The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-12-01
GOOD COMES OF WAR
Thankful for Expansion and
Check of HostiIitieS.
SERMON OF REV. SLUTZ
Tells of the Blessings That
Came of the Spanish War

OF all the Thanksgiving services held
in the city, probably the largest crowd
tional church. These weree the union
services for the churches in the central
part of the city, comprising the First NJ.
E. church. the First Baptist church, the
| Central Christian church, the First
Presbyterian church and the Plymouth
Congrega tional church. The magnificent
new edifice was crowded to the walls
The music by the Plymouth quartette
was appropriate and excellent Besides
the quartettes, Mrs. Wilson sang a solo.
Rev Dubber, of the Central Christian
church, conducted the responsive serv-
ice; Rev. Wareham, of the First Bap-
fist church, read the Scripture lesson;
Rev. Bradt, of the First Presbyterian
church, made the opening prayer, and
Rev. Thayer, of Plymouth Congregation
al, led in singing the Gloria" The
Lords Prayer was chanted by the entire
congregation
Rev. Slutz, Lstor Of the First NJ. E.
church, delivered the sermon. He preach
ed from the text: "Oh, give thanks unto
the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy
endureth forever" In part, Rev. Siutz
spoke as follows:
1.-The Bible is volume Of praise. We
are admonished to praise God in the
morning, at noon, in the evening and in
the silent watches of the night. Every
devout believer in the revelation of God
should be filled with the spirit of thanks
giving. Every Thoughtful soul should
thank God for this national occasion.
For the spirit of appreciation which is
found in the proclamations of our presi-
dent, our governor and the mayor of our
city. The Thanksgiving service is par
icularly American. Our Pilgrim Fathers
inaugurated the beautiful custom on the
greensward just above Plymouth Rock in
1922 1t was observed at the instance of
Governor Bradford in recognition of the
mercies Of a kind Providence in saving
the infant colony from grim death by
starvation; when he sent men out fowl !
ing, that they might after more special
manner rejoice together.
''Other colonies observed the custom |
until President Washington appointed a |
day in 1879 to render Thanksgiving unto |
God for the adoption of the constitution. |
The American people have been called to-
gether many times since that memorable !
occasion, but the proclamation with |
is that Of our chief, President Mckinley
In it he recounts many blessings brought
to us in the changing course of the sea-
sons. and declares it meet and right to
return solemn thanks to God, the ALL
giving Source whence they flow. We are
to be thankful that no great pestilence
has invaded our shores. While many
have suffered from disease, no scourge
has prevailed. The general health Of the
people has been good.
I'VE should he thankful that liberal
employment waits upon labor; that abun-
dant crops have rewarded the efforts Of
the husbandman in almost every section
Of the land, and especially IN Kansas.
Have You considered the greatness of
this years corn crop? Loaded in cars in
a single train, the engine would be in
New York City and the caboose in San
Francisco.
Increased comforts have come to many
homes; our national finances have been
strengthened; the honor of our public
credit has been sustained; all branches
If industry and trade are having a great
legree of prosperity. This is true from a
rational point of view, and particularly
rue in our own commonwealth, and in
he Peerless Princess of the Plains
Nearly 100000 have been expended for
lew buildings and in restoring old ones
n Wichita. Our wholesale and retail
merchants have prospered, and the vol
lme of business weIl-nigh doubled.
I'VE should render thanksgiving TO the
kies because American patriotism has
'een exalted. The spirit that fired the
'reasts of our Pilgrim and Revolutionary |
Fathers still finds place in the heart Of
very true American. Our army and
avy have the unqualified respect Of the
ivilized world. We occupy a place among
he nations Of the earth which is indeed
nviable. During the last year honorable
eace has been ratified with Spain. The
eople of Cuba and Porto Rico, who
we're suffering from the tyranny of that
ruel, bloodthirsty power are enjoying
omething Of the liberties which belong
o this western world. God has sanction
d the maintenance of this larger trust
Y granting particular blessings TO US as
nation, together with the citizens who
Or the first time. are now living under
ne protection of the American flag.
I'VE ought to be grateful To God that
very indication points TO the stopping Of
osulities on the island Of Luzon. Some
mid hearts have thought to have for
AIKEN our trust and permitted Aguin-
lido and his band of insurreciionists 70
ave ruled at viii, would have been both
umane and patriotic; but hear the
-ords Of Admiral Dewey, who speaks
18th the knowledge which no other com
iissioner could possibly command:
There has never been a moment since
"a first gun was fired that the United !
,ates could have withdrawn from the
lands. and the reasons set forth IN the !
report as 70 whether per }
lament American control IS essential are. q
my opinion. immova5le. There Is no 4
her alternative AEuinaldo and his in :
lrgent band will soon hegia 70 ENJOY the '
enehts Of a free people. 7
We should rejoice that sectional ha- {
ed IS no more. Gallant General Joe
-heeler, Some Of the Union and Confed- z
ate soldiers. the cowboys Of ,fe plain:
ms Of snil1ouaires. 4
Where Is the patriotic American c1tI-
n Nho Is not CAD. this Thanksgiving :
", that Protestant Christianity i hav- :
< larger opportunity il The wide world :
an ever before Z