Era or Event: 1780s-1850s: Early Republic

Samuel Adams

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1794, Massachusetts

Samuel Adams (1722-1803) helped organize the Boston Tea party (1773), was a state legislator in Massachusetts (1765-1774), and served in the Continental Congress (1774-1781) where he signed the Declaration of Independence. Adams served as governor of Massachusetts from 1794-1797.

During Samuel Adams’ time as governor he issued many proclamations, including the following October 15, 1794 proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving on November 20, 1794. The text and image of the proclamation came from the Columbian Centinel published on October 29, 1794.

By Authority,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.By the GOVERNOR. A Proclamation, for a Day of THANKSGIVING.

As it hath pleased Almighty God to continue to the people of this Commonwealth great and unmerited Favors in the course of the year past; it is highly becoming, that after the example of our pious and renowned ancestors, a day should be set apart, at this season of the year, for the special purpose of rendering to the Father of all mercies the just tribute of gratitude and praise.

I have therefore thought fit, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, to appoint, and I do accordingly appoint, Thursday, the twentieth day of November next, to be observed throughout this Commonwealth as a Day of Public Thanksgiving And I do hereby call upon the Ministers of religion of every denomination, with their respective Congregations, to assemble on said day; that we may with one accord express the grateful feelings of our hearts; and jointly offer the reasonable sacrifice of praise, to our Divine Benefactor, for His manifold mercies: — He has been pleased to favor us with a good measure of health, while others, whom we ought to pity and pray for, have been visited with contagious and mortal distempers: He has smiled on our agriculture labors, and caused the earth to yield its increase: — He hath prospered our fishery, and in a great measure our merchandise, notwithstanding the depredations of unreasonable despoilers: — He hath continued to us the inestimable blessings of the Gospel, and our religious, as well as civil rights and liberties.

I do also recommend, that on the aforesaid day, humble supplications may be made, that we may enjoy the blessings of the liberty, peace and prosperity and by the grace of God, be enabled to live under a constant impression of our obligations to Him, and by ordering our future conversation aright, prepared for such further needful blessings as it may please Him in His own due time to bestow upon us.

And I do earnestly recommend that all such labor and recreations as are not consistent with the solemnity of the occasion may be carefully suspended on the said day.

Given at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, the fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-four, and in the nineteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.

SAMUEL ADAMS.

Attest. JOHN AVERY, jun. Secretary.

God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1793, Pennsylvania

Thomas Mifflin (1744-1800) was born in Philadelphia. He graduated from the College of Philadelphia (the University of Pennsylvania today) and began a career in a counting house. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1774-1775 and again in 1782-1784; he enlisted in the American army during the Revolution and was promoted up the ranks to Major General. Thomas Mifflin was serving as President under the Articles of Confederation when George Washington resigned his commission in December 1783. Mifflin was a signer of the United States Constitution in 1787. He served as governor of Pennsylvania from 1790-1799 and died early in 1800.

The following proclamation was issued by Thomas Mifflin on November 14, 1793 as governor of Pennsylvania for a day of Thanksgiving on December 12, 1793. The text and picture of this proclamation is taken from Dunlap’s American Daily Advertiser published on December 6, 1793.

Pennsylvania,
By THOMAS MIFFLIN,
Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A PROCLAMATION,
Appointing a day of General Humiliation,
Thanksgiving and Prayer.

WHEREAS it hath pleased ALMIGHTY GOD to put an end to the grievous calamity, that recently afflicted the city of Philadelphia, and it is the duty of all, who are truly sensible of the Divine Justice and Mercy, to employ the earliest moments of returning health in devout expressions of penitence submission, and gratitude: THEREFORE I have deemed it proper to issue this Proclamation, hereby appointing THURSDAY, the Twelfth day of December next, to be holden, throughout the Commonwealth, as a DAY OF GENERAL HUMILIATION, THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER AND I earnestly exhort and entreat my Fellow-Citizens to abstain, on that day, from all their worldly avocations [hobbies], and to unite in confessing with contrite hearts, our manifold sins and transgressions; – in acknowledging, with thankful adoration, the mercy and goodness of the Supreme Ruler and Preserver of the universe, – more especially manifested in our late deliverance; – and in praying, with solemn zeal, that the same mighty power would be graciously pleased to instill into our minds just principles of our duty to Him, and to our fellow creatures; – to regulate and guide all our actions by his Holy Spirit; – to avert from all mankind the evils of War, Pestilence, and Famine; – and to bless and protect us in the enjoyment of Civil and Religious Liberty. AND all Officers of the Commonwealth, as well as all Pastors and Teachers are, also, particularly requested to make known the Proclamation, and, by their and advice, to recommend a punctual observance thereof within their respective jurisdictions and congregations; – so that the voice of the people, strengthened by it unanimity, and sanctified by sincerity, ascending to the throne of grace, may there find favour and acceptance.

GIVEN under my Hand and the great Seal of the State, at Philadelphia, this Fourteenth day of November, in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Three, and of the Independence of America the Eighteenth.

THOMAS MIFFLIN.

By the Governor,
A.J. DALLAS, Secretary of the Commonwealth

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1793, New Hampshire

This is the text of a proclamation by Josiah Bartlett (Signer of the Declaration of Independence), governor of New Hampshire, given on October 5, 1793. It declares November 21, 1793 to be a day of Public Thanksgiving. This proclamation was published in The Oracle of the Day on October 26, 1793.

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By His Excellency
Josiah Bartlett, Esquire,
Governor and Commander in Chief of the
State of New Hampshire.

A PROCLAMATION,
For A Public
THANKSGIVING.

 

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The many favors the inhabitants of this State have been made the subjects of in the court of the current year, call for a public return of sincerer gratitude and praise to that Being from whom all our mercies flow; – And the Legislature having appointed Thursday the Twenty First day of November next, to be observed as a day of public Thanksgiving throughout this State:

I have thought fit, by and with the advice of Council, to issue this Proclamation, exhorting the people of every denomination to dedicate said day to the duties of thanksgiving and praise, and to devote a reasonable part thereof in their respective places of public worship in a social manner, with grateful hearts and united voices in returning our most humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God for the unmerited favors He has been graciously pleased to confer upon us in the course of the present year now drawing to a close.

In a particular manner, that He was graciously pleased to appear for us in the course of the summer past when, by reason of a severe and early drought, the hope of the husbandman seemed likely to be cut off and we were threatened with a great and general scarcity of the necessary fruits and of the field, that in the midst of judgment He remembered mercy and by sending plentiful showers of rain, the decaying and almost dying fruits of the earth were greatly revived; and that He has been pleased so to order the latter part of the season, that we are still blessed with a competent supply of the most of the necessary fruits of the field.

That He had been pleased to continue to us the inestimable blessings of civil and religious liberty.

That notwithstanding the tumults and confusions of the contending nations, we still enjoy the blessing of peace and good government.

That we have been favored with a general measure of health, and that no waiting and pestilential disease has been suffered to prevail among us.

And together with our thanksgiving, let us entreat the Father of Mercies, to continue us the blessings we now enjoy, and bestow upon us all further needed favors.

That it would please Him still to have these United States under His Holy protection and guidance – that He would inspire those who have the management of all our public affairs with all that wisdom, prudence and integrity that is necessary to the faithful discharge of their important trusts, that all their determinations may tend to promote the real happiness and prosperity of this great and rising Republic, and that all people may be disposed to afflict in carrying such determinations into effect.

That it would please God to over-rule the tumults and confusions among the nations, in such a manner as shall subserve to His own Glory and the best good and happiness of mankind, and that in His own due time, He would calm the angry passions of the contending nations and say to them, peace, be still.

That God would be pleased to look down with an eye of compassion upon the whole human race, and dispel those clouds of ignorance, superstition and bigotry that overspread so great a part of the world, and that the knowledge of and reverential love and regard to the One God and Father, of all, and a true benevolence and good will to their fellow men, may pervade the hearts, and influence the lives of all mankind, and all Nations, Languages and Tongues be brought to join in singing, Glory to God in the highest, on Earth Peace and good will to men.

 

It is recommended and expected, that all persons abstain from all servile labor and such recreations as are unbecoming the solemnity of said day.

Given at the Council Chamber in Exeter, the Fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and ninety three and of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United states of America the Eighteenth.

 

 

Josiah Bartlett.

By His Excellency’s command,
with the advice of Council,
JOSEPH PEARSON, Sec’ry.

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1791, New Jersey

This is the text of the November 21, 1791 William Paterson Thanksgiving Day proclamation, as he served as governor of New Jersey; as printed in the Gazette of the United States, November 26, 1791.

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By His Excellency

William Paterson, Esquire,

Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New-Jersey, and territories thereunto belonging, Chanceler, and Ordinary in the same.

Proclamation.

proclamation-thanksgiving-day-1791-new-jersey-2Whereas it is, at all times, our duty to approach the throne of Almighty God with gratitude and praise, but more especially in seasons of national peace, plenty, and prosperity; I have, therefore, thought fit, by and with the advice and consent of the Honorable the Privy Council, to assign Thursday the eighth day of December next, to be set apart and observed as a day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer for the great and manifold mercies conferred upon this land and people; and particularly for the abundant produce of the earth, during the present year, for the spirit of industry, sobriety, and economy which prevails: for the stability and extension of our national credit and commerce, for the progress of literature, arts and science, and for the good order, peace and plenty, and the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed. And also that we may unite in our supplications, and humbly implore the Almighty Ruler of the Universe, that he would be pleased to continue his protection and goodness to this land and people, to smile upon all schools and seminaries of learning; to promote agriculture, manufactures and commerce, to illuminate and guide our public councils, to bless our national and state governments, to enable us all to discharge our official, social and relative duties with diligence and fidelity, to eradicate prejudice, bigotry and superstition; to advance the interest of religion, and the knowledge and practice of virtue; and for this purpose to pour out his holy spirit on all ministers of the gospel, and to spread the saving light thereof to the most distant parts of the earth.

Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Trenton, the twenty-first day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one.

William Patterson.

By his Excellency’s command.

Bowes Reed, Sec’ry.

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1791, Massachusetts

The following is the text of a Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise, issued by John Hancock (Signer of the Declaration of Independence), while he was serving as governor of Massachusetts. The proclamation was issued October 5, 1791 and was declaring November 17, 1791 the day of Thanksgiving.

 

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

By His EXCELLENCY
John Hancock, Esq.
GOVERNOR of the COMMONWEALTH
of Massachusetts.
A PROCLAMATION,
For a Day of Public Thanksgiving.
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In consideration of the many undeserved Blessings conferred upon us by GOD, the Father of all Mercies; it becomes us no only in our private and usual devotion, to express our obligations to Him, as well as our dependence upon Him; but also specially to set a part a Day to be employed for this great and important Purpose:

I HAVE therefore thought fit to appoint, and by the advice and consent of the Council, do hereby accordingly appoint, THURSDAY, the seventeenth of November next, to be observed as a Day of Public THANKSGIVING and PRAISE, throughout this Commonwealth:—Hereby calling upon Ministers and People of every denomination, to assemble on the said Day—and in the name of the Great Mediator, devoutly and sincerely offer to Almighty God, the gratitude of our Hearts, for all his goodness towards us; more especially in that HE has been pleased to continue to us so a great a measure of Health—to cause the Earth plentifully to yield her increase, so that we are supplied with the Necessaries, and the Comforts of Life—to prosper our Merchandise and Fishery—And above all, not only to continue to us the enjoyment of our civil Rights and Liberties; but the great and most important Blessing, the Gospel of Jesus Christ: And together with our cordial acknowledgments, I do earnestly recommend, that we may join the penitent confession of our Sins, and implore the further continuance of the Divine Protection, and Blessings of Heaven upon this People; especially that He would be graciously pleased to direct, and prosper the Administration of the Federal Government, and of this, and the other States in the Union—to afford Him further Smiles on our Agriculture and Fisheries, Commerce and Manufactures—To prosper our University and all Seminaries of Learning—To bless the virtuously struggling for the Rights of Men—so that universal Happiness may be Allies of the United States, and to afford his Almighty Aid to all People, who are established in the World; that all may bow to the Scepter of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and the whole Earth be filled with his Glory.

And I do also earnestly recommend to the good People of this Commonwealth, to abstain from all servile Labor and Recreation, inconsistent with the solemnity of the said day.

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Given at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, the fifth Day of October, in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-One, and in the sixteenth Year of the Independence of the United States of America.

 

JOHN HANCOCK.

By his Excellency’s Command,

JOHN AVERY, jun. Sec’y

GOD save the Commonwealth of MASSACHUSETTS!!

 

Proclamation – Humiliation Fasting and Prayer – 1815

This is the text of President James Madison’s January 12, 1815 Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer Proclamation; as printed in The Yankee on November 25, 1814. To see a sermon preached on the fast day of January 12, 1815, click here.

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A PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT

proclamation-humiliation-fasting-and-prayer-1815-2The two Houses of the National Legislature having, by a joint resolution, expressed their desire, that in the present time of public calamity and war, a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States as a Day of Public Humiliation and Fasting and of Prayer to Almighty God, for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace. – I have deemed it proper by this Proclamation, to recommend that Thursday the Twelfth of January next be set apart as a day on which all may have an opportunity of voluntarily offering, at the same time, in their respective religious assemblies, their humble adoration to the Great Sovereign of the Universe, of confessing their sins and transgressions, and of strengthening their vows of repentance and amendment. They will be invited by the same solemn occasion, to call to mind the distinguished favors conferred on the American people, in the general health which has been enjoyed; in the abundant fruits of the season; in the progress of the arts, instrumental to their comfort, their prosperity, and their security; and in the victories which have so powerfully contributed to the defense and protection of our country – a devout thankfulness for all which ought to be mingled with their supplications to the Beneficent Parent of the human race, that He would be graciously pleased to pardon all their offenses against Him; to support and animate them in the discharge of their respective duties; to continue to them the precious advantages flowing from political institutions so auspicious to their safety against dangers from abroad, to their tranquility at home, and to their liberties, civil and religious; and that He would, in a special manner, preside over the nation, in its public councils and constituted authorities, giving wisdom to its measures and success to its arms, in maintaining its rights, and in overcoming all hostile designs and attempts against it; and, finally, that by inspiring the enemy with dispositions favorable to a just and reasonable Peace, its blessings may be speedily and happily restored.
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Given under my hand at the city of Washington, the 16th day of November, 1814, and of the Independence of the United States the 38th.

JAMES MADISON.

Proclamation – Humiliation and Prayer – 1812

This it the text of James Madison’s August, 1812 Humiliation and Prayer Fast Proclamation; as printed in the Independent Chronicle on July 20, 1812. To see a sermon preached on the fast day of August 20, 1812, click here.

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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;

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I do therefore recommend the third Thursday in August next, as a convenient day to be set apart for the devout purposes of rendering to 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 displeasures; of seeking His merciful forgiveness, 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 others to 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.

Given at Washington the 9th day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

James Madison.

By the
President.
James Monroe,
Secretary of State

 

This is the text of four hymns for the August, 1812 day of national Humiliation and Prayer.

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Solemnity, An Anthem.
And Three Hymns, for the National Fast.
For August, 1812. On Account of the War

In solemn strains and slow express the mournful feelings which this day excites; Then prostrate bend before the Lord of hosts. And as a Nation seek his needed help.

Spare, O Lord, spare thou thy people And save us from our fears And shield us from our foes, And shield- Be our defense on every side, Be our-

And still maintain our cause, And still- Send now prosperity; Send now prosperity; Send- Restore again our peace.

Our nation bless, O Lord, our nation- Our rights and liberties secure; And crown’d with peace may they descend to ev’ry future age! Amen. Amen.

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Hymn 1.

(Tune: Beklnap’s Kingston.)

O GOD supreme, whom heavenly hosts adore,
Prostrate before thee, see a Nation bend;
And be entreated now as heretofore,
To us and ours thy kindness to extend.

Through tumults, wars, and fightings, far and wide,
Through other reigns urge their dread career,
Here still may LIBERTY and PEACE reside,
Secure from discord, and remote from fear.

Our RULERS and their COUNCILS, Lord, direct;
And, since on THEE, our firmest trust relies,
Do thou our cause succeed, our land protect,
And Oh, restore again the PEACE we prize!

T.M. Harris

Hymn 2.

(Tune: Condolence or German Hymn.)

God of our hope, to thee we turn
With fasting and with fervent prayer;
Let not thy threaten’d anger burn,
But still thy favour’d people spare!

Oft hast thou saved from our foes
By granting rescue from on high;
Now patronize and interpose,
And be thy needed succour nigh!

When marshall’d in the dangerous fight
As once thou didst our forces shield,
So now, O vindicate our right,
And like support and victory yield.

And never may our Country cease
Thy guardian kindness to secure;
But may prosperity and peace
Be now restored, and long endure!

T.M. Harris

Hymn 3.

O gracious God, before thy throne,
Thy suppliant people humbly bend,
For on thy sovereign power alone
Must all our nation’s hopes depend.

With all the boasted pomp of war
In vain we dare the hostile field,
Unless the god of armies there
The cause shall own, the troops shall shield.

Let past experience of thy care
Support our trust, our hope invite;
And now attend our earnest prayer,
And in our Country’s weal delight!

Our arms succeed, our councils guide;
Let thy right hand our cause maintain,
Till war’s destructive rage subside,
And peace resume its gentle reign.

O when shall time the period bring
When raging War shall waste no more;
But peace shall stretch its sheltering wing
Round the wide earth from shore to shore!

When shall the Gospel’s cheering ray,
Kind source of amity divine,
Spread o’er the world celestial day,
And all the nations, Lord, be thine!

T.M. Harris, and Mrs. Steele

 

Proclamation – Humiliation Fasting and Prayer – 1810

This is the text of Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore’s April 5, 1810 proclamation for a day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer for that state; as printed in the Columbian Centinel on March 7, 1810. To see a sermon preached on this Massachusetts Fast Day, click here.

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COMMONWEALTH of MASSACHUSETTS.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY
CHRISTOPHER GORE,
Governor and Commander in Chief of the State
aforementioned,
A PROCLAMATION,
For a Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer.

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In conformity with the invariable usage of the commonwealth, and with a sense of our absolute dependence on the beneficent parent of mankind, and of our numerous and aggravated offenses against his holy will and commandments- I have thought fit to appoint- and by and with the advice and consent of the council, I do appoint THURSDAY, the FIFTH DAY of APRIL next, as a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer in this Commonwealth. And I do request the Ministers and People of every denomination throughout the same, to assemble on that day, in their several places of Public Worship, that we may unitedly humble ourselves in the presence of Almighty God, and acknowledge with deep contrition, our manifold sins and transgressions; that we may devoutly deprecate his judgments, and implore His merciful forgiveness, through the merits of our blessed Lord and Redeemer.

While we thus bow in humble adoration before the Most High, let us render Him our unfeigned thanks for the numerous instances of His continued bounty towards us, and our Forefathers whom he planted in this fruitful soil – and, in an especial manners, that He endued them with wisdom to render this a Land of Piety, Freedom, and Order. And inasmuch as we have disregarded their example, and neglected those principles by which they obtained and transmitted to us the inestimable blessings of the Christian Religion, of Law and of Liberty- let us earnestly beseech Him to heal our backslidings and to restore us to that temper and conduct, by which alone we can hope to be Happy in this World, and in that which is to come.

At the same time that we look with all humility to His Grace for the Remission of our Sins, let us, with one mind and one voice, supplicate His Blessing for us and our beloved Country; that He would alike preserve us from the Pestilence that walketh in Darkness, and the Destruction that wasteth at Noon-day; that He would graciously smile on the Labors of the Husbandman, and cause the Earth to bring forth her increase in due season; that He would relieve our Commerce from the embarrassments with which it is burdened, and grant that Prosperity may again distinguish our Navigation and Fisheries – so that they who go down to the sea in ships, and do Business in great Waters, may have abundant reason to praise His Holy Name; that he would afford success to our Manufactures, and prosper all the work of our hands.

That He would graciously condescend to direct the Government of the United States, and give them wisdom to discern, and firmness to pursue, the true Interests of the Country; that He would preserve us from War, and from all connections that lead to dishonor and adversity; that He would dispel the clouds that encompass us about, and continue to us the enjoyments of Peace, Liberty, and Religion; that he would influence the Governments of the several States to do every thing, within their respective spheres, to preserve the Union, Order, Tranquility, and Independence of the United States; that He would protect us from the assaults of open enemies, and from the snares of insidious Friends; that He would suffer no weapon formed against us to prosper, but would set at naught the counsels of those who devise mischief against us.

That He would vouchsafe His Blessings on our University, our Colleges and Seminaries of Learning; that He would advance all means used for propagating true Religion, and promote the pious purposes of those who endeavor to disseminate a Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures- that all may learn his Will and obey His Commandments.

And it is recommended, that all servile Labour and Recreation, be suspended upon the said Day.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston, this twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten, and in the thirty-fourth year of the independence of the United States of America.

CHRISTOPHER GORE.

By His Excellency the Governor, with the advice and consent of the council.

WILLIAM TUDOR, Secretary of the State.

GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS!

Proclamation – Fasting Humiliation and Prayer – 1807, Connecticut

Jonathan Trumbull (1740-1809); Trumbull was a soldier and statesman from Connecticut. He served as paymaster/comptroller of the treasury for the American army (1775-80); aide-de-camp to General George Washington (1780-83); U.S. Congressman (1789-95) Speaker of the House (1791-95); U.S. Senator (1795); Lieutenant-Governor of Connecticut (1796-98); and Governor of Connecticut (1798-1809). His father, also named Jonathan (1710-1785), was a minister and statesman who was a close friend of General Washington and the only colonial governor to ardently support the American Revolution.

Following is the text of a proclamation for a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer issued by Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut. This proclamation was issued on February 20, 1807 proclaiming March 27, 1807 the day of fasting for the state.

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By His Excellency

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, ESQ.

Governor and Commander in Chief in and Over the State of
Connecticut.

A PROCLAMATION.

WHEN we seriously consider the Being and Perfections of God, with our
relation to and dependence on Him, as our Great Creator, Preserver and Benefactor;-and
when we reflect on the Evil of our Ways, and the folly of our Conduct towards
the Author of our Being and of all our Mercies,-we should be humbled in the
Dust before our God, for our sinful Ingratitude and unworthiness:-We have
reason to cry out with the humble Publican, “God be merciful to us Sinners.”

WITH these Impressions I have thought proper to appoint, and I do hereby appoint Friday the Twenty-Seventh Day of March next, to be observed as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer throughout this State. And I do hereby call upon the people of all denominations of Religion, devoutly and solemnly to keep said Day and appropriate it as a Day of special religious service, devoted to God in solemn Duties of penitential acknowledgment of their Sins, private and social, against the Divine Will and government: and while lamenting their Sins, and forming sincere and humble resolutions of new Obedience, may they be solicitous to keep the Day in such manner as may be acceptable to God, and prove of lasting benefit in their future Lives and Conduct. At the same time it will become us humbly to reflect upon and seriously to consider the Judgments of the Lord, which in various ways, at this time, seem peculiarly abroad in the Earth; and endeavor to search out the procuring causes of God’s singular Displeasure. “When the Lord ariseth to shake terribly the Earth,” may the People return to their God. “It may be we shall be hid in the Day of the Lord’s fierce anger.”

And while performing the Duties of Repentance for past Offences, and forming devout resolutions for future Lives of Obedience, let us offer to our Almighty and all-gracious God, through our Great Mediator, our sincere and solemn Prayers for his Divine Assistance and the Influences of His Holy Spirit; that God may freely pardon all our Sins and strengthen our resolutions of future Obedience; that He will give us an Interest in the Covenant of Mercy through our Divine Redeemer; and that in addition to these unspeakable Blessings of His Grace, our God will mercifully grant us all those temporal Favors which he may see convenient and best for us. -And let us particularly and devoutly supplicate the Divine Favor and Influence on our public and private Interests: that God will be pleased to bless and guide the President of the United States in all his important duties; that our God will mercifully preside over all our national and state Councils at this critical and eventful period: that our public Rulers may be enlightened in and led to a just discernment and ardent pursuit of the public Interest, as relates to our internal concerns and external relations: that God will mercifully preserve our country from internal Confusion and civil Discord, and from external insult and aggression. -Also let us humbly entreat, That our God will bless us in the fruitfulness of the coming season: give us a continuance of Health in our Cities and in our Dwellings: succeed the Labors of the Husbandman: prosper our Commerce, Navigation and Fisheries: enlarge our Manufactures, and give success to our various lawful arts and industrious enterprise: smile on all our means of Learning and Science: bless and succeed a preached Gospel, and animate all its Ministers with the true spirit of their undertaking, and encourage their Hearts by a happy experience of their successful Labors: pray God to give Peace to contending Nations: cause that the peaceful Kingdom of Righteousness may be advanced in the World; and that the Gospel of our Lord and Savior may be extended throughout all the habitations of men.

All Servile Labor and Recreations on said Day are by Law forbidden.

GIVEN under my Hand at Lebanon in said State, this Twentieth Day of February,
in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seven-and of the
United State of America the Thirty-First

JONATHAN TRUMBULL

By His Excellency’s Command,
Samuel Wyllys, Secretary.

Proclamation – Fasting Humiliation and Prayer – 1804, New Hampshire

This is the text of a Proclamation for a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer issued by John Taylor Gilman (Member of the Continental Congress), while he was serving as Governor of New Hampshire. The proclamation was issued on March 19, 1804, declaring April 19, 1804 as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer.

proclamation-fasting-humiliation-and-prayer-1804-new-hampshire-1

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.

BY THE GOVERNOR.

A

 

PROCLAMATION.

To those whose minds are duly impressed with a sense of dependence upon divine providence, for the privileges and advantages we enjoy as a people, and for public and social, as well as individual blessings, arguments cannot be wanting to evince the propriety of uniting together in a public and solemn manner, for the purpose and solemn manner, for the dependence, and in supplication to the father of mercies, that He would forgive our transgressions, and bestow upon us such favors as we may stand in need of.

Therefore, in conformity to the long established, and highly laudable practice of setting apart some certain day at this season of the year, I have thought fit, by and with the advice of council, to appoint THURSDAY, the Nineteenth Day of April next, to be observed as a day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer, throughout this state; and I do request ministers and people of every denomination, would religiously dedicate said day, and assemble together at their respective places of public worship, that we may unitedly, with contrite hearts, acknowledge our transgressions, beseech forgiveness from the father of mercies, and offer up our fervent petitions for His blessing.

That He would guide and prosper our state and national governments; that all our rulers may be just men, and conscientiously discharge the duties of their several stations, remembering that they are accountable not only to man, but to the almighty ruler of the universe.

That the seasons of the year may be prosperous, and the fruits of the field amply reward the labor of the husbandman.

That success may attend our commerce, manufactures, and all lawful employments.

That we may be preserved from contagious and destructive sickness, and the voice of health be hear in their professions, by their conduct and example.

That He would bless our seminaries of learning, that the rising generation may be prepared by literary, moral, and religious instruction, for eminent usefulness.

And above all, that a spirit of pure and undefiled religion may universally prevail.

And I do recommend that all persons religiously abstain from labor and recreations unbecoming the solemnity of the day.

Given at the Council Chamber in Exeter this Nineteenth day of March, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Four, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the Twenty-Eighth.

 

John Taylor Gilman

By his Excellency’s command, with advice of Council.

Joseph Pearson, Secretary