"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 condition 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 circumstances 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 distressed people, and that our attempted offerings of thanksgiving will ascend largely from desolate households 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 exhortation 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 thanJcs in evert/ thing" {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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