Portland gazette and Maine advertiser., 1811-11-18

pressed with sentiments expressive OF
true ihankfuIness and sincere praise
The approaching thanksgiving may be
calculated as the one hundred and nine
tieth, since the plantation Of New Eng
land almost TWO centurys have pass
ed away in swift succession, since our
pious ancestors instituted this sacred
festival, designed by them as day Of
religious feasting, whereby to express
their thankfulness for the numerous ia
vors conferred upon them, by their
bountiiul bruefactor.
The sun has risen in particular
manner, glorious, on. many of those
days set apart for thanksgiving. With
oat going too far back, would just re-
fer you to the year l7s3--neyer, per-
haps, were Americans more highly e.
lated on any occasion than on that ami
yersary thanksgiving. This was the
year that announced the arrival of that
beauteous dove. which expanding her
wings of silver and glittering in feath
els of gold, had FASTENED across the
atlantic, 10 plant the ollve-branch OF
peace in our land A year that pro-
claimed the cape stone set on ljberty's
sacred fame, and the independence of
America-on that day (set apart for
thanksgiving and praise) their hands,
lorgetful of the weapons Of death, laid
hold of the peaceful Tyre, while glad
voices chant forth the honors oft God
of salvation. America now reioiced
that her vine and her Gg-tree were
her own" and that " she mad none 10
modest or make her afraid" Would
to God our country the present year
was in such situation, that we could
with proprlety adopt similar lang uage;
but instead of realizing this 10 be our
happy case, behold our political hem
Isphere darkened ! let Us, therefore,
confidently resign the political concerns
oil our country 10 Him, who " ruleth In
the armies of heaven above, and among
the inhabitants of this lower world. -
Notwithstanding our national affairs APP
pear dark, and gloomy Consequences
seem ready to involve us IN one COM
mon ruin, yet we are not lett without
sonse tokens Of good As thankful
ness consists III acknowledgements OF
fayors conferred upon and receiyed by
MS, the scripture also teaches us that
in every thing give thanks, for this is
the will OF God" We have abundant
cause Tor Thanksgiving ard praise, on
account Of temporal mercies the past
year--ior the fruitfuIness ofthe season
that the earth has been made 10 bring
forth in such proiusion the necessary
supplies for man and beast. 80 that
men would praise the Lord for bis
goodness, and for his wonderful works
10 the children OF men !" Nor is our
thanktulness on this occasion to be con-
fined entirely TO the prolusions OF the
earth-this 10 be sure, is one great
cause for thanksgiving and praise, at
this season OF the year but there are
others which demand our highest re-
gard such as life, health, and hume
rous other blessings, which we are dali
ly & hourly the happy participants OIL
1t is matter of thanksgiving and
praise, thar we live il. land, which at
present is blessed with one Of heavens |
richest gifts, Liberty where we at
present enjoy our rights and privileges
unmolested Was there ever coun-
try 50 highly favored Of God as Amer
lea Glance your eyes for a moment
on the Other side the atlantic, there is |
heard the roaring of cannon, and clash
ING Of swords. While the American |
shores are free HON the horrors Of |
war, we behold Europe involved ~ all
its cclamiues. Napoleon, a iyrant, one |
that is unwearied il lis successes ior
victory, is going on wiki rapid strides,
through the continent Of Europe -
May the ocean that separates us from
him be an eternal barrier between us
and his tyranical rage.
Is il not gresi cause Of thankfulness
that no wasting peslileHce has visited
our large and populons towns; but that
the blessing Of health has generally
prevailed. Are we not under infinite
and Indispensable obligations to our
Creator and preserver, for the mani
fold mercies We receive they are
new to- US every morning, great is his
kindness"
We have yet great cause for thank
fulness that we live in q land iraGiated
with the gospel of Christ with the
liberty of worshipping him in man
per r,,nef agreeable. ia the dirtatee IF I