The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-24
DIR. TALMAGE'S SERMON
BY THE REV. FRANK DE WITT TALMAeE, D. D.

levying of taxes Caesar Augustus wanted to know how much money he could col lect from his provinces: therefore he or dered a census to be taken All the peo- pie of Palestine had to answer to that enrolment. But, though Judaea was a conquered province, the Roman law all lowed itself to be harmonized with the Hebrew law. In other words, 1t allowed the Hebrew people to be enrolled by fam flies, as they had always been accus- toned to do. instead of by districts. Thus all the descendants of David assem- bled at the proper time in the Bethlehem village, where their great ancestor was born. And that was the reason Joseph, the native of Nazareth, travelled all the way from the north to be enrolled In Bethlehem at that particular time when Jesus was born. Now, Mary would not have taken this journey had Joseph be- longed to any other family than that Of David Why? Under the Roman law, a woman, unless she was a property hold CT. did not have to answer to the call or the census. Mary was no property holder. Mary in her critical state of health would naturally have stayed at home, but Joseph had to go because he was a man. And because he had no one with whom to leave his wife is the reason he took her along. Thus we find that this important fact. fulfilling the ancient prophecy. which would be so vital to Jew was brought about by the tender ness of Joseph the husband of Mary. On such small matters do great events hang. Is it not an impressive thought that God plans all the events of our lives. we see in the arrangement of the circum- stances that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem at this time?
 Why Joseph Went to Bethlehem.
 Joseph being descendant of David, was the cause of the Bethlehem birth of Jesus Christ. You in the same way may be an essential factor for the divine birth
 of some immortal soul. You may say you are a humble man, was Joseph. You may say you occupy only mechan ics position. You may say you wear a laborer's garments. But your words and your acts are going to decide the eternal destiny of some immortal soul. It was the false words of a cowardly peasant guide at Waterloo that sent Napoleon life exile to St. Helena. When the battle ragged the ficrcest the little Corsican turned to the peasant who was tied to the saddle of his horse and said: "Is there any obstacle In the way for charge in wonder direetion?' The peas ant answered. NO" With that Napoleon ordered Marshal Ney to hurl the Old Guard against the British phalanxes. but
 
 against the English ranks he led them on fatal gallop into the ravine of Chain. where they tumbled in and were slaught- cred by thousands. It was false guide that destroyed the French army at Wa terloo. Is it possible that you by light words or by your inconsistent life may become false guide to some seeking soul? Be careful and strive rather to be- like Joseph, faithful to the call of duty He it was who, obedient to the divine di- rection, travelled to Bethlehem and so made it possible for Jesus to be born in the city of his ancestors, according to the word of the prophet.
 The protection and development of Christ during the days of his helpless in- fancy were provided for by Joseph's love and care. Christ had to have care during his infancy, just as any other new born babe needs care. Christ's childhood days were passed much in the same way that other children live out their earlier years. The baby Christ had to be washed and dressed and fed. He had to be taught to creep and run and play. He had to be developed physically and mentally. like any other baby boy. Now, as Christ's bovhood days were to be so helpless 1t was necessary flor God to provide protector for the helpless Mary and her infant child" Thus God chooses this humble carpenter and says: Joseph, go and look after my Son. You are to stand in my place and be to him an earthly ia ther." And Joseph. in obedience to this command. went and stood between Jesus and physical and mental want This Is another reason why we find Joseph at the manager.
 Joseph's Great Work.
 Do YOU not glory in the fact that as Joseph, the humble carpenter. paved the
 fha ble carpenter, was the means of Christs sustenance during the years of his child hood helplessness? I am glad that God has work for his great men to do. 1 am glad that he has one place for a Moses and another place for Joshua, and another for an Elijah, and another for a Paul, and another for John, ana another for a Luther. and another Tor Rowland Hill, and another for Calvin, and another for a Wesley, and another for A Lincoln, and another for John Bright and a Gladstone I do not be- grudge any of these men their prom inent fields, but I am also glad that God has his humble places which are also <s- sential places. I am glad he has his places for his Marys. and his Marthas, and his Elzabeths, and his poor widows of Zarephath, and his Enochs. and his Josenbs of Nazareth. and his Cushis, as well as for his Joabs, and Abishais, and Jttais. and Davids An, yes, the work of Joseph the carpenter caring for the helpless Christ during his years of fn- fancy should teach us all to honor God in our own work in lfe,-iSy ,matter how insignificant 1t may be.
 Canst thou not seize the inspiration of this lesson for the coming Christmas day? One of the most beautiful pictures ever painted is that called ''The Carpenter Shop of Nazareth" There the great Mas ter opens the humble door for all the world to look in and see a beautiful fam fly scene On one side of the room sits a woman sewing. Her eyes are cast down. but her face is beautiful face so pure, so gentle, so truthful. Her fingers are busy. The financial struggle of that home is a heavy one to bear. "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She is Mary, the mother of Jesus. At her feet is little haxen haired child playing. The face is that of a child, but as you gaze on those eyes and that wondrous face you feel that you are watching perfect child-aye, a supernatural one. The lit tie child of course, is Jesus. The floor is covered with shavings. The carpen- ters impliments are scattered around.