Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-11-26

BY the time this issue Of our paper shall
reach its Patrons they will be in the on
joyment Of another National Thanks
giving. There is no observance con.
nected with our nations lie more
dear to the people, and especially New
England people, and no one that is better
calculated to benefit the masses.
The immortal "Fourth" of July returns
annually to rouse the spirit Of national in-
dependence, aud to fill the American heart
with patriotic pride aud gratitude in Wow of
the valiant deeds of our forefathers who
gained Tor us the blessings Of universal free
dom. But this national holiday was born Of
strife and bloodshed, aud though it excites
feelings Of gratitude aud joy, 1t also reminds
us of oppression and points US to the battle
fields where our victories we're gained and
our liberties were purchased.
Thanksgiving day, on the other hand, was
born 10 the pious heart Of our pilgrim fathers
II tells Of suffering from privatiOn and the
hardships Of approaching famine it tells US
Of that faith which looked to heaven for re.
lief in the hour of peril and suffering, and
finally it recalls to our mind the spontaneous
gratitude to God, which gushed from pious
hearts when relief had actually come, as it
was believed, in answer to earnest prayer.
At FIRST, as we know, the annual Thanks,
giving was confined to u single state, aud
then and for many years it was observed only
in New Eugland. 1t is only since the war
Of the rebellion that this purtanic festival
was hOnored by national observance. Aud
it is fact not only Of great interest to Us
who have been reared to manhood under it,
influence that the day has been so hOnored
bat fact Of great importance to the na,iona
veal. That purely New England though
and custom was adopted by the nation i'm
mediAtely after its great struggle for exist
ence is hopeful. 1t introduces into Oul
national life an element which was befor,
confined to ouly small section aud an ele
ment toe which tends to purify aud elevate
Give the nation that manly independence
that intrepidity Of character; that sterI
integrity, and that deep.seated piety which
characterized the Puritan fathers Of New Eng
land and you will impart to it new lease O.
life aud new stability.
But the observance of our annual Thanks
giving has powerful influence over socis
life. 1t is an institution especially for tn
family, and the family is the chief source o
the nations hope. Ia it are trained Amer
loan citizens. This joyful day reuuises th
broken family brings home the Wandering
children and children's children to receiv
anew the blessings Of their parents ap'
grandparents it reunites the ties Of con
sanguinity, and tends to elevate aud purif
the home it brings a new offering to ever.
family altar, and awakens the joyful song o
praise to the Giver Of all our mercies.
And as national observance it tends l.
create common sympathy among friend
of different sections, and thus to quell tn
jealousy and strife which has done SO niue
to tear the nation asunder.
| But Thanksgiving day, if We would rea
iEo all its benefits, must be observed in
manner suited to its original design.
must not be desecrated nor perverted, bu
E cherished with all its sacred associations au
purifying influences, as it is handed dow
from age to age. And may the day be ia
distant when our children shall forget th
virtues of our fathers, or fail to cherish tn
instructions which they planted. These ar
our birthrights and VIC shall incur iearlr
responsibility if We barter them away.