0.0 – Christian Science Publication Contents

THANKSGIVING DINNER 

27	    It was a beautiful group! needing but canvas and the
  	touch of an artist to render it pathetic, tender, gorgeous. 
 
 Miscellaneous Writings --- Thanksgiving Dinner                          
 page 231

 1	Age, on whose hoary head the almond-blossom formed a
  	crown of glory; middle age, in smiles and the full fruition
 3	of happiness; infancy, exuberant with joy, — ranged side
  	by side. The sober-suited grandmother, rich in ex-
  	perience, had seen sunshine and shadow fall upon ninety-
 6	six years. Four generations sat at that dinner-table. 
  	The rich viands made busy many appetites; but, what
  	of the poor! Willingly — though I take no stock in
 9	spirit-rappings — would I have had the table give a
  	spiritual groan for the unfeasted ones. 
  	    Under the skilful carving of the generous host, the
12	mammoth turkey grew beautifully less. His was the
  	glory to vie with guests in the dexterous use of knife and
  	fork, until delicious pie, pudding, and fruit caused un-
15	conditional surrender. 
  	    And the baby! Why, he made a big hole, with two
  	incisors, in a big pippin, and bit the finger presump-
18	tuously poked into the little mouth to arrest the peel! 
  	Then he was caught walking! one, two, three steps, — 
  	and papa knew that he could walk, but grandpa was
21	taken napping. Now! baby has tumbled, soft as thistle-
  	down, on the floor; and instead of a real set-to at crying,
  	a ...look of cheer and a toy from mamma bring the soft
24	little palms patting together, and pucker the rosebud
  	mouth into saying, "Oh, pretty!" That was a scientific
  	baby; and his first sitting-at-table on Thanksgiving Day
27	 — yes, and his little rainbowy life — brought sunshine
  	to every heart. How many homes echo such tones of
  	heartfelt joy on Thanksgiving Day! But, alas! for the
30	desolate home; for the tear-filled eyes looking longingly
  	at the portal through which the loved one comes not, or
  	gazing silently on the vacant seat at fireside and board — 
  
 Miscellaneous Writings --- Thanksgiving Dinner                          
 page 232

1	God comfort them all! we inwardly prayed — but the
  	memory was too much; and, turning from it, in a bumper
 3	of pudding-sauce we drank to peace, and plenty, and
  	happy households. 
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