Oct 26, 2011

Day of prayer


Lost Episodes: Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer
October 26, 2011



On Friday, October 26, 1781, the Journal of the Continental Congress reports that a committee, consisting of “Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Varnum, Mr. Sherman,” was appointed to prepare a recommendation for setting apart a day of public thanksgiving and prayer in light of the momentous victory over the British at Yorktown, which was agreed to as follows:


“Whereas, it hath pleased Almighty God, the supreme Disposer of all Events father of mercies, remarkably to assist and support the United States of America in their important struggle for liberty, against the long continued efforts of a powerful nation: it is the duty of all ranks to observe and thankfully 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…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 illustrious 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 for 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 counsellors, 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 seas.”*
This proclamation was written by Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, delegate from New Jersey, President of what is now Princeton, and a minister of the Gospel. The fact that Congress recommended that Americans set aside a “Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer” for their victory in the War for Independence is another lost episode in American history.


*Source Citation: Journals of the Continental Congress 1774-1789, 34 vols., (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1907-37), 21:1074-76.

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