The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1896-11-28
THANKSGIVING DAY.

Thanksgiving Day once more has come
and gone, and the American people
have not proved unmindful of tine
blessing bestowed upon the nation by
the Almighty during the past year.
We do not know how many turkeys
less there are in the United States to-
day than there were three day ago
not to say anything of geese. ducks and
other fowl-but we suspect that many
millions OF fat gobblers ana hens were
offered up az sacrifice to the appetites
oil the American people on Thursday
last. While it seems likc-and doubt
less tue turkeys look at the slaughter
in that way-a fowl wrong, still, all
things considered, il is much better
that We should eat turkeys than that
turkeys should eat Us. We believe in
the survival Of the fittest and the
roasting of the fattest-turkeys. 1t is
much better that turkey should perish
than that human being should feel
the pangs of particularly on
Thanksgiving Day and if turkeys had
the intelligence to comprehend the
very essential part they play each
returning Thanksgiving day we think
they would die with less kicking, that
they would rather thank God that they
were fat and fl to eat.
Speaking of Thanksgiving Day and
THANKSGIVING intention for which
that day is set apart and the manner in
which the day Is spent-we may well
pause to consider whether we, as a
people-as a Christian nationalist to a
proper conception of what is meant by
Thanksgiving Day. Clearly the iutcn-
ton is that we shall all manifest our
faith in the existence ola supreme being
and our dependence upon Him by do
ing good, by deeds Of charity, and other
Christian acts; not III feasting and riot
ing, not in drunkenness and debauch-
cry, and lesser evils. To DO this is to
offend against the clear intention for
which the day is set apart, and against
God; to make a bur.esque Of christianity.
We, of course, are conscious Of the fact
that there are many people who respect
the day as itshould be, or the best they
know how. As Christians, they give
thanks to the giver Of all good for the
blessing of life, even though in many
cases life may seem d burden; they give
thanks for human necessities and com
forts, by deeds Of charity, and by PRAYER
and good works supplicate the divine
protection for their families and the
nation. Thus they fulfil tie obligations
imposed by the presidents procla-
nation.
1t is a pleasure, however, to know
that while many people are indifferent
few are Goddess, and there are none,
at least very few, who are deaf to the
pleadings Of charity, and who will not
share the little they have with more
needy llOwcreature-wh 10 not prac-
tice more or less the universal faith
charity. Charity-the act of giving
of that which You possess to another
who is in need, with loving heart and
generous hand, with life-giving, hope
breathing, cheering word and for sweet
Christs sake-Washes away many sin,
lightens many a heart, and ennobles
both they who give and they who re-
ceiye. 1t brings the creature nearer to
the creator, it renews and strengthens
the bond of fellowship between things
human and things divine.
Looking at Thanksgiving Day, there
fore, as test of mans love for man, rs
an incentive to kindly deeds, and behev-
ing that the hearts Of the rich, with few
exceptions, beat for humanity, we are
thankful for Thanksgiving Day, thank
ful that there are those Of Gods crea-
lures in need of help-hungry mouths
TO feed, checrless homes TO gladden., in
order that we may show our love for
our helpless fellow creatures. Without
the poor and afflicted to ever appeal to
us we would become less than human.
Let Us never close Our ears to that APP
peal; it is the voice Of the weak appeal
ing to the strong; aye, it is but the echo
of the voice Of God amid the mountains
anu Ncl''N > ~ biilS i'tIiu- ~ US ueNt
turn a deaf ear to that voice or in that
day We perish.
This appeal, we are sure, was gener-
ously responded to on last Thursday.
Many were the hearts made glad, and
may each returning Thanksgiving Day
bring with it IN increase Of those good
deeds done Tor Christ : sweet sake.