FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: John Hancock and the Proclamation of March 4, 1793
John Hancock
(QUICK READ) — Measured by its physical size, John Hancock’s signature on the Declaration of Independence was the most prominent among the 56 signers of the document that first proclaimed America’s separation from Great Britain.
But that prominence was by no means Hancock’s sole contribution to the revolutionary cause and to the establishment and securing of the American constitutional republic.
Hancock was Governor of Massachusetts in 1793 and an influential voice across the country. His proclamation of March 4 designated April 19 as the day of “Public Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer” for God’s continued protection of the young American nation.
The French Revolution was in full swing at the time and there was tremendous pressure from the rebels in France for the U.S. to aid their cause. It was during this period of intense public debate in America on the issue that the Genet affair took place. Hancock’s proclamation was intended to help cool things down and encourage civil debate.
“That with true contrition of heart we may confess our sins, resolve to forsake them, and implore the Divine forgiveness, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, our Savior. . . . And finally, to overrule all the commotions in the world to the spreading the true religion of our Lord Jesus Christ in its purity and power among all the people of the earth.” – John Hancock, Proclamation for Day of Public Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, March 4, 1793. Cited by Mark Strand.
Go here to read the full text of the proclamation.
Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States of America.
Many of the quotes reprinted in HillFaith’s “The Faith of The Founders” weekly series of 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 from Mark Strand, author of the Daily Inspirations email he shares on request here and that HillFaith highly recommends to all congressional aides, be they working on Capitol Hill or in a state or district office back home.
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).