Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-11-27
THANKSGIVING DAY.
The Observance OF the Day in this city
Sermon by Rev. mar. EcOb-Par'y at the
Hospital,

We have never experienced more qaiet holiday
in this city, than that of Thursday. There was
not even ripple of excitement not the least
sign of drunkenness or disturbance of peace, and
therefore not single arrest. That is unusual ard
should be spoken Of in praise We are sorry TO
hear, however, that several young men who went
to Gardiner to attend the fremans ball, gotta
care of there, lest they should make disturbance.
Some improved the least bit Of good slcishng, TAX
ing their first ride of the Families reunited
gathered again beneath the old roof tree, to speak
of the good old times, to utter tender words per-
chance of the "lovcd and lost" and to feast on the
fat turkey and wel-stuffed goose.
At the churches there an unusually good
attendance. The Rev. Mr.. Upjohn. rector of St.
Marks, preached sermon appropriate to the sea-
son of thankfulness, calling the thoughts of his
hearers from the ransitory things of life, to those
that are real though to..m mortal eye unseen.
The union religious services, several Of the
churches Of the city joining, held at the Gran
lite church, good congregation being present.
The sermon was by Rev. J. ii. Ecob, pastor of
the church, his subject being Gratitude Tor Ca
lamties." Text, Ephesians 5 20. "Giving thanks
Arrays for all things unto God and the Father, in
the name of Jesus Christ our Lord" We do not
know how to be thankful and what to be thankful
for. 1t would be as appropriate for us to ask God
to te ach us how to give thanks as to ask him to
teach US how to pray. We pray often toolishly,
without any expectation or hope Of our prayers
being answered; often we do not really desire the
| things we ask for. The prayer is not born of the
real deep needs of the soul the things we pray for
would often do more harm than good. SO IT is
| with our thanks. Thanksgiving is continue lily
upon our lips yet how often do We say of cur
thanks in q stohd way, with only dim sense that
we ought to be grateful. How oftenin our thanks
| giving do we leave out the very things that have
| proved Il richest blessings. A man comes to the
house of God, in a comfortable spirit. who has
| made ten thousand dollars during the season. lie
| is rtry thankful, though God may have nothing to
do with lis gains. They may have come from
rents extored from the poor the shavings OF notes
! and the accommodations Of usury. This success, as
he calls it, has made the proud, self cOnceited,
eager for greater gains indifferent to the cause OF
Christ reg adless of his immortality, needless OF
| the day of judgment. BY his side sits one who
may think himself unfortunate. 1t has, to appear
| ances. been hard, disastrous year to him-death
| has invaded his family, fire has swept away his
property, wicked men have defraaded him. 1t
| seems as though Gods hand had been hefvy upon
him but he has learned not to set his heart TOO
| firmly upon simply material good, tnat mere Is
some tnlDk worm living ior pesoe' '"e'S 49,
that perish with the using; he has determined to
become acquainted with God ard Christ, and lay
up treasure in heaven. And yet the man calls
himself unfortunate.
Oh. fools and blind to call that blessing which
God has cursed; to call that man happy who is be-
inc entangled deeper and deeper in the evils Of sir
and in the deadly love of the world. and call him
for.aken and smiten of God, who has just come &c
him self and entered on life strong and pure ant
simple, like the life of Christ. The bible tells u
that mourning and persecution and brokenness o
spirit are blessings in themselves, caicu'ate'