National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-11-27
MErRopOLIrAN n. E. cHuRcn

SERMON ET DIT. CLEVELAND.
A Few days since an invitation extended 20 the
Foundry church 20 Join with the Metropolitan
IN the services OF Thanksgiving Day was ac-
cePted. A special invitation was also given the
pastor Of Foundry church, Rev DR.. il. A. Cleve-
land, 20 preach the sermon. The result was that
= very large congregation assembled, and every
courtesy was shawn the visiting brethren by the
officers Of the Metropolitan church. The Presi-
dent Of the United States and his family were in
their pew, and many distinguished strangers were
observed in the congregation. After preliminary
service and the reading Of the Presidents procla-
nation DIR. Cleveland announced his text as fol-
lows: Psalms l22-34: Jerusalem is buiided as q
city that is compact together; whittier the tribes
20 up 10 give thanks URJO the name OF the Lord. e
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON.
This rational service is 4 most remarkable
tribute to that Providence which prcsides over
the history OF individuals and the destiny Cr ma
tons. IL finds its authority 10 ancient lines in
almost universal observance. In remoirzt
periods we see men Al the close Of their harycsls
Offering Of their increase in worship TO God.
The Harvest Home OF our European kindred
came down to them from the old Germauic and
classic IA Ions had rel erence 70 the active Dril
Clple Of production. The dedication OF c truth
eTtOGed in the Jewish ritual, recognized the
spirit Of thank offering. which prevailed before
the Jewish commonwealth was founded The
Jews had an eight-day thanksgiving 1t the close
oi harvest. 1t was their greatest feast. They
and the Red Sea, and His mercies during the
year. That old land woke to rapture. and
sPARKLED WITH GLADyEss.
Thus we may trace the practice Of an annual
Thanksgiving back TO the gates OF Ellen. All
nations. in all degrees Of civilization and under
all systems Of religion. have hOnored the source
OF bounty with special ceremonies.
Our immediate ancestors, when they came here
20 O1ilu home Tor the oppressed, scOrning the
domination Of man, but craving submission TO
1oG; apIo.pted two distinguished days, one for
@ r nee We other Tor THANKSGIVING, and this is
INC oIisih Oh our national fast and Thanksgiving
D8ys-days ever 10 be held in remem brauce.
Happily we are not compelled to this service
appointed for this day by any ecclesiastical or civil
authority, yet We are each ready to sckpoTi ejge
the duty Of personal gratitude and 10 ioi,I in n
service appointed by the
CHIEF MAGISTRATE OF THE NATION
that is at once historic and saIutary.
The thankful spirit is promotion Of puyity and
50 contributes to peace and unity. 1t respects Tie
Universal BeneiactOr. Its good is from Hin
only. What is withheld il does net coyet What
tg bestowed IL does not abuse. 1t takes no pleas
uTe in Unrighteousness. It is pure and then
peaceIhle." Il is not under the rule Of lusis
and therefore wages fnO indefensive war and
smites with no angry world or cruel bIudseou. n
ls tie CLEAN Of peace and Of union in all human
relations.
TIE thankful spirit makes men happy, and 81
contributes 10 unity. It works toward gladress
Il lifts the souls in which its sweet rcasOna be
ness abides above their wants and fears griefs
and seslOtsmF. They Whs know how to thank
God for least mercies, possess a deep and iuEa-I
roy tbat no atiGtion can altogether extiuguish.
Untha1kiulness Is egotistic and disintegrating.
ALL UEDEvoUTEEss
reBds 20 separation. Gratitude is the naren. or
the benevolent sentiments; is social and health
full. Happy men seek to come closer together. In
the gapels it was the woman who had found the
lost EnTeT that called her friends and neirhb5rs
together. Gratitude has brought those into
trleHdly intercourse whom war and trade have
failed TO unite. The religious sentiments are the
deepest. and when called forth in harmonious WOr.
md
together.
We cannot overeFtinate the power and value
OF the thankful spirit iH the national life Pos
seseiDg II We reverence sHpcriOTs. equals and in
IeIloTs. We reeognize the fatheThO0d Of God and
Snttf me brotherhood Of man. We trace the
DiFlhe haDa " our laws, institutions AID hist9-y