The Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1886. CHRISTMAS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1529, 23 December 1886, Page 2

The Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1886. CHRISTMAS.

Bkfokb this paper is again issued the time-honored festival of Christmas trill have come and gone, and therefore we take this opportunity of wishing-our readers the compliments of the season. Tbs festival of Christmas is associated with the most soul-inspiring memories in Christian chronology. It celebrates the greatest event that ever occurred : the birth of the Redeemer of the World, which of cours* is the most extraordinary miracle that has ever been chronicled. It is the miracle of miracles; the mainspring of ; the Christian faith, and he who believes in the miracle wrought in the birth and resurrection of Our Saviour, and refuses to acknowledge subsequent manifestations of the.stfme Infinite Rowet mast be weak in his faith and dull in his intellect. The Great God that worked one miracle could work millions of them, and the man who will not believe in well-authenticated manifestations of the Divine Will now, but rather dismisses them by saying that “ the age of miracles is past,” leaves himself open to a suspicion of not being very strong in his faith as regards the miracle commemorated at Christmas. There is nothing in ancient history which has been so clearly proved as that Jesus Christ lived, died on the Cross, and rose again from the dead. We have the testimony ofipany witnesses to prove it, yet there are 'men who will not believe some of this, while any story told by profane historians is accepted by them without a doubt. This appears to us the acme of human perversity, The pagan histories are heVqr doubted, but the history which relates the story of Christ’s death and resurrection is rejected as untruthful. It cannot be said that Jesus Christ did not live, because that is impossible in the face of the facts, and then there remains only to reject anything concerning him which partakes of the super-human. Now why should a part of the story relating to the life and labors of Jesus Christ be believed and not the whole ? That which is rejected is as well authenticated as that which is received ; then why should discredit be thrown ou a part, and the balance accepted as gospel truth ? To do so is not logical. That Christ lived and worked miracles is borne out by the testimony of the historian Josephus, the Jew. He says, “ Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call Him a man,, for lie performed many wond«rfal works.” Josephus also says that Jesus died on a cross, and “ appeared alive again on the third day.” Then the story of the Bible with regard to the supreme miracle of the Resurrection Js snpjorted by the Jtwilh historian, who waft not a follower of j

Christ. Josephus apparently is afraid to call Him “ a man,” and judging from his language he believes Him to be more than a man. Pagan, bis-, tonans also record the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, and the darkness fell on the earth at the death of Christ.' Thus, independent «if the Bible history, profane history gives ns proofs, that Christ lived and performed miracles, and therefore there is yhry little room left for doubting anything which has been recorded of Him. ' So far we have departed from our customary rule. It is not considered the correct thing for secular newspapers to deVote space to such subjects as that to which we have referred, but we see no reason for allowing our best; impulses to remain chained down, by the slavery of 'roles and customs and'precedents. Wo have devoted the whole of ■the past year to the discussion of secu'ar subjects, and it does not appear I to ns- out of place now to reflect a little on the greatness of the event which we commemorate. Religion is what no one need be ashamed ; of, : True religion prompts men to be ,virtuous, honest, and honorable, aoii certainly has nothing in it which any one need blush to own. Realising these facts, and also that the time is seasonable, we thought it well to address a-■ fejv words to our; readers relative to' (lie great festival we are 5 about to celebrate; they will do no' one harm; they may be the menus of causing some to reflect on the best : means of spending this holy season of the year. But we most not pursue the subject further. If we were to do so we should lay ourselves open to the accusation, of having turned to “ sermonising,” and as that is not in our line wb shall conclude by wishing our readers A 'Merry Ghrietmaa, and many happy returns of the season.”