Thanksgiving Proclamations--June 1676 and November 1777
Monday, November 29, 2010 at 10:27PM Audio Link of Thanksgiving Proclamation--interview with the Patriot Pastor Garrett Lear
In today's world where successful men and women grace magazines such as Time, People and many tv networks, is it no wonder that many do not realize where true succes come from? Today's media is so good at showcasing the many people who have affected different parts of our culture and world and many are celebrated with great awards and bestowed with high honor. As we have seen the rise of honor of man we see the very opposite of the honor bestowed on the acknowledgment of the God who was held in such high esteem in this nation's lowly beginnings.
Yet even with all the accolades bestowed on these famous men and women why are most of them so miserable? Could it be that so many have been placed on such a pedestal that they can no longer humble themselves to bow before Him as they now think themselves like gods in their own eyes?
God is so good to give us a time of renewal, a coming back to Him. Thanksgiving was another opportunity for us in this nation to remember where our blessings come from. It is certainly not from our mere mortal self. Rather it as acknowledged in the original Thanksgiving Proclamation in June 1676--our Holy God hath mercy. According to those original proclaimers we should be found as an insensible people if we fail to give offering of praise and glorify Him (ironic but true when you think about those who can't find true joy).
Also in the first national Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1777--one can't doubt that the founders believed in a godly foundation throughout.
...It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of these United States, to set apart Thursday, the 18th day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance; that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the governments of these states respectively, and prosper the public council of the whole; to inspire our commanders both by land and sea, and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which may render them fit instruments, under the providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States the greatest of all blessings, independence and peace; that it may please him to prosper the trade and manufactures of the people and the labor of the husbandman, that our land may yield its increase; to take schools and seminaries of education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
November 2nd was a movement by those who have tried man's ways and found it wanting. The Constitution is being seen again as a very important and inspired document worth following according to original intent. We saw tyranny rise again but November 2nd shows it has met its match. An awakened America no longer trusting the government where evil intent has reined is now willing to go to work and secure the blessings of liberty. So this Thanksgiving, Americans knew they have a lot to be grateful for as God allowed a new beginning when the people finally remembered the government God blessed them with--and that it belongs to "We the people." Let us not forget and thank Him from whom all blessings flow.