The Babe of Bethlehem. A Poem

102 IMPROVEMENT ERA every spirit or species of contempt or disrespect for the Constitution of our country and the constitutional laws of our land. Faith in God is an irrevocable principle, just as much as "thou shalt not kill;" "thou shalt not steal;" "thou sHalt not commit adultery." Repentance of sin is an eternal principle, and is as essential in its place and is as much an integral part of the gospel of Jesus Christ as is : "Thou shalt not kill," or "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Baptism for the remission of sin by one having authority is an eternal principle, for God devised it, and commanded it, and Christ himself was not above obeying it ; he had to obey it in order to fulfil the law of righteousness. And then the rites of the Priesthood of the Church as the Lord has revealed them, and the principles that underly the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ are irrevocable, unchanging and unchangeable. We talk of the "everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation," and these principles in and of themselves are eternal principles and Will last while life or thought or being lasts or immortality endures. My brethren and sisters, let us obey the gospel; let us keep the commandments of God. If we will obey the truth, the truth will make us free. How free? Free from sin, free from the results of transgressing the law, which is sin, for sin is transgression of the law of God ; free from transmitting loathsome diseases ; free from every immoral act, and the consequences thereof. Free from bloodshed, and from deceit and hy hypocrisy. It will make us honest, and devoted to that which is good, to that which we believe and know to be right. I am for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and I am willing to leave all other things to the mercy and kindness of the Father to be supplied as he may feel disposed. God bless you, is my prayer. Amen. The Babe of Bethlehem In loving mood Night holds th' expectant world In fond embrace. The throbbing, conscious air Is pregnant with mysterious power, as if Events portend, momentous, undefined. Inhabitants of other worlds are come, Who, noiseless, sweeping down the vaulted arch, In hosts are massed amidst the starry blue. A moment's hush, then thrill the realms of space. T

HE BABE OF B'ETHLEHEM 103 Celestial chimes, rebuke the stilly air — Angelic strains, arise till dawn hath come! So marvelous the thing by heaven done! The wond'ring shepherds yet are unaware Of all the pslam's great meaning, triumphant and prolonged. They hasten o'er the heights to Bethlehem, 'Tis light, as 'twere the brilliant noon-day sun Had in his course been turned ere eve was come; The angels had declared a sign to them, That, seeing.they with boldness might testify of Him. Behold o'er Bethlehem a radiant star, That scintillates amid the worlds on hign, Resplendent is the gleaming Eastern sky, And queenly night rides in her jewelled car, To welcome him thus proudly of destiny divine. All hail! the Lord of Life and Light hath come! Sole Mediator, God had promised Him, — In Eden'd days an offering for sin, — Immaculate conceived, the Holy One, Ere yet the earth was fashioned, the Lamb of God fore-slain. How jubilant the bells sound o'er the wild! Across the world is borne the love they bring — And vibrant echoes of the song they fling — "Behold the Prince of Peace — the Heavenly Child Emmanuel, the Shiloh, the Savior of the world!" The power of love, O world, dost understand? It gave a sinless sacrifice to die, That mercy might stern justice satisfy, When broken was the all-wise God's command, With death th' irrevocable and endless penalty. He triumphed! fill the universe with song, Wide ope' the portals 'twixt earth and sky — On wings of love let these glad tidings fly — "Unto the Babe of Bethlehem belong All honor, praise and glory, forevermore. Amen." * * * * * * * Ye lowly ones, rejoice, and haughty kings Upon your thrones — mere rulers of an hour — Divinity ascribe to him and power — Bring love-gifts, world, join with the choir that sings, "Hail King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Babe of Bethlehem." Lydia D. Alder.