The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-12-02

sermon by the Rev. W. h. h1cnardsOn, PaS-
tor of the Methodist Church, Delivered
at Eleven O'clock on Thanksgiving
Morning.
Thanksgiving Day was not very generally
observed by our citizens. The public offices,
except the post office, were opened as usual,
though but little business was done in conse-
qucnce of the absence Of our friends from the
country. The Treasurer and the Auditor had
but little to do and the other officials had less.
The stores presented dreary appearance all
day. At eleven O'Clock those Of our citizens
who felt disposed to attend divine worship, as
copal churchca. The other churches were not
opened. Mr.. Hanckcl conducted religious SER
vices in the Episcopal church, and Mr.. Rich
ardson delivered the sermon in the Methodist
church, which is copied below.
Psalm Gill, 2. Bless the Lord, O my SOUL and for
get not ali his benefits.
One Of the most striking features Of the
Psalms Of David, is the songs Of praise and
thanksgiving. His harp was always tuned TO
tresses and saddest misfortunes, he would lift
up his voice in thanksgiving, and out Of the
depths, grateful song would rise above the
roar of the waves, anu ascend like sweet IN
censc to heaven. He thanks God for all ma
terial and spiritual blessings, for food and raj.
ment, health and strength, for answers to
prayer and sustaining grace. AT times, his
gratitude to God rises to such height, that ne
calls upon the whole universe to unite with
him in raising the Lord. "Praise We him, all
his angels; praise ye him, all his hosts.
Praise We him. sun and moon; praise him, al
we stars Of light Praise HIM, ye heavens of
heavens. and ye waters that be above the
heavens" Would that we could catch an in
Spirution from Davids songs, which would
evoke from our hearts, devOut and hcneSt
praise and thanksgiving to God for his bless
inGs and mcrces. There could be no moreap.
propriatc service than the one in which we
engage this morning. 1t Is Il day of national!
thanksgiving for national blessings. Thou
sands, at this hour, are assembled for the
purpose of aclknoW Wlcdsing Gods benefits to
us as Il nation, and Offering their tribute OF
rrafsc for his goodness. AS part Of the ma.
tion. We too would lift up our hearts and
voices in swelling the great volume of praise
that is ascending to God. In discussing the
subject of national blessings which, under
the providence of God. we as n nation enjoy,
let us rise above the trammels Of sectional
prejudice: let US forGet party affilint!ons; let
l.s lose sight OF differences of latitude and
longitude, and remember that, though fifty
millions, we are one people. If our thoughts
are confined to ourselves, to our own commu-
nifty, to our own county, ana 10 our own state,
there will be more ScltishncSS than thhnkSglv-
Ing in our service. Let us take broad and lib
cral views. and return thanks to God for his
blessings TO us as Il nation, North South, Fast
and West. What then are the national bless
ingS which clll for our gratitude?
l. / would mention material prosperity.
This iSa grand country which we possess The
lines have fallen to us in pleasant places. yea
we have goodly heritage. This is the richest
and most beautiful country on the face of the
earth. Our resources are vast, incXliuuStible.
Every year hidden mines are discovered and
new Industries are developed, which add to
the wealth Of the nation. The whole country
is making giant strides in material prOspcri-
ty. a comparison OF our condition to day,
with what it was ten years ago. vii! show that
there has been n large increase in wealth..
There are some old croakers who are always
CONF mplaining Of the hard times that the
country Is going from bad to worse.-that the
people are getting poorer every day, but sta.
tistics, as well as our own observation will