The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-11-27

We agree with our correspondent about the beauties
and power, and appropriateness Of the following dis
course which was delivered Thursday last at
tentve and admrng congregation 1t suits the day. the
OCCASION and the country; and il presents glowing
account of the blessings which gracious Providence
has showered upon this favored land that we have no
doubt readers will share with the pleasure which
its publication is calculated to communicate to them.
To the Editor of the Union.
Having enjoyed the pleasure of hearing the enclosed
sermon, on thanksgiving day, from the Rev. John w
French rector of the church of the Epiphany, we be-
eve that publication OF it would be interesting to your
readers and have therefore requested of the reverend
author copy of it for that purpose with which request
he has coureousy and kindly complied We respectfully
ask for it place in the columns Of the Union The APP
proprate and beautiful terms in which you saluted the
coming OF the day of thanks and the impressive and eo
quent manner in which you recommended its observance
give every that you not nsensibe to
the sentiments and principles which should inspire the
heart on such an interesting OCCASION and that you will
take pleasure in disseminating the influence of those
ments and principles by the publication of the appro-
pirate, eloquent, chaste and patriotic OF the Rev
Mr.. French.
In making the request, it is nothing more than Just to
say that are comparatively speaking strangers to the
reverend auhorno members of his congregation and,
consequently, moi governed in desire for publca
ton OF the by feelings of personal religious
preference. Very respectfully,
MANY HEARERS.
For God is the King of all the earth sing ye praises ,c
understandiny.-Ps. Slyii 7.
In the giving OF thanks the soul is surrounded with
the brightness that encircles God; for then like Him,
it is beholding good in all things.
1t is goody spectacle, that of people approaching
His affairs for the fuhlment of this great duty For the
fruits of the earth they have oiled or have waited
slinhpamS. aags
ministers OF God-came unfailing to aid them. Now,
when those fruits gathered in that people turn from
labor to praise, from the granay to the temple and
His presence send up their united thanksgiving to Him
who has blessed them
The beauty of that spectacle would have been married.
i countrys capital had been severed from counrys
thanksgiving But it is cause OF gratitude to Him, that
this city wherein hrobs the mighty heart Of govern
ment-in city bearing his great name who honored
such duties h ever-the Being who has the hearts Of
this people to blend their voices with the ascending
chorus of encirclihg States.
While this duty is thus honored by earth, the prophet
here tells you of the honor of Heaven. ''God is the
King OF all the earth sing We praises with understand
ing From Him, as King, comes the command; in Him.
as King is found the motive Because He is the King
Of all the earth, should praise and thanksgiving ascend
Viewing Him as King, men should the grandeur and
the certainty of those blessings which wrought by
His government Thus their praises should be ''with
We could look at Him as King in the realm of nature
and therefore praise Him with understanding We thank
him to-day for the fruits of the EARTH Whence do they
come Under God from the consistency of nature. That
consistency produced through those bonds invisible but
enduring, which link this earth with distant orbs, and
with the universe.
season, speaks to us Of the sustained order and eqb
UNI, and constancy Of the heavens with all their suns
and sarsspeaks to of the WISDOM vastness, etern
ty OF God impressed that order, that imnensty that
unlaling consancy-speaks to us OF providentia care
reaching to the farhest, loving kindness caring for
the minutest want Both His mighty and His endearng
ht
and SO by thanksgiving for the fruits of the EARTH the
universe becomes veil through which gaze on
the vast projections which live forever in the Everlasting
(" The invisible things" &c.-Rom j, 20.
Let some verses OF psalm, uttered this morning, bear
the mind along this train OF thought ascending from
"He gvch fodder unto the cattle and feedeth the young
ravens which call upon Him.. Let another verse carry
you the next step upward 'Who covcreh the heavens
the grass to grew upon the mountains and herb for the
use OF men," Next advance by another verse, to that
order of the boundess system by which these things
wrought she teeth the number of the stars, and caeth
them all by their Names" Then soar, with one other
above all visible gories, and where the
soul should ever fold its pnons Great is our Lord and
great is His power yea and His wisdom is infinite SO,
thanks for the fruits of the earth, may rise,
through nature, to her God.
But wish, to-day, to look at Him as King in another
sphere-,that of Providence would view him as literal
~ the klngo all the EARTH the governor among the
nations the director of all the great events of human
history In other words, would praise him specially To-
day, for blessings bestowed upon this country.
feel drawn toward such theme by deep convictions
and feelings 1t to that these public thanks
gvings should be the occasion for the Church breathe
into this great people pure ecsac PATRIOTISM and that
this should be regarded by the ministry of its high
holy, imperative duties The love of country one of
the great branches of that love to mankind which Re-
deemer exempihes, Sancther inspires, and Revelation
date human love from se-for objects vaster than self
Among those great objects are first God then the Church
and the world but next to these, the country We real
ly and truly to love that brotherhood of God has wo
ven around 1t true, this love- like every
other, must be regulated Uneguated it may take fam
necessity for the ministry to bring its mighty tides
the sway of higher orbs by the direction of Divine prn
cipes. Such regulated and Chrstanized love of coun
try we want in the heart OF every citizen, moulding and
guiding him, he bIeeds the battle field votes at
the POLLS counses in halls of legislation or executes
Offices of public trust. And one occasion for nfusng
this principle seems, as have sad to be that of public
thanksgiving. We then enumerae our benefits When
Gods blessings the country declaring His love
10 her, we may learn how ought to love her. 1t is
natural TO censlre Throughout the year the country
may receive it. 1t is well that day should be
called to look only at the light which enrobes her, and
not at her shadows AT the seat of the general govern
nent such theme seems specially demanded. ] wish
10 devote, then, our remaining time TO view of the
blessings OF the country, bestowed by Him who King
Of all the earth In view OF Them may we learn to thank
and praise Him with understanding.
thank Him for the of men for whom He reserved
his continent through ages, and whom He brought in the
ulness OF time to occupy its vastness. know that
~ virtue has its kindred vice. know that high est-
nate OF themselves, by people, may degenerate from
self respect into pride But surely it may be linked with
humility, and may rise into gratitude. In this latter light
land has shed on the Anglo Saxon race human
higher qualities. Their deeds are their praisps Their