“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 favour; and
Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK 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:” George Washington 1789
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Can you imagine the President of the United States issuing this statement today? The ‘duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God…’ Where was the ACLU?
Oh, and can you imagine both houses of Congress requesting that he do so… Nancy Pelosi requesting a Proclamation of Thanksgiving to thank God…? I would guess that it would be more likely that she would demand Impeachment!
My point in asking this is twofold: First to show how the people who actually wrote our Constitution (Washington was president of the Constitutional Convention) viewed these matters; quite differently than our current Courts, that’s for sure. And, second to show how lucky we are to live in a Nation founded on the belief that we owe our thanks to God for all of our blessings, whether the politicians and judges think so or not. Politicians and judges come and go, but the basic principles of this country remain. Wow! There’s something else to add to our list of things to be thankful for this year!
About Don Merritt
A long time teacher and writer, Don hopes to share his varied life's experiences in a different way with a Christian perspective.
Life Project Blog 
It is astounding how much our country has strayed from it’s roots, is it not?
“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.”
— George Washington
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
— John Adams
“Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice can not sleep forever …”
— Thomas Jefferson (Notes on the State of Virginia)
We sure have, and sadly to our detriment. Thanks for adding these great quotes that underscore this fact!
I am not American. However I do know from my reading of history that the rot, sadly, already set in with people like Jefferson who were products of the Enlightenment and saw little use for the spiritual elements of Scripture and faith. I suppose what I am saying is that the “straying” started early on. All people of God need to vigilant in every era. Maybe we need to go back to heroes like Daniel who stood out and lived the faith when the Empire seemed against God and His people. Thanks again.
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