The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-12-24
CHRGSTM MAS.


SeGshness predominatng amoug mankind,
virtue Ia difficult of attainment, because self
sacrifice is the Divine law. The least imper-
fection possible in man, dwells not in develop
ment Of his propensties, bui in their direction,
restraint, or subjugation. Philosophy anne
horates his condition, but it gropes in light
which is darkness compared with the efrul-
gence shed by that commandment which
teaches man to love his neighbor as himself
Self love is the handspring Of ac ion-the
motive power of the world. In the pursuit of
happiness, it seeks not exclusiveness. 1t is
necessarily allied with the highest beneflcence,
for man without it would cease to be an agent
either for good or evil. But selhshness pJrsues
the objects of desire at all hazards, regardless
of the wishes Of others, oblivious Of their
happiness, and in opposition to their interests.
Sellsbness is self-love degenerate and debased.
At this time, some eighteen hundred years
pgo, came into the world the Teacher who
Instructed man that Gods primal law is Love-
and its fruit self sacrifce. He taught that
love of God and man were inseparable. He
concluded precept and career by that astound-
ing example Of self-sacrifice-an ignominious
death upon the cross
OF all times, it is fittest that this anniver-
sary should be honored by practice of the
doctrines inculcated by our Saviour. If the
time does not especially call for self-sacrihce
It should at least exhibit no selnshness; and
Il Is worthy OF remark that at no period OF
the year, is so great solicitude shown for the
happiness of others. At no time of the year,
Is there so spontaneous an outpouring of the
kindly feelings of humanity. At no other
time, are Christians so exclusively engaged in
unselfsh employment; at no other time so
genial and SO open-hearted. Every soul, for a
period at least, goes out of ITSELF and enters
into the soul OF others. At this time, and at
this time only is there general obedience to
the mandate, love one another" Would il
were so always Obedience to the law is
not restraint, but emancipation. Happiness is
found only in obedience to the law. The
chief good is happiness the aim and object
of the law.
Who, this Christmas, has rot seen the plea
sure reflected from the countenances of thu
thfongs gitt-bearing through the streets, ol
patiently awaiting in the crowded stores
From the opulent purchasers who buy SOM
costly token of regard, to the urchns wht
1atten their noses against shop windows
while, In desperation at the difficulty Of choice
they convulsively clutch their little hoard O
money,-all seem bent upon giving pleasure Il
Others. The tiny gun and penny trumpet
MI, in some modest households, furnish n,
less pleasure than the elaborate swort
AMI drum Will afford the wealthier inGan
warrior. TlA- -qit gingerbread is quit
as delightful as black cake, ana contains lss
prospective stomach-arhe and aioln iaIor
The discordaut braylng aud drtnmino a
numerous youthful performers, and TIE inoes
SAINT tiDlIling Of inharmonious toys, w;l fo
many days, be music even 30 ears polite
Men and women, ofall conditions in life
are all on tip-toe of expectation, and all will
share in the qualification of not being forgot
ten. For all of us are so constituted, tha
what we seek is not trumpery but love.
1t is right that this should be a period o.
unselfish pleasure. Follow the teachings o.
One whose birth made this the greatest ami
Versary for mankind! Heap high the chill
dren's tables with the spoils Of well-stocled
toy-shopsl Gram their stockings with sugar
plums and candies, long coveted with watery
mouthsl Heap up your boards, and draw
around you friends whom you love! Devote
yourselves, for this brief space, to the happi
ness of othersl II you miss those whom
death has snatched away, people the place
with their presencel For the living we live
Love comprises two worlds-those Of the
living and the dead. Let us not forget oul
duty In one, in an absorbing thought Of the
other. Forget not the poor Let us for once
enjoy ourselves in unselflsh pleasure-share
both our abundance and our joy with our
neighbor. Thus viii our Christmas be merry
In thus acting viii we humbly follow in the
footsteps of Him who furnished the sublimest
instance Of forgetfulnesS Of self In thus
acting, will we titly celebrate the anniversary
Of His birth.