No man yet upon earth ever boldly
aspired, and faithfully obeyed his clear convictions of good without
transmitting through his race an all but omnipotent energy. Winds waft,
streams scatter, birds of the air carry in their beaks, each seed that
drops in ripeness from the tree of life. The failures of man have been
from infidelity to his faith. Infinitely grander consequences than the
doer could estimate, have followed every executed purpose of heroism
and humanity and holy hope. Each age has been right in feeling that its
mission was all-important. Each prophet has chanted, as if for very
life, his warning and cheering, for God spoke through him in the
language of his land and era.
The Infinite Being, who through generation upon generation,
progressively incarnates himself in the human race, and so manifests
his glory upon earth, calls this age to its heavenly mission, and
speaks through it with an eloquent longing, that cannot be uttered, his
welcome and promise. The word whispers through the nations: "Man made
One; a World at Peace; Humanity, the Earth round." At the nativity of
this great hope, of this present Immanuel, the angels of our highest
aspirations bend from their cloudy thrones,--
"Harping in loud and solemn choir, With unexpressive notes, to Heaven's
newborn heir.
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