IN CONGRESS 
DECEMBER 11, 1776. 

WHEREAS, the just War into which the United States of America have been 
forced by Great-Britain, is likely to be still continued by the same 
Violence and Injustice which have hitherto animated the Enemies of American 
freedom: And, whereas it becomes all public Bodies, as well as
private Persons, to reverence the Providence of GOD, and look up to 
him as the supreme Disposer of all Events, and the Arbiter of the Fate of 
Nations: Therefore the CONGRESS hereby
RESOLVE, 

That it be recommended to all the States, as soon as possible to appoint 
a Day of solemn Fasting and Humiliation, to implore of Almighty GOD the 
Forgiveness of the many Sins prevailing among all Ranks, and to beg the 
Countenance and Assistance of his Providence in the Prosecution of this 
just and necessary War. The Congress do also in the most earnest manner 
recommend to all the Members of the United States, and particularly to 
the Officers civil and military under them, the Exercise of Repentance 
and Reformation; and further, do require of the said Officers of the 
military Department, the strict Observation of the Articles of War in 
general, and particularly that of said articles which forbids profane 
Swearing, and all other Immoralities; of which all such Officers are
desired to take Notice. It is left to each State to issue Proclamations 
fixing the Day that appear most proper for their several Bounds. 
Extract from the Minutes, 

CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary. 



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PROCLAMATION. 

WHEREAS, in just Punishment of our manifold Transgressions, it hath pleased
the Supreme Disposer of all Events to visit these United States with a 
calamitous War, through which his Divine Providence hath hitherto in a 
wonderful Manner conducted us, so that we might acknowledge that the Race 
is not to the Swift, nor the Battle to the Strong: AND WHEREAS, 
notwithstanding the Chastisements received and Benefits bestowed, too few 
have been sufficiently awakened to a Sense of their Guilt, or warmed with 
Gratitude, or taught to amend their Lives and turn from their Sins, that
so he might turn his Wrath: AND WHEREAS, from a Consciousness of what we 
have merited at his Hands, and an Apprehension that the Malevolence of our 
disappointed Enemies, like the Incredulity of Pharaoh, may be used as the 
Scourge of Omnipotence to vindicate his slighted Majesty, there is Reason 
to fear that he may permit much of our Land to become the Prey of the
Spoiler, our Borders to be ravaged, and our Habitations destroyed: 

RESOLVED, 
THAT it be recommended to the several States to appoint the First Thursday 
in May next to be a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer to Almighty God, 
that he will be pleased to avert those impending Calamities which we have 
but too well deserved: That he will grant us his Grace to repent of our Sins, 
and amend our Lives according to his Holy Word: That he will continue that 
wonderful Protection which hath led us through the Paths of Danger and 
Distress: That he will be a Husband to the Widow, and a Father to the 
fatherless Children, who weep over the Barbarities of a Savage
Enemy: That he will grant us Patience in Suffering, and Fortitude in 
Adversity: That he will inspire us with Humility, Moderation, and Gratitude 
in prosperous Circumstances: That he will give Wisdom to our Councils, 
Firmness to our Resolutions, and Victory to our Arms: That he will bless 
the Labours of the Husbandman, and pour forth Abundance, so that we may 
enjoy the Fruits of the Earth in due Season: That he will cause Union, 
Harmony, and mutual Confidence to prevail throughout these
States: That he will bestow on our great Ally all those Blessings which 
may enable him to be gloriously instrumental in protecting the Rights of 
Mankind, and promoting the Happiness of his Subjects: That he will 
bountifully continue his paternal Care to the Commander in Chief, and the
Officers and Soldiers of the United States: That he will grant the 
Blessings of Peace to all contending Nations, Freedom to those who are in 
Bondage, and Comfort to the Afflicted: That he will diffuse
Useful Knowledge, extend the Influence of True Religion, and give us 
that Peace of Mind which the World cannot give: That he will be our 
Shield in the Day of Battle, our Comforter in the Hour of
Death, and our kind Parent and merciful Judge through Time and through 
Eternity. 

Done in CONGRESS, this Twentieth Day of March, 
in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Nine, 
and in the Third Year of our Independence. 

JOHN JAY, President. 
Attest. CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.