"Christ's character delights me: I read the history of his humble birth, his painful death, and his glorious resurrection, as it is recorded in Scripture, with hope and joy, and with holy confidence and trust. How shall I sufficiently bless God for Jesus Christ? Whatever change has been wrought in me, I trace to Christ's coming into the world. If Christ had never come, how corrupt should I be at this moment; how blind, how dark, how ignorant, how different from what, through the grace of God, I now am. How miserable, in comparison of my present happiness. I am engaged, indeed, in a sharp conflict with my sins; but, through my Saviour's help, I hope to gain ground against them. I have, occasionally, doubts and fears; but in general, I feel confident that the promises of God are sure and certain in Christ Jesus; for I know in whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that soul which I have committed to him till the great day." A NEW CHRISTMAS HYMN. O how wondrous is the story Of our blest Redeemer's birth! See, the mighty Lord of glory Leaves his heaven to visit earth. Hear with transport, every creature, Hear the gospel's joyful sound: Christ appears in human nature, In our sinful world is found! Comes to pardon our transgression, Like a cloud our sins to blot; Comes to his own favored nation, But his own receive him not. If the angels who attended To declare the Saviour's birth, Who from heaven with songs descended, To proclaim good will on earth; If, in pity to our blindness, _They_ had brought the pardon needed; Still, Jehovah's wondrous kindness Had our warmest hopes exceeded! If some prophet had been sent With salvation's joyful news, Who that heard the blest event Could their warmest love refuse? But 'twas He to whom in heaven Hallelujahs never cease; He, the mighty God, was given-- Given to us a Prince of peace. None but he who did create us, Could redeem from sin and hell; None but he could reinstate us In the rank from which we fell. Had he come, the glorious stranger, Decked with all the world calls great-- Had he lived in pomp and grandeur, Crowned with more than royal state-- Still, our tongues, with praise o'erflowing, On such boundless love would dwell-- Still, our hearts, with rapture glowing, Speak what words could never tell. But what wonder should it raise, Thus our lowest state to borrow! O the high mysterious ways-- God's own Son a child of sorrow! 'Twas to bring us endless pleasure, He our suffering nature bore; 'Twas to give us heavenly treasure, He was willing to be poor. Come, ye rich, survey the stable Where your infant Saviour lies; From your full, o'erflowing table, Send the hungry good supplies.