The national Republican., 1860-11-30
LOCAL NEWS.
THANKSGIVING DAY.

prayer was almost universally observed in our
city. Those Of the stores that were opened at
all were closed at an early hour, and altogether
the day had more the appearance of Sunday
than anything else. The city was very quiet
all day, and there was very little intoxication to
be seen-much less than we have ever known
before. Quite number Of amateur sportsmen
left for the woods at an early hour, but the net
proceeds of the days shooting seldom amounted
to more than enough to pay for the shoe
leather which had been used.
The streets aud crossings were very muddy,
particularly in the morning; but this did not
prevent very large attendance at all the
churches which were open; and all who went
were well repaid by the peculiar interest of the
services Of the day.
In the afternoon, the streets having become
more dry, and the sun shining brightly, great
many availed themselves Of the opportunity to
call on their friends.
We have the unpleasant duty to perform, how.
ever, Of recording several terrible accidents
which occurred during the day. The particu.
lars are given elsewhere. One of them affords
another sad commentary upon the careless use
Of firearms, which, Notwithstanding the many
accidents that are constantly occurring there
from, nevertheless continues to an alarming
extent. When will this carelessness be
stopped2
THE CHURCHES.
The churches, nearly all of which were open
for public worship, were generally very well
attended, Notwithstanding the unpleasant con.
dition of the crossings. Some Of the smaller
ones however, and those which usually have
small congregations in attendance, remained
closed, leaving their members to attend at other
churches as they might desire. Allusion was
made in all the churches to the present state
Of the country, and fervent prayers offered for
the preservation of the Union.
At the Nep York Avenue Church, the pastor,
Rev. p. d. Gurley preached very eloquent
sermon from the llsth Psalm, lst verse: 20,
give thanks unto the Lord"
The speaker commenced by observing that
it is failing of our nature, that in our prayers
we are more apt to ask for other favors and
blessings than to be thankful for those we have.
We are by nature ungrateful; hence the greater
necessity for setting aside special season for
thanksgiving occasionally.
He then referred to the many personal ben
efts which all have enjoyed during the past
year-the blessings Of health, of food, of cloth.
ing, of shelter, Of security, and of happiness in
a thousand forms. He next referred to our
blessings as families, and then to his own par
ticular congregation. This year, he remarked,
had been one of change and struggle, and also
one of success. For many months his congre-
cation had had no regular place of worship.
But the Lord was with US, and enabled US to go
steadily and hopefully on, and had at last
crowned US with success. Only little more than
year ago, our cornerstone was laid every
thing went peacefully on, without any failures,
and we now behold what God has wrought we
now see this fine edifce finished and dedicated,
and filled with earnest and attentive worship
pers. Have we not cause TO be thankful for
all this2 Much yet remains to be done, how.
ever; much money is yet to be paid. Let us
go forward with an humble dependence upon
God. He will guide and assist US, if we steadily
aim at his glory.
He then referred to the spiritual blessings
his church had enjoyed during the year, to the
missionary spirit, and to the Sabbath School !;
all of which he spoke cheeringly Of
The reverend gentleman then proceeded to
speak of our blessings as q community, to the
peace, quiet, and plenty, which had prevailed; (;
to the improvement in education both religious
and mental to the improvement in our places
of worship; to the harmony and love that pre-.
vailed among the different churches of our
city, unexcelled by those of any other; and to
the beneficial results that had flowed from the
union prayer meetings.
He then referred to the national interests df
the country. We have increased in populs.
ton; we have been preserved, strengthened,
exalted, protected, and happy. Where is there
such another nation? Where such another
example of the beauty and happiness of rega-
lated liberty? Look at our broad expanse Of
territory, our variety of climate, the productive
ness of the soil, and the great variety of min
erals. Look at our manufacturing Interests,
our educational systems, and our immense and
undeveloped resources, of every description.
Look at our magnificent scenery, our vast and
extensive improvements in the mechanical
branches, our progress in refinement and our
perfected civilization. Let me add it while
may, what a mighty Confederacy of free and
united States.
No nation, said he, has been more favored
than us let us consider it carefully at this time
1t was a sad day for Israel when that fair ma
ton was rent and divided then she lost her
strength and glory. And it will be a sad day
for this nation, the modern Israel, when it shall
finally divide; we shall then lose our strength
and our glory. Let us show our gratitude for
the many blessings we have enjoyed, by making
an honest, earnest and united effort to deserve
them; let US resist the influence which would
snatch them from our embrace. No matter
what had been done in the past, no matter what
evil passions had been engendered, it was time
now for the people OF God and the nation to
pause. He would recommend the people of
every section of the country to make pilgrim
age to the tomb of the Father of his Country,
and as they all stood around that sacred place
and wept, let some one read from the Farewell
AddraSa Of that nreat mn the warda @ Il 10 Of