Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1867-11-27
ON THE GIVING OF THANKS.


.Praif- be Lord, o. Jerusalem: praise thy
Gc-, ttcl- Tor He hath strengthened ths
bars OF -lF gates. He hath bic ssed thy cniIdreu
within zee. IL -naketh peace in thy borders,
and fille;il thee with the finest Of wheat"
His FxCelIency the President having fol-
lowed the good old fashion OF our forefathers,
and prescribed a day Of rest and thanksgiving,
all good citizens will conform TO his reasonable
requests, and devote tomorrow 70 the purpose
indicated by his proclamation. We propose to
do our duty in the premises manfully, partic.
uIarIy an the way of abstinence from labor.
Accordingly, no paper Will be issued from this
ONCE on Thursday.
The readers of the STAR, we take for granted
are all proper people, and chur ch -goers: but
knowing full well there will not be seats for
more than small fractional part of the m In
our not over-hospitable places Of worship to-
morrow, we venture to improve the occasion,
As our pulpit brethren say, by preaching
so to speak, a little lay sermon on our own
acecunt-trusting the excellence Of eur inten,
win serve as an apology for any short-com.
tngs observable in the performance.
That we have abundant cause for than rs /.
giving all must admit Becoming, as il is in a
nation. 10 render at all times grateful acknow vi
edEments TO the All-powerful for the blessing
ordinarily vouchsafsd, IL Is eminently proper,
In view Of the causes which have so lately
saddened our history and still darken our
skies, that oar hearts should be raised IN
thankfulness 10 Him for His many merces.
and particularly for the continuance of the
general health, the preservation of the public
peace, and the overlooking abundance of our
store-houses. Ii Is true, many OF US have been
soreiy tried; but these minor expert
ences of Affections school, instead of
hoin
ground for rejoicing that deeper and bitterer
cups have not been pressed 70 our lips. Let
Us hope, therefore, the day will be faithfully
Observed In our goodly city, and everywhere,
and that its memory will be frightened by the
sacrifice on the altar OF religion and patriot
ism OF all hatreds and aninosities, private and
public. In this spirit only can the day be
truly kept; in this way only can lasting good
re dsducsd from its yearly recurrence.
But whose contents himself with mere rou-
tine observance and lip service, or even heart
service, has not half done his duty. Genuine
thankfulness manifests itself largely in giving
&c others cause for the same feeling. At such
a season II is peculiarly fitting that we should
not forget the unhappy multitude to whom
the sweet Offices Of charity are most accepta-
bic. The poor are every where about US, and
unless willing ar d generOus hands are extended
Auch tHtS WlntcI must De great. LQelr
needs are urgent and pressing even now. On
every side
Eyes which tIe preacher cannot schpo
BY wayside graves are raised.
Ard lips cry God De- pitiiui' -
That ne 'er say God be rrai-eIl'r
Be IL your task, gentle reader, and ours TO
do what we can TO make Thanksgiving Day
something more than an empty, meaningless
Tame TO the afflicted and suffering DOOR
remembering the Divine assurance OF
Him who spoke as man never spake. In
enjoying the day. let Us not fail 10
give AZ well 10 the stricken and desolate
ones N our midst substantial reasons for
gratitude 20 Him who commanded us that we
should feed the hungry and clothe the naked
With this solemn injunction disregarded, pray
ere and hymns OF praise will count for but
little With its obeyance shall come the sweet
sleep and pleasant dreams ever waiting on
cneerfuIly undertaken duties well performed
Think not the good
Inc gentle deeds OF mercy thou hast done
Will Gle forgotten all The Do or. the prisoner
The fstherless. the friendless nd the widow,
Who daily own the bounty of thy hand.
Shsu CRY to heaven, and pull blessing on thee.