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Gratitude is a natural principle of the human heart. In every age thanksgiving has been offered. The songs of Zion have been often sung; the altar has blazed before the Creator of the universe, and the temple been filled with the odours of incense.

I. CREATION IS A PROPER SUBJECT OF THANKSGIVING. With the beauties of nature you are surrounded on every side. The morning sun and the melody of the groves; the beautiful landscape and the blue sky; the roaring cataract and the spacious ocean; these are free. Untouched with gratitude can mortals behold them?

II. THE BENEFITS OF PROVIDENCE DEMAND YOUR THANKSGIVING. Often has health been restored after sickness, and the mind solaced after the depression of sorrow. In some eases, misfortunes have been removed. Yes, calamities have been alleviated. Now, the return of tranquillity to the troubled mind is a blessing unspeakable; and the wounded spirit, which God hath healed, ought surely to praise Him.

III. THE BLESSINGS OF HIS GRACE CLAIM YOUR WARMEST GRATITUDE. And, wherever such gratitude exists, it becomes a powerful principle of obedience, leading a pious man to combat every species of corruption, to cultivate every virtue, to maintain rectitude of conduct in every case, and preserve, in short, on all occasions, a careful and conscientious adherence to the commandments of his God.

(T. Laurie.)

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KJV: Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

WEB: Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.