Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1839-11-28
From the Watcbtnan OF the South.
TO The PEOPLE or THE STATE OF VIRGINIA.

We have ventured TO nd
dress YOU, TO recommend throughout the Common
wealth the observance Of a Day of Thanksgiving
10 the Almighty God, for TIM abundant blessings
bestowed on us as u People. We have fell Justified
in taking this step. because this IL the only place IN
the Stale where the Ministers Of Religion Of differ
ent Denominations reside IN considerable numbers;
and from which frequent and constant communion
ton is maintained with all paris OF the State. ne
expression Of a wish from many IN the State has
reached US, that such a course should be adopted.
Ii seemed to us, therefore. that we we're not mere
" not departing from our proper course, as citizens
OF Virginia, TO recommend to our ffllo~-citizens
such a measure, but that We were called upon oy
motives Of ~rropriety ard duty to do u.
We. therefore, do respectfully recommend 10 our
felIow.citizens throughout, the State, the observance
of the 18Th day Of December. following, "es a Day
Of Thanksgiving to Almighty God, for the abundant
fmitfulness Of the earth, and tie other blessings
vouchsafed to us during the year"
This ia a time-honorcd custom in many OF our
sister States. And in several Of them, some day
during the present month, has been appointed for
that purpose. II is sanctioned, too, by an authosi-
~ 10 which every American is accustomed 10 bow
With reverence. The journals OF the old Congress
present frequent notices Of recommendations by
thar body 10 The people Of this country, 10 observe,
NOT only DAYS Of humiliation, fasting. and prayer.
but days Of Thanksgiving for mercies received
tFN
From one az those. published October 10, 1888, at
The close OF the war, we made . short extract, ms
pertineut 10 this OCCASION. After euumernting the
chief causes of national ihankfulness, connected
with the result Of the Revolutionary contest, the
document continues ~" And, above all, that He
hath been pleased to continue to US the light OF the
blessed Gospel, and to secure 10 US in the fullest ex-
tent, the rights Of conscience in faith and worship.
And. while our heats overflow, and our lips set
forth the praises Of our Great Creator, that we also
offer up fefvent supplications, that IL may please
Him TO pardon all our offences; to give wisdom and
~unsnimity 10 our public counse.s; TO cement I'll
our citizens in the bonds Of affection; and TO inspire
them with earnest regard for the national honor
and interest; 10 enable them 10 improve the days
Of prosperity by every good work, and 70 be lovers
Of peace and tranquility that He may be pleased
70 bless Us IN our husbandry, commerce, and navi-
cation. 10 cause pure religion and virtue 10 flourish,
10 give peace TO all nations, and TO hll the world
with his glory These were the sentiments OF our
old Congress. at the close Of a contest, "on which,
"a thew we'll saw in the same document, the most
essential rights of human nature depended How
frequently from that assembly went forth the war
ming To remind the people to consecraie 10 God the
na,iop's anguish and the nations Joy, may be seen
from the muck recurrence OF their recommendation
of a general religious observance, either Of praise or
PRAYER. throughout the land Of which, from l774
- l7a3. there are not less than sixteen. 10 that
body Of enlightened statefnen, with whom, If any