Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1899-12-07

~ llleleSs 10 the prounu.
The harvest has come and the aftermath has
passed, and the people of the great republic
are prospecting as never before in all the
wondrous history of development OF this
God-favored people.
The president and the governors of all
the states, following an example established
by Washington and confirmed by Lincoln
and his successors, have issued proclama-
tions calling upon all the people of all the
states to remember the generous kindness
Of the Giver of all, God, by returning unto
Him prayers of thanksgiving for the
blessings He has vouchsafed SO freely to the
nation.
Americans, properly and wisely doubtless,
NAV differ as to proper lines of domestic and
| foreign policy, but all who are here have
common heritage, and owe their homage
| IN the one common Source of all that is
received
Thanksgiving day is peculiarly anomalous
in this, that the United States, alone in all the
nations in that it gives official recognition
to no religion and utters recognition of no
| God in all the universe, is the only one of all
| the nations which annually and unbrokenly
sets apart a day in which to return CRATE
full thanks to the one God of us all for His
mercies and His blessings.
Here is no compulsion-no law exacting
outward form of worship, or penalty for
failure to comply. The proclamations are
suggestive, or advisory only, in their nature.
Yet left free to this action, the spectacle
will be observed to-day, as in similar past
anniversaries, that citizens of all creeds,
Catholics, Professionals, Hebrews, Shinto-
lists and Confucians, will gather each in their
own place of assembly and carry out pro-
gramme of worship, designed to show graft
tude for the Divine goodness.
Il All minor differences of religions and po-
itical and religious faith disappear before
the majesty of Gods goodness and faith in
Him, and in free country that is common
and dear to all.
!, 1t is not we'll or wise to say that God has
favored this people above all other peoples,
for such would be a Wanting of ones self
above others. 1t is competent, though, to
reflect that God has raised up on this con-
! tinent within an incredibly short period a
great and mighty nation; that He has caused
His face to shine upon them and made them
to flourish as green bay tree by the waters
edge.
! He who receives with thankless heart
has no appeal to confidence of his fellows
and is unworthy the esteem of any who are
reputed to be good. Ingratitude is the priv
ilege of kings, as it has been said, and Of
those who think their pleasures the highest
, obligation of their nature.
Yet this people is not ungrateful. 1t is g
God-fearing people. Whether north Oh
south, or east, or west, all looking from the
: grave of the loved that is dead to the stal
whose light tends to strengthen the ever and
forever of mans existence. Whether II
e nowgirt Alaska, or amid the sunshine Of
: the southland; or watered by Atlantic or Pa
cifc-here and there, and in all places of the
\ Estates, Thanksgiving day is honored and OBJ
served in spirit and in letter. And this
year, first of all the years, the observance Of
! it is borne over the waves to islands where
t now floats the tri-color flag of freedom
Blessed is that nation whose God is the
$ Lord, for from such He will withhold NJ
thing that is good.
WILLIAM ROSSER COBBE.