The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1899-12-01
THANKSGIVING.

THANH 1851 ING.
Thanksgiving is an American in
stitution, originating in New England
in 1921. When the first harvest had
been gathered by the Colonists, Gov
ernor Bradford ordered that day be
set apart for Thanksgiving, prayer and
rejoicing. Later q daY of fasting and
prayer, on account OF the drought was
changed to rejoicing and rendering
joyful thanks for the welcome down
fall of rain. From this time it grad
ually became the custoin toappoint Il
day in each year after the crops had
been gathered, for q general thanks
giving. In the dark days of the
Revolutionary wal, especially, was this
solemn festival observed. After the
Independence of the colonies was
firmly established, Washington recon.
mended such day anu his example
was occasionally followed by succeed
ing Presidents, until the term of Abra-
ham Lincoln when it was his custom
to order special thanks in celebration
of victories. Since then it has been
the universal practice to set apart one
day in the year, usually the last Thurs
day in each November, as national
holiday of prayer and roasting.
Of late years the custom of appoint
ing Thanksgiving day b. Governors
of States, long confined to New Eng
land, has been universally adopted
throughout the country. Thus origi-
nally a northern custom has gradually
become a national holiday, as the
feeling of sectionalism has been slow
ly dying out.
1t is indeed appropriate that we as
anation should show our appreciation
of the great gifts bestowed on us by
a bountiful Providence and render
our heartfelt thanks unto Him who
willeth all things well. During the
past year many have received, with a
free hand, great blessings, both spirit
ual and temporal. The country at
large has been wonderfully prosper
GUS, except the farmers, and they too
have had abundant crops. We have
been blessed with freedom from
pests and contagious diseases, and
there has been less suffering among
the very poor, truly God, indeed, has
enriched US all with many blessings.
There is, however, always the sad
side OF human life. While many have
prospered in divers ways, Others have
felt keenly the cruel hand of adversely; ;
while others have been making on
ward, joyous steps in mounting the
ladder of chosen ambitions, there are
others who have been dragged down
by the bitter grasp Of fate. To the
latter class we desire to address a few
words of comfort. It is with a sad
heart you sit down to your Thanks
giving dinner. You feel indeed that
God cannot be just and yet permit
what has befallen you, to come to pass.
There is within your hearts murmur-
ing, which while probably never will
be spoken words, that had He been q
Just God He never would have per-
mitted you to have undergone the
wrongs which were Inflicted upon
you by your fellow man. Possibly u
creature in the image of his Maker,
who like the Pharisee, while stand
ing on the street corner beating his
breast, and loundly chanting his
written prayers, has at the same tine
been secretly plotting a scheme to
rob you and yours Of any little com
potency hard work and frugality has
accumulated. Like Shylock of old,
he has demanded the pound of flesh
nearest the Christians heart, or it may
be that the scythe of time has severed
the life thread of one who was near
and dear to you and there is one
vacant-chair around the table spread
for festivity. You do indeed feel that
there is very little to give, thanks for.
But there is one thing we should re-
member in our hour of darkness and
despair-no matter what may cause
it, and that is, God, in His intimate
wisdom, does everything for the best.
II is not for us in our weak nature to
attempt to enquire into the wisdom OF
His doings. He created the venom
Gus viper for some good purpose and
so for some hidden reason are we
chastised and made to suffer and en-
dure although the weight may be al
most heavier than we can bear. No,
never doubt the wisdom and business
of the Creator. There will be time
when the scales have fallen from our
eyes and in the language of the poet.
Som slime when all lifc's lessons have been
learned,
And stars and sun forever more have set.
The thngs which our weak judgments then
have spurned.
The thugs DER which We grieved with lashcs
wet,
VIII flash before us out OF Iife's dark night.
And we eau see how what then seemed rebuff,
WAS love most true.
Then be content poor heart.
Gods plans like letters pure and white unfold.
We must not tear tue close shut leaves apart.
Time will reveal the cIlyXes of gold.
And, if through patient toll we reach the land
Where m0rCals tired in foot may rest.
Where we eau zee aud feel ana understand,
! think that We will say,
God knew the Otst.