Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-01-10
CHE freeman.
Christmas in Chicago.

ZGnS become more aluuoHe' o"Sh Ohi''t'AA
excels the last. Alas! that the day comes
but once year. 1t is Christianity
greatest fete-would that it lasted longer.
But its gifts, its mementoes, remain tc
gladden. the heart and cheer us onward ir
the path of life, reminding us of the birth
of him who came to seek and save us from
sin, and lead us through deaths dark door
TOT brighter and better existence. 1t Is
eighteen hundred and eighty-two years
ago to-day Christ was born in Bethlehem
Judea. All Christian nations and peoples
celebrate this most marvellous event-the
foundation of the faith and hope OF the
Christian word our Redeemer on earth.
Prophets foretod his coming. Angels
hailed his birth" The Messiah has come
of him shall all learn truth and righteous
ness and be blessed. If, at the creation
'the morning stars in the armament o
Gods handy-work sang together for Joy,
how much more should man rejoice al
the birth of his Redeemer? man the chief
end and aim of creation. Why should
not the shepherds watching their hocks by
night on the plain of Judea sing God $
praise ut his birth? Why should not the
wise men Of the cast seek him, following
his bright guiding star, give gifts, frank
incense and myrrh, and praise God? Why
should not an angel suddenly appear
with multitude of the heavenly host,
praise Gol, saying, "Glory 10 God IN the
htghest, on earth, peace and good WlI
toyard men," Such is the Prince OF
Peace-the Babe of Bethlehem--the
Christ crucifed, in whom alone we have
hope of salvation thr ough faith and
under Heaven or among men, If we
cannot present our gifts to him in person
as did the wise men, we can give to each
other, IN his name, if nothing more than
50 cup of cold e0ater"-we can follow his
teachings while on earth-remember the
sick, the unfortunate, the poor and needy,
forgive our enemies on repentance God
forgiveth not man till then) pray for those
who despitefully use us-ask him to re.
member us and forgive us as he did the
thief on the cross. Such is Christianity,
primitive Christianity, pure and unadul-
terated, without creed or priestcraft, the
New Testament being a sufficient guide.
May we follow it, and him "who spake as
never man spohe,' and live and die unto
hm--and may the world be the better
for our BIRTH lives and examples.
The custom ofgiving presents at Christ
mas is almost as old as Christianity itself.
1t may be called its twin sister. 1t is
delightful custom, and is much enjoyed by
old and young; by Christians and laymen;
for out of the abundance of the heart the
mouth speaketh, and out of the abundance
of riches give we good gifts unto each
other. at is more blessed to give than
receve;" charity covereth q multitude
of sins" but "let not your left hand know
avha1 your right hand doeth" for vanty's
sake.
And now let me say that any person not
large, rich and populous city. like Chicago,
would be amazed at the amount of pres
ents bestowed here and the countless
multitude in the stores and shops on the
street or in the cars in search of them last
week and to-day; crowd, crowd, jostle,
jostle-all interest on the purchase of
Christmas presents,-much in the name
of Christ rs Il duty,-more to please a
friend, lover, family and the "AttIe ones"
1t is safe to say that a Sl,O00,000 has
changed hands; 81 so each, for man,
woman ahd child.
A prominent jeweer estimates that
S250,000 had been spent here for Christ
mas presents in ewery alone. He based
his estimate on his own sales. Costly
diamonds sold readily. Watches sold
we'll. Articles of UirtU came next. The
dry goods trade was enormous, ,,exceeding
the most sanguine expectations, much
more than that of jewelry-add household
furniture and extra provisions and who
can tell the amount? Our churches are
numerous, many eleg ant, large and beau
tful. All henored Christmas. All praised
God for the birth of his Son. All appro
priately decorated, and ornamented with
many Il Christmas tree hung with good
gifts for the Sabbath schools and little
ones In some, contributions were had
for the sick, poor and unfortunate. All
the charitable Institutions were we'll pro.
videl for. All inmates had an extra
Christmas dinner; many, other gifts.
All the prisoners in jail or Bridewell had
one good meal, if hung before they get
another. Permit me 10 name some of
these institutions. Insane asylum, county
poor farm, orphan asylum, homo of the
friendess, home of the incurables, Wash
instonean home, Cook county hospital,
sisters of charity, lying in hospital, home
of the good shepherd, little sisters, home
of the aged and infirm, crring woman's
refuge, news boys home, Alexian hospital
and old ladies' home. All enjoyed Christ
mas. All went merry as marriage bell.
Rich and poor met and had a good time
on our Savior's anniversary birth day.
Oh, that all days of the year were like this
one. We might then say the millennium
is at hand.
The express companies have done an
immense business since the rush began.
Packages, boxes and bundles by the mil.
lion were handled, delivered or shipped
abroad. Horses and drivers are tired out
and both are glad that Christmas comes
only once year The post office has
presented busy scene for week. Letters
and small parcels mailed to every cline
and region Of the world. Letter carriers
in the city hlvo been loaded dc wn with
L.!L...;l o.. !. l.ai:..l.. E.