hailed II with anticipa-
ted pleasure.
The morning had scarce dawned ere
Mr.. Goodly aud his wife, were awakened
BY the merry pratte OF their smaller
children. They raised their heads aud
listened. The little ones, as soon as
sleep had iorsaken their eyes, had slip
ped down stairs 20 see II Santa Claus
had visited them during the night Now
whistle wac sounded, then drum beat,
adolf covered with exstatIc kisses, books
clntched with joyous gloe. as each was
taken from the little stocking hanging
by the frcside. The stockings empty,
brisk but son footsteps were heard upon
tie stairway, and the little ones came
rushing into their parents chamber
Need tell how the hearts Of those par
ents rcioiced "a the little innocents
spread, with stammering language. the
gifts OF Santa Claus before themi No
need, for no amount OF gold could pur.
chase that JOY.
Soon as this welcome clamor was over
tho family was assembled around the
family altar, for the morning devotion.
The luther opened tho Holy Book and
read o the birth oftbc Redeemer. Then
he turned tho pages over until he came
10 another chapter appropriate to the
occasion. He read OF the safierings, the
t'cruclhxion, the burial and resurrection
OF Christ. our Lord. Santa Claus and
his gifts were forgotten even by the lit
tie ones, and all listened with rover, n a
TO the divine words as they were repeat
ed by the fathers lips. Laying tho Holy
Book aside, the father arose from bis
chair and impressively addressed his liz
tie family circle. Then they united Ia
singing and prayer; no! what delight.
nj sight II Is 10 see a Christian family
gathered around the Domestic Altar
with their hearts united In devotion "a
the Most High. No nicely decorated
affairs, no gilded priestly robes, no stale
forms ofprayer. no ecclesiastical dicta.
lions, no terrible threats are necessary
there; but united in love. the hearts oil
all bow meekly before tho Throne oil
Grace, and send pious thoughts TO Heav-
en-. Angels may well hover over such
scene, and shout "peace on earth, good
will TO all men,"
At the breakfast table all the children
found sum OF money beneath their
plates, which they could spend as they
might see proper. during the day. With
such beginning, and with visit "a
church in the forenoon. and reunion
at good old fashioned Christmas dinner
the day passed pleasantly with the Good
ly family, and at night, when they again
assembled around the family hearth, the
Goals within the crate were scarcely
brighter than their smiling countenan-
ces.
my dear children" said Mr.. Goodly
another Christmas has come and gone,
and that we may know whether all hnvo
performed Their duty TO God and them
selves, II Is well that we should tell what
we have been doing through the day.
Eacn can profit by the others expert
ence. Listen firstto me.n
Mr. Goodly then went on 10 state that
after he had left his family in the morn.
ing, he visited his place Of business,
when the men in his employ congratu-
lated him with "merry Christra as. -
He gave them holiday, and presented
each with Christmas gift, which he
said be knew gladdoned their hearts =
He returned home, stopping on his way
to see IL several poor families whom he
knew, were having a merry Christmas
His purse was open 10 all, for says he,
those "who givcth to the poor lendeth
20 the Lord" lie visited church with
his family, and was much profited by the
sermon. The Christmas reunion at the
dinner table was especially gratifying
10 him, and though somewhat dlspeptic
he could not avoid eating a hearty meal.
Indeed he had been happy, very happy
all day long. lie concluded by saying
that hispurse was empty, but his heart
was full.
Mrs. Goodly, homely looking wo-
man, whose large blue eyes tcemed with
Kindness and love, then told how her
time had been occupied. She was al
home nearly oil the day, dispensing
Christmas gifts 10 children who came
and "catched" her, and despatching del
icacics TO those who were sick aud as
she knew, unable 10 procure such things.
with tho exception OF visit TO Church
said she, "horc have been all day long
And here would always stay, for Il th'
mother cannot find happiness at home
where can she look for III Here am
queen over kingdom, and my subjects
(pointing 10 her chlldren) arc 80 obedi
ent that peace never forsakes my domin.
ions. Heaven has truly smiled upon Us
and this day my cup OF happiness Is full
May we never be wanting In gratitude
70 our kind Heavenly Father. Mary
have you made any one happy to-dsyF
This query was directed TO tho oldes
child, young lady Of eighteen years oil
nge, whose plaInness OF dress added I
charm 10 her beautiful person.
al was not al church, MOTHER" she
promptly replied. shut have a goo,
reason tor Il. After leaving home Ia
the morning, purchased few presents
for the children OF my Sabbath Schoo
class. Several presented, and assure
you they made their little hearts glad
finally camo TO the residence OF Jan,
Handy, That poor little girl whom bro'
home with me last Sabbath, that nigh
elothe her comfortably. expected /,
end distress there, but oh. mother wha
l saw was really dreadful. The child,
mother was PROSTATE upon bed, suffer,
ing 10 the last stages Of consumption
the father Law insensihlY drunk nnnn fh,