BETHLEHEM. 
3 
In the few lines to which we are limited in these pages, allusion only can be 
made to its palpable effect, in creating a series of questions of the highest importance 
to mankind, yet which had never occurred before — the education of the people, the 
improvement of their condition, the general elevation of their habits, and the relief 
of their necessities under the various circumstances of human suffering. We even 
find all those objects contemplated from the earliest announcement of Christianity. 
The first declaration of our Lord was, that He came to heal the spiritual and physical 
maladies of the multitude, commencing by that most direct and comprehensive of all 
mercies—the preaching of the Gospel to the poor . 1 His whole career was an 
exemplification of this announcement; from day to day, He alike healed disease and 
preached the Gospel; often among the outcasts, always among the multitude. Even 
in the awful hour of the Crucifixion, as if to prove the inexhaustible spirit of a 
mission which reached from the highest glory of Heaven to the lowest depths of 
human nature; He bore with Him a repentant criminal to Paradise. 
It is admitted, that Christianity has not hitherto accomplished all its purposes; 
that a large portion of the world still lies under despotism, and a larger still under 
barbarian ignorance. Yet we are to remember, that Christianity appeals only to 
the heart and understanding; that it makes no use of physical power; that it disdains 
all attempts to allure the passions or dazzle the senses; and that against it is 
arrayed the whole active and interested corruption of man. Still, it is beyond all 
denial, that in proportion as Christianity has been acknowledged, the whole condition 
of society has advanced; that Law has obtained higher influence; property has been 
rendered more secure; Science has stretched a more vigorous flight; the general 
mind become more intelligent; suboi’dination been less slavish and authority at once 
more lenient and more limited. The Gospel, even now, draws the circle of light 
and darkness; Christendom is the intellectual portion of the world. But still higher 
results may be awaiting mankind. The future can be only matter of hope. But 
there are illustrious intimations in the Scriptures that the progress of good shall not 
continue thus tardy beyond a certain time. Of the three great forms of human 
Society—Clanship, Empire, and Kingdoms, the last is probably drawing to its close. 
Prophecy announces one form to come; but it is still wrapt in clouds. The Atonement 
must for ever shine as the leading glory of the Christian triumph; but who shall 
say, that splendours beyond all existing conceptions may not yet follow in its train, 
scatter the darkness and guilt of the Fall, and more than reinstate the original 
grandeur of the race of man? 
Luke, iv. 18. 
