River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1882-01-12
True Gratitude.
LAURA L. THOMAS.

ence it in its fullness, it brings with
it a sense of responsibility which if
not properly speaking burdensome,
seems yet to require something more
than mere acknowledgement of ser
vices received, or benefits accruing
from benevolent generosity.
If we are truly grateful, we may
show ourselves so: first, by words of
thankfulness, so easy to speak, and so
pleasant to hear, flor the true philan-
thropist is always pleased to be appre-
ciated), and second, by. the use we
make of the gifts of which we are the
recipients.
And after all, though our speech of
thanks may be silver, yet our silent
| thankfulness, early and advantageous
use of the gift is the pure gold.
This is equally true if the gifts are
from earthly friends, or if we speak
of the gifts we inherit from our
Heavenly Father. The gifts of life,
health, reason--what, indeed, do we
not owe him? And what use are we
making of these bountiful gifts? how
do we show our gratitude toward this
best of all friends, this most bountiful
giver!
Do we not rather pervert them to
our lower, earthly uses! Are we not
proud of our talents because of their
power to sway mems minds, to bring
glory upon our own names, rather
than because by their use we may
cause them to rebound TO Gods glory
! and praise?
If we have eloquence at our CON-
mand, if we may by it's power melt
the multitude to tears, bring sinners
to repentance and they come in flocks
seeking the guidance and care of the
Divine shepard, are we not too apt TO
be satisfied with the ninety and ninel
How many of us would have them all
safe in the fold and go to look after
the lost and misguided one, who may
dwell at our very door, yet whom we
pass unheeded by though in direct
opposition to our Masters own words;
LAS we have done it unto one of the
least of these, ye have done it unto
me-" Shall go further and say that
in many Christians the zeal for God
has been made second to the love for
man! Alas, it is too true! God has
given us the lamp of Christianity, and
though its light is sufficient to illu-
mine all the earth yet men are so saw
ing of the precious ray that they
place this beacon under bushel.
God said not so; but man would not
have its beauty dimmed, Christianity
must not be polluted. True the sinner
may attend church and listen to the
discourse that flows so smoothly from
the pulpit. He may be struck by
some words that may eventually lead
him to repentance, but in many cases,
the tinkle of the sheep bell is too far
off, it's welcome sound too faint, to
induce the weary lost and it may be
frightened wandering to seek the
flock and the care of the good shep-
herd, who, could they but know and
feel it, waits to take them tenderly
and joyfully in his strong arms, there
to shelter them in safety till the
heavenly fold is reached, the sure
rest obtained.
Oh, Christian brother or sister: Be
not afraid of contamination, for feel
that 1 may say to you, that the name
of God upon your lips and his prom
ises in your heart you might go down
into the lowest depths of hell itself
and return with not single stain up
on your robe of Christianity. For of
those who fearlessly go forth to fight
the monster Sin, their only weapons
faith in God, and a desire to do good
is it written: HE shall give his an
gels charge concerning thee, and they
shall bear thee up, lest at any time
thou shouldst dash thy foot against a
stone."
And in thus showing true gratitude
for the blessings He is SO freely show
ering upon you, shall you make sure
of their continuance through all eter-
nifty.