Chapter 22

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TOPICS - click to expand or collapse: FAST AND THANKSGIVING DAYS - DIVINE IN THEIR ORIGIN - THE PRACTICE OF THE PURITANS - FAST-DAY IN VIRGINIA IN 1774 - IN MASSACHUSETTS IN 1775 - FAST AND THANKSGIVING DAYS APPOINTED BY THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS - THE PROCLAMATION OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS - PROCLAMATIONS BY PRESIDENT WASHINGTON - BY PRESIDENT ADAMS - BY PRESIDENT MADISON - ACTS OF CONGRESS AUTHORIZING THEM - DEATH OF PRESIDENT HARRISON - RECOMMENDATION OF VICE-PRESIDENT TYLER - RECOMMENDATION BY PRESIDENT TAYLOR IN VIEW OF THE CHOLERA - DEATH OF PRESIDENT TAYLOR - MESSAGE OF VICE-PRESIDENT FILLMORE ON HIS DEATH - ACTION OF CONGRESS - REMARKS OF MEMBERS ON THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT TAYLOR - DR. BUTLER'S PRAYER - PROCLAMATION OF PRESIDENT BUCHANAN ON THE EVE OF THE REBELLION - ACT OF CONGRESS IN 1861 REQUESTING PRESIDENT LINCOLN TO APPOINT A FAST DAY - THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION - RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE IN 1863 APPOINTING A DAY OF FASTING AND PRAYER - THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION - THESE STATE PAPERS PROVE THE CHRISTIANITY OF OUR CIVIL INSTITUTIONS.

CIVIL Governments in all ages have consecrated special days to prayer and the public worship of God. This national custom has a Divine origin and sanction, and was designed, and is eminently adapted, to give religious culture to the national heart and conscience and to exert a beneficent influence on the civil and religious interests of a people. The Hebrew commonwealth had three great annual religious festivals, besides days of special prayer and worship, occasioned by national exigencies and the judgments and marked interventions of God.

The Puritans of New England, from their earliest history, were distinguished for similar observances. Thanksgiving and fast days constitute an instructive and important part of their Christian history, and were observed with great solemnity and profit. They were seasons of special praise for the smiles or of prayer under the frowns of Providence, and became regular civil and religious ordinances of the colonies, which were universally observed. The custom extended to the other American colonists under the English Government; and thus it became a distinctive American Christian service, evincing the high and universal Christian tone of all the Colonies.

The fathers of the republic, in the earliest period of the Revolution, adopted the custom of consecrating, by acts of legislation, days of thanksgiving and prayer for special religious worship; and thus the public mind received a higher religious culture through the civil authorities of the country.

At the beginning of the great conflict for liberty and an independent nationality and government, Mr. Jefferson,— who, whatever were his peculiar views of the Christian system, always acknowledged the government and providence of God in national affairs-recommended in Virginia the appointment and observance of a day of public prayer and humiliation. In June, 1774, when the news of the Boston Port Bill reached Virginia, the Colonial Legislature, then in session, appointed such a fast-day for that colony. Mr. Jefferson's account of it is as follows :-

We were under the conviction of the necessity of arousing our people from the lethargy into which they had fallen as to passing events, and thought that the appointment of a day of general fasting and prayer would be most likely to call up and alarm their attention. No example of such solemnities had existed since the days of our distresses in the war of '55, since which a new generation had grown up. With the help, therefore, of Rushworth, whom we rummaged over for the resolutionary precedents and forms of the Puritans of that day, preserved by him, we made up a resolution, somewhat modernizing their phrases, for appointing the 1st day of June, on which the Port Bill was to commence, for a day of fasting. humiliation, and prayer, to implore Heaven to avert from us the evils of civil war, to inspire us with firmness in support of our rights, and to turn the hearts of the king and Parliament to moderation and justice.

To give greater emphasis to our proposition, we agreed to wait the next morning on Mr. Nicholas, whose grave and religious character was more in unison with the tone of our resolution, and solicit him to move it. We accordingly went to him in the morning. He moved it the same day. The 1st of June was proposed, and it passed without opposition. The Governor dissolved us. We returned home, and in our several counties invited the clergy to meet the assemblies of the people on the 1st of June, to perform the ceremonies of the day and to address them in discourses suited to the occasion. The people met generally, with anxiety and alarm in their countenances; and the effect of the day through the whole colony was like a shock of electricity, arousing every man and placing him erect and solidly on his centre.

Washington, then a member of the House of Burgesses, sent a special message to his family and constituents to observe this day; and Mason, a distinguished patriot, also a member, "charged his household to keep the day strictly, and to attend church clad in mourning."

WILLIAMSBURG, May 30, 1774.

The House of Burgesses of Virginia, on the 24th of May, adopted the following resolution, which was directed to be forthwith printed and published :-

Tuesday, 25th of May, 14th George III., 1774.

This House, being deeply impressed with apprehension of the great dangers to be derived to British America from the hostile invasion of the city of Boston, in our sister colony of Massachusetts Bay, whose commerce and harbor are on the 1st day of June next to be stopped by an armed force, deem it highly necessary that the said 1st day of June be set apart by the members of this House as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, devoutly to implore the Divine interposition for averting the heavy calamity which threatens destruction to our civil rights, and the evils of civil war, to give us one heart and one mind firmly to oppose, by all just and proper means, every injury to American rights, and that the minds of his Majesty and his Parliament may be inspired from above with wisdom, moderation, and justice, to remove from the loyal people of America all cause of danger from a continual pursuit of measures pregnant to their ruin.

Ordered, therefore, That the members of this House do attend in their places, at the hour of ten in the forenoon, on the said 1st day of June next, in order to proceed, with the Speaker and mace, to the church in the city, for the purpose aforesaid; and that the Reverend Mr. Price be appointed to read prayers and to preach a sermon suitable to the occasion.

By the House of Burgesses,

GEORGE WYTНЕ, С. Н. В.

"The Journals of the Continental Congress contain numerous appointments of thanksgiving and fast days, and the resolutions expressing the wishes of Congress upon this subject were in the form of recommendations to the executive heads of the State Governments, reciting in appropriate terms the oссаsions which prompted the observance, and the favors which a benign Providence had conferred upon them as a people. With one exception, Congress suspended business upon the days it had appointed for thanksgiving;" and the army under Washington observed them with devout reverence. These official state papers are rich in Christian doctrines, and confirm the great truth that the religion of the fathers of the Revolution and the founders of our civil Governments was the religion of the Bible. The proclamations issued by Congress make known the religious sentiments and feelings of the members of Congress, and constitute a rich part of the political Christian literature of the republic. These papers, in their regular chronology and historical incidents, will form the contents of the present chapter, and may be found in the annals of the Continental Congress.

Monday, June 12, 1775.

The committee appointed for preparing a resolve for a fast reported as follows :-

As the great Governor of the world, by his supreme and universal providence, not only conducts the course of nations 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 indispensable duty devoutly to acknowledge his superintending providence, especially in times of impending danger and publick 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 condition of these colonies, do earnestly recommend the twentieth day of July next to be observed by the inhabitants of all the English colonies on this continent as a day of publick 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 threatened, and to bless our rightful sovereign King George the Third and inspire him with wisdom to discern and pursue the true interests of all his subjects; that a speedy end may be put to the civil discord between Great Britain and the American Colonies, without further effusion of blood; and that the British nation may be influenced to regard the things that belong to her peace, before they are hidden 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 blessings may descend and rest upon all 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 privileges of the colonies; that virtue and true religion may revive and flourish throughout the land; and that America may soon behold a gracious interposition of Heaven for the redress of her many grievances, the restoration of her invaded rights, a reconciliation with the parent state, on terms constitutional and honorable to both, and that her civil and religious privileges may be secured to the latest posterity:

Ordered, That a copy of the above be signed by the President and attested by the Secretary, and published in the newspapers and in handbills.

In Massachusetts this proclamation was read in all the churches and distributed throughout the colony :-

Saturday, March 16, 1776.

Mr. W. 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, publicly to acknowledge the overruling 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 Congress, therefore, considering the warlike preparations of the British ministry to subvert our invaluable rights and privileges, 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 enterprises, on his aid and direction, do earnestly recommend that Friday, the 17th 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 inhumanity, 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 councils, and direct them to the most efficacious measures for establishing the rights of America on the most honorable 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 labor, on said day.

Monday, December 9, 1776.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare an address to the inhabitants of America, and a recommendation to the 'several States to appoint a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer.

The members chosen, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. Adams.

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,

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.

It is left to each State to issue out proclamations fixing the day that appears most proper within its bounds.

Ordered, That the above be published by the committee who brought in the report.

1) THANKSGIVING-DAYS FOR VICTORY OVER BURGOYNE.

The Annals of Congress record the following :-

Friday, October 31, 1777.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several States to set apart a day for thanksgiving for the signal success lately obtained over the enemies of these United States. The members chosen were Mr. S. Adams, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. Roberdeau.

Saturday, November 1, 1777.

The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several States to set apart a day of public thanksgiving, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration and 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 obligations to him for benefits received, and to implore such further 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 inalienable 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 18th day of December, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart 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 of kind offerings they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, 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 councils 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 blessings, independence and peace; that it may please him to prosper the trade and manufactures of the people and the labor of the husbandman, that our land may 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.

And it is further recommended that servile labors and such recreations as, though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of this appointment, be omitted on so solemn an occasion.

Friday, November 7, 1777.

Ordered, That a duplicate of the recommendation to the several States to set apart a day of thanksgiving, signed by the President, be sent to the several States and to General Washington and General Gates.

The proceedings of Congress were sent to all the States by Henry Laurens, President in Congress, with an official request that each Governor would be pleased to take the necessary measures for carrying the resolve into effect in the State over which he presided.

Washington, when the above proclamation reached him, was on his march to Valley Forge, and halted his whole army during the day, and the chaplains held religious services with their several corps and brigades, upon which the commander-in-chief exhorted all officers and soldiers to "attend with reverence the solemnities of the day."

Saturday, November 7, 1778.

Ordered, That the chaplains of Congress prepare and report a recommendation to the several States to set apart the 30th day of December next, as a day of general thanksgiving throughout the United States.

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 many 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 is hereby, recommended to the legislative or executive authority of each of the said States to appoint Wednesday, the 30th 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 favors; particularly in that it hath pleased him, in 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 an 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 thanksgivings 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 restored, our husbandry and manufactures be increased, and the hearts of all be impressed with undissembled piety, with benevolence and zeal for the public good.

And it is also recommended that recreations unsuitable to the purpose of such a solemnity may be omitted on that day.

Done in Congress, the 17th day of November, 1778, and in the third year of the independence of the United States of America.

HENRY LAURENS,

President in Congress.

Attest: CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.

Saturday, March 20, 1779.

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, profaneness, extortion, and every evil may be done away, and that we may be a reformed and a 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 vigor and success to our military operations by sea and land ; that it may please him to bless the 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.

March 20, 1779.

Whereas, in just punishment for our manifold transgressions, it hath pleased the Supreme Disposer of all events to visit these United States with a 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, notwithstanding the chastisement received and benefits bestowed, too few have been sufficiently awakened to a sense of their guilt, or warmed with gratitude, or taught to amend their lives and turn from their sins, 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 a prey of the spoiler, our borders to be ravaged, and our habitations destroyed;

Resolved, That it be recommended to the several States to appoint the first Thursday in May next to be a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer to Almighty God that he would be pleased to avert these 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, 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 bless the labors 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 in promoting the happiness of his subjects; 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 those who are afflicted; that he will diffuse useful knowledge, extend 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.

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.

Thursday, October 14, 1779.

Resolved, That it will be proper to set apart the second Thursday of December next as a day of general thanksgiving in these United States, and that a committee of four be appointed to prepare a recommendation to the said States for this purpose.

The members chosen were Mr. Root, Mr. Holter, Mr. Muhlenberg, and Mr. Gouverneur Morris.

Wednesday, October 20, 1779.

The committee reported as follows :-

Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our forefathers to this Western world, for his protection to them and to their posterity amidst difficulties and dangers, for raising us, their children, from deep distress, to be numbered among the nations of the earth, 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 husbandman 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 bulwark of the foe; that he has 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 fought 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,

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 armies 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 labors 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 be graciously 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.

Done in Congress, the 20th day of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, and in the fourth year of the independence of the United States of America.

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, President.

Attest: CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.

2) A PROCLAMATION FOR A FAST.

Saturday, March 11, 1780.

It having pleased the righteous Governor of the world, for the punishment of our manifold offences, to permit 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 favor and blessing: it is, therefore, 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 we may with one heart and one voice implore 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 evil with which he hath been pleased to visit us; to banish vice and irreligion from among us, and establish virtue and piety 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 interests of their country; to bless the public defence, inspiring all commanders and soldiers with magnanimity and perseverance, and giving vigor and success 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 support of our rights and liberties; to make that alliance of extensive and perpetual usefulness to those immediately concerned, and mankind in general; to grant fruitful seasons, and to bless our industry, trade and manufactures; to bless all schools and seminaries of learning, and every means of instruction and education; to make wars to cease, and to establish peace among the nations.

Tuesday, March 20, 1780.

The United States, in Congress assembled, agreed to the following

3) PROCLAMATION.

At all times it is our duty to acknowledge the overruling providence of the Great Governor of the universe, and devoutly to implore his Divine favor 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.

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 incorruptible integrity, and to direct and prosper their councils; to inspire all our citizens with a fervent and a 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 kingdom a mutual and a 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 endeavors to terminate the calamities of war with victory and success; that the blessings of liberty and peace may be established on an honorable and permanent basis, and transmitted inviolate to the latest posterity; that it may please him to prosper our husbandry and commerce, and 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.

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 draft :-

Whereas 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 danger at a moment when treason was ripened for execution; in prospering the labors of the husband-man, and causing the earth to yield its increase in plentiful harvests; and, above all, in continuing to us the gospel of peace:

It is, therefore, recommended to the several States to set apart Thursday, the 7th 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 favors, 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 in the future to keep all his laws; to comfort and relieve our brethren who are anywise afflicted or distressed; to smile upon our husbandry and trade; to direct our public 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, and to cause the knowledge of Christianity to spread over all the earth.

Done in Congress, this 15th day of October, 1780, and in the fifth year of the independence of the United States of America.

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 draft of a proclamation, which was agreed to, as follows :-

4) PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God, the Father of mercies, remarkably to assist and support the United States of America in their important struggle for liberty against the long-continued effort of a powerful nation, it is the duty of all ranks to observe and thank- fully to 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 place 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 generous and most powerful ally in one of the first of 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 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.

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 recommend in a particular manner to their observation the goodness of God in the year now drawing to a conclusion; in which the confederation of the United States has been completed; 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 port or two 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 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 our 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 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 in 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 councillors, 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 sea.

Done in Congress, this twenty-sixth day of October, 1781, and in the sixth year of the independence of the United States of America.

THOMAS MCKEAN, President.

Attest: CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.

General Washington, in reply to a letter from the President of Congress, enclosing this proclamation, thus wrote from Mount Vernon, November 15, 1781 :-

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 31st ult., covering the resolutions of Congress of the 26th, and a Proclamation for a day of public prayer and thanksgiving, and have to thank you, sir, for the very polite and affectionate manner in which these enclosures have been conveyed. The success of the combined arms against our enemies at York and Gloucester, as it affects the welfare and independence of the United States, I viewed as a most fortunate event.

In performing my part towards its accomplishment, I consider myself to have done only my duty, and in the execution of that I ever feel myself happy; and at the same time, as it augurs well to our cause, I take a particular pleasure in acknowledging that the interposing hand of Heaven in the various instances of our extensive preparations for this operation has been most conspicuous and remarkable.

Tuesday, March 19, 1782.

5) 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 favor and implore his protection.

When the lust of dominion or lawless ambition excites arbitrary power to invade rights or endeavor to wrest from a people their sacred and inalienable privileges, and compels them, in defence of the same, to en- counter 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 cries of the distressed and will not turn a deaf ear to the supplications of the oppressed.

Great Britain, hitherto left to infatuated councils and to pursue measures repugnant to her own interest and distressing to this country, still persists in the 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 towards us, which we ought to record with the liveliest gratitude, think it their indispensable duty to call upon the 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 to diffuse a spirit of universal reformation among all ranks and degrees of our citizens, and make us a holy, that we may be a 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, protect the health and life of our commander-in-chief, 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 ingathering 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.

Done by the United States in Congress assembled, &c. &c.

Friday, October 11, 1782.

On the report of the committee, consisting of Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. Montgomery, and Mr. Williamson, appointed to prepare a recommendation to the States setting apart a day for 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 time of 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 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, the happy and promising state of public affairs, and the events of the war in the course of the 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 under- standing which has hitherto subsisted between them and their allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them ; the success of the armies 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; do hereby recommend it to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of, Thursday, the 28th 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.

Done in Congress, &c. &c.

Saturday, October 18, 1783.

The committee, consisting of Mr. Duane, Mr. S. Huntington, and Mr. Holter, appointed to prepare a proclamation for a day of thanksgiving, reported a draft, which was agreed to as follows :-

6) By the United States in Congress assembled.

7) A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it has 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 and calamities to which they have been so long exposed, but their freedom, sovereignty, and independence are ultimately acknowledged; 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 favor hath been most abundantly and most graciously manifested, and the citizens of these United States have every reason for praise and gratitude to the God of their salvation: impressed, therefore, with an exalted sense of the blessings with which we are surrounded and of 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 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 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 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 liberty and independence, and of the fruits of our land, and in the free participation of the treasures of the sea; that he hath prospered the labors of our husbandmen with plentiful harvests; and, above all, that he hath been pleased to continue unto 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 bond of affection, and to inspire them with an earnest regard for the national honor and interest, to enable us 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.

ELIAS BOUDINOT, President.

CHARLES WILLIAMSON, Secretary.

8) THANKSGIVING FOR PEACE.

A committee of the Committee of the States, consisting of Mr. Read, Mr. Dana, and Mr. Hand, to whom was referred the motion of Mr. Read of the 2d instant, " That a committee be appointed to prepare a proclamation for a day of solemn prayer and thanksgiving to Almighty God, to be observed throughout the United States of America, on the exchange of the instruments of ratification of the definite treaty of peace between the United States of America and his Britannic Majesty, and the happy completion of the great work of independency and peace to these United States," reported the following form of a proclamation :-

9) By the United States of America in a Committee of the States assembled.

10) A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it has pleased the Supreme Ruler of the universe, of his infinite goodness and mercy, so to calm the minds and do away with the resentment of the Powers lately engaged in a most bloody and destructive war, and to dispose their hearts towards amity and friendship, that a general pacification hath taken place, and particularly a definitive treaty of peace between the United States of America and his Britannic Majesty was signed at Paris, on the third day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three; the instruments of the final ratification of which were exchanged at Passy, on the 12th day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four, whereby a finishing hand was put to the great work of peace, and the freedom, sovereignty, and independence of these States fully and completely established; and whereas, in pursuit of the great work of freedom and independence, and the progress of the contest in which the United States of America have been engaged, and on the success of which the dearest and most essential rights of human nature depended, the benign interposition of Divine Providence hath, on many occasions, been most MIRACULOUSLY and abundantly manifested; and the citizens of the United States have the greatest reason to return their most hearty and sincere praises and thanksgiving to the God of their deliverance, whose name be praised. Deeply impressed, therefore, with a sense of his mercies manifested to these United States, and of the blessings which it hath pleased God to shower down on us, of our future dependence at all times on his power and mercy, as the only source from which so great benefits can be derived :-

We the United States of America, in the Committee of the States assembled, do earnestly recommend to the Supreme Executive of the several States to set apart Tuesday, the nineteenth day of October next, as a day of public prayer and thanksgiving, that all the people of the United States may then assemble in their respective churches and congregations, to celebrate with grateful hearts and joyful and united voices the mercies and praises of their all-bountiful Creator, most holy and most righteous, for his innumerable favors and mercies vouchsafed unto them, - more especially that he hath been graciously pleased so to conduct us through the perils and dangers of the war as finally to establish the United States in freedom and independency, and to give them a name and a place among the princes and nations of the earth, - that he hath raised great captains and men of war from amongst us to lead our armies, and in our greatest difficulties and distresses hath given us unanimity to adhere and to assert our just rights and privileges, and that he hath been most graciously pleased also to raise up a most powerful prince and magnanimous people as allies to assist us in effectually supporting and maintaining them; that he hath been pleased to prosper the labor of our husbandmen; that there is no famine or want seen throughout our land; and, above all, that he hath been pleased to continue to us the light of gospel truth, and secured to us in the fullest manner the rights of conscience in faith and worship.

And while our hearts overflow with gratitude and our lips pronounce the praises of our great and merciful Creator, that we may also offer up our joint and fervent supplications that it may please him of his infinite goodness and mercy to pardon all our sins and offences; to inspire with wisdom and a true sense of the public good all our public councils; to strengthen and cement the bonds of love and affection between all our citizens; to impress them with an earnest regard for the public good and national faith and honor, and to teach them to improve the days of peace by every good work; to pray that he will in a more especial manner shower down his blessings on Louis, the most Christian king, our ally, to prosper his house, that his son's sons may long sit on the throne of their ancestors a blessing to the people intrusted to his charge; to bless all mankind, and inspire the princes and nations of the earth with the love of peace, that the sound of war may be heard of no more; that he may be pleased to smile upon us and bless our husbandry, fishery, our commerce, and especially our schools and seminaries of learning; and to raise up from among our youth men eminent for virtue, learning, and piety, to his service in Church and State; to cause virtue and true religion to flourish; to give to all nations amity, peace, and concord, and to fill the world with his glory.

Done by the United States in the Committee of the States assembled. Witness the Honorable Samuel Hardy, Chairman, this third day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and in the ninth of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America.

11) NATIONAL THANKSGIVING UNDER WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION.

A resolution was adopted in the House of Representatives, September 25, 1789, in the following words :-

On motion, -

Resolved, That a joint committee of both Houses be directed to wait upon the President of the United States to request that he would recommend to the people of the United States a day of 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 constitution of government for their safety and happiness.

ORDERED, That Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Sherman, and Mr. Silvester be of the said committee on the part of this House.

Concurred in by the Senate the same day.

Washington, as President of the United States, on the 3d day of October, 1789, issued a proclamation, in pursuance of the above proceedings of Congress, which may be found on page 275 of this volume.

The following proclamation, by Washington, was made, without special authority from Congress, in view of the suppression of the rebellion in Western Pennsylvania in 1795, which for a time threatened the safety of the Union. It is invested with new and profound interest in view of the great Southern rebellion of 1863, and is a striking evidence of the prophetic vision of Washington, foreboding good or ill to the nation according to its adherence to, or departure from, the principles of order, morality, and piety.

12) A PROCLAMATION.

When we review the calamities which afflict so many other nations, the present condition of the United States affords much of consolation and satisfaction. Our exemption hitherto from foreign war, an increasing prospect of the continuance of that exemption, the great degree of internal tranquillity we have enjoyed, the recent confirmation of that tranquillity by the suppression of an insurrection which so wantonly threatened it, the happy course of our public affairs in general, the unexampled prosperity of all classes of our citizens, are circumstances which peculiarly mark our situation with indications of the Divine beneficence towards us. In such a state, it is in an especial manner our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore him to continue and confirm the blessings we experience.

Deeply penetrated with this sentiment, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do recommend to all religious societies and denominations, and to all persons whomsoever within the United States, to set apart and observe Thursday, the 19th day of February next, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, and on that day to meet together and render their sincere thanks to the Great Ruler of nations for the manifold and signal mercies which distinguish our lot as a nation, particularly for the possession of constitutions of government which unite, and by their union establish, liberty with order; for the preservation of our peace, foreign and domestic; for the seasonable control which has been given to a spirit of disorder in the suppression of the late insurrection; and, generally, for the prosperous course of our affairs, public and private; and at the same time humbly and fervently to beseech the kind Author of these blessings graciously to prolong them to us; to imprint on our hearts a deep and solemn sense of our obligations to him for them; to teach us rightly to estimate their immense value; to preserve us from the arrogance of prosperity, and from hazarding the advantage we enjoy by delusive pursuits; to dispose us to inherit the continuance of his favors by not abusing them, by our gratitude for them, and by a corresponding conduct as citizens and as men; to render this country more and more a safe and propitious asylum for the unfortunate of other countries; to extend among us true and useful knowledge; to diffuse and establish habits of sobriety, order, morality, and piety; and, finally, to impart all the blessings we possess, or ask for ourselves, to the whole family of mankind.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. Done at the city of Philadelphia, the first day of January, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five, and of the independence of the United States of America the nineteenth.

G. WASHINGTON.

13) PROCLAMATIONS UNDER ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION.

13.1) PROCLAMATION FOR A NATIONAL FAST.

March 23, 1798.

As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety without which social happiness cannot exist nor the blessings of a free government be enjoyed; and as this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty and of danger, when existing or threatening calamities-the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity-are a loud call to repentance and reformation; and as the United States of America are at present placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation by the unfriendly disposition, conduct, and demands of a foreign Power, evinced by repeated refusals to receive our messengers of reconciliation and peace, by depredations on our commerce, and the infliction of injuries on very many of our fellow-citizens while engaged in their lawful business on the seas; under these considerations, it has appeared to me that the duty of imploring the mercy and benediction of Heaven on our country demands at this time a special attention from its inhabitants.

I have, therefore, thought fit to recommend - and I do hereby recommend-that Wednesday, the 9th day of May next, be observed throughout the United States as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that the citizens of these States, abstaining on that day from their customary worldly occupations, offer their devout addresses to the Father of mercies, agreeably to those forms or methods which they have severally adopted as the most suitable and becoming; that all religious congregations do, with the deepest humility, acknowledge before God the manifold sins and transgressions with which we are justly chargeable as individuals and as a nation; beseeching him at the same time, of his infinite grace, through the Redeemer of the world, freely to remit all our offences, and to incline us, by his Holy Spirit, to that sincere repentance and reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his inestimable favor and heavenly benediction; that it be made the subject of particular and earnest supplication that our country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it; that our civil and religious privileges may be preserved inviolate and perpetuated to the latest generations; that our public councils and magistrates may be especially enlightened and directed at this critical period; that the American people may be united in those bonds of amity and mutual confidence and inspired with that vigor and fortitude by which they have in times past been so highly distinguished, and by which they have obtained such invaluable advantages; that the health of the inhabitants of our land may be preserved, and their agriculture, commerce, fisheries, arts, and manufactures be blessed and prospered; that the principles of genuine piety and sound morality may influence the minds and govern the lives of every description of our citizens; and that the blessings of peace, freedom, and pure religion may be speedily extended to all nations of the earth.

And, finally, I recommend that on the said day the duties of humiliation and prayer be accompanied by fervent thanksgiving to the Bestower of every good gift, not only for having hitherto protected and preserved the people of these United States in the independent enjoyment of their religious and civil freedom, but also for having prospered them in a wonderful progress of population, and for conferring on them many and great favors conducive to the happiness and prosperity of a nation.

Given, &c.

JOHN ADAMS.

13.2) PROCLAMATION FOR A NATIONAL FAST.

March 6, 1799.

As no truth is more clearly taught in the volume of inspiration, nor anymore fully demonstrated by the experience of all ages, than that a deep sense and a due acknowledgment of the governing providence of a Supreme Being, and of the accountableness of men to him as the searcher of hearts and righteous distributor of rewards and punishments, are conducive equally to the happiness and rectitude of individuals and to the well-being of communities; as it is, also, most reasonable in itself that men who are made capable of social acts and relations, who owe their improvements to the social state, and who derive their enjoyments from it, should as a society make their acknowledgments of dependence and obligation to Him who hath endowed them with these capacities and elevated them in the scale of existence by these distinctions; as it is, likewise, a plain dictate of duty, and a strong sentiment of nature, that in circumstances of great urgency, and seasons of imminent danger, earnest and particular supplications should be made to Him who is able to defend or to destroy; as, moreover, the most precious interests of the people of the United States are still held in jeopardy by the hostile designs and insidious acts of a foreign nation, as well as by the dissemination among them of those principles, subversive to the foundations of all religious, moral, and social obligations, that have produced incalculable mischief and misery in other countries; and as, in fine, the observance of special seasons for public religious solemnities is happily calculated to avert the evils which we ought to deprecate, and to excite to the performance of the duties which we ought to discharge, by calling and fixing the attention of the people at large to the momentous truths already recited, by affording opportunity to teach and inculcate them, by animating devotion, and giving to it the character of a national act.

For these reasons, I have thought proper to recommend, and I do hereby recommend accordingly, that Thursday, the twenty-fifth day of April next, be observed throughout the United States of America as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that the citizens on that day abstain, as far as may be, from their secular occupations, and devote the time to the sacred duties of religion, in public and in private; that they call to mind our numerous offences against the most high God, confess them before him with the sincerest penitence, implore his pardoning mercy, through the Great Mediator and Redeemer, for our past transgressions, and that, through the grace of his Holy Spirit, we may be disposed and enabled to yield a more suitable obedience to his righteous requisitions in time to come; that he would interpose to arrest the progress of that impiety and licentiousness in principle and practice so offensive to himself and so ruinous to mankind; that he would make us deeply sensible that "righteousness exalteth a nation, but that sin is the reproach of any people;" that he would turn us from our transgressions and turn his displeasure from us; that he would withhold us from unreasonable discontent, from disunion, faction, sedition, and insurrection; that he would preserve our country from the desolating sword; that he would save our cities and towns from a repetition of those awful pestilential visitations under which they have lately suffered so severely, and that the health of our inhabitants generally may be precious in his sight; that he would favor us with fruitful seasons, and so bless the labors of the husbandman as that there may be food in abundance for man and beast; that he would prosper our commerce, manufactures, and fisheries, and give success to the people in all their lawful industry and enterprise; that he would smile on our colleges, academies, schools, and seminaries of learning, and make them nurseries of sound science, morals, and religion; that he would bless all magistrates from the highest to the lowest, give them the true spirit of their station, make them a terror to evil-doers and a praise to them that do well; that he would preside over the councils of the nation at this critical period, enlighten them to a just discernment of the public interest, and save them from mistake, division, and discord; that he would make succeed our preparations for defence, and bless our armaments by land and by sea; that he would put an end to the effusion of human blood and the accumulation of human misery among the con- tending nations of the earth, by disposing them to justice, to equality, to benevolence, and to peace ; and that he would extend the blessings of knowledge, of true liberty, and of pure and undefiled religion throughout the world.

And I do recommend that, with these acts of humiliation, penitence, and prayer, fervent thanksgiving to the Author of all good be united, for the countless favors which he is still continuing to the people of the United States, and which render their condition as a nation eminently happy when compared with the lot of others . Given, &c.

JOHN ADAMS.

14) PROCLAMATIONS UNDER MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION.

The second war with Great Britain was declared by the Government of the United States in 1812, and peace was restored in 1815. The calamities of war developed the Christian element of the Government and people in the following acts and proclamations :-

In April, 1812, Congress passed the following resolution :-

It being a duty peculiarly incumbent, in a time of public calamity and war, humbly and devoutly to acknowledge our dependence on Al- mighty God, and to implore his aid and protection; therefore,

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled, that they appoint a committee of both Houses of Congress to wait on the President of the United States and request that he recommend a day of public humiliation and prayer, to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity and the offering of fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, his blessing on their army, and a speedy restoration of peace.

President Madison immediately issued the following

14.1) PROCLAMATION.

Whereas the Congress of the United States, by a joint resolution of the two Houses, have signified a request that a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity, as a day of public humiliation and prayer; and whereas such a recommendation will enable the several religious denominations and societies so disposed to offer at one and the same time their common vows and adorations to Almighty God, on the solemn occasion produced by the war in which he has been pleased to permit the injustice of a foreign Power to involve these United States; I do therefore recommend the third Thursday of August next, as a convenient day, to be set apart for the devout purpose of rendering the Sovereign of the Universe and the Benefactor of mankind the public homage due to his holy attributes; of acknowledging the transgressions which might justly provoke the manifestations of his divine displeasure of seeking his merciful forgiveness, and his assistance in the great duties of repentance and amendment; and especially of offering fervent supplications that in the present season of calamity and war he would take the American people under his peculiar care and protection; that he would guide their public councils, animate their patriotism, and bestow his blessing on their arms; that he would inspire all nations with a love of justice and of concord, and with a reverence for the unerring precept of our holy religion, to do to others as they would require that others should do to them; and, finally, that, turning the hearts of our enemies from the violence and injustice which sway their councils against us, he would hasten a restoration of the blessings of peace.

[L.S.] Given at Washington, the ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

JAMES MADISON,

JAMES MONROE,

Secretary of State.

By the President.

14.2) THANKSGIVING AT THE PEACE OF 1815.

The official notification of peace with Great Britain was communicated to the House of Representatives, by the President, February 18, 1815, and the same day the following resolution was introduced :-

It being a duty particularly humbly and devoutly to acknowledge our dependence on Almighty God, and to implore his aid and protection, and in times of deliverance and prosperity to manifest our deep and undissembled gratitude to the Almighty Sovereign of the Universe; therefore,

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That a joint committee of both Houses wait on the President of the United States, and request that he recommend a day of thanksgiving to be observed by the people of the United States, with religious solemnity, and the offering of devout acknowledgments to God for his mercies, and in prayer to him for the continuance of his blessings.

In accordance with this request, the President issued the following

14.3) PROCLAMATION.

The Senate and House of Representatives of the United States have, by a joint resolution, signified their desire that a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States, with religious solemnity, as a day of thanksgiving, and of devout acknowledgments to Almighty God for his great goodness manifested in restoring to them the blessings of peace.

No people ought to feel greater obligations to celebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of events and of the destiny of nations than the people of the United States. His kind providence originally conducted them to one of the best portions of the dwelling-place allowed for the great family of the human race. He protected and cherished them under all the difficulties and trials to which they were exposed in their early days. Under his fostering care, their habits, their sentiments, and their pursuits prepared them for a transition in due time to a state of independence and of self-government. In the arduous struggle by which it was attained, they were distinguished by multiplied tokens of his benign interposition. During the interval which succeeded, he reared them into strength, and endowed them with the resources which have enabled them to assert their national rights and to enhance their national character in another arduous conflict, which is now happily terminated by a peace and reconciliation with those who have been our enemies. And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.

It is for blessings such as these, and more especially for the restoration of the blessings of peace, that I now recommend that the second Thursday in April next be set apart as a day on which the people of every religious denomination may, in their solemn assemblies, unite their hearts and their voices in a free-will offering to their heavenly Benefactor of their homage of thanksgiving and of their songs of praise.

Given at the city of Washington, on the fourth of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, and of the independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.

JAMES MADISON.

15) RECOMMENDATION OF A FAST-DAY BY PRESIDENT TYLER.

On the 7th day of April, 1841, William Henry Harrison, President of the United States, expired in the Presidential mansion. By this providential visitation upon the nation, John Tyler, of Virginia, Vice-President, became, by the Constitution, the acting President. After he entered upon his duties, he issued the following

15.1) RECOMMENDATION.

April 13, 1841.

To the People of the United States.

When a Christian people feel themselves to be overtaken by a great public calamity, it becomes them to humble themselves under the dispensation of Divine Providence, to recognize his righteous government over the children of men, to acknowledge his goodness in times past, as well as their own unworthiness, and to supplicate his merciful protection for the future.

The death of William Henry Harrison, late President of the United States, so soon after his election to that high office, is a bereavement particularly calculated to be regarded as a heavy affliction, and to impress all minds with a sense of the uncertainty of human things, and of the dependence of nations, as well as individuals, upon our heavenly Parent.

I have thought, therefore, that I should be acting in conformity with the general expectations and feelings of the community in recommending, as I now do, to the people of the United States, of every religious denomination, that, according to their several modes and forms of worship, they observe a day of fasting and prayer, by such religious services as may be suitable on the occasion; and I recommend Friday, the fourteenth day of May next, for that purpose; to the end that on that day we may all, with one accord, join in humble and reverential approach to Him in whose hands we are, invoking him to inspire us with a proper spirit and temper of heart and mind under the frowns of his providence, and still to bestow his gracious benedictions upon our Government and our country.

JOHN TYLER, President.

In the summer of 1849, a pestilence, in the form of the Asiatic cholera, visited a second time the United States. The President, in view of its general prevalence, and to seek its removal, issued the following

16) RECOMMENDATION.

At a season when the providence of God has manifested itself in the visitation of a fearful pestilence which is spreading itself throughout the land, it is fitting that a people whose reliance has ever been in his protection should humble themselves before his throne, and, while acknowledging past transgressions, ask a continuance of the Divine mercy.

It is therefore earnestly recommended that the first Friday in August be observed throughout the United States as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. All business will be suspended in the various branches of the public service on that day; and it is recommended to persons of all religious denominations to abstain as far as practicable from secular occupation, and to assemble in their respective places of public worship, to acknowledge the infinite goodness which has watched over our existence as a nation and so long crowned us with manifold blessings, and to implore the Almighty, in his own good time, to stay the destroying hand now lifted against us.

Z. TAYLOR.

WASHINGTON, July 3, 1849.

ZACHARY TAYLOR, President of the United States, died on the 9th day of July, 1850. The proceedings in Congress on the event are as follows; but no proclamation was issued :-

WASHINGTON, July 10, 1850.

FELLOW-CITIZENS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES : -

I have to perform the melancholy duty of announcing to you that it has pleased Almighty God to remove from this life ZACHARY TAYLOR, late President of the United States. He deceased last evening, at the hour of half-past ten o'clock, in the midst of his family and surrounded by affectionate friends, calmly and in full possession of all his faculties. Among his last words were these :- "I have always done my duty. I am ready to die. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind me."

A great man has fallen among us, and a whole country is called to an occasion of unexpected, deep, and general mourning.

To you, Senators and Representatives of a nation in tears, I can say nothing to alleviate the sorrow with which you are oppressed. I rely upon Him who holds in his hands the destinies of nations, to endow me with the requisite strength for the task, and to avert from our country the evils apprehended from the heavy calamity which has befallen us. I shall most readily concur in whatever measures the wisdom of the two Houses may suggest as befitting this deeply melancholy occasion.

MILLARD FILLMORE.

In the House of Representatives, before the session for the day began, the Rev. Dr. BUTLER, Chaplain of the Senate, made the following prayer :-

Almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, thou doest according to thy will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. Just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Clouds and darkness are about thy throne; but righteousness and judgment are the habitation of thy seat!

Thou hast seen fit, Almighty God, to take out of this world our beloved and honored Chief Magistrate, the President of these United States. Thou didst cover his head in the day of battle; and thou hast given his life to the sickness that destroyeth at the noonday. We desire to bow in resignation to thy blessed will, and to realize that thou doest all things well. Now that thy judgments are abroad in the land, make us to learn and love and practise righteousness.

We ask thy special blessing for thy servant upon whom thy providence hath devolved the momentous duties of the Chief Magistracy of this republic. Thou hast seen fit to summon him to the great duties of his new position in a crisis of gloom and storm and danger. Let thy fatherly hand ever be over him. Let thy Holy Spirit ever be with him. Give him the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and fill him with thy holy fear now and forever. Preserve him in health and prosperity, and so bless his administration that all the States of this vast republic, reconciled, happy, and fraternal, may be able unitedly to adore thee for thy goodness, and to declare that the Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge!

Bless the deliberations of the Senate and Representatives in Congress assembled, to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety, honor, and welfare of thy people; that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations.

Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servants, the family of the departed Chief Magistrate of this land. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy; sanctify thy fatherly correction to them; endow their souls with patience under their afflictions, and with resignation to thy blessed will; comfort them with a sense of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace.

Grant, O Lord, that when we shall be summoned to go the way of all the earth, we may die in the communion of thy Church, in the confidence of a certain faith, in the comfort of a religious and holy hope, in favor with thee, our God, and in charity with the world.

All which we ask and offer in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

The House, after the prayer, adopted the following :-

Whereas it hath pleased Divine Providence to remove from this life ZACHARY TAYLOR, late President of the United States, the House of Representatives, sharing in the general sorrow which this melancholy event must produce, is desirous of manifesting its sensibility on the occasion.

The death of the President of the United States was regarded by Congress and the nation as a providential national calamity, and Senators and Representatives, in their seats in Congress, gave expression to this truth in their remarks on the event.

Mr. Downs, of Louisiana, said, "The chief of a nation of more than twenty millions of freemen is suddenly withdrawn from the world by an act of God."

Mr. Webster, of Massachusetts, said, "It has pleased Divine Providence to visit the two Houses of Congress, and especially this House, with repeated occasions for mourning and lamentation. Great as this calamity is, we mourn, but not as those without hope. We have seen one eminent man, and another eminent man, and at last a man in the most eminent station, fall away from the midst of us. But I doubt not there is a Power exercising over us that parental care that has marked our progress for so many years. I have confidence still that the place of the departed will be supplied, that the kind, beneficent favor of Almighty God will still be with us, and that we shall be borne along, and borne onward and upward, on the wings of his sustaining providence."

Mr. Cass, of Michigan, said, "He has been called by Providence from his high functions with his mission unfulfilled. Let us humbly hope that this afflictive dispensation of Providence may not be without its salutary influence upon the American people and their representatives."

Mr. Underwood, of Kentucky, said, "The providence of God has terminated his earthly career. He was removed by the Ruler of the universe. Whatever purposes of the Deity the future may unfold, the present is a day of mourning."

Mr. King, of Alabama, said, "It depends essentially upon us, and the co-ordinate branch of the Government, to improve this afflictive dispensation of Almighty God to purposes at once salutary and beneficial to the great interests of the country. "

In the House of Representatives, similar sentiments were uttered.

Mr. Winthrop, of Massachusetts, said, "As we now behold the late President borne away by the hand of God from our sight, in the very hour of peril, we can hardly repress the exclamation which was addressed to the departing prophet of old, 'My father, my father! the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof!' Let us hope that this event may teach us all how vain is our reliance upon any arm of flesh. Let us hope that it may impress us with a solemn sense of our national as well as individual dependence on a higher than human power. Let us remember, sir, that 'the Lord is King, be the people never so impatient; that he sitteth between the cherubim, be the earth never so unquiet.' Let us, in language which is now hallowed to us all as having been the closing and crowning sentiment of his Inaugural Address, and in which he, 'being dead, yet speaketh,' -

“ 'Let us invoke a continuance of the same protecting care which has led us from small beginnings to the eminence which we this day occupy; and let us seek to deserve that continuance by prudence and moderation in our councils; by well-directed attempts to assuage the bitterness which, too often unavoidable, marks differences of opinion ; by the promulgation and practice of just and liberal principles; and by an enlarged patriotism, which shall acknowledge no limits but those of our own wide-spread republic.' "

Mr. Hilliard, of Alabama, said, "It is an interposition of Providence; and it comes to us in a trying hour. My trust in Providence is unshaken. Our country has been delivered, guided, and made glorious by a good Providence. It will be so still. I remember when the prophet referred to was surrounded by a hostile force, and all hope of escape seemed to be cut off, that a young man who was with him cried out in great fear; and the reply of the prophet was a prayer that the young man's eyes might be opened. He then saw that all within the hostile lines were 'chariots and horsemen of fire,' ready to succor and deliver the beleaguered city. So will it be with us. The very event which we deplore will be overruled for good; and He that sitteth on high, mightier than the water-floods, will put forth his power and cause a great calm."

The following proclamation was issued by the President of the United States when the nation was imperilled by the opening scenes and acts of the great Southern rebellion :-

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17) TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, - A RECOMMENDATION.

Numerous appeals have been made to me by pious and patriotic associations and citizens, in view of the present distracted and dangerous condition of our country, to recommend that a day be set apart for humiliation, fasting, and prayer throughout the Union.

In compliance with their request and my own sense of duty, I designate Friday, the fourth day of January, 1861, for this purpose, and recommend that the people assemble on that day, according to their several forms of worship, to keep it as a solemn fast.

The union of the States is at the present moment threatened with alarming and immediate danger; panic and distress of a fearful character prevail throughout the land; our laboring population are without employment, and consequently deprived of the means of earning their bread. Indeed, hope seems to have deserted the minds of men. All classes are in a state of confusion and dismay, and the wisest counsels of our best and purest men are disregarded.

In this hour of our calamity and peril, to whom shall we resort for relief but to the God of our fathers? His omnipotent arm only can save us from the awful effects of our own crimes and follies, our own ingratitude and guilt towards our heavenly Father.

Let us, then, with deep contrition and penitent sorrow, unite in humbling ourselves before the Most High, in confessing our individual and national sins, and in acknowledging the justice of our punishment. Let us implore him to remove from our hearts that false pride of opinions which would impel us to persevere in wrong for the sake of consistency rather than yield a just submission to the unforeseen exigencies by which we are now surrounded. Let us, with deep reverence, beseech him to restore the friendship and good will which prevailed in former days among the people of the several States; and, above all, to save us from the horrors of civil war and "blood-guiltiness." Let our fervent prayers ascend to his throne, that he would not desert us in this hour of extreme peril, but remember us as he did our fathers in the darkest days of the Revolution, and preserve our Constitution and our Union, the work of their hands, for ages yet to come.

An Omnipotent Providence may overrule existing evils for permanent good. He can make the wrath of man to praise him, and the remainder of wrath he can restrain. Let me invoke every individual, in whatever sphere of life he may be placed, to feel a personal responsibility to God and his country for keeping that day holy, and by contributing all in his power to remove our actual and impending calamities.

JAMES BUCHANAN.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 1860.

Several months after the civil war had commenced, and the Government had struggled unsuccessfully to subdue the rebellion in the Southern States, Congress passed the following resolution :-

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a joint committee of both Houses wait on the President of the United States, and request that he recommend a day of public humiliation, prayer, and fasting, to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity, and the offering of fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, his blessings on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace.

Approved, August 5, 1861.

The President, seven days afterwards, issued the following

18) PROCLAMATION.

By the President of the United States of America.

Whereas a joint committee of both Houses of Congress has waited on the President of the United States, and requested him to recommend a day of public humiliation, prayer, and fasting, to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnities, and the offering of fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, his blessing on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace;

And whereas it is fitting and becoming in all people at all times to acknowledge and revere the supreme government of God, to bow in humble submission to his chastisements, to confess and deplore their sins and transgressions in the full conviction that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and to pray with all fervency and contrition for the pardon of their past offences, and for a blessing upon their present and prospective action;

And whereas when our beloved country - once, by the blessing of God, united, prosperous, and happy - is now afflicted with faction and civil war, it is peculiarly fit for us to recognize the hand of God in this visitation, and, in sorrowful remembrance of our own faults and crimes as a nation and as individuals, to humble ourselves before him, and to pray for his mercy, - to pray that we may be spared further punishment, though justly deserved, that our arms may be blessed and made effectual for the re-establishment of law, order, and peace throughout our country, and that the inestimable boon of civil and religious liberty, earned, under his guidance and blessing, by the labors and sufferings of our fathers, may be restored in all its original excellence, -

Therefore, I, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States, do appoint the last Thursday in September next as a day of humiliation, prayer, and fasting for all the people of the nation; and I do earnestly recommend to all the people, and especially to all ministers and teachers of religion of all denominations, and to all heads of families, to observe and keep that day, according to their several creeds and modes of worship, in all humility, and with all religious solemnity, to the end that the united prayer of the nation may ascend to the throne of grace, and bring down plentiful blessings upon our own country.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the great seal of the United States to be affixed, this twelfth day of August, A.D. 1861, and of the independence of the United States of America the eighty-sixth.

By the President:

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Sec'y of State.

At the close of the session of Congress, the Senate of the United States, March 2, 1863, passed the following resolution :-

Resolved, That, devoutly recognizing the supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and of nations, and sincerely believing that no people, however great in numbers and resources, or however strong in the justice of their cause, can prosper without his favor, and at the same time deploring the national offences which have provoked his righteous judgment, yet encouraged, in this day of trouble, by the assurances of his word, to seek him for succor according to his appointed way, through Jesus Christ, the Senate of the United States do hereby request the President of the United States, by his proclamation, to designate and set apart a day for national prayer and humiliation, requesting all the people of the land to suspend their secular pursuits and unite in keeping the day in solemn communion with the Lord of Hosts, supplicating him to enlighten the councils and direct the policy of the rulers of the nation, and to support all our soldiers, sailors, and marines, and the whole people, in the firm discharge of duty, until the existing rebellion shall be overthrown and the blessings of peace restored to our bleeding country.

In pursuance of this resolution and request, the President issued the following

19) PROCLAMATION.

Whereas the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for national prayer and humiliation;

And whereas it is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures, and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord;

And insomuch as we know that, by his divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Now, therefore, in compliance with the request and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer. And I do hereby request all the people to abstain on that day from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.

All this being done in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope, authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings no less than the pardon of our national sins, and restoration of our now divided and suffering country to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, [L.S.] and of the independence of the United States the eighty-seventh.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

By the President:

WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

The historical and official records presented in this chapter are cumulative and conclusive proofs of the Christian life and character of the civil institutions of the United States, and form a rich and an instructive part of the political Christian literature of the nation. Their statements affirm, in unequivocal terms, that the whole fabric of the civil Governments and the social civilization of the nation had their origin and vigor from the Christian religion, and that the same Divine system alone can keep them pure and transmit them to future ages.

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