America At 250: On This Day In 1789...

 

 

 "But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so-
not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer-he will be blessed in what he does."
(James 1:25)

 

George Washington's Prayer
Ken Corbett
Image courtesy/Altus Fine Art

 

 By the President of the United States, 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 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, and 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
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
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 hath
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 shewn
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 encrease
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.   Go: Washington