St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-12-24
MINNEAPOLIS
THE STAR IN THE EAST.
A Timely Sermon by the Rev. d. j
Burrill.

Rev. D. j. Burrill preached at West
minister church las evening from the
text, Matt, H., II: What was the staI of
Bethlehem? and what became of it?
Was it quenched when its errand was
done? or is it still shining somewhere
in the heavens? In 1904 the astronomer
kepler found, as he supposed, salts
factory answer to these questions. On
witnessing conjunction OF three
planets, and calculating that similar
phenomenon must have occurred in the
year b. G., he fastened to the
conclusion that this was the ver-
liable and toughest star of the
advent. 1t is evident, however, that
Kepler'S luminary does not meet the
conditions. The three planets to begin
with were at the instant of nearest con-
tact twice as far from each other as
the apparent diameter of the sun.
Moreover, this phenomenon took place
several years before the advent. Still
further Unjust have appeared at an al
titude of 81 deg. ,and receding while the
star seen by the Magi was vertical and
''Stood over the place where the young
therefore, that the heavens were on the
occasion of ChrSt's birth, put under
special contributions; that special her
aid was sent to illuminate the pathway
to the manager; perhaps, as Milton sug--
geStS, "a comet, dangling in the air."
or possibly meteor, which. having
completed its work, disappeared from
the heavens, as crystal cup is broken
after it has touched the kings lips.
FirSt-lt was Kings Star" 1t was
believed in ancient times that the APP
pearanee of a new light in heaven was
the p0rtent of royal birth. The Magi,
who were doubtless familiar with Chal-
dean prophecy, had reason to believe
that the time was approaching for the
birth of splendid prince, who should
usher in the golden age. On seeing this
star, their hopes being confirmed, they
provided themselves with myrrh and
gold and frankincense, gifts BETTING
one OF imperial birth, and set out to find
him.
Second-It was day-star; the harbin-
ger of universal light. IL shOne for the
Gentiles; these Magi were the van
guard of 'all nations" The gospel of
Christ ''lighteth every man that cometh
into the world" A man may refuse to
blessed by it. The infdeFs home is
whole world is brighter and merrier for
the advent of Christ. In our political
life, in our commercial relations. in the
workshop, in our homes, everywhere
this light "lighteth us"
Third-It was the "Star of Empire"
The aStrologerS of Chaldea were familiar
with the strife between Ormuzd and
Ahriman, between light and darkness.
To them this wonderful glow in the
heavens must have presaged the tri-
umph of truth and righteousness. The
child whom they saw wrapped in swad-
ding clothes and lying in manager"
was to be the knight-erranto of goodness,
and. as such, to assume the throne
finally and reign from the river unto
the ends of the earth.
Fourth-It was "Star of Destiny"
The question of following it was aques-
ton of life or death. 1t was set in the
heavens to lead pilgrims to Christ. In
this sense it is true. as the magicians
say, that every soul has its star. God
never leaves himself without witness.
We are helped along toward life and
Immortality by good influences all along
the way. Let us follow our light and
we shall all reach Bethlehem and wor-
shin the HOLY Child