The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-11-25

Each Of these two hundred and twenty nine yesrs
has &C ded something to the greatness OF this ooun.
try. Each has witnessed q renewal Of the bless
ipgs OF its precursor. and n gracious dspensaticn
OF new mereies. We have been blessed in our
homes, which are peaceful and happy in our GO
vernment, which has known none of the eonvul-
sions 30 familiar to the reader Of foreign history;
IN our trade, which Is greater than that of any
other people save one; in our religion, which is
firmly rooted in the hearts Of citizens Since the
world was no such example OF rapid progress has
been witnessed. The glories of those ancient en-
pres, whose might has exercised the pen Of the
historian and inspired the Tyre Of the poet fade into
nothDgness when placed side by side with the pre-
sent greatness and future prospects Of the United
States. parallel with the Kingdoms of the past
Tot so fruitful OF interest it would have been
had the latter pursued policy of territorial az
grandzement. But il is still curious to notice that
the Aayrian monarchy only reached its apogee
after nve hundred and twenty years existence; the
Baby lonian, all probability, after struggle of
ten centuries, and the Egyptian, after long lapse
OF fifteen hundred years II we assume that the
dates adopted by historians correct, period of
about nine hundred years elapsed between the first
signs of national power in Greece and the con-
quests Of Alexander; and seven centuries and
half rolled over the capitol before the conquests of
the Roman generals seemed to foreshadow an
universal empire. We have attained, in two hun;
dred and thirty one years, pitch Of political and
social greatness which none of them approached.
Still more striking results Aow from q comparison
OF modern powers with the States. What have the
land? What for France? What for Spain? What
for Italy In some cases, as in that of England,
for example, vast accession OF territory in the East
demonstrates that our sister nation has not
manned at o stand-still. But how do conquests,
effected over the feeble inhabitants of Hindostan
and Cabul, compare with the settlement of q new
continent, tho planting Of the American flag over
world unparalleled in resources, in natural wealth.
and the elements OF future greatness-the foundar
ton of State whose manifest destiny 1t is to over
shadow the whole globe Measure if you can, the
gap which separates the England OF 1852 from the
England Of 1921, and see how Enthusiastically small
1t seems when opposed to the enormous stride which
this country has taken since the Pilgrim Fathers
offered their first Thanksgiving on Plymouth rock !;
and in spanning it, do not forget that the traces Of
our advancement are not confined within our own
borders. You will find them in every cline where
the word freedom il breathed. They meet your eye
in the free press and institutions Of England, on
which our notions Of liberty constantly reactng
they are not hidden in the depths Of the South
American continent. Their moral effect abroad is
perhaps even greater than their practical results at
home. To recur snce mere to the beautiful lam
guage Of the Pilgrims hymn
They came net FOR themselves alone they for all
mankind;
and all mankind feel their influence to-day.
1t is not, therefore, in any measure q matter Of
loud self graduation that we are the only nation
that observes general Thanksgiving Day. It may
that they allow tho yearly harvests to flow into their
garners without general public acknowledgment Of
their gratitude to Providence but, if We look back
and see all We have reason to DO thankful for, we
fathers, we are merely fulfilling an imperative duty
The custom Of returning thanks to Providence
after the harvest, was borrowed by the Pilgrim Fa
theirs directly from the Jews. Neither the heather
days of thanksgiving. The Jewish Feast of Taber.
naOles, which is still observed by the Jews on the
continent of Europe, was similar in its design to
our Thanksgiving Day The passage in Leviticus
remain in booths (or tabernacles) for seven
days." and to "rejoice before the Lord their God"
By the modern Jewish synagogue, these seven days
have been extended to nine but four only Of the
Duuber-the two frst, and the two last-are reli-
giously observed. At the feast, songs are usually
sung, such as tho Thanksgiving songs in the Peata-
tesch, and prayers are offered every day in the
booths, with the usual ceremonies
Our devoti0ns are less formal than those of the
Isrseites We feel our gratitude in hearts, and
- unless the gatherings .. church be considered
form-do not thinkit necessary to mark our Thanks.
giving Day by any nominal outward forms of &C
knowledgment. We enjoy entire rest from labor;
and while We evince rs imprsssivsly as We can, our
sense Of grStefulness to Almighty Gsd for his bless
ipgs commemorate the day by family gatherings,
and . general reconsiation with our enemies
"Our fathers eovenanted,'' says the patriarch in
the pleasing tale whose title is aft xed to this paper
in the love Of Christ, TO cleave together Is brsth
rem, hewever hard the brunt of fortune might be.
That bond still continues. We may not live as
retiring hermts, each in our cell apart, inquire,
like David, How liveth such q man ? How is he
clad How is he fed He is my brother, We are
in league together, we must stand or fall by one
another. Is his labor harder than mine surely
will ease him. Hath he no bed to lie on / have
two-1 will lend him one. Hath he no apparel
have two suits will give him one Of them. Eats
no coarse feod, bread and water, and have better
surely we viii part stakes. He is as good man as
!, and We are Bound to each ether 50 that his
wants must be my wants, his sorrows my sorrows,
his sickness my sickness, and his welfare my wei.
were excellent, comfortable, nay, heavenly, and is
the only maker and conserver Of churches and COM
monwealths.o
Old men at many freside will this evening call
the hoary headed sre whose sons and grandsons are
the percentages depicted in Chantisfeer" will re-
mind them that no snnity ought to survive this
day There will bs'gathsred, IS in the work before
the cunning politician, Charles the dashng captain,
Carrsck, the puppy, timid Miriam. and an open
hearted Elbridge: Some artlsss Mopsey, whose
many years of faithful ssrvitude lead her to fancy
Of the Thanksgiving pumpkin" and the {. thanks
giving pie" Many long forgotten tale will spring
to the memory Of the grey haired father, and many
bright scheme of ambition will warm the blood Of
the youthful son. Above all, none but the kindliest
feelings will be hsrhored in the breast Of all who
render thanks to God to night. They will not for.
get the lesson taught by old Peabody, who on being
informed that his poultry house had been invaded
off, replied =
"This is all eur own fault. We shsxld have re-
membsred this was Tn anksgving Day. and ss1t them
something to stay their stomachs: Poor creatures,
always wondered how they got along! Send thsm
some bread, Mopsey, forthsy never can do anything
with fowls without bread
"Send EN- Some bread!' Mopsey rejoined, grow
ing blackcr and more Ugly Of look rs she spoke.
Send en whips and an osifer Of tho law the
four fattsst Of the COOP
Never mind" said old Sylvester.
Six Of tho tenderest young ups !"
"Nsver mind that" said old Sylvester.
I'D have em all in the county jail before sun
dswn." urged Aopsey.
Oliver, we win 60 in 70 tea" continued the pa
triareh, I'VE have enough for tea, Mopsey!'
Yes, quite enough, Aassa.'
Then" cried the cid man, striking his s.aff on
the ground with great violence and rising to his fall
height, snd glowing Like . furnace upon AoPsey,
then say ssnd 'em some bread
This day ought not To pass over without some
good fruits The convivial pleasures of this even.