davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-12-03
What One Sees al Bethlehem.

J. James Tissot, the great French
artist, who has made the remarkable
illustrations for the Life Of Christ, /"
writes of christmas at Bethlehem, I"
in the December Century. M Tissot
says;
The town of Bethlehem is shaped in
the form of a crescent, descending,
terrace by terrace, the side OF the hill
on which it is built. On one of these
terraces are grouped the massive
buildings of the Latin and Greek
converts, between which stands the
basilica, charming the eye by the
peculiar grace of its lines. All the
houses are distinctly Jewish in APP
pearance, with fiat roofs capped by
cupolas, and many of them have
pointed archways which offer pleasant
places for repose in hours of sun or
shade.
This creeping Of the houses down
into the very gardens of the valley
heightens wonderfully the beauty OF
the landscape. While in the back
ground, toward the Dead Sea, the
mountains of Moab tower majestically
above the gentle undulations of hill
and vale. Every feature Of this never
to. forgotten scene is full of sacred
significance. In front of the city you
are shown the field where Ruth and
Boaz met, and near by is the spot
where the shepherds were told of our
Saviour's birth. At a point still
nearer the crescent-shaped city is the
we'll from which David so desired
drink after doing battle. A littlt
farther on, and quite by itself, is the
tomb of Rachel, beyond which are
other battle-6elds mentioned in thu
Bible.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-12-03
MERCANTILE AGENCIES REPORT
Trade and Crop Conditions the Best
for rlany Years.

NEW YORK, Nov, 25-R. 6. Dun
& Co. S weekly review OF trade says:
Thanksgiving week in 1898 means
more than for so years. The 'Har-
vest Home has never recognized
larger crops on the whole in this coun-
try, the general prosperity is attested
by the largest volume of business ever
recorded, the peoples verdict has Civ
en- reason to hope that the soundness
of the currency and the nations honor
will not again be in peril. and war
not matched in history for swiftness
and success with smallness of loss has
brought more perfect union than ever
between North and South, and closer
bonds than ever with kin beyond the
sea. ending with the most important
increase OF territory since California
was added to the Union. The year
so exceptional in magnitude and va.
riety of blessings draws near its end
with yet another good gift, marked
increase of confidence in prospects for
the year which is to close the year OF
the century.
THE industries are doing remark
ably we'll, considering hindrance until
of late by unreasonable weather"
Bradstreet says: Winter storms
aud a holiday have interfered with
wholesale demand and distribution,
but later clear, cold weather is com.
pensating feature, inducing heavier
retail business in seasonable goods
In general business circles most de-
velopments have been favorable.
notable among which might be men
toned general advances in prices and
cerals, provisions, groceries, cotton,
steel and pig iron, the latter chiefly at
Eastern and Southern points; contin-
ued heavy general export trade, a bet
ter tone in the market for hides anl
leather, more irmness in Gotten goods
and active stock speculation, all Of
which are reflected in very heavy
bank clearing totals. Unfayorable
features are few, prominent among
which is the continued dullness at
wholesale OF wool and wooden goods
The situation as to the country's ex-
port trade is flattering one, except
for the scarcity of freight tonnage,
which is really becoming serious,
tending to check shipments of goods
contracted for and thus to seriously
hamper the development Of American
trade abroad.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-12-03
Richard coe. IDeco7"

The above line represents a printed
label such as is used in placing a sub
scribers name on his paper. In this
case it would indicate that Mr.. Coe
was one year behind with his sub
scription. Now it would be proper
that Mr.. Coe on the first of Dec. 90
to send to this office So. so, which
would pay up the back year and put
his paper year ahead We are ex-
pecting to hear from a number of our
subscribers right away. The Herald
has been patient with its readers who
are in arrears, and now when we need
money we hope it will be sent in
promptly.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-12-03
A Constable Assassinated.

HUNTINGTON, w. VA, Nov. AZ
Charles c. Steele, of Mingo county,
who was constable. was assassinat-
ed on Friday night last while riding
horseback within one hundred yards
of his home. The shots were heard
by Steele's three sons. who gave chase
and captured Samp Kennada, an en-
envy of the Steele family. Kennada
had Winchester in his hand with
three empty shells. He declared his
innocence but was placed IN Jail.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-12-03
Cheap West Virginia Coal.

PITTsBuRG, Pa, Nov. 27.-The
Dispatch will tomorrow say it has re-
liable authority for stating that the
great Northern railway company has
placed contracts with the West Vir-
giuia coal operators for 500, 900 ions
OF coal at $I25 delivered at Sandus-
ky, the delivery to extend throughout
1899.
1t is generally believed here that
the contracts have been made, and
the fact is viewed with apprehension
by the Pittsburg operators, as it is
evidence that West Virginia is usurp-
ing the trade hitherto held by Pitts
burg, by giving rate materially
lower than the local operators can.
In fact offers have been made by West
Virginia mine owners to Pittsburg
operators to furnish all the coal want
ed for ST. 20 delivered at Sandusky.
This is made possible BY lower minis
mum scale and better freight rates.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-12-03
Fifty Years Ago.

No theory Of germs to chill
Affections budding biisses;
when ardent lovers took their FIJI,
No microbes on their kisses.
How happy they were not to know
The germ-fad-so years ago.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-12-03

Col. I. H. B. Staggers, of Fair
mont, at one time one of the most
successful lawyers of the State, has
become insane, aud has been placed
in the insane asylum at Weston.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

T HERE is no dearer festival than
 that which falls on the 25th of
 December It has come to be the most widely celebrated and
 gladdest of all the holidays of the year. It is rooted far back of its traditional date. It comes from pagan peoples, and is full of the aspirations and hopes of primitive faith; the joy of the primeval world is on its lips, and the light of an immortal hope in its eyes; and some perfection yet to be realized is in the spirit of the day. It draws almost all it's charms from the unselfsh element which rules the day. This was founded in the race from the first but the feeble atruistic current in human nature was greatly strength ened by the self-devoted life of the Man of Nazareth. It is distinctly a human and natural spirit which makes him dear to the heart of the world. Not the theological Christ, but the be- nevolent Jesus, is the worlds ideal. His charity, his sympathy, his ethical teaching, his trust in you, his belief in man, are shaping our civilization. He sought to develop, not system of doc Urine, but a temper Of life; not dogma, but a disposition. In this he is an enlarging influence, an unWast-
 
 a Prince of Heaven, but is here in hu- man memory and love, a spirit in the midst of the governments of men. It is through the quality of our spirits and not through the constructions of our intellects that his consccration en- ters and holds us, so that the spirit of his life is often missed in the churches and found in the humanitarian move ments of the world.
 He taught a cheerful religion. He lived 0 cheerful life. It is a mistake to call him man of sorrow" That ref erence was to Israel and not to Jesus. He "came eating and drinking" man of the people, with red blood in his veins and serene and free and joy ous heart within his breast. His dis position was social, his sympathies hu- man and humane. He was full of com- passion for the suffering and the sin full Compassion: to suffer with-no other word so fully characterizes him. If possible, he would have healed all the sick, recovered to purity and in ward peace all the sinful. Yet his treatment of hypocrisy was blasting as the lightning flash. Professional piety that was void of human kindness and helpfulness he lashed with fiery scorn. In the spirit of his life, while we give to each other Christmas gifts" let us give also trust. Let us have no friends whom we cannot hold by the tenure of utter confidence, and let us trust God and life.
 Let the great forces wise of old
 Have their full way with thee
 Seek to have always "the larger heart the kindlier hand," and to see that God is ever coming into the life of the world with new promise and fresh deliverance, and firmer and higher triumph.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
hls right to the title of Miraculous One

his right to the title of Miraculous One which was given him by the prophet.
 Secondly, the title Counsellor belongs to him more than to any other because he was the most perfect teacher and guide that the world has ever known. All who have ever studied his doctrine readily admit that he has taught the world more wisdom than it has ever learned from any other source or all other sources put together.
 Again, the title, God the Mighty, is applied to Christ because the incarna- tion of the Son of God shows forth the divine power in more singular man ner even than the creation. Moreover, no attribute of the Deity Is lessened by the union of the divine with the human nature as understood and taught by the Christian religion. AS St. Paul says. speaking of Christ, Tn him dwelleth the fullness of the Godhead corporally." Christ was perfect God as well as per- feet man. There was no mixture of the two distinct natures in Christ-indeed, such a thing would be an impossibility.
 The fourth title, Father of the World
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

international peace and human brotherhood. Jesus came into the world to reconcile man with God and man with man; other leaders brought power or knowledge or other mani festations of distinction, but Jesus was the first to utter the words cut upon the tomb of Grant, Let us have peace" This was the sublime thought in the overture of angels, the angelic peace messengers singing above the Palestinian hills. There are three things in this text to be emphasized.
 First-The expressed recognition of Gods gift in giving us the Savior The glory sent back to the throne by the heavenly hosts was the adoration of God for his unspeakable gift. That glory has never ceased. Tongue after tongue, age after age, church after church and nation upon nation has sent back the everlasting prayer. It belongs to Christmas-this adoratior for the incarnation of Christ. Men should thank God for Jesus of Nazareth, for the sermon on the mount, the example of suffering and the propitiation of our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world"
 Second-The prediction of Universal peace. A few days ago men were startled by the proposition of the Czar of all the Russias for universal peace. The worlds chariot of war stopped for a moment in it's bloody tracks, while men listened with mingled feelings of suspicion and reverence to this utter ance from the throne Of Russia. It was certainly the theology of the advent, the gospel of Jesus Christ. This pre- diction is not yet translated into re- ality, but it is destined to become ac- tual in the providence of God. It is a high ideal, raised far above our mili- tary spirit and our enthusiasm for con- quest, but it is not too much to expect a reign some day of universal brother hood. The higher peace included in this teaching. moreover, has to do with the cessation of the conflict of God through sin.
 Third - The gospel of good will Translated strictly this means good pleasure" or Gods gracious regard for men as manifested in the gift of saliva ton to them in their wretched condi- ton.
 Christmas is the day of Gods good pleasure. Hear it, ye who are down. cast and troubled. Hear 1t, ye who are alone and far away from the Fathers house. Come unto me, all ye that labor
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

-- HESE words show to us that the
 Christ of prophecy was vener-
 ated by the ancient Jews, as far
 as it was possible, in the same
 way that the actual Christ has been by Christians. We shall see this most clearly if we study the meaning of these titles which were applied to the Messiahs by their inspired writer, Isaias. First, the, Messiah is called Wonderful, which, literally interpreted, means Miraculous One. And St Mat thew, the evangelist, describes his birth as follows: When Mary, his mother, was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost" Further more, he tells us that this took place that the word might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet Isaias say ing. Behold a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel
 which, being interpreted, is God with us.' The manner of his birth, there fore, as related in the gospels, proves
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

from victory to victory? Can we not say, even in the midst of the darkest war cloud He maketh war to cease"5 Who, that hath read history, but can see, even now, the spears being beaten into plowshares and the swords into pruning hooks? Who but sees summer coming? Who can not see it's green and blossom of promise? Who but can see that the storm of superstition and error, that have so long swept this tempest, are in their dying sough? Who but can look to no dim distant future but with the clear vision of near realization to the summer time or fruits and unclouded sun, when men shall love God and dwell together in peace and love; when Isaiahs vision shall have been fulfilled and man shall join with angels in Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
E. A. WOODS, First Baptist Church.

was an angel who brought this
 message. I suppose he felt honored
 as he bore it and the other angels
 were so interested that they followed
 him and joined in a chorus of praise to God. It is pleasant to carry good news to even one person. But he announced good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people" As he spake the night was lighted into brilliance by the glory of God. But what was the message of the angel? "A Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord''
 Christ's advent Is good tidings to the children. Christmas is the happiest day of the year for them. How diff Ierent childhood is since Jesus came. How much care and thought and love are given children now, and how diff ferent their lives in heather lands where Christ is not known. We'll may the children rejoice to-day and fear not.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
FRANK s. FORD. Pastor First Christian
 Church.

\ T IsraePs winter solstice, her
 H darkest night, when her sins had ~ separated her and her God; when I her hands were filled with blood
 and her fingers with iniquity; when her lips spoke lies and her tongue uttered wickedness; when she knew not the way of peace; when she looked for light and beheld darkness, for brightness but walked in obscurity. her prophet seeing no hope in man pointed them to the time when God's S own arm should work salvation, and carry forward in spirit to salvations S end its summer noon. He cries:
 Arise, shine; for thy light is come. and the glory of the Lord is arisen up on three. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the peoples; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And nations shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising"
 How we have watched, with longing eyes this faint prophecy of Summer sun and summer shine" How slowly the sun creeps northward. How long continues the cold and storm and tempest. Dropped from the heart of a winter of human weakness and evil came this prophecy of a summer of de- liverance.
 Has not the Prince of Peace" led on
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
ct us listen to what seems a natural

let us listen to what seems a natural explanation.
 In December, 1904 the astronomer Kepler saw a strange sight in the heavens which was repeated several times in few months, but which oc- CUTS in it's entirety but once in 500 years. 1t was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, and five months later Mars joined with these two, forcing fiery trigon in the constellation of Pisces.
 Kepler, and later Professor Pritch- ard, made calculations which proved that this heavenly event must have taken place in it's regular order at about the time of the Savior's birth. and ft5seems to me that this conjunc- tfon must have formed the new and splendid star in the East" which the magi saw and followed
 The story of their journey and of the planets movements can be told in cor relative detail and seems to prove. step by step, the theory here advanced. In any event the star was the divine guide to these Eastern inquirers and led them to the true Savior of the world.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
REV. VIM. RAIDER, Thud Cor gregatonal
 Church.

~ HRISTMAS dawns this year as
 the day of peace. The boom of
 the cannon has ceased. the armies
 1 have laid down their arms, the
 sound of the war drum has died away and the battle flag is furled. Christmas joys cover a greater por- tion of the globe than ever before. Christmas trees in the snowy heart of Alaska; Christmas trees in the far-off Philippines; Christmas trees in remote regions where never before such fes- tivities were enjoyed. Boys in blue have carried the Christmas spirit around the world in their smokeless rifles, and from the somber trenches of Manila, from the hospitals of the East, from the decks of massive men, -of-war, from million homes, rises the Christ mas anthem "and on earth peace, good will toward men"
 This is the theology of the advent
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
DR. CHARLES H. PARKHURST,
Reformer.

Scriptures distinct recital of veritabe hepness incident such condion ray of the babe that those Scriptures under
  his infancy incident and  situation that  infancy perfectly interested Jesus because he little
  reveren because he king and worshp him because he 
  no flats
  
 
 
 
  
 
   which of 
  
  much human My 
 
  of all loved
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

Jews.
 In these Eastern countries were men called magi-wise men who gave their lives to the study of science and re- ligion, to astrology and astronomy. These men, for some now unknown reason, accorded to the Jewish peo- pie and Palestine the patronage of the constellation Pisces, regarding every- thing occurring therein of especial inn portance to that nation. Some of these came at a certain time to the King s residence, asking: Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East"
 What was this star? There have been many answers to this question;
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
"BeboM, { bring

poa Hdhngs ofgeat joy. ]" St. Luke i:Io.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
REV. JOHN A. B. WILSON, Howard -St, eet Vi. E.
 Church.

PREVIOUS to the birth of Christ everywhere in the East men were looking, because of prophecies, for the advent of a great King who should rise from among the
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
PRaYER DURING BATTLE.
Bv Karl Theodor Korner.

Father, I call on Thee!
 Clouds from the thunder-v voiced enveil me, Lightnngs flashing, deaths thick darts assail Ruler of battles, call Thee! Father, oh, lead T hou me!
 Father, oh. lead Thou mel
 Lead to victory, to death lead me; With joy accept what Thou hast decreed me- God, Thou wilt so lead Thou mel God, acknowledge Theel
 God, acknowledge Thee!
 When, n still autumn, the scar leaf is falling, When peals the battle, its thunder appalling; Fount of all grace 1 acknowledge Thee! Father, oh, bless Thou mel
 Father, oh bless Thou mel Into thy hand my soul resign Lord; Deal thou wilt with the life that IS Ihlne Lord. Living dying, oh, bless Thou mel Father, l praise Tn name
 Father praise Thy name
 Nor for earths wealth or dominion contend me; The holiest right of the freeman defend me. Victor or vanqushed, praise Thee! God in Thy trust! iod. Gn ftp name trust! Ihen np loud Mnnder nsy death Aote $ kNelVtHg, Then from mp Ustns tbe red blood is usHing, ,od. nn hp holv na11e Iknst! aibsy. call OIL Mee!
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
For q ekRd IS born

For q ckfld fs borR 10 ns aKa kts nc ne shall D, eailfd WoadsrJnl, Co&nssl- loy. God fhs Migkfy, Fafhsr of ths World 10 Ccme, ths Py,Sce of Pedef. "-Isa7as sx:6.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

"And He nation 5 shall come 10 My hght, ard Kings 10 be brightness of My rising. /"
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

to Come, denotes the Messiah as the final judge of all mankind. St. Luke, the evangelist also describes him as the Son of Man, who will come in cloud with great power and majesty. And the Apostles Creed declares that he will come to judge the living and the dead.
 Finally, he is styled the Prince of Peace, and this title sets forth his crowning work, which is the complete and perfect reconciliation of man with God. This means the coming of his kingdom, for which all Christians look and pray as he has taught them.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

"For 1ue baUe seen his star fn Me east and are cOme 10 Wor- ship him. "-MaH a:2.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

"Gloy 10 God in fbe highest and or earth peace, good WfH towa1d men. Luke. HI4.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18

and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" Christmas is the symbol of the infinite love. God so loved us that he gave his son. Three things, then, belong to this day, and these three things should thrill the whole Christian world, glory-peace-goo will These elements comprise heaven, and they are some day to cover the earth as the waters over the sea.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
''Ee1r nnt h,

''Eear not, tor, 'behold. / bring you good hdings of
 great joy, 1ukich shall be 10 aH beo-
 bk. "-Lgke if.:Io.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-18
T any n1an haUe rot Me spirit ofChrist. Rom. vliG9.
IA. ]. WELLS, DID,,
 Second Unitarian Church.

T HERE is no dearer festival than that which falls on the 25th of \ December. It has come to be l the most widely celebrated and
 gladdest of all the holidays of