FAITH OF AMERICA’S FOUNDERS: John Hancock Tells Continental Congress to Pray on a Dark Day of Our Revolution
(QUICK READ) — “In circumstances as dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments … at the same time, all confidence must be withheld from the means we use; and reposed only on that God rules in the armies of Heaven, and without His whole blessing, the best human counsels are but foolishness …
“Resolved; …Thursday the 11th of May… to humble themselves before God under the heavy judgments felt and feared, to confess the sins that have deserved them, to implore the Forgiveness of all our transgressions and a spirit of repentance and reformation … and a Blessing on the … Union of the American Colonies in Defense of their Rights [for which hitherto we desire to thank Almighty God] … That the people of Great Britain and their rulers may have their eyes opened to discern the things that shall make for the peace of the nation … for the redress of America’s many grievances, the restoration of all her invaded liberties, and their security to the latest generations.” — John Hancock, A Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer, with a total abstinence from labor and recreation. Proclamation on April 15, 1775. Coourtesy of Mark Strand
Quotes reprinted in HillFaith’s “The Faith of The Founders” posts are compiled from Benjamin F. Morris’ classic work, “The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States.” Morris, an historian and pastor, published the first edition more than a century ago.
Quotations are also compiled by Mark Strand, author of the Daily Inspirations email he shares on request here and that HillFaith highly recommends to Hill aides.
Mark was for 16 years President of the Congressional Institute, and he is a former fellow of the Harvard Institute of Politics. He was also a 24-year veteran congressional staffer, including four years as Chief of Staff to Sen. James Talent (R-Missouri).