The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

In compliance with the above Proclamation.
by his Exccllcncy, Governor Allen, the people
OF this State will observe to-day, as a day of
thanksgiving and prayer; and, according to
common usage, it will also be- to Il great extent
day Of feasting and hlarty. To day is set
apart, not only by the Governor of Rhode Is.
land, but by the Governors of all the other
states Of the Union, with the exception of those
Of Vermont and South Carolina, for the same
purpose. 1t will, therefore, on this occasion be
a sort of National Holiday. when the millions
who now inhabit these United states will Law
aside their usual ayocations and assemble in
their respective places Of worship, to render
thanks to the Great Givcr of all things for the
numerous blessings bestowed upon them during
the past year.
Never have we, perhaps, had greater cause
for thanksgiving, than at the present time
During the past year, the blessing of public
health has been enjoyed without interruption
The fruits Of the earth, in overlooking abund-
ance, have rewarded the labors of the husband
man. Public improvements have been advanced.
The truths of religion, AMI of her handmade
ems and co-labOrers the arts and sciences, and
knowledge generally, are more widely dffused,
and, although divisions for time threatened us.
our republican institutions have been strength. .
ened Whilst other countries have suffered
from fire, pestilence and the sword--Mexico has
been in the midst of Il revolution, and its at
tendant horrors; Cuba has been the scene of
bloodshcd and crime; Sweden, with plenty
around her, has suffered the pangs of famine /;
the Canary Isles have been almost depopulatcd
by plague; Italy is writhing under the iron
yoke of the oIpressor; Hungary has bled for
liberty; Russia has been laying plans for
wrecking her vengeance on Turkey for harbor-
ing political refugees Chill has been experience
ing the desolating march of revolution Ire
land has been groaning in the vicp-lke grasp of
starvation; England has her rebellous pro-
vinces; Germany has been unsettled; while
the calm in France is, in all probability, but
the precursor of n fearful political Storm and
even the Celestial Empire is shaken by REBEL ON
and cOntenton-we are at peace with the ma
tions of the earth. How long we are to enjoy
these blessing remains in great measure (un-
der GodD with the Recipients Of them to decide
While we are giving thanks for the mercics
which we receive individually let US not forget
that there are some, even in this greatly bless
ed land, who are destitute of many of the
necessaries of life. Let us not pass them by
unheedingl the gifts of Heaven
on our own nuholy passions; but let such as
have to spare divide with his poorer brother,
thus sending smiles and gladness into homes
made dcsolatc by stern poverty. Let us re-
member the circumstances under which this
festival originated and dispense around us, as
much as lies in our power, those blessings
which have been so bountifuly showered upon
us.
Ono of our exchanges, in speaking of the ORR
gin Of this annual holiday, says :--'s The first
Thanksgiving in the New World was celebrated
about two hundred years ago. 1t was held in
the month of February, and originated from