"Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks..."
Second Corinthians 9:11-12 tells us that God gives riches that we may praise Him. We are also given riches to distribute through our generosity. Christians are supposed to be kind, meek, loving, caring, and forgiving. We are given much to spread these Christian attributes both materially and spiritually. We are enriched so that we may apply our riches to His glory, and the good of man. We are given much so we can care for many. Those who have plenty may exercise all bountifulness. This is primarily for the saints, for other believers in Christ, but we are to share this abundance with all mankind. We are given abundance to administrate, to minister, to give in service to others who are without. We, given much, are required in turn to distribute that blessing by giving as much as we can out of our abundance.
What I would like to consider today is the thankfulness of our nation. We have given much and there is too much for us to recount here. There are few nations in the world – if any – that give as much as the United States. Our people gave over $314 billion in 2007. We give more than money for the sake of freedom and our nation as well as our people every day.
Many historians today claim our forefathers were Deists at best, and secularists more generally. Yet, in their own handwriting, they speak frequently of God, of Jesus and of the providential power of God and His governance of mankind on a minute level. The Deist does not believe God is intimately involved with His creation. They believe He created, but deny His specific involvement. A Deist equally denies the authority of the scriptures. Our founding fathers leaned upon, quoted from, referenced and paraphrased the scriptures repeatedly throughout the Revolutionary War in full dependency upon God for deliverance. They repeatedly called for the people of the United States of America to “confess and deplore our many sins” and “beseeching him to forgive our iniquities, to remove our present calamities, to avert those desolating judgments, with which we are threatened.” This group of congressional leaders regularly sought God in prayer, and called for this nationally, to forgive their sins.
Our nation sought freedom from tyranny based upon Psalm 35. We understand this from the writings of John Adams to Abigail, his wife, in a letter dated September 16, 1774. This from a supposed Unitarian with Deist training, who spoke in his diary of witnessing of Christ to a Frenchman named Wuibert on May 22, 1779 as recorded in Adams’ own hand. He also noted, just before this, that he desired our ship’s men to have devout prayers with their chaplains, even as the French who offered prayers morning and evening for their crews. Our nation prayed, fasted, and beseeched the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob regularly, then gave thanks to God in line with Psalm 51:17 and Leviticus 7:12, respectively.
When we look at the congressional record on thanksgiving and appreciation to God, our nation’s history is rich. We find in this first prayer and supplication to God likened to Psalm 51 – a broken and contrite heart is the heart of man that knows its depravity. As real leaders should, our national leadership called for periods of prayer, fasting, humility and supplication to God for their national sins. This was followed by prayers of thanksgiving and joy at the answers to previous prayer and dependence upon God’s deliverance in the calamity in which they lived.
Behind these penitent displays of national worship to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, we find abundant prayers of thanks. These thank-full prayers were much like those given in Leviticus 7:12 – a fellowship offering with offerings (broken and contrite hearts) of thanksgiving contained within. The entire section of Leviticus 7:11-15 deals with these fellowship and thank offerings. This penitence and thanks of our nation in history is where we will concentrate our time. True leaders, our founding fathers, recognized their being in fellowship with the Lord when they saw successes in battle, and great abundance of provision. National leaders regularly gave God these thanks when they saw prayers of humility, and submission answered. Real leaders know where they get their authority from; and it is not from a good political speech, not from saying whatever we can to engender friendship, but from God.
Therefore, our national Thanksgiving Day did not just come from the adoration of a few to God when they were provided for in 1623 as Pilgrims in this land. This national thanksgiving came from a history of recognition in America – of giving thanks to the great provider and creator God for all He does and has done. It is true; the most glaring truth we have ever heard is that of the Pilgrims who in 1623 were very prosperous. This prosperity came on the heels of a great drought. Governor Bradford called the entire colony to prayer and fasting and seeking God’s direct intervention. Indians witnessed the scene of the colony gathering, praying, and fasting. Shortly afterwards, clouds appeared and as Bradford himself records, “It came without either wind or thunder or any violence, and by degrees in abundance, as that ye earth was thoroughly wet and soaked therewith….” Corn likes a slow, misty rain intermingled with sun, and that is exactly what they received in perfect timing. Bradford continues to say,
“ye Indians astonished to behold; and afterwards the Lord sent them such seasonable showers, with interchange of fair warm weather as, through His blessing, caused a fruitful and liberal harvest…”
Bradford, rightfully, gives all credit to God for the increase. This is our national heritage and it did not stop with the Pilgrims.
I thought that today, we would spend some time reviewing the 15 occurrences of our Nation’s prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving in the war for independence. If this took place again on a national scale, I have no doubt we would prevail in our current conflict, and put liberalism, relativism, secularism, and atheism on their heels. What you find then below are the exact quotes from the Continental Congressional minutes as taken by the recorder on the days indicated.
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789
MONDAY, JUNE 12, 1775[1]
The Congress met according to adjournment.
The committee, appointed for preparing a resolve for a fast, brought in a report, which, being read, was agreed to as follows:
As the great Governor of the World, by his supreme and universal Providence, not only conducts the course of nature with unerring wisdom and rectitude, but frequently influences the minds of men to serve the wise and gracious purposes of his providential government; and it being, at all times, our indispensible duty devoutly to acknowledge his superintending providence, especially in times of impending danger and public calamity, to reverence and adore his immutable justice as well as to implore his merciful interposition for our deliverance:
This Congress, therefore, considering the present critical, alarming and calamitous state of these colonies, do earnestly recommend that Thursday, the 20th day of July next, be observed, by the inhabitants of all the English colonies on this continent, as a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer; that we may, with united hearts and voices, unfeignedly confess and deplore our many sins; and offer up our joint supplications to the all-wise, omnipotent, and merciful Disposer of all events; humbly beseeching him to forgive our iniquities, to remove our present calamities, to avert those desolating judgments, with which we are threatned, and to bless our rightful sovereign, King George the third, and [to] inspire him with wisdom to discern and pursue the true interest of all his subjects, that a speedy end may be put to the civil discord between Great Britain and the American colonies, without farther effusion of blood: And that the British nation may be influenced to regard the things that belong to her peace, before they are hid from her eyes: That these colonies may be ever under the care and protection of a kind Providence, and be prospered in all their interests; That the divine blessing may descend and rest upon all our civil rulers, and upon the representatives of the people, in their several assemblies and conventions, that they may be directed to wise and effectual measures for preserving the union, and securing the just rights and priviledges of the colonies; That virtue and true religion may revive and flourish throughout our land; And that all America may soon behold a gracious interposition of Heaven, for the redress of her many grievances, the restoration of her invaded rights, a reconcilation with the parent state, on terms constitutional and honorable to both; And that her civil and religious priviledges may be secured to the latest posterity.
If these Deists do not believe that God intervenes in the life of man or deals intimately with the lives of men and the earth, why are they specifically imploring His involvements in their current situation? As you read, you can continue to ask this very same question.
And it is recommended to Christians, of all denominations, to assemble for public worship, and to abstain from servile labour and recreations on said day.
If these men who are supposedly secularists do not desire God to be involved in government, and particularly the government of the United States of America, and specifically the Christian God of Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac, the Son of God sent for all, why do they call upon only Christians (numerous times in these texts) to assemble and pray publicly?
Ordered, That a copy of the above be signed by the president and attested by the Secy and published in the newspapers, and in hand bills.1
[Note 1: 1 It was printed in the Pennsylvania Packet, 19 June, 1775. A portion of one of the original broadside issues is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 23, folio 5.
The entry in the Journal of this resolve is in the writing of Timothy Matlack.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Nine months later
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1776
Mr. W[illiam] Livingston, pursuant to leave granted, brought in a resolution for appointing a fast, which being taken into consideration, was agreed to as follows:
In times of impending calamity and distress; when the liberties of America are imminently endangered by the secret machinations and open assaults of an insidious and vindictive administration, it becomes the indispensable duty of these hitherto free and happy colonies, with true penitence of heart, and the most reverent devotion, publickly to acknowledge the over ruling providence of God; to confess and deplore our offences against him; and to supplicate his interposition for averting the threatened danger, and prospering our strenuous efforts in the cause of freedom, virtue, and posterity.
The public confession of God and His providence is what Christians are told was never intended in our freedom of religion. Yet we find here, Congress specifically called for confessing and deploring our offences against Him.
The Congress, therefore, considering the warlike preparations of the British Ministry to subvert our invaluable rights and priviledges, and to reduce us by fire and sword, by the savages of the wilderness, and our own domestics, to the most abject and ignominious bondage: Desirous, at the same time, to have people of all ranks and degrees duly impressed with a solemn sense of God’s superintending providence, and of their duty, devoutly to rely, in all their lawful enterprizes, on his aid and direction, Do earnestly recommend, that Friday, the Seventeenth day of May next, be observed by the said colonies as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and, by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain his pardon and forgiveness; humbly imploring his assistance to frustrate the cruel purposes of our unnatural enemies; and by inclining their hearts to justice and benevolence, prevent the further effusion of kindred blood. But if, continuing deaf to the voice of reason and humanity, and inflexibly bent, on desolation and war, they constrain us to repel their hostile invasions by open resistance, that it may please the Lord of Hosts, the God of Armies, to animate our officers and soldiers with invincible fortitude, to guard and protect them in the day of battle, and to crown the continental arms, by sea and land, with victory and success: Earnestly beseeching him to bless our civil rulers, and the representatives of the people, in their several assemblies and conventions; to preserve and strengthen their union, to inspire them with an ardent, disinterested love of their country; to give wisdom and stability to their counsels; and direct them to the most efficacious measures for establishing the rights of America on the most honourable and permanent basis–That he would be graciously pleased to bless all his people in these colonies with health and plenty, and grant that a spirit of incorruptible patriotism, and of pure undefiled religion, may universally prevail; and this continent be speedily restored to the blessings of peace and liberty, and enabled to transmit them inviolate to the latest posterity. And it is recommended to Christians of all denominations, to assemble for public worship, and abstain from servile labour on the said day.
Here we find the true faith of the men who founded this country, and it is not a faith in no god (Atheism) or in themselves (humanism) or in a rational politic (relativism) or in a society free of God which combines all these religions to be secularism. No, these men on Saturday, March 16, 1776 called for the people of the Colonies which would become the United States of America to humble themselves, repent of their sins, change their life and seek Jesus Christ and His intervention to pardon their evil. Why? The reason is given, to “appease his righteous displeasure.” They sought freedom and victory in war, but they knew that only pleasing God would get them there, and the only way to please God was get right with His Son and have the Son of God intervene for victory.
Resolved, That the foregoing resolve be published.1
[Note 1: 1 Printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 March, 1776.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Nine months later
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1776
The committee appointed to prepare a resolution for appointing a day of fasting and humiliation, brought in a report, which was read and agreed to, as follows:
Whereas, the war in which the United States are engaged with Great Britain, has not only been prolonged, but is likely to be carried to the greatest extremity; and whereas, it becomes all public bodies, as well as private persons, to reverence the Providence of God, and look up to him as the supreme disposer of all events, and the arbiter of the fate of nations; therefore,
We should note here that the Congress of the Continental States of America attribute their current failures in the battle field and in their fight for freedom to NATIONAL SIN!
Resolved, That it be recommended to all the United States, as soon as possible, to appoint a day of solemn fasting and humiliation; to implore of Almighty God the forgiveness of the many sins prevailing among all ranks, and to beg the countenance and assistance of his Providence in the prosecution of the present just and necessary war.
The Congress do also, in the most earnest manner, recommend to all the members of the United States, and particularly the officers civil and military under them, the exercise of repentance and reformation; and further, require of them the strict observation of the articles of war, and particularly, that part of the said articles, which forbids profane swearing, and all immorality, of which all such officers are desired to take notice.
If our forefathers were mostly Deists and secularists, their calling upon the nation and specifically those in the ranks fighting for freedom, to repent and reform their lives for God does not make sense. This is a call to cleanse themselves and submit themselves to God. This is very much akin to the plea of David in Psalm 51:2 and David’s acknowledgement of true worship in Psalm 51:17.
It is left to each state to issue out proclamations fixing the days that appear most proper within their several bounds.
Ordered, That the above be published by the committee who brought in the report.
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, III, folio 335.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 eleven months later
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1777
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to these states, to set apart a day of thanksgiving, brought in a report; which was agreed to as follows:
Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with gratitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of; and it having pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also to smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defence and establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased in so great a measure to prosper the means used for the support of our troops and to crown our arms with most signal success: It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of these United States, to set apart Thursday, the eighteenth day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart1 and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby they had forfeited every favour, and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance; that it may please him graciously to afford his blessing on the governments of these states respectively, and prosper the public council of the whole; to inspire our commanders both by land and sea, and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which may render them fit instruments, under the providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States the greatest of all human blessings, independence and peace; that it may please him to prosper the trade and manufactures of the people and the labour of the husbandman, that our land may yet yield its increase; to take schools and seminaries of education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which consisteth “in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
This text not only calls for the people of the country to thank God for the successes they have seen. They also ask for specific involvement of the Triune God in the person of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Historians say these are secularists. It appears that true history bears them out as Christians, focused upon God, His Son, and His Spirit. If they are secularists and humanists, and our nation was founded under those tenets as our current day historians would have us believe, how can they vote to designate a national day, “as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God”?
[Note 1: 1 The original read: "That at one time and with one voice."]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Four months later
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1778
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, for setting apart a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, brought in the same; which was read and agreed to as follows:
Whereas, Almighty God, in the righteous dispensation of his providence, hath permitted the continuation of a cruel and desolating war in our land; and it being at all times the duty of a people to acknowledge God in all his ways, and more especially to humble themselves before him when evident tokens of his displeasure are manifested; to acknowledge his righteous government; confess, and forsake their evil ways; and implore his mercy:
Resolved, That it be recommended to the United States of America to set apart Wednesday, the 22d day of April next, to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer; that at one time, and with one voice, the inhabitants may acknowledge the righteous dispensations of Divine Providence, and confess their iniquities and transgressions, for which the land mourneth; that they may implore the mercy and forgiveness of God; and beseech him that vice, prophaneness, extortion, and every evil, may be done away; and that we may be a reformed and happy people; that they may unite in humble and earnest supplication, that it may please Almighty God, to guard and defend us against our enemies, and give vigour and success to our military operations by sea and land; that it may please him to bless the civil rulers and people, strengthen and perpetuate our union, and, in his own good time, establish us in the peaceable enjoyment of our rights and liberties; that it may please him to bless our schools and seminaries of learning, and make them nurseries of true piety, virtue and useful knowledge; that it may please him to cause the earth to yield its increase, and to crown the year with his goodness.
Supposedly these men did not believe God was specifically involved in their effort, yet we read that they call for the inhabitants of the nation to “[a]cknowledge the righteous dispensations of Divine Providence.”
And it is recommended to the inhabitants of the United States to abstain, on that day, from labour and recreations.
Resolved, That the Commander in Chief, or commander of a department, shall have full power and authority to suspend or limit the power of granting furloughs or leave of absence, and to reserve it wholly to himself, or impart it to such officer or officers, under him, as he thinks fit, according as he shall judge the good of the service requires; and that no officer, under colour or pretence of authority, to him granted, by the 2d article of the 4th section, or any other article, in the rules and articles of war, presume to grant any furlough, or leave of absence, contrary to the orders of the Commander in Chief, or commander of a department, on pain of being punished for disobedience.
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Nathan Brownson(?), is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, V, folio 249.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Eight months later
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1778
Congress resumed the consideration of the recommendation to the states for setting apart a day of thanksgiving, which being amended, is as follows:
It having pleased Almighty God, through the course of the present year, to bestow great and manifold mercies on the people of these United States; and it being the indispensable duty of all men gratefully to acknowledge their obligations to Him for benefits received:
Resolved, That it be, and hereby is recommended to the legislative or executive authority of each of the said states, to appoint Wednesday, the 30th day of December next, to be observed as a day of public thanksgiving and praise, that all the people may, with united hearts, on that day, express a just sense of his unmerited favours; particularly in that it hath pleased him, by his overruling providence, to support us in a just and necessary war, for the defence of our rights and liberties, by affording us seasonable supplies for our armies, by disposing the heart of a powerful monarch to enter into alliance with us, and aid our cause; by defeating the councils and evil designs of our enemies, and giving us victory over their troops; and, by the continuance of that union among these states, which, by his blessing, will be their future strength and glory.
And it is further recommended, that, together with devout thanksgiving, may be joined a penitent confession of our sins, and humble supplication for pardon, through the merits of our Saviour; so that, under the smiles of Heaven, our public councils may be directed, our arms by land and sea prospered, our liberty and independence secured, our schools and seminaries of learning flourish, our trade be revived, our husbandry and manufactures encreased, and the hearts of all impressed with undissembled piety, with benevolence and zeal for the public good.
Once again imploring the people of the nation to not only give thanks, but to “be joined a penitent confession of our sins, and humble supplication for pardon, through the merits of our Savior (capitalized in their writings as a proper noun, indicating Jesus Christ) so that, under the smiles of Heaven, our public councils may be directed.” Once again, the Deist secularist founders are calling for direct intervention of God through the salvation of Jesus Christ for the people of the nation to give us liberty and independence. Note – they also pray for “schools and seminaries of learning to flourish.” We must ask how often has our Congress prayed and requested that God would flourish our seminaries today?
And it is also recommended, that recreations unsuitable to the purpose of such a solemnity may be omitted on that day.
Done in Congress, this 17th day of November, 1778, and in the third year of the independence of the United States of America.1
[Note 1: 1 This proclamation, in the writing of Samuel Adams, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 445. It is endorsed as having passed November 3.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Four months later
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1779
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states to set apart a day of fasting humiliation and prayer, brought in a draught, which was taken into consideration, and agreed to as follows:
Whereas, in just punishment of our manifold transgressions, it hath pleased the Supreme Disposer of all events to visit these United States with a destructive calamitous war, through which His divine Providence hath, hitherto, in a wonderful manner, conducted us, so that we might acknowledge that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong: and whereas, there is but too much Reason to fear that notwithstanding the chastisements received and benefits bestowed, too few have been sufficiently awakened to a sense of their guilt, or warmed our Bosoms with gratitude, or taught to amend their lives and turn from their sins, that so He might turn from His wrath. And whereas, from a consciousness of what we have merited at His hands, and an apprehension that the malevolence of our disappointed enemies, like the incredulity of Pharaoh, may be used as the scourge of Omnipotence to vindicate his slighted Majesty, there is reason to fear that he may permit much of our land to become the prey of the spoiler, and the Blood of the innocent be poured out that our borders to be ravaged, and our habitations destroyed:
Fear is assuaged by faith? This is a new revelation for men who purportedly do not believe in God’s involvement in the lives of men. Another revelation is seen in this paragraph that says, “too few have been sufficiently awakened to a sense of their guilt, or warmed to our bosoms with gratitude, or taught to amend their lives and turn from their sins.” Can our national leaders at the time be advocating repentance on a national level and that the lack of it was a cause of continued war? They further reference in this paragraph a comparison to Israel under Pharaoh and the United States under Great Britain. Ladies and gentlemen, these men knew where their power and authority came from – and it is not in their own minds, in their own reason, in their own abilities but from God and His Word, and that alone.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the several states to appoint the first Thursday in May next, to be a day of fasting, Thanksgiving humiliation and prayer to Almighty God, that he will be pleased to avert those impending calamities which we have but too well deserved: that he will grant us his grace to repent of our sins, and amend our lives, according to his holy word: that he will continue that wonderful protection which hath led us through the paths of danger and distress: that he will be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless children, who weep over the barbarities of a savage enemy: that he will grant us patience in suffering, and fortitude in adversity: that he will inspire us with humility and moderation, and gratitude in prosperous circumstances: that he will give wisdom to our councils, firmness to our resolutions, and victory to our arms That he will have Mercy on our Foes, and graciously forgive them, and turn their Hearts from Enmity to Love.
“Love thine enemies” is also a scripture many allude to but have no concept of the truths therein. Here we see a national leadership of biblically minded, believing men who knew what it meant. Loving the enemy means, you pray for them; but you must still fight them to establish the things of righteousness. Loving your enemies does not mean you give up, give in, or appease them. It means, you fight to the death, but you hold them up before God in the process.
That he will bless the labours of the husbandman, and pour forth abundance, so that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth in due season.
[That he will cause union, harmony, and mutual confidence to prevail throughout these states: that he will bestow on our great ally all those blessings which may enable him to be gloriously instrumental in protecting the rights of mankind, and promoting the happiness of his subjects and advancing the Peace and Liberty of Nations. That he will give to both Parties to this Alliance, Grace to perform with Honor and Fidelity their National Engagements].1 That he will bountifully continue his paternal care to the commander in chief, and the officers and soldiers of the United States: that he will grant the blessings of peace to all contending nations, freedom to those who are in bondage, and comfort to the afflicted: that he will diffuse useful knowledge, extend the influence of true religion, and give us that peace of mind, which the world cannot give: that he will be our shield in the day of battle, our comforter in the hour of death, and our kind parent and merciful judge through time and through eternity.
[Note 1: 1 Words in brackets are in writing of John Jay.]
Done in Congress, this 20th day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, and in the third year of our independence.
John Jay, President.
Attest, Charles Thomson, Secretary.2
[Note 2: 2 This proclamation, in the writing of Gouverneur Morris, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 437.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Seven months later
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1779
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, for setting apart the second Thursday in December next, as a day of general thanksgiving, brought in a draught, which was agreed to as follows:
Whereas it becomes us humbly 50 approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our fore-fathers to this western world; for his protection to them and to their posterity amid difficulties and dangers; for raising us, their children, from deep distress to be numbered among the nations of the earth; and for arming the hands of just and mighty princes in our deliverance; and especially for that he hath been pleased to grant us the enjoyment of health, and so to order the revolving seasons, that the earth hath produced her increase in abundance, blessing the labors of the husbandmen, and spreading plenty through the land; that he hath prospered our arms and those of our ally; been a shield to our troops in the hour of danger, pointed their swords to victory and led them in triumph over the bulwarks of the foe; that he hath gone with those who went out into the wilderness against the savage tribes; that he hath stayed the hand of the spoiler, and turned back his meditated destruction; that he hath prospered our commerce, and given success to those who sought the enemy on the face of the deep; and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory: therefore,
Our early leaders knew God’s light of knowledge and called the nation to understand it as well. Another revelation here is that these states, “would establish independence” on the “basis of religion and virtue” not on the absence thereof. As I read these writings this last week what amazed me was that the secularist and historical revisionist would not take the things taught by any Christian as fact without checking themselves; yet when another secularist espouses something, it is accepted without question as fact. Christians know better. We know man can make mistakes and often does, based upon his personal agenda. We review the statements of others because of this and humble ourselves to the errors we make. I see no sense of humility in our culture today, and especially in academia that holds the falsehoods they purport about our national history as truth. Those things lack virtue because they are without religion. Our forefathers knew these two things were essential in our national fabric.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the several states, to appoint Thursday, the 9th of December next, to be a day of public and solemn thanksgiving to Almighty God for his mercies, and of prayer for the continuance of his favor and protection to these United States; to beseech him that he would be graciously pleased to influence our public councils, and bless them with wisdom from on high, with unanimity, firmness, and success; that he would go forth with our hosts and crown our arms with victory; that he would grant to his church the plentiful effusions of divine grace, and pour out his holy spirit on all ministers of the gospel; that he would bless and prosper the means of education, and spread the light of christian knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth; that he would smile upon the labours of his people and cause the earth to bring forth her fruits in abundance; that we may with gratitude and gladness enjoy them; that he would take into his holy protection our illustrious ally, give him victory over his enemies, and render him signally great, as the father of his people and the protector of the rights of mankind; that he would graciously be pleased to turn the hearts of our enemies, and to dispense the blessings of peace to contending nations; that he would in mercy look down upon us, pardon our sins and receive us into his favor, and finally, that he would establish the independence of these United States upon the basis of religion and virtue, and support and protect them in the enjoyment of peace, liberty and safety. as long as the sun and moon shall endure, until time shall be no more.
What we find interspersed throughout these declarations are intercessory prayers for our allies – in this case France, and later Spain as they enter. In addition, there is here clear indication that the leaders of our early nation knew eschatology and understood that this world would come to an end. They are asking that America endure until there is a new Heaven and a new Earth.
Done in Congress, ∥ the 20th day of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, and in the 4th year of the independence of the United States of America.
Samuel Huntington, President.
Attest,
Charles Thomson, Secretary. ∥1[Note 1: 1 This proclamation was entered in the Journals by George Bend. In the writing of Jesse Root, it is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 447.]
George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799: Series 4. General Correspondence. 1697-1799
Six months later – This is a personal proclamation made by George Washington that I transcribed here from a copy of his hand written letter.
Continental Congress, March 11, 1780, Proclamation of Day of Fasting
Transcript:
It having pleased the righteous governor of the World for the punishment of our manifold offences, to limit the sword of war still to harass our country; it becomes us to endeavor by humbling ourselves before him, and turning from every evil way to avert his anger and obtain his favours and blessing; it is therefore hereby recommended to the several States,
That Wednesday the twenty sixth day of April next be set apart and observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer that the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth to remember mercy in his judgments; to make us sincerely penitent for our transgressions; to prepare us for deliverance, and to remove the eviles with which he hath been pleased to visit us; to banish vice and irreligion from among us, and establish virtue and pity by his divine grace; to bless all public councils throughout the United States, giving them wisdom, firmness and unanimity, and directing them to the best measures for the public good; to bless the magistrates and people of every rank, and animate and unite the hearts of all to promote the interest of their country; to bless the public defence, imparting all commanders and soldiers with magnanimity and perseverance and giving vigor and strength to the military operations by sea and land; to bless the illustrious Sovereign and the nation in alliance with these states, and all who interest themselves in the support of our rights and liberties; to make that alliance of perpetual and intensive usefulness to those immediately concerned and mankind in general. To grant fruitful seasons, and to bless our industry, trade and manufacturers; to bless all schools and seminaries of learning and every means of instruction and education; to cause wars to cease and to establish peace among the nations.
Specifically, we see a military commander praying and asking for prayer for his troop’s success. A true military commander wants the conflict to end immediately to limit the vital blood-let resources given by every soldier on the field.
And it is further recommended that servile labour and recreation be forbidden on the said day.
Done in Congress on the eleventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred eighty and in the fourth year of our Independence.
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Six months later
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1780
Congress took into consideration the resolution reported for setting apart a day of thanksgiving and prayer, and agreed to the following draught:
Whereas2 it hath pleased Almighty God, the Father of all mercies, amidst the vicissitudes and calamities of war, to bestow blessings on the people of these states, which call for their devout and thankful acknowledgments, more especially in the late remarkable interposition of his watchful providence, in rescuing the person of our Commander in Chief and the army from imminent dangers, at the moment when treason was ripened for execution; in prospering the labours of the husbandmen, and causing the earth to yield its increase in plentiful harvests; and, above all, in continuing to us the enjoyment of the gospel of peace;
An attempt on George Washington’s life was averted by the providential intervention of God.
[Note 2: 2 From this point the entries are by Thomas Edison.]
It is therefore recommended to the several states to set apart Thursday, the seventh day [of December next, to be observed as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer; that all the people may assemble on that day to celebrate the praises of our Divine Benefactor; to confess our unworthiness of the least of his favours, and to offer our fervent supplications to the God of all grace; that it may please him to pardon our heinous transgressions and incline our hearts for the future to keep all his laws that it may please him still to afford us the blessing of health; to comfort and relieve our brethren who are any wise afflicted or distressed; to smile upon our husbandry and trade and establish the work of our hands; to direct our publick councils, and lead our forces, by land and sea, to victory; to take our illustrious ally under his special protection, and favor our joint councils and exertions for the establishment of speedy and permanent peace; to cherish all schools and seminaries of education, build up his churches in their most holy faith and to cause the knowledge of Christianity to spread over all the earth.
These are prayers requesting that God build the Church of Christ “over all the earth.” Our founding fathers not only believed in Christ for salvation, not only called for the people of the United States to call to Him, humble themselves before Him, and repent of sins to change their lives; they espoused, supported, prayed for, and in all ways called for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His knowledge and church to be spread over the whole earth. This is a prayer of Congress to “build up his churches in their most holy faith” What wonderful leaders we had, and what a bereft leadership we currently “enjoy” in our nation. Pray folks, pray as our forefathers prayed.
Done in Congress, the lath day of October, 1780, and in the fifth year of the independence of the United States of America.]1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 455. It is in the writing of James Duane, except the portion in brackets, which is in the writing of Samuel Adams. From this point Charles Thomson resumes the entries.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Six months later
TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 1781.
The report of the committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to these states, to set apart a day of humiliation and prayer was taken into consideration; and thereupon
The United States in Congress assembled, agreed to the following proclamation:
In times of calamity and impending danger when a vindictive enemy pursues with unrelenting fury a war of rapine and devastation to reduce us by fire and sword, by the savages of the wilderness and our own domestics to the most abject and ignominious bondage; it becomes the indespensible duty of the citizens of these United States with true penitence of heart publicly to acknowledge the over ruling Providence of God, to confess our offences against him, and to supplicate his gracious interposition for averting the threatened danger and preparing our efforts in the defence and preservation of our injured country.
At all times it is our duty to acknowledge the over-ruling providence of the great Governor of the universe, and devoutly to implore his divine favour and protection. But in the hour of calamity and impending danger, when by fire and the sword, by the savages of the wilderness, and by our own domestics, a vindictive enemy pursues a war of rapine and devastation, with unrelenting fury, we are peculiarly excited, with true penitence of heart, to prostrate ourselves before our great Creator, and fervently to supplicate his gracious interposition for our deliverance.
Though the secularist would say the phrase “Governor of the universe” is a Deistic reference, I believe that these few quotes in the over 900 pages of this journal have proven that this is not a general, but a specific reference to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God, the Father of Jesus.[2] Moreover, it is that very and specific God that is in control, not just any god, but the only God. The one great I AM.
The United States in Congress assembled, therefore do earnestly recommend, that Thursday the third day of May next, may be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and by sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his righteous displeasure, and through the merits of our blessed Saviour, obtain pardon and forgiveness: that it may please him to inspire our rulers with wisdom and uncorruptible integrity, and to direct and prosper their councils: to inspire all our citizens with a fervent and disinterested love of their country, and to preserve and strengthen their union: to turn the hearts of the disaffected, or to frustrate their devices: to regard with divine compassion our friends in captivity, affliction and distress, to comfort and relieve them under their sufferings, and to change their mourning into grateful songs of triumph: that it may please him to bless our ally, and to render the connection formed between these United States and his kingdoms a mutual and lasting benefit to both nations: to animate our officers and forces by sea and land with invincible fortitude, and to guard and protect them in the day of battle, and to crown our joint endeavours for terminating the calamities of war with victory and success: that the blessings of peace and liberty may be established on an honourable and permanent basis, and transmitted inviolate to the latest posterity: that it may please him to prosper our husbandry and commerce, and to bless us with health and plenty: that it may please him to bless all schools and seminaries of learning, and to grant that truth, justice and benevolence, and pure and undefiled religion, may universally prevail.
And it is recommended to all the people of these states, to assemble for public worship, and abstain from labour on the said day.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of James Duane, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 459.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Six months later
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1781
The committee, ∥consisting of Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Varnum, Mr. Sherman,∥ appointed to prepare a recommendation for setting apart a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, reported the draught of a proclamation, which was agreed to as follows:
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, it hath pleased Almighty God, the supreme Disposer of all Events father of mercies, remarkably to assist and support the United States of America in their important struggle for liberty, against the long continued efforts of a powerful nation: it is the duty of all ranks to observe and thankfully acknowledge the interpositions of his Providence in their behalf. Through the whole of the contest, from its first rise to this time, the influence of divine Providence may be clearly perceived in many signal instances, of which we mention but a few.
In revealing the councils of our enemies, when the discoveries were seasonable and important, and the means seemingly inadequate or fortuitous; in preserving and even improving the union of the several states, on the breach of which our enemies placed their greatest dependence; in increasing the number, and adding to the zeal and attachment of the friends of Liberty; in granting remarkable deliverances, and blessing us with the most signal success, when affairs seemed to have the most discouraging appearance; in raising up for us a powerful and generous ally, in one of the first of the European powers; in confounding the councils of our enemies, and suffering them to pursue such measures as have most directly contributed to frustrate their own desires and expectations; above all, in making their extreme cruelty of their officers and soldiers to the inhabitants of these states, when in their power, and their savage devastation of property, the very means of cementing our union, and adding vigor to every effort in opposition to them.
Our forefathers believed that God used the abusive tactics of the English to turn the people toward the fight, invigorate their spirits and their opposition. God added to the zeal of the people for liberty by delivering them from evil and blessing the country even with these abusive challenges. Yet, to most of the people of our country today, these first national leaders were secularists, even atheists, or at best Deists. It is time to get the truth of our nation out. We are a Christian nation – not Muslim, not Israeli, not Catholic – but Christian.
And as we cannot help leading the good people of these states to a retrospect on the events which have taken place since the beginning of the war, so we beg recommend in a particular manner that they may observe and acknowledge to their observation, the goodness of God in the year now drawing to a conclusion: in which
A mutiny in the American Army was not only happily appeased but became in its issue a pleasing and undeniable proof of the unalterable attachment of the people in general to the cause of liberty since great and real grievances only made them tumultuously seek redress while the abhorred the thoughts of going over to the enemy, in which the Confederation of the United States has been completed by the accession of all without exception in which there have been so many instances of prowess and success in our armies; particularly in the southern states, where, notwithstanding the difficulties with which they had to struggle, they have recovered the whole country which the enemy had overrun, leaving them only a post or two upon on or near the sea: in which we have been so powerfully and effectually assisted by our allies, while in all the conjunct operations the most perfect union and harmony has subsisted in the allied army: in which there has been so plentiful a harvest, and so great abundance of the fruits of the earth of every kind, as not only enables us easily to supply the wants of the army, but gives comfort and happiness to the whole people: and in which, after the success of our allies by sea, a General of the first Rank, with his whole army, has been captured by the allied forces under the direction of our illustrious Commander in Chief.
It is therefore recommended to the several states to set apart the 13th day of December next, to be religiously observed as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer; that all the people may assemble on that day, with grateful hearts, to celebrate the praises of our gracious Benefactor; to confess our manifold sins; to offer up our most fervent supplications to the God of all grace, that it may please Him to pardon our offences, and incline our hearts for the future to keep all his laws; to comfort and relieve all our brethren who are in distress or captivity; to prosper our husbandmen, and give success to all engaged in lawful commerce; to impart wisdom and integrity to our counsellors, judgment and fortitude to our officers and soldiers; to protect and prosper our illustrious ally, and favor our united exertions for the speedy establishment of a safe, honorable and lasting peace; to bless all seminaries of learning; and cause the knowledge of God to cover the earth, as the waters cover the seas.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of John Witherspoon, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 463.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Six months later
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1782
On a report of a committee, consisting of Mr. [Joseph] Montgomery, Mr. [Oliver] Wolcott, and Mr. [John Morin] Scott, appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, to set apart a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer Congress agreed to the following
Proclamation:
The goodness of the Supreme Being to all his rational creatures, demands their acknowledgments of gratitude and love; his absolute government of this world dictates, that it is the interest of every nation and people ardently to supplicate his mercy favor and implore his protection.
Our founding fathers believed that God was the absolute governor of the world. Governors are involved and directly interested in the operations of that which they govern. God is equally involved and interested in His creation.
When the lust of dominion or lawless ambition excites arbitrary power to invade the rights, or endeavor to wrench wrest from a people their sacred and unalienable invaluable privileges, and compels them, in defence of the same, to encounter all the horrors and calamities of a bloody and vindictive war; then is that people loudly called upon to fly unto that God for protection, who hears the eries of the distressed, and will not turn a deaf ear to the supplication of the oppressed.
Great Britain, hitherto left to infatuated councils, and to pursue measures repugnant to their her own interest, and distressing to this country, still persists in the chimerical idea design of subjugating these United States; which will compel us into another active and perhaps bloody campaign.
The United States in Congress assembled, therefore, taking into consideration our present situation, our multiplied transgressions of the holy laws of our God, and his past acts of kindness and goodness exercised towards us, which we would ought to record with the liveliest gratitude, think it their indispensable duty to call upon the different several states, to set apart the last Thursday in April next, as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, that our joint supplications may then ascend to the throne of the Ruler of the Universe, beseeching Him that he would to diffuse a spirit of universal reformation among all ranks and degrees of our citizens; and make us a holy, that so we may be an happy people; that it would please Him to impart wisdom, integrity and unanimity to our counsellors; to bless and prosper the reign of our illustrious ally, and give success to his arms employed in the defence of the rights of human nature; that He would smile upon our military arrangements by land and sea; administer comfort and consolation to our prisoners in a cruel captivity; that he would protect the health and life of our Commander in Chief; give grant us victory over our enemies; establish peace in all our borders, and give happiness to all our inhabitants; that he would prosper the labor of the husbandman, making the earth yield its increase in abundance, and give a proper season for the in gathering of the fruits thereof; that He would grant success to all engaged in lawful trade and commerce, and take under his guardianship all schools and seminaries of learning, and make them nurseries of virtue and piety; that He would incline the hearts of all men to peace, and fill them with universal charity and benevolence, and that the religion of our Divine Redeemer, with all its benign influences, may cover the earth as the waters cover the seas.
In the first sentences of this paragraph, we find direct reference to the authority of scripture in “our multiplied transgressions of the holy laws of our God.” The men of our first Congress, of our first Senate, of our first Executive branch knew who God was and believed in the “Divine Redeemer” and His word’s authority. We also see that God is the “Ruler of the Universe” – recognition that there is one ruler to whom everyone is accountable. This denies relativism, it denies Deism, it denies secularism, and it denies atheism. These are our founding fathers.
Done by the United States in Congress assembled, &c. &c.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of a clerk, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 467.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 Six months later
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1782
On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. [John] Witherspoon, Mr. [Joseph] Montgomery and Mr. [Hugh] Williamson, appointed to prepare a recommendation to the states, setting apart a day of thanksgiving and prayer, Congress agreed to the following act:
It being the indispensable duty of all nations, not only to offer up their supplications to Almighty God, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in the a time of public distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his Providence in their behalf; therefore, the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these states, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; and the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war in the course of the last year now drawing to a close, particularly the harmony of the public councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to sow dissension between them divide them; the success of the arms of the United States and those of their allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these states; and the success of their arms and those of their allies in different parts do hereby recommend it to the inhabitants of these states in general, to observe, and recommend it to the executives of request the several states to interpose their authority in appointing and requiring commanding the observation of the last Thursday, in the 28 day of November next, as a day of solemn thanksgiving to God for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify their gratitude to God for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience to his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness. Given, &c.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of John Witherspoon, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 471.]
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 One Year later – the war ended September 3, 1783.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1783
The committee, consisting of Mr. [James] Duane, Mr. S[amuel] Huntington and Mr. [Samuel] Holten, appointed to prepare a proclamation for a day of thanksgiving, reported a draft, which was agreed to as follows:
By the United States in Congress assembled.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas it hath pleased the Supreme Ruler of all human events, to dispose the hearts of the late belligerent powers to put a period to the effusion of human blood, by proclaiming a cessation of all hostilities by sea and land, and these United States are not only happily rescued from the dangers distresses and calamities which they have so long and so magnanimously sustained to which they have been so long exposed, but their freedom, sovereignty and independence ultimately acknowledged by the king of Great Britain. And whereas in the progress of a contest on which the most essential rights of human nature depended, the interposition of Divine Providence in our favour hath been most abundantly and most graciously manifested, and the citizens of these United States have every possible reason for praise and gratitude to the God of their salvation. Impressed, therefore, with an exalted sense of the magnitude of the blessings by which we are surrounded, and of our entire dependence on that Almighty Being, from whose goodness and bounty they are derived, the United States in Congress assembled do recommend it to the several States, to set apart the second Thursday in December next, as a day of public thanksgiving, that all the people may then assemble to celebrate with one voice grateful hearts and united voices, the praises of their Supreme and all bountiful Benefactor, for his numberless favors and mercies. That he hath been pleased to conduct us in safety through all the perils and vicissitudes of the war; that he hath given us unanimity and resolution to adhere to our just rights; that he hath raised up a powerful ally to assist us in supporting them, and hath so far crowned our united efforts with success, that in the course of the present year, hostilities have ceased, and we are left in the undisputed possession of our liberties and independence, and of the fruits of our own land, and in the free participation of the treasures of the sea; that he hath prospered the labour of our husbandmen with plentiful harvests; and above all, that he hath been pleased to continue to us the light of the blessed gospel, and secured to us in the fullest extent the rights of conscience in faith and worship. And while our hearts overflow with gratitude, and our lips set forth the praises of our great Creator, that we also offer up fervent supplications, that it may please him to pardon all our offences, to give wisdom and unanimity to our public councils, to cement all our citizens in the bonds of affection, and to inspire them with an earnest regard for the national honor and interest, to enable them to improve the days of prosperity by every good work, and to be lovers of peace and tranquillity; that he may be pleased to bless us in our husbandry, our commerce and navigation; to smile upon our seminaries and means of education, to cause pure religion and virtue to flourish, to give peace to all nations, and to fill the world with his glory.
Done by the United States in Congress assembled, witness his Excellency Elias Boudinot, our President, this 18th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America the eighth.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of James Duane, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folios 473--477.]
With regard to the second object viz, the troops who are on furlough, your Committee are of opinion that it will be best provided for by the following proclamation which they subjoin for the consideration of Congress to wit:
By the United States in Congress assembled.
From this proclamation, the President, George Washington, wrote the following.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas in the progress of an arduous and difficult war, the armies of the United States of America have eminently displayed every military and patriotic virtue, and are not less to be applauded for their invincible fortitude and magnanimity in the most trying scenes of adversity and distress, than for a series of heroic and illustrious achievements, which exalt them to a high rank among the most zealous and successful defenders of the rights and liberties of mankind. And whereas by the blessing of Divine Providence on our cause and our arms, the glorious period is arrived when our national independence and sovereignty are established, and we enjoy the prospect of a permanent and honorable peace: We therefore, the United States in Congress assembled, thus impressed with a lively sense of the distinguished merit and good conduct of the said armies, do give them the thanks of their country, for their long, eminent and faithful services.
And it is our will and pleasure, that such part of the federal armies as stands engaged to serve during the war, and as by our Acts of the 26 day of May, the 11 day of June, the 9 day August, and the 26 day of September last, were furloughed, shall, from and after the tenth third day of October November next, be absolutely discharged by virtue of this our proclamation, from the said service: and we do also declare, that the further services in the field, of the officers who are deranged and on furlough, in consequence of our aforesaid Acts, can now be dispensed with, and they have our full permission to retire from service, without being longer liable from their present engagements, to be called into command. And of such discharge and permission to retire from service respectively, all our officers, civil and military, and all others whom it may concern, are required to take notice, and to govern themselves accordingly.
Given under the seal of the United States in Congress assembled, witness his Excellency Elias Boudinot, our President in Congress, this eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America the eighth.1
[Note 1: 1 The original of this proclamation, signed by Boudinot and Thomson and with seal affixed, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, miscellaneous. The report, in the writing of James Duane, is in No. 24, folio 479. According to the indorsement, and the record in Committee Book No. 186, the report was read September 29, recommitted September 30, and reported again October 3. The proclamation was also entered in the manuscript Secret Journal, Foreign Affairs.]
October 3, 1789 – Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.
G. Washington
Now that you have seen the truth, now that you know the truth, now that you can honestly give thanks for our nation – you also know the wonderful richness of our nation’s founding, and the great thanks you have in your heart, it is time to give. It is time for you, as 2 Corinthians 9:12 says, not only to rejoice with the saints, but to give also to all those in need. It is time for you to tell others, speak out, search out more truth, and relay that as well. We Christians are the only ones capable of seeing these truths, and therefore relaying them. Get on your knees, pray for forgiveness of your manifold sins, thank God, and implore others, especially non-believers, to do the same. Be a leader in our nation. It only takes the truth to do so.
[1] Except where annotated, all quotes are from the web page http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwjc.html which contains transcriptions of the Journals of the Continental Congress. All quotes are available on the Internet for everyone to investigate.
[2] Much of the mistake of man today is that he places his present historical perspective upon that which was in a different context and perspective. We would not ascribe the description of a road in our day to a road in first century Rome, or even 18th century America. Do not, therefore ascribe verbiage of deism, secularism, and relativism today as equivalent to that of yesterday – it is not and never has been. Language evolves and changes, though our God stays the same. Rhetoric changes as time goes on; please remember that.
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