Posted on 11/23/2004 12:49:44 PM PST by BushFaninATL
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 Houses 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 and 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 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 enable 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 has 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 show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase 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 3d dy of October, A.D. 1789.
Yeah, it's a shame that the true origin of Thanksgiving, like the true origin of our very system of government, has been hidden for so long that the public hasn't a clue. A day or two after the election, I read some typical spew-to-the-editor in which a blue-stater threw out their "fact" that they would be celebrating Thanksgiving, which was most definitely NOT related to religion or God in any way, despite the fact that we ignorant snake-handlers had managed to usurp it for so many years. It's staggering to look at just how much of the American heritage and culture has been utterly erased in a spell of forty years.
MM
A Little Known Thanksgiving: In June of 1663, 60 women and children were kidnapped by Indians from Esopus (now Kingston) NY in the Hudson Valley. Every Wednesday in New Amsterdam was declared a day of fasting and prayer, until they could be rescued. This was harder than it sounded, as the British were threatening the Dutch colony, and the army could not be spared. Seven men, of the husbands and fathers of the kidnapped, pressed for the rescue. In September of that year, after new colonists reinforced the city, the army and the 7 men tried to rescue them. They had been moved. On the second try, there was success. A day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed throughout the colony of New Amsterdam.
The town history of Kingston gives a further story about the rescue. Knowing that the rescue party was approaching, the Indians were about to kill the women and children. They began to sing a song. It was Psalm 137, undoubtedly in Dutch. The Indians, whether by the custom of listening to a death song, or for whatever reason, were listening. The rescuers came upon them, and the captives were rescued alive.
Psalm 137:
"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion...For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?...O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us..."
One of the seven was a Dutch man, who rescued his family. He was one of my Mother's ancestors. One of the seven was a French Huguenot man who rescued his family. He was my Father's ancestor. A few years later, the families were parted. About 290 years later they met again, in the persons of my parents.
Head Quarters, Cambridge, November 18, 1775.
Parole Amboy. Countersign Bristol.
There was a mistake in the Entry of the General Orders of yesterday. The Hon: the Continental Congress have thought proper to allow the first and second Lieutenants, the same pay, viz: Eighteen Dollars a month to each and the Ensigns thirteen Dollars and 1/3 of a dollar.
The Commissary General to order all the Horns of the Bullocks, that are killed for the Use of the Army, to be saved and sent to the Qr Mr General, who is also to provide as many as he can get, and have the whole made into good powder horns, for the Use of the troops.
The Honorable the Legislature of this Colony having thought fit to set apart Thursday the 23d of November Instant, as a day of public thanksgiving "to offer up our praises, and prayers to Almighty God, the Source and Benevolent Bestower of all good; That he would be pleased graciously to continue, to smile upon our Endeavours, to restore peace, preserve our Rights, and Privileges, to the latest posterity; prosper the American Arms, preserve and strengthen the Harmony of the United Colonies, and avert the Calamities of a civil war." The General therefore commands that day to be observed with all the Solemnity directed by the Legislative Proclamation, and all Officers, Soldiers and others, are hereby directed, with the most unfeigned Devotion, to obey the same.
Any Non Commissioned Officers, or Soldiers, confin'd on Account of leaving the Detachment, commanded by Col Arnold, in any of the main, or quarter Guards of the Army, are to be immediately released.
George Washington, November 30, 1777, General Orders
Head Quarters, White Marsh, November 30, 1777.
Parole Northampton. Countersigns Greenland, Portsmouth.
On the 25th of November instant, the Honorable Continental Congress passed the following resolve, vizt:
Resolved. That General Washington be directed to publish in General orders, that Congress will speedily take into consideration the merits of such officers as have distinguished themselves by their intrepidity and their attention to the health and discipline of their men; and adopt such regulations as shall tend to introduce order and good discipline into the army, and to render the situation of the officers and soldiery, with respect to cloathing and other necessaries, more eligible than it has hitherto been.
Forasmuch as it is the indispensible duty of all men, to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with gratitude their obligations to him for benefits received, and to implore such further blessings as they stand in need of; and it having pleased him in his abundant mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also, to smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defence of our unalienable rights and liberties.78
[Note 78: This preliminary statement was taken from the resolve of Congress of November 1 recommending the States to set apart a day of Thanksgiving. It was to Washington on November 7 and answered by him on November 10.]
It is therefore recommended by Congress, that Thursday the 18th. day of December next be set apart for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise; that at one time, and with one voice, the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that, together with their sincere acknowledgements and offerings they may join the penitent confession of their sins; and supplications for such further blessings as they stand in need of. The Chaplains will properly notice this recommendation, that the day of thanksgiving may be duly observed in the army, agreeably to the intentions of Congress.
AFTER ORDERS
The whole army are to be under arms to morrow morning, at five o'clock, if it should not rain or snow. Lord Stirling's division are to lay upon their arms and be ready to turn out at a minute's warning.
George Washington, December 17, 1777, General Orders
Head Quarters, at the Gulph, December 17, 1777.
Parole Warwick. Countersigns Woodbridge, Winchester.
The Commander in Chief with the highest satisfaction expresses his thanks to the officers and soldiers for the fortitude and patience with which they have sustained the fatigues of the Campaign. Altho' in some instances we unfortunately failed, yet upon the whole Heaven hath smiled on our Arms and crowned them with signal success; and we may upon the best grounds conclude, that by a spirited continuance of the measures necessary for our defence we shall finally obtain the end of our Warfare, Independence, Liberty and Peace. These axe blessings worth contending for at every hazard. But we hazard nothing. The power of America alone, duly exerted, would have nothing to dread from the force of Britain. Yet we stand not wholly upon our ground. France yields us every aid we ask, and there are reasons to believe the period is not very distant, when she will take a more active part, by declaring war against the British Crown. Every motive therefore, irresistably urges us, nay commands us, to a firm and manly perseverance in our opposition to our cruel oppressors, to slight difficulties, endure hardships, and contemn every danger. The General ardently wishes it were now in his power, to conduct the troops into the best winter quarters. But where are these to be found ? Should we retire to the interior parts of the State, we should find them crowded with virtuous citizens, who, sacrificing their all, have left Philadelphia, and fled thither for protection. To their distresses humanity forbids us to add. This is not all, we should leave a vast extent of fertile country to be despoiled and ravaged by the enemy, from which they would draw vast supplies, and where many of our firm friends would be exposed to all the miseries of the most insulting and wanton depredation. A train of evils might be enumerated, but these will suffice. These considerations make it indispensibly necessary for the army to take such a position, as will enable it most effectually to prevent distress and to give the most extensive security; and in that position we must make ourselves the best shelter in our power. With activity and diligence Huts may be erected that will be warm and dry. In these the troops will be compact, more secure against surprises than if in a divided state and at hand to protect the country. These cogent reasons have determined the General to take post in the neighbourhood of this camp; and influenced by them, he persuades himself, that the officers and soldiers, with one heart, and one mind, will resolve to surmount every difficulty, with a fortitude and patience, be coming their profession, and the sacred cause in which they are engaged. He himself will share in the hardship, and partake of every inconvenience.
To morrow being the day set apart by the Honorable Congress for public Thanksgiving and Praise; and duty calling us devoutely to express our grateful acknowledgements to God for the manifold blessings he has granted us. The General directs that the army remain in it's present quarters, and that the Chaplains perform divine service with their several Corps and brigades. And earnestly exhorts, all officers and soldiers, whose absence is not indispensibly necessary, to attend with reverence the solemnities of the day.
George Washington, December 22, 1778, General Orders
Head Quarters, Middle Brook, Tuesday, December 22, 1778.
Parole Narraganset. Countersigns Otis, Portsmouth.
At a General Court Martial whereof Majr. Genl. Lord Stirling was President, held the 4th. of July last at Brunswick and at other times and places afterwards by Adjournment for the trial of Majr. Genl. Lee on the following charges:
First: For disobedience of orders in not attacking the Enemy on the 28th. of June agreeable to repeated instructions.
Secondly: For Misbehaviour before the Enemy on the same day by making an unnecessary, disorderly and shameful Retreat.
Thirdly: For disrespect to the Commander in Chief in two Letters dated the 1st. of July and the 28th. of June.
The Court passed sentence on the Case in the following Words: "The Court having considered the first Charge against Major General Lee, the Evidence and his defence, are of opinion that he is guilty of disobedience of Orders in not attacking the Enemy on the 28th. of June agreeable to repeated instructions; being a breach of the latter part of Article 5th. section 2nd. of the Articles of War.
The Court having considered the second Charge against Major General Lee, the Evidence and his defence, are of opinion he is guilty of Misbehaviour before the Enemy on the 28th. of June by making an unnecessary, and in some few instances a disorderly retreat, being a breach of the 13th. Article of the 13th. Section of the Articles of War.
The Court having considered the third charge against Major General Lee, are of opinion that he is guilty of disrespect to the Commander in Chief in two letters dated the 1st of July and 28th. of June, being a breach of the 2nd. Article, section 2nd. of the Articles of War.
The Court do sentence Major General Lee to be suspended from any command in the Armies of The United States of North America for the term of twelve Months.
The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to confirm the foregoing sentence as follows:
In Congress, December 5, 1778.
Resolved, "That the sentence of the general court martial upon Major General Lee, be carried into execution."
At a General Court Martial whereof Majr. General Lincoln was President held at White Plains the 23rd. of August last for the trial of Majr. Genl. St. Clair on the following charges:
First: With Neglect of duty under the 5th. Article of the 18th. section of the rules and Articles of War.
Second: With Cowardice, with Treachery, with Incapacity as a General, respectively, under the 5th. Article of the 18th. section of the rules and articles of War.
Third: With Treachery, under the 5th. Article of the 18th. section of the rules and articles of War.
Fourth: With inattention to the Progress of the Enemy, with Treachery, with Incapacity as a General respectively, under the 5th. Article of the 18th. section of the Rules and Articles of War.
Fifth: With shamefully abandoning the Post of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence in his charge, under the 12th. Article of the 13th. section of the rules and articles of War.
The Court passed sentence on this case in the following words: "The Court having duly considered the charges against Major General St. Clair and the evidence, are unanimously of opinion that he is not guilty of either of the charges against him and do unanimously acquit him of all and every of them with the highest Honor."
The Honorable, The Congress have been pleased to confirm the above sentence as follows:
In Congress, December 16, 1778.
Resolved, "That the sentence of the general court martial, acquitting Major General St. Clair, with the highest honor, of the charges exhibited against him, be, and is hereby confirmed."
At a General Court Martial held at the White Plains whereof Major General Lincoln was President for the trial of Major General Schuyler:
The Court having considered the charge against Major General Schuyler, the evidence and his defence, are unanimously of opinion that he is not guilty of "Any Neglect of duty in not being at Ticonderoga as charged," and the Court do acquit him with the highest Honor.
The Honorable, The Congress have been pleased to confirm the above sentence as follows:
In Congress, December 3, 1778.
Congress took into consideration the proceedings of the court martial in the trial of Major General Schuyler; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the sentence of the general court martial acquitting Major General Schuyler, with the highest honor, of the charges exhibited against him, be, and is hereby, confirmed.
The Honorable The Congress having been pleased by their Proclamation of the 21st. of November last to appoint Wednesday the 30th. instant as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise for the great and numerous Providential Mercies experienced by the People of These States in the course of the present War, the same is to be religiously observed throughout the Army in the manner therein directed, and the different Chaplains will prepare discourses suited to the Occasion.
In consideration of the exhausted State of the Country on this communication with respect to Forage, the necessary supplies of which will be with the greatest difficulty procured, after all the care, industry and oeconomy that can be used; The Commander in Chief has directed the Quarter Master General to send away from camp all the public horses that in his opinion can possibly be spared from the ordinary service of the Army. In addition to this precaution as in a stationary Camp much fewer horses will be wanted by the officers of the line in execution of the duties of their respective stations than at other times, the General particularly requests, that the General Officers will retain no more horses in camp for the use of themselves and their suites than are absolutely necessary, and that the Field Officers do endeavour to make one horse a piece suffice; The other regimental officers who are entitled to keep horses will be able to dispense with them during the Winter.
The same recommendation extends to all the staff officers entitled to keep horses, to which the General requests the attention of the heads of the several departments. The Commissary of Forage will receive the supernumerary horses and have them well provided for at a convenient place at some distance from Camp.
A Brigadier and Field Officers for the day are to be appointed. They will see the Pickets properly posted, visited and superintend the police and discipline of the camp as usual.
A Captain, two Subs, three Serjeants, a Drum and Fife and Fifty Rank and File to be sent to Bonam Town as an advanced Picket to be reliev'd every Monday 'till further orders. The Officer commanding it will receive his instructions from the Adjutant General.
George Washington, November 27, 1779, General Orders
Head Quarters, Moore's House, Saturday, November 27, 1779.
Parole Landaft. Countersigns Lexington, Leeds.
The Honorable the Congress has been pleased to pass the following proclamation.
Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our fore-fathers to this western world; for his protection to them and to their posterity amid difficulties and dangers; for raising us, their children, from deep distress to be numbered among the nations of the earth; and for arming the hands of just and mighty princes in our deliverance; and especially for that he hath been pleased to grant us the enjoyment of health, and so to order the revolving seasons, that the earth hath produced her increase in abundance, blessing the labors of the husbandmen, and spreading plenty through the land; that he hath prospered our arms and those of our ally; been a shield to our troops in the hour of danger, pointed their swords to victory and led them in triumph over the bulwarks of the foe; that he hath gone with those who went out into the wilderness against the savage tribes; that he hath stayed the hand of the spoiler, and turned back his meditated destruction; that he hath prospered our commerce, and given success to those who sought the enemy on the face of the deep; and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory: therefore,
RESOLVED, That it be recommended to the several states, to appoint Thursday, the 9th of December next, to be a day of public and solemn thanksgiving to Almighty God for his mercies, and of prayer for the continuance of his favor and protection to these United States; to beseech him that he would be graciously pleased to influence our public councils, and bless them with wisdom from on high, with unanimity, firmness, and success; that he would go forth with our hosts and crown our arms with victory; that he would grant to his church the plentiful effusions of divine grace, and pour out his holy spirit on all ministers of the gospel; that he would bless and prosper the means of education, and spread the light of christian knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth; that he would smile upon the labours of his people and cause the earth to bring forth her fruits in abundance; that we may with gratitude and gladness enjoy them; that he would take into his holy protection our illustrious ally, give him victory over his enemies, and render him signally great, as the father of his people and the protector of the rights of mankind; that he would graciously be pleased to turn the hearts of our enemies, and to dispense the blessings of peace to contending nations; that he would in mercy look down upon us, pardon our sins and receive us into his favor, and finally, that he would establish the independence of these United States upon the basis of religion and virtue, and support and protect them in the enjoyment of peace, liberty and safety.33
[Note 33: In the General Orders this resolve was condensed by sundry omissions.]
A strict observance to be paid by the Army to this proclamation and the Chaplains are to prepare and deliver discourses suitable to it.34
[Note 34: The Varick Transcripts of Washington's General Orders in the Library of Congress has the following note at this point: "The Army marching by Divisions and Brigades into Winter Quarters."]
Continental Congress, October 11, 1782, Proclamation on Thanksgiving Observation
By the United States in Congress assembled.
PROCLAMATION.
IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.
Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.
JOHN HANSON, President.
Charles Thomson, Secretary.
George Washington, November 14, 1782, General Orders
Head Quarters, Newburgh, Thursday, November 14, 1782.
Parole Quebec. Countersigns Rockingham, Shrewsbury.
For duty tomorrow the v.d. Massachusetts regret.
The enormities which have been committed, and daily committing by the soldiery since we have quitted the Field are scandalous beyond description and a disgrace to any army; they must and shall be corrected, or the greatest severity take place. To effect this purpose the commander in chief desires that Major General Gates, the other General officers and commanding officers of brigades, in this Cantonment, will meet at General Gates's quarters tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock and having examined the situation of the camps they will establish such Picquets and Guards, and order such patrols as in their Judgment shall be sufficient to restrain the Soldiers within proper bounds, and every officer from the Major General, to the lowest grade is hereby called upon, for his own credit, as well as the reputation of the service to exert all his abilities to check an evil which is not less dishonorable to tile troops than oppressive to the Inhabitants.
The disorderly custom of suffering soldiers for whose conduct the officers cannot be responsible, to ramble about the country contrary to tile practice of all well regulated Armies, must be abolished; and the mode of giving passes restricted and put upon a proper footing. none are to be from Camp after retreat beating.
The rolls are frequently to be called at irregular hours during the night.
A Grand provost will be appointed by the General and there will be two field officers of the day to superintend the police of this army, who will see that the duties here enjoyned are regularly performed and that summary and exemplary punishments shall be inflicted on offenders. This order is to be read at three several evening roll callgs, and the Colonels or Commanding officers of regiments will be responsible that every soldier under their orders, is made acquainted with it that none may plead ignorance. It was much the Generals wish to have made the duty, not only while the hurts were in building but through the winter as easy and light as possible to the troops; they must therefore consider that this depends entirely upon their own behavior, for they alone must abide the consequencies, if their irregular conduct shall render an increase of duty and rigour indispensable.
Congress having been pleased to set a part Thursday the 28th. instant as a day of Solemn thanksgiving to god for all his Mercies, The General desires it may be most religiously observed by the army; and that the Chaplains will prepare discourses suitable to the occasion.
The regimental Surgeons are desired to make weekly returns of their sick, to Doctr. Townsend1 at the flying hospital, New Windsor on Saturdays.
[Note 1: David Townsend, Hospital Physician and Surgeon of the Continental Army. He served to the dose of the war.]
George Washington, November 27, 1782, General Orders
Head Quarters, Newburgh, Wednesday, November 17, 1782.
Parole Gibraltar. Countersigns Hannover, Ilchester.
For the day tomorrow Lt. Colonel Hull, and Major Morrill.
For duty the 2d. Newhampshire regiment.
The honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolve.
By the United States in Congress assembled November 12th. 1782.
Whereas no provision has been made by Congress for the geographers to the armies of the United States; therefore,
Resolved, That the geographer to the main army and the geographer to the southern department, be each of them allowed sixty dollars per month, three rations per day, forage for two saddle horses, one two-horse covered waggon, six dollars and two-thirds of a dollar per month for a servant, for whom they shall be entitled to draw one ration per day, and the cloathing allowed to a private soldier.
That the assistant geographers if such officer shall be judged necessary by the Commander in Chief, be allowed thirty dollars per month, one ration per day, and forage for one saddle horse.
That when chain-bearers shall be employed, not being soldiers, they shall each be allowed half a dollar per day.
The Cloathier general having reported that he can make a distribution of shoes, stockings, and a few blankets to the troops, the regimental Paymasters are directed to call for their respective proportions.
The Commander in Chief has the pleasure of announcing that a delivery of two shirts per man will shortly be made to the whole Army.
Tomorrow being thanksgiving day a Gill of West India rum per man is to be delivered to the troops.
The Fatigue party from the 10th. Massa. regimt. employed in removing Military Stores from Fishkill landing and Fishkill are to be relieved this afternoon by a like number from the 9th. The 10th. regiment being to march to Verplanks point tomorrow to assist in repairing the Fortifications at that post. Colonel Tupper will please to apply at Head Quarters this evening for instructions.
Moral Absolutes Ping - Here's what G. Washington had to say about the Supreme Being. Washington had a way with words. Very beautifully written.
Let me know if anyone wants on/off this pinglist.
Odd how the pro-porn advocates think that their vice would be condoned by such great men as Washington, or that the Constitution inherently protects porn.
Thank you! I will save that!
A gill is equal to four ounces.
Thanks George!
Of course it does. The First Amendment prohibit the creation of a national religion, it does not prohibit the endorsement of religion. Endorsement is not establishment.
The real object of the First Amendment was not to countenance much less to advance Mohammedanism, or Judaism, or infidelity, by prostrating Christianity, but to exclude all rivalry among Christian sects [denominations] and to prevent any national ecclesiastical patronage of the national government. - Justice Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833.
Thomas Jefferson to Danbury, Connecticut, Baptist Association, January 1, 1802, with Copy
Thank you, I know what a gill is. I read Horatio Hornblower.
I don't know when government began the funding or regulation of public schools, but I know as sure as I'm sitting here that lessons in Christianity were taught in our schools in the very early 1800's. I've seen, read, and sold the books.
Judging from your reply to me I know you'd be astonished to learn just how much the Christian faith was integrated into the teaching in American schools of morals and values. I'm not saying that any specific denomination of Christianity was taught in schools, but what they did was take a lesson in morality or character from the Bible and put it amongst other lessons from secular history to teach American children how to behave in society. This stuff was as common as the gray squirrel.
I fully understand, that's why I said they're winning the "battle", (meaning in our modern times). But they will absolutely lose the war.
The original McGuffey Readers, published in the mid-1830s, were unabashedly Protestant. The second edition, published in the 1870s, was less religious (probably because of the influx of Roman Catholics into the US) but still moralistic. They were in use until 1920s.
I've seen these, (sold a couple on eBay long ago). They even said a few nasty things about 'popery'.
I think you've misjudged me. To address your concerns, I'm not upset about the Christian content in early American schools. I was questioning Jefferson's (that is, the federal government's) involvement.
I understand that, sorry if I came accross as otherwise.
It's not so much that the Federal government was actively involved with Christianity and public schools, it was more like the school teachers, administrators and society in general were practicing Christians, and viewing Christian morals and principles as healthy for our country the government simply remained silent and let it be. My impression is that "the government" back in those times was much more intertwined with 'we-the-people', and vise versa. Bear in mind that back then people still (rightly) believed that all civilized law derived from the Ten Commandments, and that it was therefore impossible to separate the two. So I would say the schools taught Christian morals, values and principles, but not actual theology.
All this widespread objection to prayer in public schools and the suppression of Christian symbols on public property is a fairly new phenomenon, in any case.
"Every new and successful example of a perfect separation between ecclesiastical and civil matters is of importance."
-- James Madison, letter to Edward Livingston, July 10, 1822.
"The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries."
-- James Madison, letter objecting to the use of government land for churches, 1803, quoted from James A. Haught, ed., 2000 Years of Disbelief
"I have ever regarded the freedom of religious opinions and worship as equally belonging to every sect."
-- James Madison, letter to Mordecai Noah, May 15, 1818, quoted from Albert J. Menendez and Edd Doerr, The Great Quotations on Religious Freedom
"Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other Sects?"
-- James Madison, A Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments, addressed to the Virginia General Assemby, 1785
"Religion flourishes in greater purity without than with the aid of government."
-- James Madison, letter to Edward Livingston, July 10, 1822, quoted from Albert J. Menendez and Edd Doerr, The Great Quotations on Religious Freedom
In the '50s and '60s, we had song books in Music class in NY State public school. About 25% of the songs were Protestant hymns.
Governor De Witt Clinton of New York State started the first public school system in the United States right around 1843 after Free Masons had previously taken up a collection of coins on the streets of New York to start the first free public school for orphans. That Free Mason school was very successful and Governor De Witt Clinton, who was a 32nd degree Free Mason, followed their example and push a law thru state legislature authorizing the first public school in America that was totally paid for by tax on citizens of the state.
It is also interesting to note that around 1850 the National Education Association was started. It was totally controlled by Free Masons (it was not possible to be in a position of leadership in NEA unless you were a Free Mason) right on up until 1954 when Free Masons released leadership of NEA and "females" were allowed in leadership positions. NEA is still today heavily influenced by Free Mason leadership.
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