Let the Nation Search Itself…

The theme of gratitude need not−should not−be confined to one day, one week. Thanks are always in season, beyond any season that may be set aside. And so we turn to a wider searching of ourselves, not only personally but as a people, and cite some meaningful sentences which, some sixty odd years ago, appeared in print, yet seem to have a message for this moment:

“It is a time, not for exaltation, but for searching of the conscience, for humility of spirit, for the heartfelt prayer of the whole people for light, for guidance, for strength, for sanity, for that passion for righteousness which consumes all pride, scorn, arrogance, and trust in the things that perish.”

“Some of us have grown so critical in spirit . . . that we forget how precious [our blessings] are and how recently they have been bestowed. . . . It is given only to the spiritually-minded to understand a country like ours, as it is given only to the spiritually-minded to transform it from prophecy into achievement.”

“Therefore, let the Nation search itself as never before to discover if it be worthy of these great gifts.” And thus let us plead and pray: “Almighty God, who in former time leddest our fathers forth . . . give Thy grace . . . to us their children, that we may always . . . do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Defend our liberties; preserve our unity. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion . . . and from every evil way . . . . Endue with the spirit of wisdom those whom we intrust in Thy name with the authority of goverance, to the end that there may be peace at home and that we keep our place among the nations of the earth . . . . Temper our self-confidence with thankfulness”− and our fear with courage and faith. Then let us on our knees thank God for all that He has given.