Mr. James R. Randall, the author of “Maryland, My Maryland,” a Roman Catholic writer of reputation, whose articles always find a first place in the Catholic Mirror, has this to say of Christmas:— “The saddest thing connected with the Christmas is the terrible and widespread profanation of the holy day. In every section of our country the papers record melancholy and appalling evidences of drunkenness, debauchery, and crimes of all kinds. A great many people think that Christmas is the period for reviving the Roman Saturnalia, or else they so conduct themselves. Thank God there are many others, I trust a majority, who welcome Jesus in a virtuous and becoming manner. This is the case with nearly all our Catholic brethren. There are many thousands of separated brethren who are to be commended for their pious appreciation of the day.” Now the simple fact is that the only “holiness” whatever Christmas day has, was given it, not by the Lord, or by any commandment of his word, but by the Roman Catholic Church. And even the Catholic Mirror not long ago declared that it was undoubtedly true that Christmas was not the day of Christ’s birth; and it is also true, as Mr. Randall intimates, that many people think—and think rightfully—that Christmas is simply a continuation of the old Roman Saturnalia. It has been kept in the old Saturnalian fashion ever since the time that the pagan festival was adopted into the church. There is another thing in Mr. Randall’s remarks that is worthy of notice. He says, “Thank God there are many others, I trust a majority, who welcome Jesus in a virtuous and becoming manner.” What has the Christmas festival to do with welcoming Jesus? a day that concededly was not his birthday. And even tho it were, does he come to the Christian for only one day in the year? It is for this very reason that we protest against the observance of so-called holy days, which God has not made holy. Instead of giving us better views of him, instead of bringing his life into our lives every day and at all times, it has a tendency to shut him from us in his human sympathy and helpfulness, except on the day in question. And then he is brought before us under circumstances that give us only the most superficial and material view of his work for men.