By the President of the United States of America. a Proclamation.— George Washington, first President of the United States. From the Papers of George Washington at the University of Virginia.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor--and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be--That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
Go: Washington
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A Proclamation of Thanksgiving
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The greatest one of them all, in my humble opinion, the Father of our glorious & august Republic, Gen. George Washington!
ReplyDeleteFree Mason!
ReplyDeleteYep, as were nearly the whole lot of 'em. Excepting Charles Carroll, despite what the film National Treasure claims.
ReplyDeleteWashington would attend Anglican services - because that was the respectable thing to do - but would refrain from receiving communion, because he understood that to be a sign of faith.
Alas, the story that says he was received into Holy Mother Church on his deathbed is likely not true. G.W., R.I.P.
I appreciate the accomplishments of Washington in our history..I however am suspect of the hero worship of a man who was a freemason. He only accepted Catholics into his army over the protests of his fellow command because he needed the manpower, not because of any genuine acceptance of the faith!
ReplyDeleteWith all due respect, Kestrel, to view Washington only through the prism of freemasonry is quite provinical and I dare say, petty.
ReplyDeleteAs Mark states they essentially all were to divergent degrees. As for Washinton and Catholic, I read a post recently in the American Catholic (can forward it if you wish) that inidcated that his treatment of Catholics was quite progressive and even banned Guy Fawkes celebration, attended Catholic mass at times, etc
Mark if my last post was too biting for you to allow to be posted. Perhaps permit me the following
ReplyDeleteCarlos, if you read all the posts you will see I appreciate the accomplishments of Washington as a warrior and his contribution to the establishment of this nation. My thought provoking "Free Mason" was done to elicit just such a reaction.I sensed you had a school boy vision of George Washington as commonly taught in public schools. You sir are the one using a single prism when you attempt to paint over a clear and ever present dislike for Catholics among the ruling class during the revolution, you are trying to square your political views of today with what is your whitewashed view of Washington. You are trying to claim him as one of your sides heroes just as your side has attempted to claim the flag and patriotism!
Peace on earth, goodwill to men... Happy Thanksgiving to all! Chicago Interpreter
ReplyDeleteMark I went to bed wondering if my last post would appear. I appreciate you choosing to post my last one. On this thanksgiving I am thankful for a nation that permits the free exchange of thoughts and ideas, I am thankful for the men and women who defend our nation regardless of their color creed or sexual orientation, I am thankful that my son is an Air Force Academy graduate and as an Air Force Captain flies missions to save lost airmen and soldiers. I am thankful for family and faith and I am thankful that you reconnect me to St Louis with your photos and posts. I wish you a happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDelete