The New York herald., 1871-01-09
CAURCH OF TIE NATIVITY.
The Babe Of Bethlehem and the Wise Men OF
the Fasi-lhc Meaning OF the MagTs Offer

The Babe Of Bethlehem and the Wise Men OF
the Fasi-lhc Meaning OF the MaRi's Offer
ings-sermon by the Rev. Father Everett.
The Catholic churches of New YORK are always full
on Sundays. Last mass in the Church OF the Ma
tivlty, at the lower end Of Second avenue was at
tended yesterday by the usual large and orderly
congregation, who were treated TO sermon by their
pastor, the Rev. William Everett. The Gospel of the
day Is from the opening Of the second chapter Of
Matthew, and describes the visit Of the wise men OF
the East to the CRIB at Bethlehem. The COM
ing Of Christ made known to the
Jews by the angels appearance before the
shepherds. Six days afterwards 1t was made known
to the Gentle world by the manifestations to the
magl or wise men Of the East Divinely led by the
guidance Of the star TO Judea, they Inquired where
Christ should be born and were told 1t was in Beth.
lehem, which was SIX miles TO the south OF Jeru-
salem Having got hair way the star reappeared
which they HAD lost sight OF when entering Jeru.
salem. IL shvne over the place where the young
chiid was. they went IN and found Mary and
Joseph and the infant Jesus
WRAPPED UP IN SWADDLTNG CLOTHES
and lying In manger They offered to him gifts,
and falling down they adored hlm. Those wise
men from the East followed at once the inspira-
ton OF God, and tney should be initiated by US.
presents as offerings to % the newborn Kins
OF the Jews Wnen they drew near TO
jerusalem and lost signt Of the star they
were not discouraged. but went into the city ana
made inquiry, anu were rewarded by obtaining the
information which they sought. SO we should never
De discouraged by the apparent withdrawal Of Gou's
light from our path. When any vi Gods mystic.
rlous ways appear dark IN cur human, and there
fore imperfect sight we should not be cast down,
but should diligently make inquiries from persons
competent TO lmpart the necessary information.
When tue wise men entered the chamber AT BeIhle-
hem wneie lay the infant iedeemcr and King OF the
world they found none or the magnhcence OF
earthly courts and royal palaces. They saw only
cherries stab G and poor babe wrapped up in
swaddlIng ciothes young woman, an Old man. an
OK and an ass.
DREARIkESS AND WANT
were all round bull to the eye OF their faith all
clear enough. They saw IN TINS Child the Redeemer
oil whom they were IN search, and the physical
miseries BY which the divine Infant was surrounded
did not prevent them IRON bebolding the heavenly
radiance OF Gods own presence among tnenl. Tue
gifts which they offered were beautifully significant
Iney brought gold, lrankincense ana myrrh. The
gold coin bearing the stamp OF the earthly sovereign
was emDiemaiIc OF the royal place which the great
Redeemer was to occupy IN the hearts OF men, Its
metal being regarded as the most precious, the git
OF gold was meant 70 slgnl1y that those VINO loved
Christ must prepared 90 lay Their richest treasures
at His feet. Frankincense was used always IN the
worship OF God, and It's being offered on This occa-
sion was meant as q recognition OF the divine origin
OF the newborn Christ Myrrh was used IN the cu-
baming OF The dead. IL Is emblematic Of mortiica-
lion, and ~ t'is instance u was presented as rc