Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-12-11
ours respectfully,
H. 2. HENDERSON.

THANKSGIVING SERMoN Preached BY Rev
Mr. HENDERSON, AT BRACEyILLE, Nov
25th, 1861.
"Oh that men scould praise tie Loro
for his goodness, and tor lis acondertia
aCorks 70 tie children Of men. ."-Psaln OF
$ cerSe.
This, together with the two preceding
Psalms, was written as a tribute of thanks
giving and praise to God, for all his mer-
cies and blessings to the Jewish nation
Each of these rsalms, with an exhortation
to give thanks and praise to God, giving
his reason for so doing. "for he is good, -
and his mercy endureth forever. He then
proceeds to prove the fact that God is good,
and this he does by declaring his wonder
ful works to the children OF men.
Who the author of this Psalm was, Is
unknown. it was written by one vino un
doubtedly was very well acquainted with
the history of the Jews; and probably
about the time of the rebuilding of the
temple in Jerusalem. shortly after their
return from their Babylonish captivity
The Psalmist begins his narrative with the
beginning OF the Jewish nation, and gives
a graphic account of all the important events
Connected with their history. from Abra-
ham down to their second settlement Ia the
promised land. showing how kindly God
had dealt with them Notwithstanding their
many revolts and deviations from the path
CT duty. And as lie looks over their his
tory aud rcc0unts the very many mcrcies
aud blessings Of God to them. his soul over
flows with gratitude, and from his full
heart he czc!aims, "Oh that men would
praise the Lord for his goodness, and for
his wonderful works to the children OF men
BY proclamation Of the Governor Of Chic,
this day has been set apart to be observed
as a day OF thanksgiving and prayer to Al
mighty COD for his blessings and mercics
to US. Iugrati5ule is sin of the deepest
dye; therefore We should carefully guard
against it. To be the receivers Of the con-
slant blessings and mercies Of God, all our
lie long, and never stop to thank him for
thcm, bctrays either 4 very thoughtesS
mind, OF heart terribly depravod. God
Is bountiful TO US with his blessings, and
all the return be asks at our hands is that
We thankfully receive and properly use
them. it IS very important then that We
be frequently employed in making ackuowl-
edgments to God fer merciCs and blessings
received, and sincerely thank him for them,
for he Is good, and is worthy to receive the
highest praise and honor that mortals can
give.
We are very prone. in the enjoyment Of
our numerous blessings, to forget the hand
that Destogs them, hence the importance
Of having at least one day in the year set
apart especially for the purpose Of recount
Ing the mercies of God to Us, and return
ing suitable thanks for the same.
But some may be ready to ask, what
have we to be thankful for this year? 1t
is true that dark cloud has hung over
this nation for year past, threatening it
with obstruction, and has looked to some,
at times, very portentious, no doubt.
Nevertheless, We are not destroyed yet,
and thank the Lord, there is no reasonable
expectation that We shall be if we trust in
God, and 90 right The forminableness of.
that cloud is already beginning TO pass
away, and the golden rays Of hope are be-
ginning TO dart athvart the dark sea Of
rebellion to thousands Of hearts that might
have been a little fearful in the start.
= be year 1861 will ever he remembered
in the history OF this nation, in consequence
Of this unnatural yet terrible rebellion that
has spread its dark form over one-third Of
our fair heritage; causing stagnation in
many branches Of business; deprcciatiug the
price Of many commodities infaming the
worst passions Of the human heart; array
ing brother against brother, and friend
against friend, in deadly conflict; and al
ready has some Of the best blood Of this
nalion been poured out Ike water to kindle
the flames Of patriotism IL the hearts Of
millions OF their countrymen, and to estab-
lish forever the freest a.d best government
that time has ever seen.
This year will be memorable. also, be-
cause it has witnessed the gathering to-
gether Of 90 vast az army a3 IS now IL tae
field; the largest perhaps the world ever
saw, and God grant, may never have &C.
casi1n to see again for like purposes.
And in this army are your fathers, hus-
bands, brothers, and sons. all deeply cE-
craven in your hearts best affections and
more especially SO now that they are re
moved far from you, and are occupying
posts of danger and enduring hardshEs aud
p-ivations for cur as we'll as their future
welflrc and prosperity. May God, in IueT-
cy, preserve their lives and hcalths, ana
cause them to return to their homes and