Give Thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
By Paul J Cella Posted in Miscellanea — Comments (60) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
By the United States in Congress assembled.
PROCLAMATION.
IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, 
and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States: — Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.
Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleveth day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.
JOHN HANSON, President.
Charles Thomson, Secretary.
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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;
WHEREAS, Both the 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 and 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 in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable 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 has 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 show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase 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.
— George Washington, October 3, 1789.
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Give Thanks to the LORD, for he is good. 60 Comments (0 topical, 60 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
I am truly touched by your post. May we never forget the true reason for the day.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I thought the original reason was pilmgrims and native americans
Happy Thanksgiving!
A quote from Abraham Lincoln, during the Civil War:
"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown."--1863
Safe travels!
(oh and Go Broncos!)
that Thanksgiving dinner cannot start until the game is over (Pacific time, so it'll still be early).
as long as Jake keeps avoiding the INTs.
Man, they knew what was important back then. And wise men still seek Him.
Super post, Paul J.
There was any leader in either house of Congress, or all of government, that could comprehend the true meaning of this day, as it was meant to be, we'd be so much better off. How did we allow our values, as a country, to be so depleted by our representation? Worse yet, why do we allow it to continue? Don't let the ACLU read this, they would be horrified.
We are all truly blessed to be living in this nation. What a wonderful post.
going to liberate us from this sort of theocratic religious oppression?
I love that another state knows our pain. So much potential, so little last minute instincts.
-- from Arizona
for sparing us incessant Terrell Owens coverage for the rest of the season.
For a happy and healthy family.
For this beautiful world we live in.
And for making 2005 a prosperous year.
I hope, even though I am a relatively new member to RS, all of you can cut me some slack and allow me to use an oft' overused phrase by liberals, something along the lines of "How many soldiers will die today?". Please take a look at my blog, and thank you in advance for your effort. Hopefully, you know and understand my motive. Here it is:
I do not care for god and all the dispicable things she's been credited for doing over the years (and I most certainly lack any desire to worship such an abominable egomaniac).
Nevertheless, your message is inspirational, to say the least. Thanks for posting it.
Happy Turkey Day!
- Greg
You should be asking how many millions are alive and free today because of the blood of brave American soldiers. Liberals are more than willing to gorge themselves on the bounty that freedom brings, but they won't lift a finger to defend that same freedom. Worse yet, they belittle other people who are willing to take up the fight.
I would rather be blown up by an IED fighting for freedom in Iraq than die the peaceful, unremarkable death of a liberal.
As we loosen our belts and sit engorged on the couch for a snooze during a National Passtime, let us remember those who have chosen to defend this great nation which has given her bounty to all who would engage in her promise. Let us not forget what it is that He has bestowed upon us. Let us not forget that we, The Great Nation o the United States of America shall not be defeated, nor cower in the face of great Evil which has shown its face to us. Let us give gratitude that God has seen fit to give us the strength of character and conviction and heart to engage the battle which so desperately must be won. Let us give to our brave men and women who bear our country's uniform the honor and love which this nation holds in its heart for what they fight. Many of us understand what it is for which they sacrifice life and limb. And for that I give thanks. God Bless them and The United States of America.
... nice to see a little outpouring of love for the Broncs. I don't live anywere near Denver anymore, so I smile at the occasional hat or sweatshir wearer. Have a happy Thanksgiving.
On this coming day of thanks, I will hope you will join me in giving thanks to all men and women who have served in the US Military, past and present, including these brave "liberals" who did lift a finger for our freedoms: Tom Daschle, Al Gore, Ted Kennedy, Daniel Inouye, John F. Kerry, Gray Davis, Tom Harkin, Max Cleland, Dick Gephardt, George McGovern, Jimmy Carter, Walter Mondale, and many others. God bless all of them and all others who have bravely served our country. Have a great Thanksgiving.
And may God continue to bless America.
Here are some more brave liberals we need to be thankful for.
Nancy Pelosi
Sheila Jackson Lee
Michael Moore
Bill Clinton
Bruce Springsteen
George Clooney
Maxine Waters
Howard Dean
Bill Mahr
Jonny Depp
and my favorite liberal Jane Fonda
EagleWatcher, I guess you must be putting together an early Christmas card list for people who did not serve in the military. Don't forget to send cards to Tom DeLay, Bill Frist, Jeb Bush, Karl Rove, Roy Blunt, Rick Santorum, John Ashcroft, Newt Gingrich, oh and um, Dick Cheney, Trent Lott, Dennis Hastert, Dick Armey, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Bill O'Rielly ....boy this is list is getting really long...looks like you'll be busy this holiday weekend- if I can help out, let me know.
I know, isn't it great? He loves you too. And all of the folks we mentioned. Happy Thanksgiving
I would rather be blown up by an IED fighting for freedom in Iraq than die the peaceful, unremarkable death of a liberal.
I assume you've enlisted yourself and are actively encouraging all male members of your family to sign up ASAP than. God bless you.
Also, I assume you voted for John Kerry and actively spoke out against George Bush who dodged the duty to his country so somone else's kids could die instead. That is unless the real danger during the Vietnam war was at the Mexican border.
If you think flying F102s was a piece of cake, think again.
Oh yeah, the F102 flew in Viet Nam, and the ANG rotated people in there to fly. Go figure.
And Happy Thanksgiving to everyone else!!!!!
That the third-string taking heads on TV would stop referring to the "Macy's Day Parade."
for you: "Banned on Thanksgiving Day" congrats on your prize.
holiday. But this is borderline chickenhawking.
No. More. Ever.
So here is a nice, thankful post to mark the day, and then I stumble into your comment. This liberal serves in the armed forces, Eagle. I'm not the only one. Your blanket dismissal is neither accurate nor is it appropriate for the day or the post. This Known Fact you spout about liberals is as contemptible as it is untrue.
Eagle did open the discussion with a broadside that deserved a rebuke. Perhaps that's why you allow it as borderline, I don't know.
Liberals are more than willing to gorge themselves on the bounty that freedom brings, but they won't lift a finger to defend that same freedom.
This is just way over broad and definitely not in the spirit of the day. Let's not do it again.
Thanksgiving this year is a bit weird - the first post-marriage one, with sick grandparents to boot. I'm killing time at my place waiting for the ex to come pick up the dogs.
How is life on your side of the ocean? We haven't locked horns in awhile :-).
I know we don't know each other yet but I would like to extend to you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving....,
I hope we can share a bottle of laphroaig together some time...
Peace and long life.....
We sincerely honor and give thanks to our men and women in uniform on this Thanksgiving Day for the enormous sacrifices they and their families have made while protecting our constitution and our nation from those who wish to do us harm. God bless you, your families and God bless the United States of America.
On the other hand, florida democrat revisits 'Rathergate' for what I can only assume is sour grapes, and must be his/her hope of changing the outcome of the 2000 or 2004 elections. Obviously, the 'chicken hawk meme' has been a miserable failure, and fortunately, or unfortunately depending on one's perspective, has done little to diminish the honor and respect our men and women in uniform have for their Commander in Chief.
On that same grounds, I assume you voted for Bush I and Dole over Clinton, right?
And also, I assume you listened to Kerry in the 1992 elections when he said that military service didn't matter in choosing a President?
Can't believe how fast the kids are growing up. This is the first year that "Thanksgiving" has really registered on my 6yo. She's a veritable factory churning out pilgrims and Indians. One of the benefits of being in a solid RED county is yesterday her class had a mini-reenactment and they had venison.
Sorry about your situation, man. Is your new job keeping you busy?
of people who went to Iraq twice.
- Rikalonius
I voted for Bush, therefor he speaks on my behalf. He is forgiven his military debt. What are your creds Troll?
~~~ Indians ~~~ it's displaced-Americans sir!
The ACLU will have U in jailed with that talk!?!
I forgot all about this. You know, Ronaldus Magnus had no military service either, and what a great commander and chief he was.
Notice how the word "John Edwards" never appear in the left Chicken Hawk mantra. Guess him being just like Cheney is something to conviently forget.
BTW us poor, hillbilly, ghetto trash, uneducated military types (the left's normal characterization of us) don't care if you were in the military or not. It is all about the politics, dummy.
Like anyone else, we vote for leaders that represent us. Not everyone who took a bullet for America (John Kerry NOT included) is her eternal best friend. Benadict Arnold anyone? So please check the Chicken Hawk argument at the door. It's really just one big Turkey.
Happy Thanksgiving
Rik
Thanksgiving isn't so much about the interaction of the Europeans with the Mongoloid Americans, or Skralings as the Vikings called them. But of the early defeat of socialism and the bounty that was brought about by pride of ownership and person property.
the job is kicking my butt. Good times, though, and I need the distraction anyway. The situation isn't really that bad, anymore, just different. Adapt and overcome, eh?
One thing about being a public defender that helps my situation is that it's hard to get too down about your own situation when you look at the life of the people you work for. So really, I have quite a bounty to be thankful for, today and everyday.
Just got done golfing in 45 m.p.h winds, and wind chill at -9. Was wonderful!
Thanks for a good outlet... the best to all.
Abraham Lincoln's October 3, 1863 proclamation for Thanksgiving the following November (the day we still celebrate) has long impressed me as heart-breakingly magnificent just because there was so very little to be thankful for in the face of the national calamity of the war and the exhaustion of reasonable hope for peace. The war needed nineteen more months of brutality, slaughter, sadism, betrayal, piracy and treason before the bloody end of rebellion, Appomatox Courthouse on April 9 to Lincoln's death on April 13, 1865.
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
"No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union."
Abraham Lincoln
Booya! Great game. Denver pulls it out in OT.
I can remember when the Broncos' running game was worthless. The last ten years, however, is has been without peer. Ron Dayne, Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell -- it doesn't matter.
It all started with Terrell Davis, then Orlandis Gary, Clinton Portis. Shanahan has so many great RB he just trades them away like trading cards.
with O-line coach Alex Gibbs. He eventually left the Broncos and went to the Falcons -- who, interestingly enough, have an excellent ground game too.
Reagan was a captain in the USAAF during World War II.
Paul.
A happy thanksgiving to you and yours.