Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-07-18
THANKSGIVING IN EDGEFIELD.
ImpressIve Churc, services.

ness
In the UNION AND AMERICAN of 7ester-
day morning, mention was made of The fact
| that the pastors of the different denomina-
lions Of Edgefeld would hold at the Presby.
terrain church In that city, 8 unicn service
of Thanksgiving TO God fo- exemption from
the late epidemI', and for the general sbate-
ment of the disease throughout the State.
In pursuance of that notice, large con.
gregaton assembled st the appointed place
at Ii o'clock. The pulpit was ocsupied by
Rev. j. II. McNeilly of the Presbyterian
church, Rev. w. A. Nelson of the Baptist
church, Rev. Mr.. Kirkpatrick, of the Cum.
berIand Presbyterian church, and Rev. Il.
K. Brown, of the Methodist church.
In addition to these representatives from
the various churches, We noticed several
other ministers in the cong egation, includ-
ing DR.. Baird from Nashville.
a full Choir vas present, with Miss Mary
Weber presiding at the orgs1!
The exercises commenced with the beat
tiful anthem, "Rlessed be the Lord God of
Israel" DR.. Kirkpatrick then arose and
read the hymn, commencing with the lire,
"Tbe Lord Jehovah Reigns," which was
sung by the choir and the audience. The
singing of the hymn WAS followed by tbs
reading of the 30 Psslm by Rev. Mr..
Brown, in which David praiseth God Tor
his deliVerance, and in which he exhOrteth
others to praise him. Then followed very
appropriate and beautiful prayer by Rev.
Mr.. Brown.
Rev. Mr.. Nelson then, In few remarks,
referred to the ancient custom Of giving
thanks y the people OF God for their de-
liverance, and afterwards presented some
statistics in regard to the lats epidemic,
showing the extent of its ravsges in Nash
Vile, MurfreesborO, Shelbyville, Gsllatin,
GoodIettsVille, Chattanooga and other pla-
,es; spoke of the large number of those
Frustrated by the disease, who had recoV-
cred through the fundamentally of the
faithful attention of the physic ans who
had remained manfully st TIE post of duty
during the severe scourge. He also sta ed
that the deaths in Edgefield from the dis
ease had not eXceedeJ 20, and as CON-
munty they had cause to be thankful, and
for this exemption these services were sug-
gested.
Another hymn was afterwards sung when
Rev. Mr.. McNeilly delivered an eloquent
Thanksgiving sermon appropriate to the &C.
cssion. He took his text from the third
chapter OF Lamentations, 22d verse: sit is
of the Lords mercies that we are not con-
sumed, because his compositions fail not"
We have not the space to follow this aDle
divine throughout his discourse, and we
fea' we will do him injustice by attempting
to give an outline Of his sermon. He start
ed out by saying the Bible teaches us that
God not only created the universe, but that
he constantly upholds and governs it. he
governs according to laws which He has or
dained, yet by His continued personal pres
ence and power.
He has not made "a huge machine, and
then left it to work out blindly, inexorably,
certain results. The course of things Is no
oyermasteriDg, pitiless fate, bincIng ali
things in iron chains.
True we are surrounded by vast and Of
ten hidden forces, which our power cannot
resist! nor eur wisdom direct by any ability
of our own. But God does net leave us
without guidance and protection. He has
not withdrawn himself to distant solitudss,
where no tone Of love, nor voice of prayer,
nor thankful note of praise can reach Him.
He does not hide himself beyond cold and
Inaccessible heavens; but He causes the
heavens to shed upon US their benedictions
in sunshine and rain. God has not abdica-
ted His throne, nor given up His right
nor power to deliver His crea-
lures, whenever through ignorance,
or wilHulness OF wickedness they
stand in need of help. He has in Himself
Infinite resources of wisdom and pow
er; so that in the regular course of things,
and in strict accord with their nature, He
can interpose in behalf OfHis children. His
plans are wider; His methods of working are
freer than mans. Mans power is driven by
bis passions alSrg The narrow path of his
plans, like the locomotive on the railroad,
Of en- wrecked or thWarted. Gods plans
ire Ike the great ocean over which the
mighty ships go with room enough to avoid !
collision.
Natural powers and laws really exist. |
Second causes have real eff cheney. But |
III these powers ard causes are under Gods !
,0ntrol and superintendent. They move |
Is He directs or permits. Just as the sad |
condition of the Jews which tie prophet |
,ewails, can be traced in natural causes, |,
md yet is in fulfllment of Gods purposes. |
The vision of Ezekiel in his first chapter il
ustrates this-acsiVity of earthly effects
md sovereignty of God.
The universe is no. rushing blindly to
ONE indefinite or doubtful result. 1t is 10
nance order of things, but It is directed to
reat and wise and holy ends by a personal
Tod who is interested in His childre n, love,
hem with the tenderness of fathers heart,
earJs over them with an infinite pity
eItreated on their behalf, and carries on
lis providence for their good as well as His
'wn glory.
This scheme of providence is subservient |
o Gods plan of mercy to sinners. He
ses that sin is the cause of all the dark
ness ard error, and so He will save them
rom sir, by His mercy in Christ. He |
ules all things to this end. However dark
lis providences, they sre for carrying fer
ward his grace. His compositions never
all in all His work. This is the comfort of
lis people. The Saviour Jesus is on the
hroDe and makes all things work for good
o them.
His providerces are to teach, 10 disci-
hines, TO uphold, to protect His people.
Now we are met to record our faith in
Iod, and thankfulness for His mercy in
protecting Us from the scouTge, and in re-
moving it from the land.
The Angel of Death has had his sword
waving over us. Now the sword is
hesthed. The dark river of death has
isen almost to our doors, aud threatened
o sweep away our loved ones, but is black
lOod has subsidized.
Let us learn the lessons of this mercy.
|. Sin js the cause of suffering not that
his particular suffering is evidence of par
ocular sin, but suffering Is among men be-
auso of sin. Luke XIII, l. Therefore,
epgnt. Search our ways that we may
rec ourselves from sin.
2. The uncertainty of life-the nearness
# eternity. Prepare to meet God, and that
{ once, while in health.
8. The impotency OF human strength and
wisdom. We cannot always trace causes,
md if we could, cannot always control
hem. Our lives are so bound up with 9th
RS that one mans recklessness or folly may
INVOLVE the health of community. We
re to trust Gods mercy-especially as it is
hown in Christ.
4. We are called away from selfshness'
IN the presence of death we recognize our
We have opportunities for
developing kindly graces and real heroism
d the everyday routine of life.
5. Let those who in The course of Prov
dence have been bereaved, yet remember
hat it is in mercy.
6. We are spared for q purpose-that we