A PROCLAMATION by the United States in Congress assembly:
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 amid difficulties and dangers; for
raising us, their children, from deep distress to be numbered among the
nations of the earth; and for arming the hands of just and mighty
princes in our deliverance; and especially for that he hath been pleased
to grant us the enjoyment of health, and so to order the revolving
seasons, that the earth hath produced her increase in abundance,
blessing the labors of the husbandmen, and spreading plenty through the
land; that he hath prospered our arms and those of our ally; been a
shield to our troops in the hour of danger, pointed their swords to
victory and led them in triumph over the bulwarks of the foe;
That he hath gone with those who went out into the wilderness against
the savage tribes; that he hath stayed the hand of the spoiler, and
turned back his meditated destruction; that he hath prospered our
commerce, and given success to those who sought the enemy on the face of
the deep; and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the
gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may
become the heirs of his eternal glory: therefore, Resolved, That it be
recommended to the several states, to appoint Thursday, the 9th of
December next, to be a day of public and solemn thanksgiving to Almighty
God for his mercies, and of prayer for the continuance of his favor and
protection to these United States; to beseech him that he would be
graciously pleased to influence our public councils, and bless them with
wisdom from on high, with unanimity, firmness, and success; that he
would go forth with our hosts and crown our arms with victory;
That he would grant to his church the plentiful effusions of divine
grace, and pour out his holy spirit on all ministers of the gospel; that
he would bless and prosper the means of education, and spread the light
of Christian knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth; that
he would smile upon the 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 graciously be pleased to turn the
hearts of our enemies, and to dispense the blessings of peace to
contending nations; that he would in mercy look down upon us, pardon our
sins and receive us into his favor, and finally, that he would establish
the independence of these United States upon the basis of religion and
virtue, and support and protect them in the enjoyment of peace, liberty
and safety. as long as the sun and moon shall endure, until time shall
be no more. Done in Congress, ∥ the 20th day of October, one
thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, and in the 4th year of the
independence of the United States of America.
Samuel Huntington, President.
Attest,
Charles Thomson, Secretary.
Read 1779 Thanksgiving proclamation made by
United States Congress, one of the Thanksgiving Proclamations before
Presidents of America.