The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1881-12-22
Yule-Tide Thoughts.

7 am very glad that did not live in
old Puritan days, for they wouldn't
have let me "keep Christmas, and that
is something have always done and
shall continue to do, and think every
one else ought to be of the same mind.
It matters not to me If it be not the
exact day upon which the Prince of
Peace was born, so long as we have one
day set apart to celebrate and commem-
crate His birth. I think they were
wise and thoughtful beings who put the
date in winter-time because, as it is a
time of giving, our gifts are bestowed
especially to the poor-at season
when they are the most needed, and
are sure to be welcomed with that thank
full spirit which is the giver's happiest
rewardfor favor bestowed.
Yes, it is a season of loving and giving,
and many an eye is made bright, and
many heart made happier, for the CIV
ing as well as receiving. This giving
is somewhat infectious one sees another
buying gifts and follows the example
himself, and then knows, from experience
what pleasure it is to give. I don't
see how any one can go through this
life and receive SO many blessings, and
yet never give one single present. Such
persons must have locked heart, and
live for themselves alone. Love for
others they cannot feel he who has the
most cheerful heart is he who goes about
doing good, carrying comfort to those
in need, feeding the hungry apd cloth
ing the naked-following in the foot
steps of the blessed Redeemer, whose
very life itself was gift to man.
Does ever music sound SO sweet,
solemn, Joyous and grand as it does on
Christmas Day? The psalms and
hymns breath of love and hope, and the
voices are 30 tuneful because they issue
from those who have happy hearts and
are inspired with the spirit of the
day.
And the bells in the steeples ring away
merrily, and even they seem to know
the why and wherefore of their merri
ment. Perhaps they sing, over and
over again, the sweet old song sung sc
many centuries ago, and yet one that
seems forever new-the song of peace
and goodwill the seng the shepherds
were privileged to here! It might sound
upon our hearts if we would but listen
to it attentively it might unlock many
q prison door and set many captive
free, break the chains of evil and wicked.
ness, bring us more closely to our fellow.
beings, make friends of foes, and whis-
per to us that, when we shut out from
our hearts the poor and lowly, we shut
out those whom He loved best, but II
loving and helping them we love anc
serve Him.
How I do wish we had carol singers II
this country to sing before our houses
ON Christmas Eve. I do not think we
would turn deaf ear to them, for de
not see how we could; such Cheerful
greetings and such cheering wishe,
would be contagious, and we would b.
induced to carry that cheer to others
We are too cold; we ought to stir NOR,
to seek cases that need our help ani
not wait for the cases to seek US. Doubt
less we have more time to look for then
than they have to search for us. If yol
cannot be generous all the year around
let me beg of you to be SO at this season
when there are so many demands wait
ing for you to fulfill-a time of whicl
poets love to rhyme, artists to paint
minstrels to sing, and priests to preacl
upon. 'Tis time to make old heart
young, sad ones gay, and gloomy one
bright. It is the children's holiday, fo
does it not commemorate the birth of tn
holiest of children? And, does it no
impress upon our minds the necessity G
especially doing good for the little ones
who are as poor as He once was? Thin
how little of sunshine or Joy creeps int
the lives of some of these innocents, an
if we do not, for them, all that lies i
our power to make their lives happier
shall we not be held accountable for on
sins of omission, and shall we not hav
much to answer for?
Keep the day holy by striving to max
one-if you cannot more-life les
gloomy, raise some fallen brother G
sister, stretch out the hand to the on
that longs to grasp it, forgive the wrong
done you as you hope to be forgive
yourself :
Then will you know, and feel, th
meaning Of those two simple words
"Merry Christmas r'-simple in then
selves, yet full If all that is hopefu
cheering, comforting, and they will seel
to you like precious pearls strung on
golden thread.-Eve La,Dless in Satu
day Journal.