Middletown transcript., 1894-12-01
Jr. o. u. A. M. AT CHURCH.
A Thanksgiving Sermon for This Pa
triotic Order.

| tr1Ot1c OrOer.
The Jr. O. u. A. M. attended specia
services in the Methodist Episcopal Churcl
last Sunday morning. By direction o
National Councillor j. g. A. Richter al
subordinate lodges were requested tt
arrange for Thanksgiving services tn
Sunday preceding Thanksgiving day
The pastor of the Methodist church was
invited to preach a sermon before Middle
town Council, No. 3 The text was Psalm
26, 7.-"That May Publish With the
Voice of Thanksgiving and Tell of all
Thy Wondrous Work" The pastor said
in part: The observance of a day for
special Thanksgiving Is distinctively an
American custom. The appointment is
not found in the long list of the church
calender. But the usage came from a re-
ligious conviction, that it is right to make
special recognition of God as the dispenser
Of temporal and spiritual good to all men.
There seems to be particular approp-
riateness In the people of this land making
public acknowledgment Of Gods good
ness to US as nation.
The timely opening of this western world
is prominent feature of Gods providence.
Reference was made to the civilizations of
Egypt Greece. and Rome, the exalted posi-
ton of these great powers at the time of
their existence, how th ey had faded out
and to all human appearances failed to ac-
complish the purpose of the Divine mind.
The discovery of America at the close of
the dark ages, when the printing press was
brought into practical use, gun powder dis
covered, the arts Of war changed,
society organized, and the great Protestant
reformation begun, certainly does indicate
great purpose in the unfolding of Gods
providence.
Tn the Virgin soil of this western world
God planted the seed of the tree of life,
the leaves of which are to be for the heal
ing of the nations.
History furnished no example in all the
ages past where the hand of God is more
visible than in the planting of this great
nation. And from the beginning till now
He has been the God of this people and of
this land.
There are certain safeguards if main
tanned, will perpetuate our national exis-
tence, if neglected will bring ruin and des-
truction no less than that which ground
other nations to powder. The decay and
downfall of Kingdoms and Empires stand
as beacon lights to warn and caution us, to
avoid the follies and mistakes, that have
brought swift and complete destruction
to them.
Our duty is plain; the maintenace of our
the pride of every true Amer
ican, among which are: Religion liberty,
the right to worship God as our conciences
may dictate. Q.et there be no abridgement
of this right.) The complete and entire sep
aration Of church and state There should
never be state church in this land.-No
appropriation from the state to sectarian
nor for Sunday Schools. Let
the Bible be read in the pnblic schools with
out note or comment. Why not then, in
view of what God has done for our land,
have day of Thanksgiving by appoint
ment of every patriotic and civil organiza-
ton, and with deep sense Of obligation to
God seek from Him special guidance to
direct our affairs in the future.
With an invocation for Gods blessing
upon the members of this council the fol-
lowing beautiful hymn was sung and the
benediction given.
Lord while for all mankind we pray.
Ofevery cline and coast,
Ohear us for our native land,
The land we love the most.