The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-12-27

turning crank, common in Japan, did we
not in so many cases neglect our devotions al
together; this ceaseless labor and hustle, toll
ing and moiling, with the whole brood OF
weary anxieties and carking cares ought
now at least to be dismissed for a little. For
a few pleasant days, if no longer, let it be true
that
Household welcomes sound sincerer,
Heart to loving heart grow nearer"
Let old friendships be remembered, aliena-
lions be forgotten, large and generous chart
Z ty spread wide its blessings, and every soul
glow with deyout gratitude for all the mercies
of our Heavenly Father, and especially for
that supreme Gift, the bestowal of which we
now commemorate. ..frrr
We need not be discouraged from a hearty
observance of the time-honored festival be-
cause in these effeminate days we may not be
able to receive Christmas with all his ancient
honors. The good wife might perhaps gaze
rather ruefully at the huge Yule log dragged
with merry din into her nicely carpeted hall,
nor would our dark sullen stoves and dreary
cellar furnaces give the burly forest conner
very warm or lightsome welcome. 1t must
be well filled purse which in these days of
high prices can vie with those boards whereon
in the old, old time ,la a.-.
seThey served up salmon, venison and wild boars,
BY hundreds and by dozens and by scores; Si.A >
Hogsheads Of ont y, kl4erkins Ct mustard,
Muttons and fatted beeves, and bacon swine;
Her MS and bitterns, peacocks, swan and bustard,
Teal, mallard, ligeons, wid2eons, and IN line,
Plum buildings, pancakes, apple pies and custard,"
&c.
The boar's head, the dish of dishes at an old
time English Christmas, the wild boars' head,
"Crowned with bays and rosemary" jill
might prove TO us with our somewhat delicate
and fastidious palates, a Wand not less diff
cult to be eaten than to be obtained. What
then? May we not still have as brave cheer
as when, at Robin Hoods feast, .-s
"Mustard and Drawn, roast beef and pl-m pies
n We're set upon every tablet"
And then evergreens are scarcely dearer
with us, or less plenty than in Sherwood For
est; and if we cannot feast by the light of the
rudy flames curling up around the light of
the Christmas Block, we must cen make gas
Z light or kerosene answer, singing none the less
cheerily, ,sl -og-,3
q ~ ssWelcome be We til at are here,
Welcome all, and make you good cheer,
Welcome all another year, *!
... y. s- Welcome Yule." - 4
Almost nineteen centuries ago rang out up
n thu ca In stiffness of the midnight sky the
heavenly announcement, the thrice blessed
prophecy, "And on earth peace, good lsoiH to
men," Almost nineteen centuries Of struss lie
and conflict have rolled upon their course, ar
performed their missioa, but have not yet
brou yht the long desired contamination. Yet
that sword which the Prince of Peace came
to bring on earth, that mighty strife betwet n
truth and error, between right and wrong,
which he came to initiate, has, not been in
vain. How has that awful blade been rough
hewing before us in the path of progress dur
ing these later years! How within twelve
month has it cloyen down before us barriers
that but lately seemed to be of adamant!
Slavery abolished The Union restored |!
Who will not shout "Glory to God In the
highest ?" ioiI-.-i4a SO .aas15.
The sword of the Lord has not yet finished
its work on earth. 1t must yet marshal the
armies of the right, and CLEAN and smite and
slay. Many an evil has yet to go down before
it, many wrong has yet to perish beneath its
flaming blows. Justice must be indicated
and right established. Purity, at whatever
cost of effort and suffering, must first be at
tanned, andthen at length, peace, blessed peace
will spread her bright pinions over the war
worn and weary world. a.5. satets,4s
"Down the dark future, through long generations,
Tle sounds of inta ana fhapc
and like bell with solemn, sweet vibrations,
seem to hear the voice OF Christ say peace!
Peace; and no Longer from his brazen portals 80
The blast OF wars great organ shakes the skies
But beautifulas hymns of the immortals.
The holy melodies Of love arise"
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