The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-11-30

printed for the benefit of citizens who
We're unable to be present at the time
OF its delivery:
But will teach you the good and the
flSht way: only fear the Lord, and serve
him in truth with all your heart: for con-
slider how great things He hath done for
you.'-l Sam, 1.:23-2i.
loved country today are responding to
the proclamation set forth by the presi-
dent; but more SO, responding to that
indwellins motive that springs up in the
heart and soul of every true child Of God.
There are millions at his very hour bow
ing their heads in reverence and holy fear
before the altar of the Most High God;
and with that joy,, peace, gladness and
tranquility, that ills the souls of God )
children then render their Thanksgiving
ana gratitude i'll songs of praises, which
ascends in one vast cloud through The
heavens on the wings of faith to the throne
or God. And may our prayer this morning
be that our union service of Thanksgiving
as community, through the intercession
OF the spirit, may be acceptable with God.
on, may He grant unto US, and unto all
the people who serve Him this day, His
Spirit. power and guidance, so that we
may worship Him In Spirit and in truth.
The words which we have chosen as the
basis OF our discourse form a part Of that
memorable address which Samuel deliv-
cred to the children of Israel when retir-
ing from his office as judge over them.
We shall not recall the incidents that
caused the good old prophet to speak
larly the last clause, and see what lesson
there is in these words for u.s.
Samuel was true child Of God, and had
been raised In the temple from his boy
mood. lie was an experienced man in
Gods service. he had given himself who'll
ly unto the Lord. and as Paul exhorted
the church in Rome, he had presented his
body living sacrifice, holy. acceptable
nd md
abled him to be one of the greatest proph-
cts and teacher the world ever knew.
Samuel was the only man who could say
with divine power and authority to the
children of Israel. at this most important
crisis in which the nation was involved.
Il Will teach you the good and the right
way and with a divine emphasis that
wrung through the camp of Israel he ut
tered the words and touched the key which
in every God-fearing heart opens the fOun-
tam from which flows that musical strain
or thanksgiving unto the Most High and
Mercifui Father. Consider how great
things the Lord hath done for you."
GRATITUDE DUE GOD.
We cannot render unto God the praise
and gratitude due unto Him, unless we
consider how great things He hath done
Tor U.S. lf we have come together regard
less of Gods mercies which He has be-
slowed on us, our service will be in vain.
If our hearts are filled with worldly
thoughts, if our minds are occupied with
worldly pleasures and duties, and en-
gagged in the narrow motives or selfish
ness, pride, and worldly gain and honor,
our service will not accomplish the end in
view, neither be pleasing In Gods sight.
That sacred key in the depth of your soul
must be touched, must be inspired, the
source or gratitude must be opened: the
harp of the soul must be properly tuned,
and the sacred musical strains of praise
ascend to the thone of God
To be grateful unto God Is mans high
est and most elevated privilege. Gratitude
is all that God requires of us. We cannot
IN His sight but our praises. God accepts
with pleasure the gratitude and praise
that comes from broken and contrite
heart. to offer anything but gratitude
and praise would be mockery. For we
are all as an unclean thing. and all our
Righteousness are as filthy rags, and our
1niquites like the wind, have taken us
away May we all be helped to render
our than ksSiving in such way that will
be pleasing in His sight: and have our
old begarly way for this mornings SER
vice.
PROPENSITIES OF MAN.
Men are too prone to be beggarly. The
more some people pray the more beggarly
they become. and when God blesses them
abundantly. in answer to their supplica-
tions the first prayer they offer Is beg
gar's prayer. 1t seems that they are al
ways starving for spiritual nourishment.
and that they never have stock enough of
faith nor grace. to spend one hour in graf
itude and praise Let us with David spend
more time in singing Gods praises, for the
blessings He daily bestows upon us, and
this will surely help to enjoy the bless
ings We receive the more and to better
advantages. Let us consider in the first
place how great things the Lord hath done
for US as nation. He has honored us
with wisdom, discretion and power to keep
the country from dishonor and ruin.