Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Proclamation by the Continental Congress concerning a day of fasting
United States. Continental Congress
March 11, 1780
Volume 15, Pages 199-200

-------------------- page 199 --------------------
PROCLAMATION FOR A FAST, APRIL 26TH, 1780.
Proc. for a Fast 26 April, 1780; 11 Mar, North Carolina.

Proclamation.

It having pleased the righteous Governor of the world, for the punishment of our manifold offences, to permit the sword of war still to harass our country, it becomes us, by humbling ourselves before him and turning from every evil way, to avert his anger and obtain his favour and blessing. It is therefore hereby recommended to the several States That Wednesday, the 26th day of April next, be set apart and observed as a day of fasting, humilation and prayer, that we may with one heart and one voice implore the sovereign Lord of Heaven and earth to remember mercy in his judgments; to make us sincerely penitent for our transgressions; to prepare us for deliverance, and to remove the evils which he hath been pleased to visit us; to banish vice and irreligion from amongst us, and establish piety and virtue by his divine grace; to bless all public councils throughout the United States, giving them wisdom, firmness and unanimity, and directing them to the best measures for the public good; to bless the magistrates & people of every rank, and animate and unite the hearts of all to promote the interests of their country; to bless the public defence, inspiring all commanders and soldiers with magnanimity & perseverance and giving vigor and success to the military operations by sea and land to bless the illustrious sovereign and the nation in alliance with these states, and all who interest themselves in the support of our rights and liberties; to make that alliance of perpetual and extensive usefulness to those immediately concerned and mankind in general; to grant fruitful seasons & to bless our industry, trade and manufactures; to bless all schools and Seminaries of learning and every means of instruction & education, to cause wars to cease and to establish peace amongst the nations.

And it is further recommended that servile labour and recreations be forbidden on the said day.

Done in Congress this the eleventh day of March, in the year

-------------------- page 200 --------------------
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty, and in the fourth year of our independence.

SAM. HUNTINGTON, President.
Attest,
Chas. Thomson, Jun.