New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-11-29
FAST Versus FEAST

After abolishing all ecclesiastical days and
seasons the old Puritans of New-England pro-
ceeded to establish two anniversaries OF their
own, namely, Fast Day and Thanksgiving Day, as
best representing the severe simplicity of their
religious life or these two days, there Is little
doubt that Fast Day was much more akin to the
genius and character Of these grim and earnest
men. Nevertheless Fast Day has not only failed
10 become O National institution. but even in
Massachusetts,, where it originated, it is now
only observed as an occasion of much unorthodox
feasting, amusement and sport-a sort of Thanks
giving Day in a minor chord Thanksgiving
Day, on the other hand, has grown into National
proportions with the joyful consent Of every
body. Even the Roman Catholic Church. so con-
servatfve in matters Of this kind. has at last
through Cardinal Gibbons recognized it as q
religious festival. And thus it happens
strangely enough. that festival Gre
ated by men who hated the Church
with all the hatred of which such men
wero capable has become in its observance one
of the very ecclesiastical festivals which they
fondly hoped to destroy.
Both the decadence Of Fast Day and the re-
markable growth Of Thanksgiving Day are in
teresting facts, when taken together. 1t was
entirely natural that tho Puritans should have
thought much of Fast Day, when their religious
predictions and tho unsmiling character of the
nqture with which they had TO contend are borne
In mind But the modern Puritan-if indeed
there is such person in the old sense OF tho
word-has wandered far from the ioyless intro
spective ideals of his ancestors, as embodied ID
the Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer.
The Day of Thanksgiving with its suggestions
Of happiness, amplitude and contentment, answers
much more nearly to the thought not only of
ths m odern Puritan but Of the modern American.
The average citizen of to-day, surrounded as he
is by so many undeniable evidences of individual
and National prosperity, and looking upon
future pregnant with promise, sees neither sense
nor reason in putting on saclzcloth and ashes.
The note Of his life is one of unbounded optimism,
unclouded by any qualms to his own deserving
Of the good things spread before him Problems
there are undoubtedly, both social and National
which must some day be met and solved. But
he believes that everything will ultimately come
out all right In the meanwhile the good cheer
and the good nature that cluster around the
thought of Thanksgiving Day are to him the most
perfect outward expression of his easy-going con-
tcntment with bis lot
THANKSGIVING Day, then, is the apotheosis or
our prosperity and happiness as people. 1t has
become great fact in our life, because it has
thrown its tendrils into the home and in It's
character reflects the thoughts and aspirations
of our horne life tinged as this home life is with
a deep gratitude for the many blessings which
we enjoy. Long may it continue thus to flourish
and by its annual recurrence impress upon the
people that in the intelligent appreciation and
use Of these blessings may be found the truest
ontidote to that blighting spirit of pesSimism
which is so fatal, alike to individual happiness
and National prosperity.