The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-25
THr CHnrsTMAe nAy

T66 C66ISVmAS DAX.
 Standing as we do almost at the thres- hold of the Twentieth Century. looking out on the world as it exists today. the careless and superficial thinker might al- most believe that He who first preached Peace on earth, good will to all" had lived and died in vain. but although there are wars and rumors of wars in some parts of the earth. if we compare the con- dition of mankind two thousand years ago with that of the present day even the sceptic must admit that the Christian re- iigion has been of incalculable benefit to mankind.
 Ere the birth of Christ peace and friend ship between nations was rare. War and rapine reigned throughout the world. Na- ton warred upon nation and the strong preyed on the weak. Might was Right. and brute force was the logic of nations. as his own safety and welfare was the only law recognized by man. Even the religions of that day taught, or at least permitted. crime and bloodshed. Cardinal Gibbon. in paper which he read before the Peace Congress at Chicago in 1893. said: we live. move and have our be.s'- in the midst of civilization which is the legitimate offspring of the Catholic Church." If we substitute Christian" for Catholic We find that the quota ton fittingly describes the condition of the civilized world today. Putting aside the eternal salvation which the Chris tian religion brings to mankind, its civil izing influence has been wonderful. In the words of Montesquieu: "The religion of Christ, which was first intended to lead men to eternal life, has contributed more than any other institution to pro- mote the temporal and social happiness of mankind" @
 In past ages, as among most pagan countries today, Charity as a national or religious duty was practically unknown. Compare our orphan asylums with condi- tions in countries where infanticide was so common as to be almost the rule. Com pare our homes for the aged. our aims houses, our infirmaries and hospitals with the conditions existing before Christ and see what His example, His teachings and His name have wrought. Compare our public schools, where even the poorest may obtain some education, with the same class of people in countries where the Christian religion is unknown. Even in our prisons and penitentiaries the pris- oners are taught some useful occupation and have an opportunity to hear the Word of God preached, instead of being confined in nolsome dungeons as they were in the remote past. cut off from all the brightness of life and from all hope of release.
 The heather says: Whatever evil men do to you return 1t to them two-fold.'' .'' but Christ said: whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them," and there is the broad differ ence between organism and Christianity. See how these Christians love one an- other!" was the remark of Tertullian of Carthage, in the early days of Christian ity. and doubtless many heather teach CT and philosopher looked with wonder and admiration. not only on the love which the early Christians bore for each other, but at the wonderful fortitude and courage with which they suffered and died for Christ and for their religion.
 And so. though the world Is not as good as it might be, though humanity is not perfect. and though we might do many good deeds which we leave undone, we are persuaded that to the meek and lowly Galilean must we give credit and praise and honor for all our love and kindness and forbearance. Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citi- zens," said the great Daniel Webster, and all must realize the truth of his words. If we are better than were the pagans of the old days we owe 1t all to the meek and lowly Goldman who went about doing good" and who has set for us the beautiful lesson of His example. It is lesson that we should continually bear in mind. and especially on this day of His nativity should we remember and teach that Christ made man better and
 that to Him is due whatever of good there
 Is in our daily lives.