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PROCLAMATION
Fasting
and Prayer
James
Madison, 1814
The
two Houses of the National Legislature having by a joint
resolution expressed their desire that in the present time
of public calamity and war a day may be recommended to be
observed by the people of the United States as a day of
public humiliation and fasting and of prayer to Almighty
God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing
on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace, I have
deemed it proper by this proclamation to recommend that
Thursday, the 12th of January next, be set apart as a day
on which all may have an opportunity of voluntarily offering
at the same time in their respective religious assemblies
their humble adoration to the Great Sovereign of the Universe,
of confessing their sins and transgressions, and of strengthening
their vows of repentance and amendment. They will be invited
by the same solemn occasion to call to mind the distinguished
favors conferred on the American people in the general health
which has been enjoyed, in the abundant fruits of the season,
in the progress of the arts instrumental to their comfort,
their prosperity, and their security, and in the victories
which have so powerfully contributed to the defense and
protection of our country, a devout thankfulness for all
which ought to be mingled with their supplications to the
Beneficent Parent of the Human Race that He would be graciously
pleased to pardon all their offenses against Him; to support
and animate them in the discharge of their respective duties;
to continue to them the precious advantages flowing from
political institutions so auspicious to their safety against
dangers from abroad, to their tranquillity at home, and
to their liberties, civil and religious; and that He would
in a special manner preside over the nation in its public
councils and constituted authorities, giving wisdom to its
measures and success to its arms in maintaining its rights
and in overcoming all hostile designs and attempts against
it; and, finally, that by inspiring the enemy with dispositions
favorable to a just and reasonable peace its blessings may
be speedily and happily restored.
Given
at the city of Washington, the 16th day of November,
1814, and of the Independence of the United States the thirty-eighth.
[seal.] JAMES
MADISON
Source:
II A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents
543 (James D. Richardson ed., 1897).
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