The Delta independent., 1912-12-27
CHRISTMAS AS CHAMP CLARK
SEES IT.

Some grouchy folks condemn ut
terly both Santa Claus and indiscrim-
mate Christmas giving. but the bulk
of mankind clings to them The
grouchy ones do not count for much
They are kill-joys so far as they go.
but they do not go very far. | am an
optimist. not a pessimist Ii is better
to look upon the bright side OF things
than upon the dark. Every cloud
has silver lining. A jubilate is more
pleasant music than a miserere.
believe with all my heart that the
world is growing better The glor-
ious and joyous Christmas spirit is
beginning to run through the entire
year. There is more money given in
this country today in charity in pro-
portion to our financial capacity than
ever before
Men and women are coming more
and more to the conclusion that we
are stewards for Gods suffering
children. / rejoice that He is open
ing the eyes and hearts of multi-mil-
tS " tllie cat anu DSutlltIdl
truth, and that they are more and
more contributing to charitable and
educational institutions. We cannot
all make large gifts. but We can CON
tribute the widows mite What is it
that has set SO many persons to aid
ing in charitable work. which is only
the blessed Christmas spirit in prac-
tice? 1t is the parable of the Good
Samaritan working in the hearts of
men. Behold. a certain lawyer stood
up and tempted Him, saying. Master
what shall l do to inherit eternal
life?' ! have always regretted that
that man was a lawyer | wish he
had been a doctor. preacher. merchant
anything except a lawyer.
The result of the dialogue between
the Saviour and the lawyer was the
inspirating and elevating doctrine.
Love thy neighbor as thyself." which
is fast becoming part of the creed of
the entire civilized world I wish
every boy and girl in America would,
during the Christmas holidays. commit
to memory the parable of the Good
Samaritan. and that the ennobling
idea contained in this parable might
become their rule of conduct: for.
after all. love is the chief thing in
life-love of parents love of husbands
and wives. love of children. love of
neighbors. love of country. love of
humanity. Love expands the human
soul Hatred. malice. jealousy con-
tracts and hardsnens the human heart
While the children are committing
the parable of the Good Samaritan to-
memory they could do themselves an
other good turn by committing to-
memory and absorbing the spirit of
St Pauls splendid rhapsody on char
ity in the thirteenth chapter of First
Corinthians: Though ! speak with
the tongues of men and of angels. and
have not charity. l am become as
sounding of brass or tinkling Gym
bal"-the finest passage in the entire
literature of the world The truth is
that Paul never wrote or uttered a
sentence which would not be bcne-
ficial to the person committing it to
memory His defense before King
Agrippa is marvellous forensic per-
formancc. and his sermon on THE
Unknown God" on Mars Hill in the
ancient theatre of Grecian eloquence
has never been equaled in the quality
of skill by any orator in the world
Christmas is and should be season
of joy. of home-comings of those who
have wondered from the old roof tree
in search of fame or fortune, of re
unions of parents and children and
kindred and friends whom the eNigen-
scie of life have separated. Glad home
comings, Happy reunions. Delight
full "reminiscences, Restfu, holidays!