Amid the rich and free enjoyment of all our advantages, we should not
forget the source from whence they are derived and the extent of our
obligation to the Father of All Mercies.
We have full reason to renew our thanks to Almighty God for favors
bestowed upon us during the past year.
By His continuing mercy civil and religious liberty have been
maintained, peace has reigned within our borders, labor and enterprise
have produced their merited rewards; and to His watchful providence we
are indebted for security from pestilence and other national calamity.
Apart from national blessings, each individual among us has occasion to
thoughtfully recall and devoutly recognize the favors and protection
which he has enjoyed.
Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States,
do recommend that on Thursday, the 25th day of November, the people of
the United States, abstaining from all secular pursuits and from their
accustomed avocations, do assemble in their respective places of
worship, and, in such form as may seem most appropriate in their own
hearts, offer to Almighty God their acknowledgments and thanks for all
His mercies and their humble prayers for a continuance of His divine
favor.
Pages:
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661