"IN EYERY THING GIVE THANKS."
1 THESSALONIAXS, v. IS.
The simple and obvious meaning of the text is,
that we have always something to be thankful for;
that gratitude is due to God in every earthly con¬
dition in which a living man can be placed. And
this is a truth appropriate to this occasion, for we
are observing our great national festival in circum¬
stances wherein some men judge that the keeping
a fast in sackcloth were a more seemly service. It
cannot be denied that we are to-day a deeply dis¬
tressed people, and that our attempted offerings of
thanksgiving will ascend largely from desolate house¬
holds and sorrowing hearts.
To this occasion, therefore, the usual style of
service would be manifestly inapt. We have little
of the old exulting spirit; and amid this evident
and almost overwhelming despondency, need exhor¬
tation even unto the solemn duty of thanksgiving.
Such an exhortation is the text; and in view of
it the question, which perhaps we have all asked,
Why should we keep festival when fasting better
becomes us"? appears ungodly, infidel, blasphemous;
for we have here a Divine command, " To give
thanhs in every thing,v {i. e.) in every actual or
possible earthly condition. And this command is
most manifestly both reasonable and righteous;
for where is there a living man to-day that has
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