The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-12-23
with its ghosts OF neglected opportuni-
ties and sorrowful memories. One more

occasion to auccor the poor and strength
en- some sinking heart in the great chain
OF brotherhood which draws it's links
closest on this day of human rejoicing.
| Why do we hail Christmas with such
joyful clamor? 1t did not mark the
advent OF wealth and power, those
regnant kings OF earth. It did not fill
the argosies of man, nor point his sails
to the discovery of new worlds. On the
contrary, it under-valued all the posses
sions which men held dearest, and
weighed the world with nothing more
precious than the dust in its own
balances. It humbled pride, and brought
the mennest to tho seats of honor at the
Kings festival. In what, then. lies it's
charm? Read and ponder the old
Christmas tale, though it's every word
may be as familiar to you as your own
name. Try to sound its marvellous
depths Of love. and compassion, it's
grand compensation to suffering huma-
nifty. its divine hope, which lifts you to
the foot-stool OF the Great White Throne.
A King recognizes in it royalty as
eternal MS his own is limited-a beggar
holds up his trembling hands without
fear and cries, ''Thou hast gathered me
from the highways for thy solemn feast.
., Lord, come quickly" Yes, read it
| all over AMI take the lessons into your
heart of hearts. The barren fig tree
received the sun of Heaven, and the cool
dropping rain. Day by day the breeze
caressed it, and its broad green leaves
grew thick aud luxuriant. But still no
fruit. From the higher law of it's being
it was rs entirely divorced us tho prosper
Gus life which receives at every pore, yet
gives not back again for the comfort or
happiness Of others.
| Watch with the wise men the star in
the East, and on the poorest spot where
its tremulous rays can fall, enter and lay
your Offering, great or small, rs q token
of remembrance Of Him who died to
save the beggar Us the prince. The
! Christmas is best kept by acts of chari-
ty. Misery may look at you through
sinful eyes, but that is no reason you
should turn from it-no reason that the
helpful hand should be withdrawn, and
the hunger in your soul for higher life
be stiticd by worldly wisdom. Each
Christmas in which you have remember
ed the poor is golden milestone in
your life. You may be needy, but there
are others poorer than you. You may
be bowed beneath a great grief, but
around you are men and women prone
in the dust, and without the hope which
anchors your soul. Can you lend them
no aid?
We are preaching no sermon on faith
and GodIincss. We are merely advocnt-
ing the claims Of Christmas to the gene
rosity of those who believe in it. To
make feast for your friends alone is not
keeping Christmas. To go to church
and pray for all mankind, and that sue
cor may be sent to the poor and misera
bic, is not to give that snccor yourself.
One more Christmas is yours in which to
reach to the highest law OF humanity.
One moro period in which to grow better
or worse, for the Immortality which this
nativity promises. Will it be the Christ
mas givers to the poor, or the Christmas
givers to the rich, who fare best in the
eternal record? Will ib be the feast of
Dives or the ointment of Mary which
holds the highest place in the memory of
Him who has given the poor in sacred
charge Of the children of men? Read
and pOndcr over tho Christmas lessons
Plant your harvest while it is yet time
with you. The next memorial day may
find you within hearing of that fearful
Judgment "Inasmuch rs ye did it not to
the least among We, yo did it not unto
me. ;"
HOTEL ARRIVALS, December 22.-
Nichtyson jiuuse-E. l.. Hibbler, Gran
itevIlle; S. =. Matthews, Kingstrce; l..
Goodbnt, S. NJ. Seely, Louisville; ".
&. Fay. \. c.; p. w. Perry, Carolina;
a. III. Davesa, Chester; w. L. Morris,
|