Editorial November 21, 1903 Issue

Thanksgiving

Until recent years the custom of annually setting apart a day of public and national Thanksgiving, established by the sturdy New England pioneers, was confined to the United States, and it is not many decades since it was looked upon as a purely New England institution; but the devout and reverential observance of this custom has steadily increased throughout the world, and its influence must now be counted an important factor in the world's progress.

With the drawing night of the day upon which the people of a great nation will respond to the proclamation of their Chief Magistrate recommending that they "cease from their wonted occupations and in their several homes and places of worship render thanks unto Almighty God for His manifold mercies," it is especially fitting that we as Christian Scientists recognize and give thanks for the "manifold mercies" that have come to us.

We have seen our Cause grow with marvelous rapidity; our churches have largely increased in number and membership; opposition and prejudice have, in many quarters, given place to appreciation and justice; the sick have been healed, the sorrowing have been comforted, and sinners have been reformed. This is certainly cause for thanksgiving and praise, for it proves that God's kingdom is, with increasing force, holding sway in the hearts of men, and that the pessimistic and unnatural views of life which have fettered humanity for ages are becoming less dominant in mortal thought. We give thanks that the "manifold mercies" of infinite Love are for all mankind and that all are sharing the blessings of peace, health, and holiness which are the fruits of Christianity.

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