While individual colonies and states celebrated Thanksgiving for two subsequent centuries, it wasn’t until 1863, amidst the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. [1]
In his proclamation, President Lincoln noted reasons to be grateful to God…
“In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity…
Peace has been preserved with all nations…
Order has been maintained…
Laws have been respected and obeyed…
Harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict.”
Crops continue to grow…
Commerce continues over land and sea…
New settlements are established…
Precious metals continue to be mined…
The population is growing.
“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most-High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they [these blessings] should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.” [2]
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
And declare His works with rejoicing.” [3]
[1] gospelherald.com/articles/68177/20161122/thanksgiving-2016
[2] abrahamlincolnonline.org/Lincoln/speeches/thanks
[3] Psalm 107:8-9, 21-22
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