Our National Thanksgiving Hymn
The work expresses a profound sense of gratitude and reverence towards a divine presence, acknowledging the blessings of peace and abundance while grappling with the complexities of life, including loss and suffering. It opens with a call to God, recognizing the cyclical nature of the year and the nation's need for thanksgiving. The speaker reflects on the duality of joy and sorrow, suggesting that both are essential for understanding divine wisdom. The text emphasizes the impartiality of divine love, which bestows blessings and challenges alike. It contemplates the reasons behind human experiences, particularly the loss of loved ones during festive times, and seeks solace in the belief that a higher understanding exists. The speaker expresses humility in the face of divine governance, recognizing that the reasons for suffering and delay in rewards are beyond human comprehension. The work pays tribute to fallen heroes, acknowledging their sacrifices and the peace that follows conflict. It highlights the unity of the nation, emerging from strife, and the historical injustices faced by marginalized groups. The speaker calls for healing and comfort, invoking the spirit of Christ as a source of solace for those in mourning. Overall, the piece is a meditation on the interplay of gratitude, loss, and the quest for understanding in the face of life's uncertainties, ultimately affirming faith in a benevolent and wise divine presence.
By Mary Baker Eddy · First published 1895 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Patriotic Literature · 349 words
First lines
God of the rolling year! to Thee we raise A nation's holiest hymn in grateful praise! Plenty and peace abound at Thy behest, Yet wherefore this Thy love? Thou knowest best!
Thou who, impartial, blessings spreadst abroad, Thou wisdom, Love, and Truth, -- divinely God! Who giveth joy and tears, conflict and rest, Teaching us thus of Thee, who knowest best!
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Our National Thanksgiving Hymn is listed on Textopian as a poem by Mary Baker Eddy, dated 1895 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Mary Baker Eddy
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Patriotic Literature, Lyric Poetry, Historical Literature
- Length: 349 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work is a hymn expressing gratitude and reverence towards God, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Spiritual Literature — The themes of divine wisdom, love, and truth reflect a focus on spiritual understanding and enlightenment.
- Patriotic Literature — The poem reflects national pride and remembrance of heroes, aligning it with patriotic themes.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional expression of gratitude and reflection fits the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
Christianity · Poetry · Spirituality · Thanksgiving · Hymn · Religion · Faith · Devotional · Literary · Symbolism · Metaphor · Imagery