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

THANKSGIVING ReverieS.


ais, communities, and as 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 necessarics and COM
forts of life. In fact, want of employ
ment for the deserving poor and those
of limited means, at II rcmuncrative
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 influ-
cnce set right examples and pursue Il
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 touches, 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. Hou can we do the most to
assist the poor and needy around us ?
and they are upon every hands a
question that should thus early come
home to every heart.
Thanksgiving is State, almost
National, holiday and very proper is
it at least once year to express our
gratitude to 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 bencvolence, as
is the case when it degeneratcs 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 neighbor more destitute and in
need of the necessaricS and comforts
of life than themselves -? If so, can
they show their thankfulness 50 fully
in any other way, and secure to them
selves so great an amount" 40 per
cent" at least-of happiness at pres
ent, and during the winter, as by i'm
parting to those in greater need
around them, according "as they
have been prospcrcd." What a 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, cot.
fee, tobacco and spirituous liquors :?
How much without loss, by abstain
ing from the unnecessary expense of
dress, balls, parties &c.
"'Tis 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-
cept in times of suffering, difficulty
and danger, that "try mems souls"
Such an opportunity as the present for
the exercise of true bencvolcnce, is
seldom afforded, and should not go
unimprovcd. A surprise" or do
nation party or holiday present, will
be acceptable to the needy at any time
Prompt payment of debts should be
aimed at, and forJeara"ce by creditors
will often make the pay more sure and
prevent much distress.
A few words more and have done.
Remember there is a delicacy in the
manner and time of imparting aid that
should be suited to individual cases
and necessities. "The liberal soul
shall be made fat" and he that gives
is thrice blessed, in receiving, impart-
ing and in the joy of others Kind
Reader, if you have been beautifully
dealt with, Ego thou and do likewise"
y.
81 Charles C;yU Noy,D,Ler 06yh