By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
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. . . .
A Proclamation.
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. . . .
.... 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 one 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. . . .
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
Okay, so that's not the whole thing, but that comes from the Proclamation of Thanksgiving. Who knew there was such a thing? But I really love that Abraham Lincoln invites us to express our gratitude to our "beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens". I know that He has blessed me immensely, and I definitely have a lot to be grateful for. I hope we all take a minute to remember just where all our many blessings come from. May everyone travel safely and partake of much good food! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
1 comment:
Wow! Powerful. Don't you wish it was still okay for the President of the United States to say things like that? To keep God such a presence in his presidency? If George Bush would have given this speech today, we would never hear the end of it! Too bad Romney didn't win! I wore my CTR (Choose the Romney) shirt proudly for months! :)
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