Securing this symbolic statement for ourselves, we find that two of the chief things to which we attach importance in this world--namely, birth and position--are altogether set aside in this humanizing of the WORD, and are of no account whatever. And, that the helpless Child lying in a manger on that first Christmas morning of the world, was,--despite poverty and humility,--fore-destined to possess more power than all the kings and emperors ever born in the purple. Thus, the first lessons we get from the birth of Christ are--Faith and Humility--these are indeed the whole spirit of His Divine doctrine. Now,--How does this spirit pervade our social community to-day, after nearly two thousand years of constant preaching and teaching? Look round on the proud array of the self-important, pugnacious, quarrelsome, sectarian and intolerant so-called “servants of the Lord.” The Pope of Rome, and his Cardinals and his Monsignori! The Archbishop of Canterbury, and _his_ Bishops, Deacons, Deans and Chapters and the like! The million “sects”--and all the cumbrous paraphernalia of the wealthy and worldly, “ordained” to preach the Gospel! Ask them for “proofs” of faith! For signs of “humility”! For evidences of any kind to show that they are in very soul and life and truth, the followers of that Master who never knew luxury, and had not where to lay His head! And you, among the laity, how can you pray, or pretend to pray to a poor and despised “Man of Sorrows,” in these days, when with every act and word of your life you show your neighbours that you love Money better than anything else in earth or in heaven!--when even you who are millionaires only give and do just as much as will bring you notoriety, or purchase you a “handle” to your names! Why do you bend your hypocritical heads on Sundays to the Name of “Jesus,” who (so far as visible worldly position admitted) was merely the son of a carpenter, and followed the carpenter’s trade, while on week-days you make no secret of your scorn of, or indifference to the “working-man,” and more often than not spurn the beggar from your gates! Be consistent, friends!--be consistent! IF YOU BELIEVE IN CHRISTIANITY, you must also believe in these three things:-- 1. The virtue of poverty. 2. The dignity of labour. 3. The excellence of simplicity. Rank, wealth, and all kinds of ostentation should be to you pitiable--not enviable. IS IT SO? Do you prefer poverty, with a pure conscience, to ill-gotten riches? Would you rather be a faithful servant of Christ or a slave of Mammon? Give the answer to your own soul,--but give it honestly--if you can!