Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-11-30
IN ALL THINGS GIVE THANKS.
Mr.. Spencer breaches mt the Union Meet
ing of the Disciples.

There was a splendid congregation at
the union meeting OF the Disciples Of
Richmond and Manchester. which was
held at the Seventh-Street Christian
church. and an Interesting discourse was
delivered by Rev J. y. Spencer of CO.
wardln-Avenue church, Manchester.
His text was from Thessalonians v, Is;
"In all things give thanks" and after
explaining by whom and TO whom these
words were spoken. he divided the things
we have TO be thankful for as follows:
/. For the religious development Of our
country. Back OF our President and Cow
ernor there is life derived from God
asking them 10 set apart this day AZ a
national thanks giying-day
=. For progress made in political r.
formation. All parties are serlIng 10 put
down fraud. Every man, woman, and
child should thank God that Tammany's
back has been broken. We thank God
for the sitting in New York city. The
voters of the United states are saying:
Give us honest administration OF gov
ernmental affairs" and Woe 10 any party
whose policy does not demonstrate this.
3. For the agitation OF and interest
manifested in Christian union. II is 4
source Of deyout and constant thanks 70
God that May Of His servants in all
churches believe denOminatiOnalism and
sectaranism are sin, and are expecting
and laborlng for the union of all Of God
children 50 ga. nes.ly prayed for by our
Saviour in John xvii.
T.. For citiz 2nship ia the kingdom OF
God 1t is God, Christ, the Holy Spirit,
and all they are, are ours. We thus be-
come parrakers of the Divine Nature,
sons and heirs of God.
6. For our Joys and sorrows. sickness
and health, prosperity and adversely.
In all things give thanks" David's
harp was never so sweet as when Hood
ed with tears"
A legend says Orpheus was drowned
and because his Tyre is in the food the
waters made such sweet music. I'VE
glory in tribulations, also"
HOW SHALL WE THANK?
How shall we thank God? asked the
speaker, and, continuing, said:
/. In song. An Esthonian legend says
the God OF Song descended upon the
Domberg, by which was a sacred wood.
played and sang: the wind caught some
of the shrill notes, the river caught its
roar. the bird succeeded in catching
the prelude. but man secured II all. Let
us praise God in song. "My mouth shall
praise Thee with joyful lips"
.. In all things. 1 would mediate on
all Thy works, and talk OF Thy dolngs."
3. Especially In the remembrance and
expressed appreciation of particular
events OF His goodness bestowed upon US
through His servants.
4. In Thanksgiving" IL IS one thing 10
give thanks to God with our mouth but
1t is another way TO thank Him in acts.
He who truly appreciates Gods love and
blessings will be benevolent. The Chris
tan receiver will give. There would be
more thanksgiving in Richmond to-day
If all families that Will have a turkey
for dinner should send that turkey 10
those unable to buy one.
5. With all our soul. The harp has
many strngs-some large, some small,
some sounding one way, and some an
other: but all together make sweet music.
We must thank God with the reason.
will. sensibity. and with all that is
within us. II Will praise Thee with my
whole heart"
WHY THANK GOD?
In answer TO the question, "Why thank
Cod" Mr.. Spencer said: Why thank God?
I. Because he is worthy of all our
praise In this way we honor Him. 2. Be
cause II impresses others with His great
ness and goodness. 3. Because we are
commanded 10 DO so. 4. Because IL
peases Him.
In conclusion the speaker said we should
thank God at all times David praised
Him seven times n day. He arose at
midnight 10 praise God We should thank
Him constantly. We should not walt till
we see a blind man before we praise
Him for our sight, or an armless man
before we praise Him for our arms. We
should not wait TIL we escape injury
in n railroad disaster to be reminded
of L.,