The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1895-12-03
THANKSGIVING SERMON.
(BY Rev. EvERErrr GILL)

,nids' OF my temple, (rTa' 40 ~ anu
al'lIe pastures are clothed with flocks;
the valleys also are covered with corn;
they hout for JOY, they also sing -
Psa. 65:lS
According to a custom and through
the courtesy ofthe miuistery OF this
city, is my privilege and task this
morning, to lead your minds and
hearts along the often unfrequented
paths of gratitude and thanksgiving
am keenly sensitive to the delicacy
aud difficulty of my undertaking, for
we, the sons and daughters of the lost
deads of henineteenth century, often
make ourselves to resemble the Athe-
mans OF old. who spent their time in
nothing else but ether to tell or hear
some new thing"
And it is not easy to find any new
thing TO be said OH Thanksgiving &C.
casion. will not advise you accord
ing to the caption of book | once
scanned, "New Streams in Old Chan
nels,' nor will attempt the reverse OF
guiding old streams in new channels.
I can only adopt the jog trot down
the orthordox road of the usual
Thanksgiving sermon.
Among the many elements that go
to make up high and noble Christian
character, / would not place gratitude
among the last, In that galaxy OF
virtues, admired o. man and
commended of God, thankfulness
holds high and honorable place,
Gratitude is a noble act because of
the state of mind and heart necessary
for its exercise.
First, In order that man be really
grateful, he mnst be mentally and
morally honest. An migrate is dis
honest man. When a heart opens it.
self and gives out blessing to anoth-
er, it is nothing more nor less than
sheer honesty for the recipient to &C
knowledge the favor. Gratitude is one
heart paying its debt to another for a
kindness bestowed
Second, certain moral sensitive
ness is necessary to gratitude. We
must appreciate-have the ability to
put the proPer estimate upon a kind
ness before we can be greatful for its
bestowal. The greatful mans moral
nerves are delicate and sensitive.
Again, gratitude is high act of the
soul because of its own essential char
acter. First, it is essentially a volun-
tary act While all moral acts are
voluntary, gratitude is especially SO.
Whereas it is debt owed to the de-
nor Of kindness, it can not be col
lected by compulsion. l know of no
law in any human code which can
compel man to be grateful. Hence,
when a heart is thankful it is a proof
of its fine quality and moral honesty.
Then too, the blessedness of gratitude
is seen in its reflex influence upon the
mans own heart and life. Ii is con-
ducive to generosity and stimulus to
to all higher virtues. Gratitude not
only gladdens the heart of the author
of a kindness, but glorifies him who
feels it.: XIV.
Let us now experience the nobleness
of giving thanks by dwelling in CRATE
tul remembrance upon some of the
many blessings which almighty God
has been pleased 10 grant us as citizens
of this great nation, as residents of
this city and as individuals.
CAUSES FOR GRATITUDE,
First, as a nation. 1t is told of Mr..
Spurgeon that he once called upon a
pious and aged sister, and in his con-
versation with her she made this state
ment: II ain counting my mercies. F"
So, brother, let us spend few NOM
cuts in counting the mercies that God
has showered upon US. Whether
whirled by rail through the valleys or
across the prairies of Missouri, or was
borne through the fertile fields Of our
own fair State, saw the trees laden
almost to breaking with precious
fruit and the fields covered with
abundant harvests, My text express
ses far more beautifully than is posi-
Bile for me, this national prosperity
'rhe pastures are clothed with focks ;
the valleys also are covered with corn
they shout for joy, they also sing. "
But some grumbler is ready to say
"yes thugs are so plenty that you can
4