Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1813-09-08
"a pROcL.4MA1IoM

~ AS we \. on ct The u States BIZ
~ JOINT resolution of the two Houses have
signifed request that day may be recon-
mendsd, to he observed by the people of the u.
States with religious solemniiy, as day of Pab,
&c Humiliation and PraycY and whereas IN
times of public calamity, such as thst of the
war, brought on the Uni ed States by the inius
tee of" foreign government, it is especially be-
coming, that the hearts of all should be touched
with the same, and lie eyes of all be turned TO
that Almighty PoA e., in whose hand are the
welfare and the destiny of nations: do there
fore, issue my proclapation, recommending
20 all, who shall bc piousy disposed, TO unite
their hearts aud voices in addrc ssing, ut one and
tile same time, their vows and alterations, TO
the great Parent and Sovereign OF the Universe,
that they assemble ON the second 'rhursdayin
September next, in their respective reiie ioUs
congregations, to render him thanks .or the
many blessings he has bestowed on the people OF
the United States hat he has blessc 4 Them with
land capable of yield ne all the necessarlcs
aud rcquIs itos o; human lie, with ample means
for convenient eXch ngcs With foreign coun-
trics thai he has blessed the iabors empiuyed
III is cultivation aud Improvement; that IL is
hoN~blcssng tie eXert!Ons to extend aud estab-
iiHh the arts end manufactures, which will Sc
<dre within ourselycs supplies TOO important to
remain dependant on the precarious policy, Oh
are peaceable disposition of other nat IONS and
rurtiC uiarly thar he has blessed the United
S1ates wftli political constitution, founded on
tho vail and authority OF the whole people, and
guaranteeing TO each md he security,
not only OF his person and his properly. but o,
those sacred rights OF conscience, so essential
to hlS present happiness s. dear to his future
hofe;-IRat with nose expressions OF Geyout
thank'uinesS be joined supplcations to the
same Almighty Power, Iha; he w uld look down
with compassion or our infraites, that lie
wou.d pardon our manifold transgressions, ana
awaken and strengthen IL al the wholesome
purposes cfrcpentance and amendment; that Ia
1hia season Of ,r!a and calamits lac would PIE
side IA Pecu ar manner, over our public cnuR-
ellis, and inspire all citizens ~ith love OF their
country, and with hose tratcrnal affections and
that mutual confidence, which have so happy a
tendlncy To m.S us safe at home and respected
abroad; and that, as he was grac iouslv pleased.
heretofore, to sinile or our struggles against the
atterpts III the government q the empire. OF
winch these states then made a part, 10 wrest
from them the rlghis & privileges 20 which ,hcy
were entitled IN common with every other pari.
ard praise thcmtO tIestatiun Of an indie pendeni
and sovereign people; so lie would now nc
pleased, ~ Il Ike manner, to hestoW his blesein,r
On our AIMS IN resisting the hostile ard pcrse.
yering efforts OF the same power, to degrade us
en- the ocean, The commCn inheritance OF all,
from rights and nmunities be longing and es.
sential 10 the American people, as a.co-cuual
member ofthe great community Of independent
nations and that, inspiring our enemies Wnh
moderation, with justice, and with that spirit
OF seasonable accommodation, vhchonr cotn,a
try has continued 10 manifest, we may be cha,
bed to beat our swords INTO plough shares, and
80 enjoy IN peace, every man, the fruits OF his
honest industry, aid the rewards uf his lawful
shtelprzc.
II tne public homage OF people can ever lie
worthy the favorable regard OF the Holy and On
ncent Reing to whom itis addressed, it mus,
be that, III which those who Jon IN it are guild.
ed only by their free choice, by the impulse of
their hearts ard the dictates Of their consc,.
ences; and such spectacle must he interest
ing to all Christian nations os proving hat re
lgion, that gitt Of Heaven for the good OF man,
freed from al COerciye edic,s, from TIA, unhal.
lowed connection with tie powers ofthis world.
which corrupis reilgIen into and instrument or
Al usurper oi The policy Of The state, and ma.
king no appeal but toreason, to the heart aud 20
the conscience, can spread its benign influence
every where, and can altractto th Divine Altar
those Tree wlll offerings OF humble supplcation,
thanksg giving and praise, which slone can he
acceptable uo HIM whom no hypocrioy can de-
cSivc, and % forced sacrifices propitIate.
Upon tAesc principles, aud with these sicws,
the good people OF Tic Ulntcd States are inyN-
ed, ~ conformity VIII he resolution Aforesaid,
70 dedicate tie day aboycnantd, 10 the rel gious
sOiemBites tberu recommended.
GiymgHt Washington, this twenty
t,ird day o. Juiy, IN tie year OF
our Lord one thousand eight
buGdsco and thirteen
JAMES MADISON.
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