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CHRISTMAS: 1857.

Close on the ending of a doleful year,
Sweet Christmas chimes and carollings, awhile,
With blessed reminiscences, beguile
Men's restless hearts and soothe away their fear;
Ah, then! from Heaven looking to our sphere,
Which He alone to Heaven could reconcile,
Our Lord, amid His perfect joy, doth smile
To see—wherever men such music hear—
All human sufferers, on this dear morn,
When into human life He erst was born,
Forget their ancient curse and myriad woes,
Feeling the bliss that some fair planet knows,
Where never entered Sin, and Doubt, and Scorn,
To bring the need of a Redeemer's throes.