Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-01-01

direction. But he alone has seemed tc
know tie right time and he has had the
calm decision then, and not till then, to
improve it.
So, in its time, came the glorious Eman-
cipation Proclamation, which the people
could not have borne six months sooner.
And so today when the president writes
his ".felioac citizens in every part Of the
United States" to unite in thanksgiving
"for the gracious gifts OF the Most High
God, who, while dealing with us in anger
Tor our sins, hath nevertheless remem-
bered mercy !" that call embraces nearly
half million Of subjects who would not
have been embraced in it one year ago
Then they were chattels--property-
beasts of burden. Now they are men,
" fellow cilizens;" and proving them
selves worthy of it
Most remarkable indeed, / think, has
been the African race among US, in the
peculiarly trying position in which they
have been placed ever since the COM
mencement of the war. Understanding
well, as they have seemed to do, that the
war was for their own slavery or freedom,
and intensely earnest for the success of
the Union arms, yet never by rash or i'm
prudent act have they retarded the be-
nevolent wishes Of their true friends
Feigning Indifference with their masters,
and--until the time came when they
might safely act with our forces-man-
tanning q shrewd pretended ignorance of
Yankee designs, and neutrality which
has outdone Old England herself! Yet
where do we lnd them when opportunity
is afforded them?
Oh, there will be jubilee 10 day among
these redeemed sons of Ham now citi-
zens of the United States Soldiers in
our brave army! and called BY the pres
dent to unite in our great national
tbanksgivingl And the mingling of
their thanksgivings with ours is an ear
nest and pledge of the peace and pros
perity which heaven has in store for US.
So the prolonging Of the a0ar is work
ing its results. God, while severely
US for our sins, is working out
his own gracious ends. BY war, not
of few months, but of years, the true
principle involved in the conflict has been
more and more clearly brought to light.
Until the people understand it, and the
most unwilling are compelled to acknowI-
edge it, and the government is brought
to take those higher grounds--to which
the past year has brought them-by
which God is honored and the world is
to be blessed. God has set more deeply
in the convictions Of men the wrongful
ness Of human slavery; and not only
our own nation, but the world is to reap
the benefits of the great moral achieve
ment which is to be the final result.
The liberty loving everywhere are re-
joicng in it, and they-though of ether
lands-know il is for them as well as for
US. If God has suffered a great and
sore conflict, it is TO bring in worldwide
blessings. Months ago ltaly's brave he
roes saw it, and sent glad letters of con
graduation to Abraham Lincoln, pilot OF
liberty !" and words Of hail to sail those
who are fighting around her regenerated
banner"
And Russia, who has risen above the
Southern Confederacy in her regard for
human rights, sends her friendly conveys
10 greet US. And England too is begin
ming to wake up to her inconsistencies.
and seems to be Fastening at length to
make her record right with us.
For tokens of the Divine favor such As
hese to which l have alluded, connected
with our sad national calamity, we will
rive thanks. While we do not forget
he numberless blessings which gracious
Providence is showering upon US as a
State and as communities.
Especially will we, in accordance with
he instructions Of our governor, praise
God for salvation through the great Re
leemer, for ,he gospel of His Son, which
5 the crowning blessing OF heaven to our
ACE. For which eternity will be a
Thanksgiving day!
Oh, for how much are our thanks due
o day, to God For social and domes-
ic mercies, for peaceful homes, bright |
With the smiles of love, for dear children
md friends spared to us, for Affections
presented or sanctified, and for "grace
hat giveth eternal life" which we trust
las come to some hearts among us.
As we leave, then, the house of public
and enjoy the festivities appro>
,riate to this day, let us "sing unto the
Lord with thanksgiving" Let US "sing
,raise upon the harp unto our God" for