The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-11-18
Thauix.givtug.

Before the issue Of another number of our
paper, the day, set apart for public Thanksgiv-
ing in this and several other States, will have
passed.
We rejoice that the custom Of consecrating
one day In the year 10 the beautiful and appro-
pirate services Of gratitude IS becoming more
and more universal. Scarcely State is there
in the great sisterhood, which has not by adopt
ing the custom, recognised its propristy.
One thing is yet wanting; that the same day
be set spsrt in all portions of the Union, for the
sacred service. Then how sublime will be the
spectacle presented by this mighty people in vol
unfairly Withdrawing from the scenes Of world
ly care and business, to the temples of the Most
High, there to unite all hearts and all voices in
grand, harmonious anthem ofpraise.
Never does a man or a nation occupy a truer
position than when presenting an offering Of
gratitude TO Heaven. Gratitudei What purer,
nobler, emotion, can thrill the hearth II ele-
Yates while it humbles. The grateful spirit is
always a lovely spirit. 1t feels and delights 10
acknowledge its dependence. The grateful pir-
1t is always an unselfsh spirit Selfshness can
uuO pace IN dHtdEACOuecCTdlcOt gfdtltu0e-
The temple is too sacred to be defled by the
presence Of that false god. The man whose
breast is warm with grateful emotions, cannot
be unmiRdful Of his brother man. While his
heart ascends in songs Of praise to God, it will
60 forth in blessings 10 man. The grateful spir-
il is always a benevolent spirit.
Werejoice, then, that our people are to unite in
spublic service Ofthanksgiving. Werejoice not
only because Of the fitness Of the service to a
nation blessed we are, but because it will
stimulate US to new and earnest exertions for
the welfare OF others. While recountinp our
own blessings, we shall desire TO impart them to
every people; and this is the position which we
desire TO have our country sustain among the
nations Of the world, the bsnefaefOr Of all
Many are the causes Of thankfnlness which
present themselves to all rejecting minds. Our
fields have been crowned with abundant har.
vests All nature has brought her tribute of
praise. Offered as incense in the fragrant bios
SONS Of Spring, it has been renewed in the rich
fruits placed by Autumn's hand on the altar of
Heaven. Forest and fruit-tree, hillside and
valley, have united in singing natures sweet |
hymn.
Peace has looked with smiling countenance
upon our land, and waved her olive branch over |
every border.
We have reason for gratitude also in the
progress and triumph Of the spirit of freedom.
Never, in our national existence, was the heart
Of our nation more alive with the love of Iiber.
ty than at the present hour.
il is true that the bondage, in which three
millions Of our fellow-beings are held, seems TO
presents strange illustration Of the love of lib
sriy. But notwithstanding the evidence of this
painful fact, we believe our assertion 10 be IN.
orally true. Never were so many hearts con.
secrated to the love and defence of liberty AZ a,
this very time. The flame, IL may be, does NOT
fash out with such startling brillance as al
some other periods Of our national history, but
u burns all the more steadily and intensely
Thousands and tens of thousands are there
among the citizens Of our beloved land, north
and south, Of the old, the middle aged, and the ,
young, who have plighted their faith and the I
love Of their hearts TO freedoms sacred cause-l
Not in passion or excitement, not in anger or .