The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1890-11-26
CHURCH NOTES.
l. THANKSGIVING DAY.

l. IdAHhSdlNlNNf DAY.
Thursday of this week is the yearly
Thanksgiving of the American people, for
the fruits of the earth and the other boun-
tiful gifts of Gods Providence. 1t is pecu-
liarly an institution of our own country.
Its observance began in the early days of
the New England Colonies. Gradually it
extended to other parts of the country;
and since the successful termination of
the war for the Union it has come to be
almost everywhere observed in the United
States the day being named by proclsma-
ton of the President, as we'll as by the
Governors of some of the states.
In the rural parts of England harvest
home celebrations are common, directly
after the in-gathering of the grain crops.
In many places there has been, of late
years, revival of the old-time outdoor
sports and feats of strength, as well as of
merry-making and feasting, in the open
air, often in gentlemen's parks or else
where, at the expense of landlord or
squire. And these pleasant gatherings
have resulted in strengthening the friendly
relations between owners and labourers,
as there is revival Of the scenes which
Milton described so wildly
"Sometimes with secure delight
The upland hamlets will invite,
When the merry bells ring round,
And the jocund rebecs sound
To many youth and many maid
Dancing in the chestnut shade
And young and old come forth to play
On sunshine holiday,
Till the hye-long daylight fail"
But ''the hamlets" all go to church be-
fore the merry sports begin, and the day
is thus fitly made one of real thanksgiving.
One of the English Harvest-home hymns
has passed into general use in our own
country, beginning.
"Come We thank full people, come
Raise the song of Harvest home
Ali is gathered safely in,
Ere the Winter storms begin:
God our Maker doth provide
For our wants to be supplied,
Come to Gods own Temple Come,
Raise the song OF Harvest-home."
The American festival takes a wider
scope, adding, to the fruits of the earth,
''all the other blessings of Gods Merciful
Providence. The Presidents proclams-
ton, in few brief sentences, tells his fel.
low citizens, sohy, and how, they should
keep the day.
2. s. ANDREWS DAY.
The 30th of November is dedicated to
the memory of s. Andrew, one of the two
disciples of John the Baptist who followed
Jesus when pointed out, by their former
master, as the Lamb of God.
He was also one of the two brothers
first called to be Apostles, when on the
sea of Galilee Christ summoned them to
give up their worldly calling and become
fishers OF men.
For his promptness in obeying Jesus,
aud for his equal promptness in bringing
his brother, Simon, to see and know the
Messiah, s. Andrew has always been es-
teemed the pioneer of the Apostolic band.
He first of all the Bible Saints, is COM
memorated in the Christian year.
8. FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT.
In the arrangement Of the Ohurch's Cal
endar, the Sunday nearest to s. Andrews
day is always the first Sunday of the Ad-
vent season. 1t may come three days be-
fore, or three days after s. Andrews day.
This year it falls upon the same day; and
thus next Sunday will have double dis
tinction.
The Advent season includes the four
Sundays next before Christmas. 1t is a
time of announcement, to prepare for that
glad holiday. 1t is also a time of warn
ing, to think Of Christs Second Advent
and get ready for it. 1t repeats the cry
of the Baptist, and of the Parable: 'Pre-
pare We the way of the Lord" and, "Be-
hold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out
to meet Him."
1t was intended that the Church notes
this week should say something of the re-
markable work of General Booth, in show
ing a way out of 'Darkest England"
But our measure is full, and this interest
ing subject must wait till next week.
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