The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-11-30

The annual union Thanksgiving SER
vices were held in the Trip Avenue
Christian church yesterday morning.
The congregation was the largest that
has attended this service in many years
The church was handsomely decorated
with waving ferns and beautiful white
chrysanthemums. the splendid big
autumn flowers giving very pleasing
effect to the room. The musical pro.
gramme was very ably carried out
by the choir, composed of singers from
the various churches In town. The solo
"On the Golden Threshold" was very
beautifully rendered by Mrs. Horatio
Keller, Of Scranton. The organ was
presided over by Miss Blackman, of
Wyoming seminery
Rev. j. d. Dabney, of Christian
church. read an appropriate passage
of scripture after which very fer
vent prayer was offered by Rev. w. r.
Gibbons, of the Presbyterian church.
The presidents Thanksgiving procia-
nation was then read by Rev. ]. L.
kreamer. of the Baptist church.
The Thanksgiving sermon was de-
livered by Rev. A. ]. Van Cleft. of the
NJ. j.. church, in his usual happy man
ner. Among other things he said:
We assembled here today in accordance
with the call Of the president of the United
States and Of the governor of this common
wealth. to thank God not alone for our country
and its blessed institutions, but also for the MI
mcrous mcrcics and blessings Of the past year.
With the Psalmist we can say, "Thou crown-
eth the year with thy goodness" There is much
to be thankful for. We have had this year
abundant harvests There has been an usual
yield of fruits and grains. Our land has been
maivelously productive. Labor has been re-
warded and the industries Of our country have
been more prosperous than for many years past.
No pestilcncc has gone abroad in land,
and 10 great calamities have bcfalcn the differ
ent parts Of our country, save that which over
whelmed the city Of Galveston; and as the
president has well said, this has made evident
the sentiments of sympathy and Christian char
ity By virtue Of which we are united people.
The president says ''our commerce has spread
the world. That our power and influence
in the cause Of freedom and enlightenment
have extended over distant seas and lands
We have reason to be thankful for the quiet.
yet steady advance made in the schools Of our
country, and the increased interest in the sub
icct OF education. Especially in the southern
states. Another for thanksgiving is the
providentia care and delivcrance Of mis-
sonaries from the savage hordes Of the Boxers
in China.
ances to providential interference. We thank
God today for the advancement the churches have
made. While the increase in membership has
not been as large as some years yet the divine
watch-care has been strkingy manifested. 4
spirit OF revival is abroad in the land and it
looks as il it was to become general. That this
may be the case is my prayer.
thank God for the union Thanksgiving SER
vice. hut especially for the union meetings
which are being held. That the membership Of
the different churches can join hands and sing.
"Blcst he the tic that binds our hearts in Chris
tan love-" That VIC he Baptsts Christians
Preshyterans and Mcthodists-but also that We
lie brethren-brcthren Of one common Lori, chill
dren of one common Father Thank God for
that.
The limit of time forbids that | continue
longer the enumeration of the favors OF our
hcnetcent Father. 1t remains for lis to say that
these many blessings not only inspire gratitude,
but they place us under corresponding obga-
tons. Then while offer thanksgiving to
our God today for His ever watcfiu mercful
and gracious provdential care us, wc pray
the Holy Spirit to guide us, and assist in
the inquiry
The speaker also gave a brief outline
of some of the duties devolying upon
citizens of the United States at this
time Among these, he mentioned the
necessity Of a general reverence of and
obedience to the laws of the land: the
necessity of every citizen interesting
himself in the politics of his country
and town; the necessity of stopping
the trade in demoralizing literature.
and the necessity of every citizen using
his influence in promoting the cause of
sobriety and temperance.