Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1913-12-22

DleneSS nor SnauOW OF turning.
tJumes l:1TJ He said:
Christmas is a delightful season in
many respects. Admitting the claim
that 1t is the date of the Annuncia-
tion. and that our Lords birth was
nine months later, In October. 1t mat
ters not 1t is delightful custom that
draws the attention of the whole world
to the birth at Bethlehem. and me-
moriHlizes to men the great Gift Of
God on our behalf. we rejoice In 1t,
even though the Higher Critics have
wrought such destruction Of faith In
Christendom that to many the day
and the events 1t commentaries have
lost their meaning. The custom OF Civ.
ing little tokens of remembrance and
esteem is still blessing In the world.
To the extent that we enter into It
heartily. we are exercising godlike
quality. God Is the great Giver, from
whom cometh every good gift and ev-
cry perfect gift.
some OF Sode GIFTS.
Let us begin with some of the COM
mon things that God has given all
men richly to enjoy. How delightful
y adapted to our needs Ii the air we
breathe! How II carries life and re-
freshment to our lungs and to every
part Of our bodies. Think of the great
boon Of water-refreshl exhilarat-
Ing, absolutely n necessity to our hab-
Its and our life. Take the sunshine
and the golden grandeur In which 1t
clothes the earth, and the life and
vigor which it imparts-not only to
our bodies and minds, but to all na-
ture.
Even In the matter Of colors God is
gracious to u.s. The predominating
colors are well adapted to our sight,
and restfu to the eye, The varlegat.
ed colors Of the flowers brighten the
landscape, refreshing and pleasing us,
Not only so, but the Infinite variety Of
these flowers In size and shape is won
derful. Even the storm clouds are
beautiful. The Creator, who gave us
the organs appreclntlve Of shape.
beauty and color, provided us also
qualification Of these senses. Addition.
ally, He gave us the sense OF smell
and then provided In all nature won
derfu varieties of odors 10 crafty us
Do not all these gifts come from the
Father Of Merciesi
! Time would fall us to examine these
I common blessings which God hns Civ.
en- all men richly to enjoy-nOt only
His cOnsecrated snints, but every crea-
ture. We Gun readily see that grand
provision was made for the race In It's
original perfection. All these things
are blessings TO mankind, notwtth.
standing our fallen condition. notwith.
standing our weaknesses Of mind and
body which binder w from proper
conception, appreciation and use Of
these, When we remember that the
sick lose their appetite and fail In all
their powers Of appreciation, and when
we remember thnt our entire race is
sin-slck. we may well wonder how
much more Il perfect man might have
enjoyed the various blessings which
are still precious to us.
Richly to Enjoy.
God has given gifts They are on
every hand. and may be richly enjoy.
ed or not richly enjoyed. But us the
mnJOrity OF people swallow their food
without richly enjoying It's havor, ~
'the majority receive and use Gods
favors IN a stupid unnppreciative man
uer. aud do not richly enjOy--indeed
nrr unconscious uf the blessings that
they nave. Whit In the mntterl The
reply Of the Bible II that they have
the wrong spirit But where did they
get the wrong splritt The Bible nm
swers that sin vitiateE every good
qnnlity " mind and OF body.
The world. through deprayity
through losing It's relationship with
God. has lost the sense OF apprecia
tlon bf many OF Gods gifts MnnklnC
have them. and use them. but do mol
enjoy them. Consequently they are un
happy. unholy, unthankful. Alas, pool
world. II In rushing madly hither ant
thither, seeking pleasure. seeking JOY
seeking happiness. but finding dlscon
tent disappointment
only one claSe Of people are really
able to highly enjoy Heavens gifts
These have passed through certalI
mental eIperieuce which Is for then
TRANSFORMING Nil of Mes Affairs. The!
have caught n glimpse VI the Almight.