Thursday, November 26, 1998

Washington's words remain timely today

After the Pilgrims first set their table of thanks in the New World, some 168 years passed before President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation in the United States of America on Oct. 3, 1789.

Washington's words remind us that along with the blessings of a bountiful nation come the obligation to make ourselves worthy of the great legacy of that nation:

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations," Washington wrote, "to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits and humbly to implore His protection and favor; 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 public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful heart the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

"Now, therefore, do I recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being Who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be."

Washington went on to ask, "That we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace and concord, to promote the knowledge and practice of science among them and us; and generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best."

As we join with our families in giving thanks this week, let us also pray for the courage and wisdom to continue achieving the American ideal of civil and religious liberty Washington defined for us so well.