by Rob Schenck

Congressional members have issued a proclamation urging government leaders across the country to designate a day to give “solemn thanksgiving to God” and to urge their fellow citizens to follow their example, including by giving “praise for His goodness” and “cheerful obedience to His laws.” They go on to admonish the American populace to “practice true and undefiled religion” (an allusion to the New Testament Book of James, Chapter 1, verse 27), which, according to the proclamation, is the “foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.”

Most people agree this was an extraordinary action taken by Congress.

Not this Congress, of course, but a much earlier one–the Continental Congress of 1782 to be exact. The document was the Proclamation on Thanksgiving Observation by the Continental Congress, October 11, 1782.

I’ve included below the precedent setting document both in its original form and in readable text. After reading it, you needn’t ever feel at a loss for defending the rich spiritual roots of our American civilization.

Lamentably, sources at the current Congress tell me its unlikely any Thanksgiving Day proclamation will be issued this year. The White House is expected to issue one, though, and we’ll post it here as soon as its available.

Happy Thanksgiving! (And be sure to use the occasion to “testify” of “your gratitude . . . for His goodness”!)

To view the original hand-written document click here.

To view readable text click here.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS!