The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-01-06
INTERNATIONAL S. S. LESSON.
January z, 1900. Luke II, 1-1e.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS.

Augustus, first of the Caesars, was
most dillgent OF all of them in obtain
Ing statistics of his vast dominion. His
passion for taking served Provi-
dence well, though ne was all uneon-
sclous Of the contribution he was MAX
ing toward that most stupendous event
OF human history The kings heart
Lord as the rivers Of water; he turned
as he wished. The imperial decree Isl
sued on the Tiber caused two obscure
peasants to take a journey along the
Jordan-a jaurney all unnotlced by
earth, but every step Of which was
viewed by heaven with breathless in
terest.
II the Roman method Of enrolment
had been followed, Joseph and Mary
would have taken no Journey at all.
They would have reported at the place
OF their residence. But the emperor
made a concession to Hebrew prejudice,
and allowed the report to be made at
their ancestral cities and villages. This
brought Joseph and Mary to Bethle-
hem. But II brought others also on the
same errand, and In such numbers as
to tax all places Of entertainment TO
their uttermost; SO that the weary tray
elers were glad to avail themselves Of
a stall, from which some beast was
turned to make room for them.
Midway between Jerusalem and Beth
lehem was the .Watch-t0wer OF the
Flock" where the sheep intended for
temple affairs were pastured. The keep
ers OF this sacred flock had a constant
object-lesson before them OF the Lamb
of God. and It was exceedingly appro-
pirate that the angelic annnnciation OF
hts advent should have been made to
them. The prepared message came to
prepared ISJSps.
Every syiiRnie OF this seraphlc procIa-
nation Il weighted with superlative
meaning. Fear not" The gospel Is
calculated 10 disarIn our native dread
OF the supernatural, to make us famil-
far with angels and At to associate
with them. bringing good tldings" and
''eVangellZIng" are one and the same.
That angel was first OF a long line Of
evangelIsts. To repeat his story is the
mission Of every believer. ITO all pen-
pie" signifies the universal adaptation
OF the gospel; "a Savior" because he
redeems;" Christ" the Amounted One,
solemnly set apart By his Father 10 this
holy and redemptlve work; Lord" be-
cause all things were created by him
and for him.
But this newborn Prince viii not be
found in a golden crib or under a sllken
canopy
"coId OH his cradle the dewdrops are
Low f les Ris bed mid the beasts of the
STALL"
Humiliation, however, Is the very seal
to his Mesaiahshlp Manager and swad-
die are the double Endorsement upon his
holy commission. THE sign that he is
King IL the fact that he is born in a
stable"
Now upon the vision OF the already
enraptured shepherds there burstsa brill
| liant spectacle. The arch OF night Is
peopled by multitude Of the heavenly
host, Wave on wave OF aeraphic music
rolls DER all those wide-extended plains
Grander OratoTio never greeted human
ears.
But the shepherds were not satisfied
with the aesthetlcai enjoyment AFFORD
cd by sight and sound. They did not fail
to dreaming, debating, or doubling
| Their Language was THE thing is come
| to PASS 1.-THE Lord has made II
known" Let US 10 and see it!'
The scattered sheep at will may CLEAN,
/ while the shepherds start on a run for
| Bethlehem Ny soul! What word Is
that: THEY FOUND THE Babel"
Hallelujahl 1t was no Illusion.
"As with Joyful steps they sped
To that lowly TnanReF-bed,
ny There 10 bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore;
| SO may we with willing fec"
Ever seek the mercy-seat."