The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-11-26

ought to be thankful that we live i'll
North Carolina Here. we are glad
to feel, is found the best type Of Chris
tian piety. the best and purest women,
the most Christian homes in proportion
to population, and men Of the cleanest
lives and clearest minds. Her climate
also is the wing Of health: and in her
materia medica and flora and fauna,
She is rich Her soil, also, is freighted
with rewards to the husbandman and
the worker in metals. Her mountain
breezes meet and wrestle with the winds
from the sea, and drop health upon
smiling land Heavens blessings at
tend her.
Ingratitude is capital crime in the
religious world. And / am a little fear
full that special Thanksgiving days make
an impression that this Christian duty
and privilege is only necessary on such
occasions. All spiritual forces are self
active. Thanksgiving is a spiritual
force. 1t is therefore self-active. Its
nature. like that of other spiritual
forces, is movement. 1t must manifest
itself, at least in words to one who does
not require it otherwise; and to God in
helping His poor Let us, then, study
the generic statement of our Lord:
Pure and undefled religion
is visiting the widows and fatherless
in their affliction. etc" and give of our
means to those who need.
Mr.. James Montgomery has well put
this thought in verse;
poor. wayfaring man of Grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That ! could never say Him nay.
l had not power to ask his name,
Whittier He went, or whence He came;
Yet there was something in His eve
That won my love, / knew not why.
Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered. not Il word He spake-
Just furnishing for want Of bread.
| gave Him all: He blessed it, brake.
And ate, but gave me part again;
Mine was an angels portion Them
For while sped with eager haste
That crust was mamma 10 my taste.
! spied Him where Il fountain burst
Clear from a rock; His strength was
gone:
The needless water Knocked His thirst;
He heard it, saw it hurrying ON.
l ran to raise the sufferer up:
Thrice from the stream He drained my
cup,
Dipt. and returned it running Ger:
| drank and never thirsted more.
Twas night: the floods were out, it blew
\ winter hurricane aloof;
heard His voice abroad, and flew
TO bid Him welcome to my roof;
warmed, | fed, l cheered my Guest.
Laid Him ON my own couch to rest;
Then made the earth my bed, and
seemed
In Eden's garden while l dreamed.
Stript, beaten. wounded night to death,
found him by the highway side;
| reused His pulse, brought back His
breath,
Revived His spirit and supplied
Wine, oil. refreshment; He was healed,
/ had myself il wound concealed;
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.
In prison l saw Him next, condemned
To meet a traitors doom at morn;
And honored Him midst shame and
scorn.
Ny friendships utmost zeal to try
He asked if | for Him would die?
The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill,
But the spirit criedI viii!
Then in moment to my view
The Stranger started from disguise;
The tokens in His hands | knew;
My Savior stodd before my eyes!
IIe spake, and my poor name He named:
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