[New York, 3 October 1789]

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations 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
Housee 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
hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording
them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for
their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do 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-- That
we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble
thanks-- for his kind care and protection of the People of this
Country previous to their becoming a Nation-- for the signal and
manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence
which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--
for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we
have since enjoyed-- for the peaceable and rational manner, in which
we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our
safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately
instituted-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are
blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful
knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which
he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also 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 such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to
bless them with good government, peace, and concord-- To promote the
knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease 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.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October
in the year of our Lord 1789.

Very nice, thank you.


Everything sounds good except the part about "good" government. We know that's not true anymore.

Happy Thanksgiving, Imrare!
Stay safe out there.