The New Hampshire Gazette

From the Boston Evening Post of Decemb. 21.

On Christmas Day.

IF any Event that ever happen'd in the World deserves to be commemorated at certain periods, undoubtedly this of the birth of the Saviour of mankind is most worthy our notice. That memorable events ought to be statedly celebrated on certain days, seems to be the voice of nature itself; it has been the practice of all ages from the beginning, and God himself has given it his sanction by revelation and express command. Indeed this custom has been often abused, and converted, to the purposes of superstition ; but so has the best that ever obtain'd in the world, even religion itself. which surely can be no objection against it, with any man of common understanding and honesty. Vice puts on a thousand different shapes, when it is detected in one, it presently starts up in another, and if there is any custom, institution or order, that by its excellency has obtain'd more than ordinary veneration of mankind. vice will soon pretend to it, and under the disguise of its appearance intrude itself upon the world. This answers a vicious purpose in a two fold respect. As it supports vice even under a venerable appearance.-- And as it disgraces, in weak honest minds, the appearances that must necessarily attend virtue. Thus vice is often screened, and virtue suspected. But undoubtedly men who would pretend to the reasonable character, should not thus approve or condemn things by the lump, but examine honestly and diligently, and judge impartially : Without this, no man can do his duty, but with those that do I need only to desire them to consider.-to convince them of the usefulness, the decency, and piety, of commemorating at certain stated times, those great events that have been remarkably interesting to mankind, and particularly the birth of our redeemer. on Christmas day. These periodical solemnities not only recal to our minds the important transactions in which our dearest interests were so infinitely concerned, and excite suitable reflections in us. but at the same time are standing and infallible evidences of the reality of those events ; so that at the same time that they excite our piety, they confirm our faith : But it ought to be the endeavour of every man who enjoys the blessing of British government, her pure religion, her decent and venerable customs, to be watchful against the abuses that are apt to creep in and corrupt them. or deform their beauty....Of this sort undoubtedly is the licentiousness, the idleness .and intemperance that has for a considerable time prevailed at this season. It is true that-the occasion of this solemnity is matter of the utmost gratitude, love, and joy to mankind; and should therefore naturally inspire the most kind and social affections, and the most diffusive benevolence and hospitality.. Methinks all mankind should join in congratulations with each other, and in expressions of thankful praise to their redeemer : But there is a wide difference between this kind of decent solemn joy and benevolence, and that of vicious intemperance, extravagance, and debauchery, which has more the appearance of the mad revels of the heathen at the celebration of the Orgies of Bacchus, than that of a Christian festival.-- What must the heathen, who observe us. what must our own heathen slaves, and what must ignorant people, who judge only by appearance, what must they think of a religion whose most solemn festival is celebrated with disorder and immorality.

It behoves us all then to contribute our endeavours to reduce our behaviour at this festival, to a conformity with the religion instituted by him whose name we assume. and whose birth we commemorate. This is incumbent upon us not only for our own sakes but for the honour of our religion, and that we may not prejudice others against it, and by throwing offences in the way, keep them from embracing it, and thereby be accessory to all the evil that attends their infidelity. If we are not ashamed to own the name of Christians,. let us not be ashamed to act as such. As Christians we have the highest cause to rejoice, but let us not forget the name we bear, nor let our joy hurry us into an inconsistency of character.