Our forefathers, from the first settlement of the country, esteemed certain seasons of the year as highly proper for special acts of devotion. At the opening of the spring, they judged it fit and suitable, to set apart a day for humiliation and prayer; that they might implore the divine blessing on the affairs of the ensuing season—that it might be rendered fruitful, healthy and prosperous. And after the reception of these mercies, at the close of the season, another day was set apart for public thanksgiving. To this custom of our pious and renowned ancestors the proclamation for the observance of this day expressly refers.
The man who comes to a right belief about God is relieved of ten thousand temporal problems, for he sees at once that these have to do with matters which at the most cannot concern him for very long; but even if the multiple burdens of […]
It may not satisfy the temporary needs at the time, but it will satisfy something bigger, grander and more eternal. That biblically defined purpose is that we might worship God and enjoy Him forever. Apart from that, man has no other purpose; and short of that, […]
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thess 5:18 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and […]
[The godly man] will be thankful in adversity as well as prosperity … A gracious soul is thankful and rejoices that he is drawn nearer to God, even though it is by the cords of affliction. When it goes well with him, he praises God’s mercy; […]