“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Proverbs 14:34
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise
and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His
ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.”
Daniel 4:37
By the President of the United States of America, a
Proclamation.
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 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 [the 4th]
Thursday … 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 [interventions] of his
Providence which we experienced 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 [reasonable] manner, in which we have been enabled to
establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and
particularly the national One now lately [ratified]
--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 unto us) and to bless them with good government, 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 1789.
President George Washington
So reads the first Thanksgiving Proclamation of our great
republic. Reminded that we as a people no longer think this way and have
neglected our duty to our Creator and Preserver, let us kneel and confess our
sins to Him.
Almighty God,
As a people we have fallen far. We have neglected our
duty to give you thanks for your many kind providences to us. We have failed to
petition you to grant us your forgiveness and your favor. We have imagined that
we are the light of the world – but our light has become dim and is near to
being put out. Forgive us, our Father; grant us grace to turn from our sinful
self-importance, to turn from our pride and indifference to you, to seek your
face and render true thanksgiving to your Name. We ask all this in the Name of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Amen.
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