p. 752 | A Suggestive Picture

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 10, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 47.

A Suggestive Picture.

THE last number of Harper's Weekly contains a full-page cut that is worthy of more than a passing glance, as accurately delineating the motive which actuates the great majority of people. In the center of the picture, on a box-like structure, is a platter on which lies a huge turkey, around which the flames are shooting upward. Upon the box itself is the inscription, "The Union Altar," and underneath the picture are the words: "The Annual Sacrifice that Cheers Many Hearts." Behind the altar stands an uncouth figure who is intended to represent the United States. He has in his hands a carving knife and fork. Before the altar a crowd of men, white, black, yellow, and red, eagerly press forward, each with a plate in his hand on which to receive his portion of the sacrifice.

This picture brings forcibly to mind the words of Paul in Phil. 3:18, 19: "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things."

If Mr. Nast had designed to make a pictorial comment on this text, he could not have made a better one than he has. Whoever has noticed the papers cannot have failed to see that the main thought in connection with Thanksgiving is, What shall we eat? "Thanksgiving," even in many religious circles, has become but another name for "gormandizing." The markets are crowded to overflowing with the dead carcasses of all manner of birds and beasts, which are to be offered as victims on this national altar. It is a sad thought that the chief object of worship nowadays is self. And this idolatry, which differs in no essential point from that of the ancient heathen, is fondly thought by deluded votaries to be heart-felt worship to God. The trouble is they are a little confused in their knowledge of anatomy, and put heart for stomach. Appetite is the god which all worship, and around its altar civilized people meet on a level with savages, "for there is no difference" in this respect; and the end of all such worshipers is "destruction."