The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1899-12-06
THANKSGIVING.
Some of the Ways 1t was OBJ
served Here


Some of the Ways 1t was OBJ
served Here.
A Good Congregation Hears Rev. Mr..
MeCutcheon Who Preached at the
Union Seryice-Numerous Pleasant
Family DinHers-The Hotels have
Extra Guests-Social Entertainments
Every One Observed the Day in
Some Manner.
Thanksgiving day came clear and
bright and the sunshine gave life to
the sentiment of the people. The
day was more generally observed
than usual All the business places
in town were closed and while there
was not the air of Sunday pervading
things it was evident that people
were observing the dav in spirit
more than they generally do. The
pleasant temperature and bright
sunshine continued during the day.
In the morning an attentive con
gregation filed the NJ. p. church to
Overlooking where union services
were held the sermon being preached
by Rev. j. l.. McCutchen, pastor of
the Baptist church. On the plat
form were Rev Barnes, Dr. Buchan
an, DIR. Leech and Rev Ira NJ. Wal
lace
Below is an abstract of the timely
and appropriate sermon preached by
Mr.. McCutcheon:
Return For the Lords Benefits.
Psalms 116: 12-14.
Thanksgiving day is the day for
the giving of thanks. III 1T does not
mean this, it does not mean anything,
and If it is not observed in this spirit
t Is not observed at all. In response
10 the Proclamation of our Christian
president and Christian governor both
Of whom We know are deyout and God
fearing men, and In response TO the
spring of gladness that wells up In
our hearts, we come to wait upon the
Lord and fulfill the purpose for which
the day was set apart. What question
more timely for us than this of the
Psalmist? What answer more appro-
pirate than this?
l. THE QUESTION. What shall
/ render unto the Lord for all his ben
efits toward us?"
/. 1t is national question.
| This has been good year to us as
a people. True there has been war,
is war, and our soldiers are falling and
dying and finding graves that are
lonely and far away. But we thank
God that the end of trouble is near
| at hand. Think of the marvellous
prosperity of our country; never has
there been better year to the toiler
in the field or the workman in the
shops. Wheels of industry are spin
ming and humming and filling the
whole land with music. Everywhere
there is plenty and to spare. God has
put the crown of his goodness upon
the brow Of the circling year.
In all the prosperity and plenty we
of Morgantown have had share.
New railroads coming, new factories
being built, new coal fields being
opened, University growing, churches
flourishing, business expanding, town
booming. Well may we ask ourselves
what returns we can make to the
Lord
2. 1t is personal question. Was
such with the Psalmist. Each one OF
US has something for which we can
be grateful. Even the bereaved oues
have room for gratitude. This has
been sad and bitter year for some.
Death has broken the family circle,
new graves have been dug in the GEM
etery, mourners unaccustomed to grief
are going about our streets. What
can such be grateful for? For this,
the sustaining power and sweet
comfort of Gods grace. And for this
the departed ones who loved and trust.
ed God were not forsaken in their death
and are not out in the world today
shelterless and homeless, but are safe
in the Fathers house of many man
sions.
Even the afflicted have reasons fol
gratitude. Some among us can say
81 was brought low and He helped
me-" Among this number is the
speaker. Last Thanksgiving l was
ill, Christmas came so did the New
Year and still l lay waiting God,
good time, with the coming of birds
and flowers crept forth and felt on The
wasted cheek the balmy air of spring
and the kiss of Gods sunshine. Nc
Thanksgiving in my home last veal
but there is double portion of it il
my heart to-day.
Above all the christian has reason fol-
gratitude. At every turn and step OF
his journey the past year he has seer
the goodness of God. There is one
priceless benefit he has received which
no sweep of years or submurgance in
sorrow can make him forget-the gift
which came down from Heaven and
made all the world rich in coming.
That unspeakably precious gift is the
p baaIod bearts W u.s. .Iea au ~
broken a in sin 5,i made us new creatures