The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-26
hs Aerald and Mrus
E. H. AULL, Editor:
PEACE-GOOD WILL.
E. H. AULL, Editor,

The Christmas tide is upon US again.
once more we celebrate the anniversary
of the birth Of the Son of Man, who is
the Son of God. That event occurred
nearly two thousand years ago. The
message then, chanted by angel voices,
was 'Peace on earth, good will to men,
That is the message which each recur-
ring anniversary: Of this joyous event
brings to sin-stricken world.
'sPeace on earth" In the ages
through which it has descended, of
times it has grown faint, and men have
sometimes doubted if the prophecy
which it contained would ever be full
filed. The world has been filed with
wars, with civil dissensions, and with
petty strifes. The tread of martial
legions and the throb of human pas
sions have shaken the earth to its very
foundations, and hatred has filled the
hearts of men. But at the time of the
Saviour's birth, there was an universal
peace. And in the glory of the eternal
morn which shall greet his second COM
ing, the prophecy will have been full
filled.
The world has ever struggled towards
the light. At times it has been filled
with a deep gloom, but the march OF
humanity, measured by the centuries,
has been one of progress, Succeeding
civilizations have gradually and surely
grasped the fact that wars should not
be fought to. satiate human passion,
but in order that wrongs may be righted
and that peace may finally prevail.
True, there are wars of conquest waged
today; principle is sacrificed upon the
altar of gold, and human hearts are
scared with ignoble passions. But it is
true also that the influence of the Chris
tian Church is greater than at any time
In recorded history, and men predict
with confidence what heretofore has
tested their faith to believe, that its in
Huence viii at no very distant day be
paramount in human affairs.
The message contains the true Christ
mas spirit. ''Good will to men," The
birth of the Saviour was manifesto
ton of Gods infinite love. That man
might be saved he gave his only begot-
ten Son. The life of the Saviour was a
manifestation of Gods will concerning
man. To do good-that is the highest
purpose Of human life. To steady a
faltering step in the pathway of life, to
bring cheer to heart that is bowed
down with sorrow, to uplift a human
soul that bears heaviest the weight OF
woe-thatsis the part of those who have
She true Christmas spirit. Sorrow at
some timecomes into every life, and
there is no;,- ore benefeent dispensation
of Providence, than Shatalnder which,
when we wipe away another's tears,
our own cease to fall. In no filter way
can Christmas be celebrated than by
giving-giving, and expecting nothing
in return. That is good will" exem-
plifed by works-in lesser degree the
'tgood Will" which the Saviour dis
played. His birth itself was gift,
q gift than which there has been nor
can there be any greater. Give to the
poor and needy. Seek to bring joy to
those who know it not. Give for the
pleasure of giving, and for the good the
gifts may do. Make the children happy.
The Saviour loved the little children.
Teach them the meaning Of Christmas
in order that they may enjoy the true
pleasure which it brings. For after all,
Christmas is the festival of the little
children and the poor. On this day
many, many years ago, Christwas babe
in Bethlehem's manger, and his walk
in life was among the poor. Let the
true Christmas spirit, '.good will to
men, - prevail. The man who has this
spirit can hear the song of the angels
as clearly as the shepherds heard it on
Bethlehem's plains that first Christmas
morn. When every human heart can
hear the glad refrain, then will the
kingdom of the Prince of Peace have
here been established.