The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-04-26
THE MERCIES OF GOD.
A Discourse ON the Odd Fellows Ma
tiOnal Thanksgiving Delivered by the
Rev. Edwin w. Hutter, ID. d., at st.
MattheW,s Lutheran Church.

MdLthe"'S ShuEChs
Fourteen Lodges met in this church. There
were also, large number OF the stated congre-
cation, besides concourse OF strangers IN at
tendance. The choir discoursed excellent
music, and the services throughout were highly
interesting. We present a synopsis OF the dis
course, which was upon the following text
Consider hO,O great things God hath done for
yOlt."-l Samuel xii, "A.
Among the most solemn utterances of Garth,
said the preacher, are words OF Idre10eM
Whether spoken by dying parent to his
children, or by a departing pastor to his flock,
OF by the illustrious head of a nation. about to
rellnquish his high office, 40 words are more
impressive, or linger longer in the memory.
These are, besides, always honest sincere
words-words of truth and soberness, because
then there is no room or motive for dIssimula-
ton or disguise. Such are the words quoted as
text on the occasion of this National Ihanks-
giving of the Order of odd Fellows throughout
the United States.
The words constitute part of the glowing and
eloquent valedictory of the Prophet samueI 10
the children OF Israel on the occasion OF Lneir
clamorOus demand for the abolition OF thelr
theocratical form of government, ana lor tne
substitution of the earthly regal system IN
vogue among the surrounding nations. Find:
ing them inexorable in their demands, Samuel
accedes to to their wishes, and exhorts them TO
"JeGr the Lord and SerUe him in truth, with all
their heart" basing the exhortatlon mainly on
the very principle which underlies these
that of gratitude to Almighty God for His I'M
measurable benefits and blessings, ana Ihe
suitable rendition OF lhanks; 'ioT, says no no.
consider how great things Goa haIh dohe Ior
you"
Adopting the Prophets eXhoTtatlon, as Uce
basis OF our meditations, we enter upon a re-
view of the great things God has done for us as
people, and tor yOu, odd Fellows, as soclal
and benevolent Order, not engaging, however,
10 furnish any minute or specific details, as the
field would be altogether too vast, ana the Iilne
too short.
Manifold and distinguished have been our
Dement'S and blessings. If we re1ecC lhWHHIuly
upon ourselves, we discover that the DIVINE
goodness occupies and penetrates the very IooI S
and centre OF our being. our bodies learlully
and wonderfully made, have been klnaiy pre-,
served from knowing accidents by neIu auu
indicate, not retrogression, but progress ana
development. They have not declIheu i1So IS,
dwarfish and Lilliputian effemlnacy, pun LnelI t
stock or wisdom and store of knoWIeuBo nave
sensibly increased
Thanksgiving, like charity, must Degln az
home, in the family. To this circle OF esSs S
and endearments all others are suDsIul5ry. vi
all our enloyments this is the gLanu SSnaS' aaS
Fruit and grain, wool and flax, rooJ anu eeeu,
derive their value hence. The plough does noS
serve the neid but the Ol0lleT; ana PiS1uSn HnV
scythe ana sickle are the iamLy's supseI NlonI
instruments. The echo of the Wooumans aAe
speaks not or toll alone, but OF Ihe dn1cIlon Vi
him who wlelds II for those at nome. nere Cle
streams OF the heart collect and oVernoW, l.,
Our religious privileges are sun eHGpyeu y iI ~
greatest amplitude and perfection. Inc tolls
Of the week are still relieved by the delights OF
the Sabbath. Our eyes still see our teacnSSEs, S
and our ears still hear the JoyIui s sounu 1ne
| circling months have still seen Ine banners Oh
| King Emmanuel carried forward, anu mutt
| tudes profess TO have been suDuueu Vo Ine
| patience and obedience OF the Gospel; The
| Scriptures are still t0 us the wisdom anu power
! Of God' Zion Is stin beautiful Ior situation'