St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1857-12-03

Thanksgiving RpycrieS.

hohho-i'fhY> itN N'iiNr'
Much, indeed have we as indvidu-
ais, communities, and as a people, to
be devoutly thankful for, in view of
the manifold blessings of the past year.
Unlike some former periods of pecuni-
airy and financial embarrassment at
this time there is an abundance in the
land, of all the neccssarics and com
forts of life. In fact, want of employ.
ment for the deserving poor and those
of limited means, at a rcmnnerativc
or at almost any price, is the chief
want to be met with in many places
in country as well as in city,-and I'M
less individuals Of means and inhu-
ence set right examples and pursue a
correct policy, the coming winter will
be one of unhcard-of suffering. The
wealthy and Independent can specu-
late upon the subject in their comfort
able dwellings,, or dream of it upon
luxurious couchcs, but the poor at the
same time will suffer all the pinchings
of cold, hunger, and insufficient cloth
ing, if timely aid by employment or
contribution is not furnished. The
former is greatly to be preferred where
practicable.
Who does not wish to do something
to alleviate the distress nearest home?
for charity is said to begin but not end
there. Hoec can we do the most to
assist the poor and needy around us ?
and they are upon every hands a
question that should thus eariy come
home to every heart.
Thanksgiving is State, almost a
National, holiday and very proper is
it at least once year to express our
gratitude to q bountiful Providence:
but it need not stop at one day, or
one effort, and that perhaps confined
to our own family and consisting of
any thing but acts Of bcnevolcnce, as
is the case when it dcgencratcs into
simply an excess of eating and drink
ing.
Cannot farmers find employment for
laborcrs and mechanics during winter,
and pay them out of their abundant
produce, if not in money? Cannot al
most every individual or family find
some ncighbor more destitute and in
need of the nccessarics and comforts
Of life than themselves If so, can
they show their thankfulncss so fully
in any other way, and secure to them
selves SO great an amount" 40 per
cent" at least-of happiness at pres
cnt, and during the winter, as by i'm
parting to those in greater need
around them, according GAS they
have been prospcred.' What world
of happiness can be created in this
way? What friendships generated,
what bitter and cnviouS feelings dis
armed and done away, and what an
untold amount Of good can be done by
the transformations, that the annals of
eternity only will reveal? How much
ready money can be saved with posi-
tive benefit, in the articles of tea, cof-
fee, tobacco and spirituous liquors ?
How much without loss, by abstain
ing from the unnecessary expense Of
dress, balls, parties &c?
otis not the whole of life to live"
to and for ourselves alone Some of
the finest and most delicate strings of
the human heart seldom vibratc, ex-
ccpt in times of suffering, difficulty
and danger, that "try mems souls"
Such an opportunity as the present for
the exercise Of true benevolence, is
seldom afforded, and should not go
unimproved. A SURPRISE" or do
nation party" or holiday present, will
be acceptable to the needy at any time
PromP payment of debts should be
aimed at, and tortearancc by creditors
will often make the pay more sure and
prevent much distress.
A few words more and have done.
there is a dIicacy in the
manner and time of imparting aid that
should be suited to individual cases
and necessities. "Thc liberal soul
shall be made fat" and he that gives
S thrice blessed, in receiving, impart-
ng and in the joy of others. Kind
Reader, if you have been bountifully
lcalt with, "go thou and do likewise
81. Charles City, Norember 2Gth.