The herald., 1896-11-29

| religious sentiment OF our ancestors, the
fathers and founders of this country, is
sacred trust bequeathed to us, their
descendants and rightful heirs. The
consciousness of this fact prompts us
every year, in it's due season, to observe
| this beautiful, time-honored custom,
thanksgiving day, to meet III solemn as
sembly, to hold holy convocation, to
praise God and to thank the giver of all
good gifts for his many favors so gra-
ciously bestowed upon us, for his boun-
teous blessings so benignly showered
| upon us and our nation.
Why not? We live in peace and af-
huence, enjoy prosperity and happiness.
We are free and equal, feel Independent
and self-reliant, as our fathers of old.
We fear no enemy, for we are strong and
mighty, have grown from handful of
people to the vast-number of 10000, 900
souls. We serve no human lord nor mas
ter. pay homage to no king nor poten-
tate. for we defy tyranny and despot-
ism. Our resources are varied and un-
limited Our commerce and industry
sway the markets of the world. We
command the respect of all nations.
Verify, THE stone which the builders re-
jected has become the chief corner
stone" Rejoice, then, and be glad, thou
fairest and freest of all nations-Amer-
lea! Lift up thine eyes and pray to the
all-bountiful Father in heaven; sound
sweet songs of praise and thanksgiving
to thy guardian, protector and benefac-
tor-the preserver of the universe.
This great debt of gratitude, this spir-
itual thank-offering, due to providence.
no true American citizen will withhold,
whatever his faith or denomination; for
this is day of general rejoicing, a nom
sectarian holiday, national thankSgiv-
ing.
We Jews of the United States form
part and parcel of this land and nation;
we are free citizens of this grand repub-
lic with equal rights and privileges, with
equal duties and possibilities; we are
Americans, proud of our name and ma
ton. Therefore do we deem it more our
duty than our privilege to join our fell
low citizens in the solemn observation
and celebration of this Thanksgiving
day.
We rejoice, Heavenly Father. to
come before thee, the giver of all good.
on this day of national joy and gladness.
to offer up unto thee our prayers and
praises. our songs and thanksgivings.
We thank thee for the outward glories
and wonders that surround us; for this
earth, this land. thou hast made our
dwelling place; for the heavens which
are spread out above US. We thank thee
for the gifts of each changing season,
the rich, provision of thy bounty, filling
the world with beauty and gladness.
Yea. the heavens declare thy glory; the
earth is full of thy riches! Thy good
ness and wisdom are revealed in eNery
blade Of grass, in every flower and fruit
of the earth. All nature bears testimony
to thy presence and thy love. For all
these blessings we praise thee with glad
and grateful spirits Still more thank
full are we that thou revealest thy loving
kindness in the hearts of thy children.
Through Israel, thy servant. thou art
leading mankind from darkness to light,
from bondage to liberty, from earthly
desire to the enjoyment Of heavenly
good.
Grant to each one of us the desire and
the strength to live and to labor for
thy truth. Let shine upon us the re-
splendent light of thy mercy. Hallow
our thoughts and our sentiments. that
we may bring unto thee not only the
praises Of the lips, but the more accept
able offering Of pure lives and noble
deeds. Unite U.S. o Father. through thy
love. that all members of the human
family may be bound to one another by
the ties of fellowship and sympathy
and all may help to bring nearer thy
kingdom Of truth, justice and peace
Amen.