Smyrna times., 1860-12-06
THANKSGIVING DAY I'M SMYRNA.

Thanksgiving Day (29th ult.) was duly ob-
served in this town. With the exception OF
two or three business establishments (refusing,
it Is said, on the ground of having nothing to
be thankful for) all the places OF business were
closed, aud the day observed as a general holi-
day. The weather being unusually fine, the
most of the young people took to the fields and
woods with gun and dogs, and no doubt had a
good time. The better disposed part of the
community went to Church, all three of which
were open, and services held of an entertaining
and profitable character. The choirs had pre-
pared suitable anthems for the occasion, which
were sung with effect, aud to the pleasure OF
the audience.
Rev. C. Thompson. Pastor of the Presby-
teran Church, preached from the text, " The
Lord Reigneth, let the Earth RejOice."-
Psalms, 9th ch. lst vs., very able, conserva-
tive sermon, upon the "Signs of the Times"
l4yingdown the proposition that God governest
the nations ofthe earth by special Providence.
He went on to show how we should with au
eye of faith look forward through the cloudy
vail which shut in the Future, believing that
as God reigneth he would bring about all
thiags to His own glory aud the best interest of
his people. Let them Rejoice"
The Rev. c. Hill, at the NJ. E. Church,
preached an interesting and appropriate dis
course on Gratitude and Courage, from AcTs,
2Sth eh. 18th vs.
"He Thanked God and Took Courage"
This, said the speaker, was said of Paul
when prisoner on hia way to Rome. lie had
escaped the violence of the storm and the per
ills Of the deep. Flnding himself brought
through so many cslamities, and now meeting
part Of that Church to whom he had few
years previously addressed an Epistle, h'
gave thanks to that God who had preserved
him, and encouraged himself in the prospect o
having the privilege of having in person hi
testimony for Christ. The conduct of th
Apostle, in this particular, is well worthy o
immitstion, and as this is the period recon
mended by the Executive of the State to be oh
served as day of thanksgiving and prayer,
may be regarded as a very appropriate seaso
for US to review the past, recount Gods mer
cies, to mediate upon the blessings Of his pro
videncs aud grace, and present to him the trit
ute of a thankful heart, and thus strengthe
ourselves in relation TO the future. To aid i
the performance of this good work, he notice
I. The feeling that should characterize III
Christian in relation to the past" Gratitude.
What are the blessings which demand OF
gratitude! All the blessings of life. We hay
L..e In
Amining some of those things for which "
should be especially thsakful. the first name
was
The Religious Basis of our Government
When we look at some of the Governmen
of Europe, whose subjects are only vassals, ST
fsring the rigor of despotism, and contrast the
with this, which is based upon the principl
laid down in the Bible, we may see our suPe
ority. This government has not only
ligious basis. but the religious element p
dominates in the suPerstructure. In every cot
of Justice, in every State Legislature. and
the supreme councils Of the nation, it is, non
nally, at least, respected. What nation OF
earth presents such grand spectacle to-day
these United Slatesi Here we have freed
of speech, and freedom of the press, that mi
~, engine of thought. guarding alike the q
iesty Of the laws and Nhe invioiable sanctity
the Constitution. Here the pulpit, unawed
she terrors of the throne. or the thunders of
Vatican, in tones Of power and tongues Of fla
proclaim ihe acceptable year of the Lord
Here the word Of God is an unclaimed bt
.pouring upon our pathway food of liv
hight, while every ore is allowed to wor,