Rensselaer Gazette, Volume 2, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 December 1858 — Thanksgiving Day-Practical Benevolence. [ARTICLE]

Thanksgiving Day-Practical Benevolence.

Thanksgiving Day was pretty generally observed by oiir church-going people. In fact, we noticed some present who are not in the habit of regularly attending religious worship. The three clergymen located at this place united in observing the day, thus evincing that true Christian spirit which should always characterize the conduct of ministers of the Gospel, and which tends to strength the respect and regard due to men in their position.’ The day will long, we trust, beremembered as the inauguration of a practical benevolent scheme for the benefit of the poor and needy. The day was opened by religious services in: the Methodist Church in the torenoon, and closed in the evening at the Presbyterian. At the close of the evening services, the Rev. Mr. Post suggested the propriety .of “appointing a conitriiltee to'solicit “material aid” for the needy, saying at the same time that there had been cases of actual suffering in this community last winter. The audience unanimously accept’d ' the suggestion, and the following ladies and gentlemen were appointed on the committee: Mrs. Crocket, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Alfred Thompson, Mr. Ezra Wrigjht, Mr. John Thompson, Mr. C. W. Henkle.--' Mr. Alfred -Thompson was elected Treader. \ , This is as it should be, and i: must be a mat-

ter of rejoicing to all that the movement has been set on foot. However, we will throw out a suggestion to the committee,, so as to set them to thinking what plan it will be best to adopt in order to most successfully carry out the ends in view. It is-this: L-t a Donation Party be held in one of the churches., or other convenient hall, to which shall be invited every ben -vph-nt man woman and child, -with the request that all bring of their means whatever they can spare of articles that will either feed, Clothe or keep warm those who stand in need of assistance; such articles as meat, Hoar, groceries, wood, clothing, money, dtr., and let an admission fee of say twenty-tiOscents lie charged at the door. If such a movement should be-madc, we f.-el satisfied that the public-spirited ladies of Renss -la r would do all i:i their power to make the party an int cresting, us well as a pay ing investment. Perhaps tlie “Iroquois Lyceum,” which gave such' an exct-lient entertainment lust'summer, would volunteer their services tn tlie matter. If so, our word for it. many a prayer would go up to ■the throne of grace from the heart of the forlorn widow and helpless orphan for blessings on the h ails of those who may help them through the cold and comfort less winter. And sm h praxers will tie answered. “Money given to the poor is money kraned to the Lord.” \\ hutevT emirs i the committee may adopt, we hope every one will give, and give liberally—if 11 on r, let the bags be t nil: if wood, let it be ro using lo uis: if groceries or clothing, let them lie in ahundanco; if money, shell it out without stint. None will be the poorer for it, and all will have grateful recollections in after times for the good they have done to th - snil'-riiig widow and orphan—“ God’s poor."