The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1899-12-01
ST. ANDREWS CATHEDRAL.
Abstract of Sermon by Reverend
George Wallace.

The Rev. George Wallace founded his
discourse upon the words of St. Paul
as contained in II ThessalOnians 5: IS:
In everything give thanks"
The speaker referred to Thanksgiv-
ing Day as emphasizing the duty OF
thankfulness to the Giver of all good.
While Inherited from the Pilgrim
Fathers of New England, it confined in
its observance the English Harvest
Home Festival. The day long observed
by many of all nationalities in Ha-
waii has a special significance at this
time. Our country has been absorbed
into the Great Republic. We have
special need for thanksgiving when
we remember the progress of the An
glo-SaXon race in Hawaii; the advance
of civilization without slaughter and
bloOdshed, and also that the Christian
faith had made progress throughout
the country peacefully and rapidly;
although we have had our martyrs al
so, not only such grand men as Father
Damien of Molokai, but amongst the
ranks of Christian workers, who I'M
fiinchingly and gladly endured and la
bored with many sacrifices for the
faith.
The day has special significance for
asmuch as the future holds out bright
promises for continued progress under
the fostering care of the American
Episcopal Church.
To one returning, as the speaker,
after an absence of ten years, there is
most conclusive testimony that this is
indeed land flowing with milk and
honey" where no man need be hungry
or idle; where wealth had been OBJ
tanned by so many without apparent
effort; where the possession of wealth
may be regarded as blessing, by rea-
son of the great works of philanthropy
and beneyOlence it enables so many Of
our people to accomplish.
The speaker also referred to the gen
erous welcome which he had found in
the homes of many who had formerly
been his parishioners, and expressed
his gratitude for the affectionate good
will met with on all sides.
Thanksgiving Day should mean
much to all who in their family and
household life had obtained the bless
ing of abundance, freedom from sor-
row, illness and bereavement, and
even those who had lost dear ones
from the family circle should be thank
full that these had departed this life in
faith and fear, for they are in the hand
of God and their hope is in immortal
ity. Looking beyond the circle Of our
own sorrows in the world, we must be
thankful for the spread Of the true
religion, the extension of the Christian
law of love and purity, and for the fact
that over this there has been much dis
cussion and critical examination Of
the Christian faith in the Holy Script
ures. Such examination and study
conducted with greater learning, great
er knowledge of the ancient Ian
guages and geography, history and an
tiquity, has materially strengthened
the faith.
In view of all these blessings, we
may certainly feel that our duty lies
in obeying the precept Of the Apostle
Paul. as set down in the text, I'm ev-
erything give thanks"
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things
are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are
lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report. if there be any virtue, and if
there be any praise, think on these
things
Those things, which We have both
learned and received, and heard and
seen in me- do, and the God of Peace
shall be with you" Phil iv:S-9.