The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-25
SATURDAY. DECEMBER %. 1901
THE PHILOSOPHY OF CHRISTMAS,

What are the really important questions,
after all? The tariff? Bimetallism? Sim
gle tax? Those are well enough
10 think about when we have
time, or to write about when we
can get any one 10 print It, but the great
mass OF the people 90 not live and move
in the midst of these issues. The real
questions. the great big questions. are Of
love and home and conscience and duty.
The enormous problems are in the cradle
and at the school desk. the vital issues
sweetheart and wife. the commanding
themes are mother and son. These 90
not parade In the attic windows OF the
mind. but they smile and breathe in the
living room Of the heart. 1t is in them
the grea, world is interested far more
than in the affairs of State or the COM
pick ties Of trade
We do not know who wrote that para
graph II was clipped by US from Chi
cago newspaper which is not generally re-
garded as a reservoir Of religious thought.
But whoever the author and whatever the
source. it is a beautiful practical thought,
peculiarly appropriate to the Christmas
season Call 1t sentimental II you like,
but II is true Christian philosophy and
the embodiment Of the teachings of Him
whose birth we celebrate or this glad day
In II is the germ of true happiness. and
happy the man who discovers this great
secret. II Is the pearl Of great price
which when the sensible man has found.
he is willing to sell all that he has that
he may possess II.
In saying this we do not by any means
undervalue the great affairs OF politics.
The tariff question. the currency question
and questions generally relating to good
government and national prosperity COM
mand our attention and demand the most
intelligent thought OF the land. No man
has a moral right to shut himself in his
own little sphere ana TO say that ques-
lions Of great national Importance are
mestions OF no concern 20 him. Citizen
ship has Its obligation and it's response
mites as well as its privileges and its
mmunities A man owes a duty TO his
country which he cannot in honor shirk
There is a great puolic burden. necessary
,itizen is under obligation TO bear his
part thereof. Duty to country is in fact
duty to God. Render to Caesar the
things that are Caesars and unto God
che things that are Gods"
But while deeply impressed, IS we claim
20 be- with the serious responsibility OF
citizenship. we believe that good citizen
ship proceeds from the home life. Show
ms the man who loves his home and his
family and who measures fairly up TO the
obligations OF the home circle. and we
Will show YOU a model citizen.
Let us get another Christmas thought
from, this text. The Constitution of the
United States guarantees TO every man
the right TO pursue happiness. but II does
not guarantee to every man that he will
md H. That is a matter of individual at
tainment. The government cannot make
man happy. it can only protect him in
his right TO be happy.
Let us be rid OF the idea that we must
look to the government for either happi-
ness or prosperity. We must depend upon
ourselves for attainment Of both OF these.
and depend upon the government only for
protection from violence.
We remark again. and II there Is any
point !n this article 1t IS here, that happi-
ness is not a matter Of outside influence
or consideration. II does not proceed
from without but from within. II pro-
.ceds from a clean life and a warm heart.
In dealing justify loving mercy and walk
ing humbly." and when these conditions
are fulfilled outside circumstances are alb
solutely powerless 10 deprive us of our
happiness. Let US remember that happi-
ness Is not even dependent upon the pleas
ures Of life and that it is entirely possible
10 be happy. although ones life may be
full OF troubles and cares and devoid OF
what the world calls pleasure. 1t is hard
indeed for frail humanity TO accept this
,,uth but il is a truth fully warranted by
the Scriptures and by the experiences of
those who have fairly tested It,
This Is the great lesson OF Christmas
and happy are we II we learn II we'll
----------------------
ARE WE TO GO BACK TO 1902
The Virginia bill OF rights is now IA
Part Of the Constitution OF the State. AS