The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-24
SOME THANKSGIVING REFLEC-
JIONS

sThe world owes me a living" says the
shiftless man. Never was a more in
solent or more ungrateful saying in
vented The first man sinned and was
driven from Paradise with the curse
upon him that he should earn his living
by the sweat Of his brow. In his act Of
disobedience he forfeited every claim
that he had upon the bounty of ProW-
dence and neither the Lord God nor the
world which he cheated arc under obli-
cations to sinful man. 1t is only by the
grace of Gods kindness and his exceed
ing liberality that the earth yields her
increase in response TO mans endeavors.
Yet God is gracious and has not only
provided most bountifully for the neces-
stiles of. the flesh, but for our mental
and spiritual demands as well. Never
an age when man had so many Of the
luxuries of life, and we Of this country
know absolutely nothing Of famine. No
man starves to death here except from
his own neglect or pride. Everywhere
throughout this land the earth is gene
rous and the great question with tine
people Of this country is. what shall we
do with our surplus products? Our
capacity to create is far beyond our ca
pacity to consume.
But this is also the age Of mental feast
ing. Never time when printing was
so cheap. when literature was 50 abund-
amt when publications of all descriptions
were so attractive in matter and illustrI-
ton. From the penny newspaper with
it's pictures of daily life 20 the great
works of Shakespeare, throughout the
whole realm of literature there is such
an abundance of reading matter that the
mind fairly tires in its contemplation. 80
excuse for ignorance in these days. The
public schools are open TO all and any
boy who desires an education may have
IT, Never a time when the religious
world was more attractive. our beau
tiful churches are not only comfortable
but most inviting in appearance, the
songs of Zion are sung by artists I'm mu-
sic. and the gospel is preached by de
vout men who have been educated in the
profound mysteries of theological and in
the graces OF oratory.
From whatever standpoint viewed the
earth to-day fairly blossoms with the
blessings of God. Man was never 50
exalted. never We're there so many agen-
cles to lift him UP. never was so much
of the world in enjoyment of liberty and
civilization. Is it surprising, therefore
that the President of the United states
and the governors Of the several States
should feel it their duty by proclamation
to call together on this day set apart the
people Of the nation to assemble them
selves together in their accustomed
places of worship and to give thanks TO
Almighty God for his unspeakable bless
ings? 1t is an honor to us as a nation
to observe the day. it is an honor to us
that this beautiful custom of national
Thanksgiving IS Of American origin. Let
US be sure tsat we avail ourselves of the
privilege that is thus vouchsafed TO us
not only to give expression to our thanks
but TO cultivate within us the true spirit
OF gratitude. II we shall all have
reckoning with ourselves. if we shall
honestly make up an account between
ourselves and our God. off-setting the
good things that we enjoy against the
good things that we really deserve. we
shall be overcome with sense OF our
unworthiness and there will be an ex-
preston OF honest praise from our hearts.
Gratitude finds 1t reelection in nature.
made manifest in her every expression.
and shall man. the noblest of her crea-
lures. be ungrateful? The germ which
lies dormant in the cold earth is bye and
bye warmed into life by the kiss of the
sun. and blossom and fragrance and
fruit are but the expressions Of its graf
itude. A practical thought 1t is meet
and right that we show forth our praise
not only with our lips and in our hearts
but that we honor the Lord with the
first fruits OF our labors that out Of our