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

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1797, Massachusetts

The following proclamation was issued by Increase Sumner as Governor of Massachusetts on October 23, 1797 as printed in the Columbian Centinel. It was proclaiming a day of Thanksgiving and Praise on November 30, 1797.

BY AUTHORITY.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency
Increase Sumner, Esquire,
Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
A
Proclamation,
FOR A DAY OF
PUBLIC THANKSGIVING.
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THE sacred Character and benevolent Providence of God, being a acknowledged by our civil Constitution, the public and grateful homage usual at this season, is not less a dictate of patriotism than of piety. Under the influence of these united principles, the Fathers of our country instituted, and their Successors have observed, an Annual Day of THANKSGIVING and PRAISE.

In imitation of so pious and laudable an example, I have thought fit to appoint a public commemoration of the divine mercies, particularly of those which crown the closing year; and for this sacred purpose, I do, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, appoint THURSDAY the Thirtieth of November next, a day of Thanksgiving and Praise throughout this Commonwealth — Calling upon Ministers and People of every denomination, religiously and joyfully to observe the said day, by assembling in their respective places of public worship and offering their united praises to the Great Benefactor of their country, and the author of every blessing.

Through his adorable and munificent Providence, the Seasons have been favorable — the labors of the husbandman successful, and the fruits of the earth abundant. — Through his indulgence, our Fisheries have prospered — our Commerce, although unjustifiably interrupted has not been annihilated, but in many instances has succeeded; and the efforts of industry have been rewarded. Under his protection, internal peace and tranquility have blessed the Commonwealth, and the voice of health and plenty, been generally heard in our dwellings. Through his unmerited goodness, we continue to enjoy Constitutions of government, by which our rights civil and sacred, are effectually secured, and by his favor the important life of the President of the United States has been continued. — While other nations have been suffering all the horrors and distresses of Wat [sic], under his watchful providence we have been preserved from so grievous a calamity. And through the forbearance of God we are still favored with the Christian religion — a religion which inculcates peace on earth and good will among men — a religion highly propitious to republican happiness, whilst it reveals a future and most glorious state for the righteous.

Together with the celebration of Divine Mercies, which ought to penetrate the hearts of a prospered people, I do recommend the most ingenuous confession of Sins, and the most fervent supplications to the Author of all our enjoyments, that we may display our gratitude, by a steady course of obedience — That through his wife and gracious influence, the negotiations for Peace may be so over ruled as that the lasting tranquility of the nations in Europe, and of the United States of America may be established, and oppression and disorder every where cease: — That he would so direct the Administration of our Federal Government, and that of the different States in the Union, as to promote the Peace and true interest of our Nation: — That we sensible of the Blessings and ensured by our Civil System might be disposed to lead quiet and peaceable lives in all Godliness and Honesty: —That God would protect our Trade and Navigation from unreasonable obstructions — would give success to our Agriculture, Fisheries and Manufactures, and continue His smiles to our University and other Seminaries of useful Learning — That he would afford his protection and blessing to these United States, and not suffer any weapon formed against them to prosper.

Whilst with lively gratitude we acknowledge the great decree of health and enjoyed in this Commonwealth, it is recommended to remember with sympathy such of our friends in some of the United States, as have been distressed by contagious mortal diseases; and to supplicate the Father of Mercies that health and prosperity may be speedily and universally restored. Finally that all Mankind under the Scepter of the Prince of Peace, may be animated with the noble spirit of his religion; be enabled to pursue with united affections, their common interest: Be convinced of their mutual dependence, and of the absolute dependence of all, on the Universal Parent.

I further recommend to the citizens of the Commonwealth to suspend such labors and recreations as may not be consistent with the Solemnity of the said Day.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston this twenty-third Day of October, in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-seven; and in the twenty second Year of the Independence of the United States of AMERICA.

INCREASE SUMNER.
Attest. JOHN AVERY, Secretary.

God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!

Samuel Adams

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1796, Massachusetts

Samuel Adams (1722-1803) issued this October 6, 1796 proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving for December 15, 1796 as governor of Massachusetts. The text and image of the proclamations are taken from Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy published on October 26, 1796.

BY AUTHORITY.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By the Governor
A PROCLAMATION
FOR A DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING
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WHEREAS it has pleased God, the Father of all Mercies, to bestow upon us innumerable unmerited favors in the course of the year past; it highly becomes us duly to recollect his goodness, and, in a public and solemn manner, to express the grateful feelings of our hearts:

I have, therefore, thought fit, with the advice and consent of the Council, to appoint Thursday, the 15th day of December next, to be observed as a day of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAISE, to our Divine BENEFACTOR, thro[ugh]out this Commonwealth – Calling upon Ministers of the Gospel, with their respective Congregations, and the whole body of the people, religiously to observe said day by celebrating the praises of that all gracious Being of whose bounties we have experienced so large a share.

He hath prevented epidemical diseases from spreading, and afforded us a general state of health.

He hath regarded our pastures and fields with the eye of the most indulgent parent and rewarded the industry of our Husbandmen with a plentiful harvest.

Notwithstanding unreasonable obstructions to our trade on the seas, it has generally been prosperous and our fisheries successful.

Our civil constitutions of government, formed by ourselves and administered by men of our own free election, are by His Grace continued to us. And we still enjoy the inestimable blessings of the Gospel, and right of worshipping God according to His own institutions and the honest dictates of our consciences.

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And, together with our thanksgiving, earnest supplication to God is hereby recommended, for the forgiveness of our sins which have rendered us unworthy of the least of His mercies; and that by the sanctifying influence of His Spirit, our hearts and manners may be corrected, and we become a reformed and happy people – That He would direct and prosper the administration of the Government of the United States, and of this and other States in the Union – That He would still afford his blessings on our Trade, Agriculture, Fisheries and all the labors of our hands – That he would smile upon our University, and all seminaries of learning – That tyranny and usurpation may everywhere come to an end – That the nations who are contending for true liberty may still be succeeded by His Almighty aid – That every nation and society of men may be inspired with the knowledge and feeling of their natural and just rights, and enabled to form such systems of Civil Government as shall be fully adapted to promote and establish their social security and happiness – And, finally, that in the course of God’s Holy Providence, the great family of mankind may bow to the Scepter of the Prince of Peace, so that mutual friendship and harmony may universally prevail.

And I do recommend to the people of this Commonwealth to abstain from all such labors and recreations as may not be consistent with the solemnity of the said day.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston, this sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six, and in the twenty-first year of the Independence of the United States of America.

SAMUEL ADAMS.

Attest. John Avery, Secretary.

GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Samuel Adams

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1795, Massachusetts

This is the text of a Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise issued by Samuel Adams (Signer of the Declaration of Independence), while he was serving as governor of Massachusetts. The proclamation was issued on October 14, 1795 declaring November 19, 1795 the day of Thanksgiving.

 

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Published by Authority.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

By the GOVERNOR:
A PROCLAMATION
For a DAY of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and
PRAISE.
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Forasmuch as the occasional meeting of a People for the exercise of Piety and Devotion towards God, more especially of those who enjoy the Light of Divine Revelation, has a strong tendency to impress their minds with a sense of their Dependence upon Him and their Obligations to HIM.

I have thought fit, according to the ancient and laudable Practice of our renowned Ancestors, to appoint a day of Public Thanksgiving to God, for the great benefits which He has been pleased to bestow upon us, in the Year past. And I do by the advice and consent of the Council, appoint THURSDAY, the Nineteenth day of November next, to be observed as a DAY of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAISE throughout this Commonwealth: Calling upon the Ministers of the Gospel of all Denominations, with their respective Congregations to assemble on that Day, to offer to God, their unfeigned [sic] Gratitude, for his great Goodness to the People of the United States in general, and of this Commonwealth in particular.

More especially in that he hath in his Good Providence united the several States under a National Compact, formed by themselves, whereby they may defend themselves against external Enemies, and maintain Peace and Harmony with each other.

That internal Tranquility hath been continued within this Commonwealth; and that the voice of Health is so generally heard in the habitations of the People.

That the Earth has yielded her increase, so that the Labors of our industrious Husbandmen have been abundantly crowned with Plenty.

That our Fisheries have been so far prospered.—Our Trade notwithstanding obstructions it has met with, has yet been profitable to us, and the works of our Hands have been established.

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That while other Nations have been involved in War, attended with an uncommon profusion of Human Blood, we in the course of Divine Providence, have been preserved from so grievous a Calamity, and have enjoyed so great a measure of the Blessing of Peace.

And I do recommend that together with our Thanksgiving, humble Prayer may be offered to God, that we may be enabled, by the subsequent obedience of our Hearts and Manners, to testify the sincerity of our professions of Gratitude, in the sight of God and Man; and thus be prepared for the Reception of future Divine Blessings.

That God would be pleased to Guide and Direct the Administration of the Federal Government, and those of the several States, in Union, so that the whole People may continue to be safe and happy in the Constitutional enjoyment of their Rights, Liberties and Privileges and our Governments be greatly respected at Home and Abroad.

And while we rejoice in the Blessing of Health bestowed upon us, we would sympathize with those of our Sister States, who are visited with a Contagious and Mortal Disease; and fervently supplicate the Father of Mercies, that they may speedily be restored to a state of Health and Prosperity.

That He would in His abundant Mercy regard our Fellow Citizen and others, who are groaning under abject Slavery, in Algiers, and direct the most effectual measure for their speedy Relief.

That He would graciously be pleased to put an end to all Tyranny and Usurpation, that the People who are under the Yoke of Oppression, may be made free; and that the Nations who are contending for Freedom may still be secured by His Almighty Aid, and enabled under His influence, to complete wise Systems of Civil Government, founded in the equal Rights of Man, and calculated to establish their permanent Security and Welfare.

And Finally, that the Peaceful and Glorious Reign of our Divine Redeemer, may be known and enjoyed throughout the whole Family of Mankind.

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And I do recommend to the People of this Commonwealth, to abstain from all such Labor and Recreation, as may not be consistent with the Solemnity of the said Day.

GIVEN at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, the fourteenth Day of October, in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand seven Hundred and Ninety-five, and in the Twentieth Year of the Independence of the United States of America.

SAMUEL ADAMS.

True Copy—Attest,

JOHN AVERY, jun. Sec’ry.

GOD save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1795

This is the text of a proclamation for a day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer, issued by George Washington when he served as President. It was published in the Columbian Centinel on January 1, 1795. (See another national Thanksgiving proclamation issued by George Washington in 1789.)

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Published
BY AUTHORITY,

A PROCLAMATION:
By the PRESIDENT of the UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA.
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When we review the calamities, which afflict so many other nations, the present condition of the United States affords much matter of consolation and satisfaction. Our exemption hitherto from foreign war – an increasing prospect of the continuance of that exemption – the great degree of internal tranquility we have enjoyed – the recent confirmation of that tranquility by the suppression of an insurrection which so wantonly threatened it – the happy course of 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 of things it is, in an especial manner, our duty as 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 nineteenth day of February next, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer: and on that day to meet together and render their sincere and hearty 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 peace, foreign and domestic; and 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 advantages we enjoy by delusive pursuits – to dispose us to merit the continuance of His favors by not abusing them, by our gratitude for them, and by a correspondent conduct as citizens and as men – to render this country, more and more, a 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 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, 1795, and of the independence of the United States of America, the nineteenth.

Go Washington,
President of the United States

EDMUND RANDOLPH, Secretary of State.

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.

Samuel Adams

Proclamation – Fasting Humiliation and Prayer – 1795, Massachusetts

Samuel Adams (1722-1803); Samuel Adams was a leader in the opposition to the acts by British Parliament which precipitated the American Revolution; he formed Boston’s Committee of Correspondence in 1772; was a member of the Continental Congress (1774-81) where he signed the Declaration of Independence (1776); he helped draft the Articles of Confederation (1777); was a delegate to the Massachusetts constitutional convention (1779-80); served as president of the Massachusetts senate (1781); was a member of the state convention to ratify the Federal Constitution (1788); Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts (1789-94); and Governor of Massachusetts (1794- 97). He is justly titled both the “Firebrand of the Revolution” and “The Father of the American Revolution” for his important leadership in the cause of American independence.

The following is the text of a proclamation for a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer issued by Samuel Adams as Governor of Massachusetts. This proclamation was issued on February 28, 1795, declaring April 2, 1795 the day of fasting for the state of Massachusetts.

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts

By the Governor

A Proclamation

For a Day of PUBLIC FASTING, HUMILIATION and PRAYER

THE supreme Ruler of the Universe, having been pleased, in the course of his Providence, to establish the Independence of the United States of America, and to cause them to assume their rank, among the nations of the Earth, and bless them with Liberty, Peace and Plenty; we ought to be led by Religious feelings of Gratitude; and to walk before Him, in all Humility, according to his most Holy Law.-But, as the depravity of our Hearts has, in so many instances drawn us aside from the path of duty, so that we have frequently offended our Divine and Merciful Benefactor; it is therefore highly incumbent on us, according to the ancient and laudable practice of our pious Ancestors, to open the year by a public and solemn Fast.-That with true repentance and contrition of Heart, we may unitedly implore the forgiveness of our Sins, through the merits of Jesus Christ, and humbly supplicate our Heavenly Father, to grant us the aids of his Grace, for the amendment of our Hearts and Lives, and vouchsafe his smiles upon our temporal concerns:

I HAVE therefore thought fit to appoint, and with the advice and consent of the Council, I do hereby appoint Thursday, the Second Day of April next, to be observed as a Day of Public Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer throughout this Commonwealth:-Calling upon the Ministers of the Gospel, of every Denomination, with their respective Congregations, to assemble on that Day, and devoutly implore the Divine forgiveness of our Sins, -To pray that the Light of the Gospel, and the rights of Conscience, may be continued to the people of United America; and that his Holy Word may be improved by them, so that the name of God may be exalted, and their own Liberty and Happiness secured.-That he would be graciously pleased to bless our Federal Government; that by a wise administration, it may be a sure guide and safe protection in national concerns, for the people who have established, and who support it-That He would continue to us the invaluable Blessings of Civil Liberty; guarding us against intestine commotions; and enabling the United States, in the exercise of such Governmental powers, as are devolved upon them, so that the honor and dignity of our Nation, upon the Sea and the Land, may be supported, and Peace with the other Powers of the World, upon safe and honorable terms, may be maintained.

That he would direct the administration of our Federal and State Governments, so that the lives, liberties and property of all the Citizens, and the just rights of the People, as Men and Citizens, may be forever acknowledged, and at all times defended, by Constitutions, founded upon equal rights; and by good and wholesome Laws, wisely and judiciously administered and duly executed.

That he would enable Legislators and Magistrates of this Commonwealth, to discharge the important duties incumbent on them, that the People may have good reason to feel themselves happy and safe, and lead quiet and peaceable lives in all Godliness and Honesty.

That he would incline the Natives of the Wilderness, to listen to reasonable offers of Peace, that tranquility and security may be established on the Frontiers Of our Country;-That he would graciously regard the Lives and Health of the People of this and our sister States, and preserve them from contagious and wasting diseases: To crown the ensuing Year with Plenty and Prosperity, by his blessing on our Husbandry, our Fisheries, our Commerce, and all the labor of our Hands-to affect our minds with a sense of our entire dependence upon Him, and of his great goodness towards us, that when we may present ourselves before Him, at the close of the Year, with our thank-offerings, our Hearts may by his grace, be prepared to do it in a manner acceptable to Him.

That He would be graciously pleased to establish the French Republic, and prosper others who are contending for the Rights of Men, and dispose all Nations to favor the same principles , and return to Peace and Friendship.

That He would in his great Mercy, remember the unhappy state of our Fellow-Citizens and others, who are groaning under bondage, in a foreign Land. That He would soften the Hearts of those who have led them captive, inclining that People to show them favor during their Captivity, and in His own due time open a door for their relief: -And finally, that He would over-rule all the confusions that are in the Earth, of the speedy establishment of the Redeemer’s Kingdom, which consisteth in Righteousness and Peace.

And I do recommend to the People of this Commonwealth, to abstain from all unnecessary Labor and Recreation on the said Day.

GIVEN at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, this Twenty-eighth Day of February, in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-five, 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 – Fasting Humiliation and Prayer – 1793, Massachusetts

This is the text of a Proclamation for a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer issued by John Hancock, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The proclamation was issued on March 4, 1793, declaring April 11, 1793 as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer.

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY

 

John Hancock, Esquire,

GOVERNOR of the COMMONWEALTH of MASSACHUSETTS.

 

A PROCLAMATION

For a Day of Public FASTING, HUMILIATION, AND PRAYER.

WHEREAS it hath been the Practice of the People inhabiting the Territory of this Commonwealth, from their first Settlement, at this Season of the Year, unitedly to acknowledge their entire Dependence on the SUPREME BEING, and to humble themselves under a Sense of their utter unworthiness of his Favors, by Reason of their Transgression; and whereas the Practice appears to have a Tendency to cultivate the Fear of God, and a due Regard to HIS LAWS:

I HAVE THEREFORE THOUGHT FIT, by, and with the Advice of the COUNCIL, to appoint, and I hereby do appoint, THURSDAY, the Eleventh Day of April next, to be observed throughout this Commonwealth, as Day of solemn FASTING, HUMILIATION and PRAYER:— Calling upon Ministers, and People of every Denomination, to assemble on that Day, in their respective Congregations; that with true contrition of Heart we may confess our Sins; resolve to forsake them, and implore the Divine forgiveness, through the Merits and Mediation of JESUS CHRIST, our SAVIOUR— Humbly supplicate the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to prosper the Administration of the Federal Government, and that of this Commonwealth, and the other States in the Union; enduing them with Firmness, Wisdom, Unanimity and Public Spirit; and leading them in their respective public Councils, to such Determinations as shall be adapted to Promote the great end of Government:— The Welfare and Happiness of the People:— To restore and maintain Peace in our Borders: Continue Health among us, and give us Wisdom to improve HIS Blessings, for HIS Glory, and our own Good:— To smile upon our Agriculture, and mercifully prevent the diminishing the Fruits of the Earth, by devouring Insects, unseasonable Weather, or other Judgments; that so our Land may abundantly yield its Increase:— That HE would protect and prosper our Navigation, Trade, Fishery, and all the Works of our Hands:— To confirm and continue our invaluable Religious and Civil Liberties:— To prosper the University, and other Seminaries and Means of Education:— To cause Industry, Frugality, and all Moral and Christian Virtues to prevail among us:— To bless the Allies of the United Sates, and particularly to afford his Almighty Aid to the French Nation, and still Guide them into such Measures, as shall tend effectually to establish a Government founded upon Reason, Justice, and the Welfare of the People.— And finally to over-rule all the Commotions in the World, to the spreading the true Religion of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, in its Purity and Power, among all the People of the Earth.

And I do earnestly recommend that all unnecessary Labour and Recreation may be suspended on the said Day.

GIVEN at the COUNCIL-CHAMBER, in Boston, the Fourth Day of MARCH, in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Three, and in the Seventeenth Year of the Independence of the United States of America!

JOHN HANCOCK.

By His Excellency’s Command,

with the Advice and Consent of the COUNCIL,

JOHN AVERY, jun. Secretary.

GOD save the Commonwealth of MASSACHUSETTS!

Printed at BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, at the State Press, by THOMAS ADAMS, PRINTER to the HONORABLE THE GENERAL COURT-1793.

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.