The Somerset reporter., 1906-11-29
aSreRKD AS SECOND oLAss MAIL MATTER
Tne Day of Thanksgiving.

ole Heavenly Father openeth His
htH3 aud sati.fies the longings of every
pea4y soul. We are called by Nation
ara state TO give thanks for all our null
rpltd success. The year has been one
OF continued prosperity. Our harvests
have been phenominally plentiful, and
our tables, 10 accordance with the grand
old custom handed down to US by our
Puritan ancestors. will be spread with a
bountiful repast. Throughout the length
and breadth OF our land the feast will be
laid, to which practically all will in some
way be invited, the poor as we'll as the
rich, the prisoners and the outcasts even,
as well as those more favored.
It is hard to grasp 10 our minds that
on the other side Of the globe millions of
men and women are on the verge of
starvation, and, saddest of all, the little
ones begging their parents for the food
they have not. These ghosts of gaunt
want rise up before US at the boards COW
cred with plenty on this day of feasting
More than any other, this festival APP
peals directly to that love of home and
Kindred that is implanted ia every human
heart. 1t knits the ties anew. L softens
the asperities and corrects the misunder-
standings between kith and kin; while
the broader field Of the general commun-
iy, and help to unite the whole in the
bonds of brotherly love.
More than all this, it enforces with in
creasing emphasis at each recurring
season, the great lesson Of our DEEPEN
ence upon Higher Power for all the
blessings we enj ", including life itself
|. ii not we'll to still for time the fever
ish pulse of trade and commercial life,
for calmer and more earnest contem-
plation of these loflier ideas ?-to give
freer play to those inherent promptings
of the soul which lead US to look beyond
this hampered and circumscribed life to
the grander arena of the great future !
So we may In with the poet In singing {:
What time the latest flower hath bloomed,
The latest bird hath southwark flown;
When silence weaves DER garnered sheaves
Sweet idyls in northern zone;
When scattered children rest beside
The HEARTH and hold the mothers hand
Then rolls Thanksgiving ample tide
OF iervent praise across the land.
And though the autumn stiffness broods
Where spring glad with song and stir,
Though summers grace leave little trace
On helds that smiled at sight of her,
Still glows the sunsets altar-fre
With crimson flame and heart Of gold
And tah uplifts, with strong desire
And deep content, the hymns OF old.
We bless our God for wondrous wealth,
through all the bright benignant year;
Tor shower and rain, for rpened grain;
For gifts and guerdon, far and near
We bless the ceaseless Providence
That watched us through the peaceful days,
That led us home, or brought us thence,
And kept us in various ways.
And il the hand so much that gave,
Hath something taken from store,
Il caught from sight, to heavens pure light,
Some precious ones are here more,
We still adore the Friend above,
Who, while earth's road grows steep and DIM
Yet comforts us, in tender love,
And holds our darings close to him
Thanks then, o Cod from sea to sea
Let every wind the anthem bear
And hearts be rife, through toll and strife,
Win joyful praise and grateful prayer.
Our fathers God, their children sing
The grace they sought through storm and SUM-
Our harvest tribute here bring,
And end it with, Thy will be donel'