Why are God's Favorites, Man's Favorites?
IN this life are found two classes of human beings, and two grades of happiness. There are those whom God has bountifully blessed, and those whom He has apparently forgotten. One has the pleasure and happiness therefrom of possessing many of the most fascinating gifts given to mortals and added always to these the kindliest smiles and gifts of love from man. The other, stinted and limited at birth with talents and abilities, is shunned and frowned upon by most of those they meet. To one, happiness is offered in abundance; while the other plans and contrives, sighs and wishes for the bright light of joy to lighten his pathway. Now to whom much is given, of him much is expected. But do we see the one with ten talents giving to his neighbor who has only one talent? No. He sits with content on his brow, admired and praised, the great recipient of man's favors. All bow before him, because God has made him a special heir of nature's bounty, instead of his giving to those less favored of his mighty inheritance. He forgets that many are the passing poor day-laborers, or the humble housewife, economizing her scanty supplies to give to one whom God has already given enough. Why is it that people pass the pale, scarred face with scornful look and give their sweetest smiles to the peerless beauty? Does she that has much need more? Would it not be better to smile on the disconsolate, care-worn face than on the face beaming with happiness? If God has made their life pleasant, need man try to do more? Is it his favorites who need to be cheered by Christmas gifts? I watch the many that come and go from the Christmas tree, and note the ones that oftenest go. Are they the poor laundress and kitchen maid, the blind and lame, the orphan and invalid, the humpback and tawny face? No. God has passed by these, and so has man. But the bright faces, the graceful figures, the heirs of wealth and renown, come and go ladened and loaded with gifts of love and pride. These are remembered. It seems a pleasure to give to those who have, and a duty to those who have not. But are we not doing these things in commemoration of Christ? And did he forget the poor, the halt and despised? Did he bestow his charities only on the great, the rich, and beautiful? Then do we not honor man more than Christ, when we give to the fortunate and forget or neglect the unfortunate? Are we not rejecting the great example given to us when we leave the homeless and motherless to map out their own happiness without the encouraging of those whom God has generously favored? Think of it and let man's favors fall where they are needed; where they will inspire and encourage, where they will lift the gloomy curtain of despair and let in the soft, warm rays which come from the kindness of loving friends.— Vt Gazette.