AMERICA'S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE HOMEPAGE
Week 1 - The Founding Fathers
16. In 1782 Congress voted this resolution: �The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools.�
17. In 1777, Congress issued an official resolution instructing the Committee on Commerce to import 20,000 copies of the Bible. With the outbreak of war with England, the sea lanes had been cut off to the colonies. Copies were to be purchased from Scotland, Holland and elsewhere. The resolution passed but the Bibles were never purchased.
18. Instead, Congress began to put focus on printing Bibles in the United States. In 1777 Robert Aitken published a New Testament. Three other editions followed. Beginning with the 1779 edition Aitken�s New Testament was used in Schools. This lead to Aitken being approved by Congress to publish the Whole Bible.
19. In 1782, Congress sanctioned and supported the printing of the first American Bible by Robert Aitken and upon publication of the Bible passed this resolution: �WHEREUPON RESOLVED: That the United States in Congress assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion, as well as an instance of the progress of arts in this country, and being satisfied from the above report of his care and accuracy in the execution of the work, they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize him to publish this recommendation in the manner he shall think proper. CHA. THOMSON, Secy
20. George Washington recognized the need for religion in the military and demanded chaplains for his troops. Roy J. Honeywell's 'History of the Chaplaincy of the United States Army' traces the federal chaplaincy in this country from legislation enacted by the Continental Congress on 29 July 1775 in response to Washington's request that chaplains be provided for the Continental Army.1 Then, the chaplain's corps was augmented as a result of Washington's general orders of 9 July 1776, when the Army was quartered in New York City. These orders directed that:
�The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure for chaplains accordingly, persons of good character and exemplary lives. To see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect and attend carefully upon religions exercises. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man will endeavor so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest rights and Liberties of his country.�
21. Washington kept a prayer journal. This is one of several entries:
"Direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption, that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve thee, the ever lasting God, in righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life.
Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the Gospel. Give me repentance from dead works. Pardon my wanderings, & direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation. Teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments. Make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber. But daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life. Bless my family, friends & kindred unite us all in praising & glorifying thee in all our works begun, continued, and ended, when we shall come to make our last account before thee blessed Saviour, who hath taught us thus to pray, our Father.�
22. On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office with his hand on an open Bible. After taking the oath, he added, �I swear, so help me God.� Following Washington�s example, presidents still invoke God�s name in their swearing in ceremony. Washington�s inauguration was followed by �divine services� held in St. Paul�s Chapel, performed by the Chaplain of Congress.
23. The first Congress that convened after the adoption of the Constitution requested of the President that the people of the United States observe a day of thanksgiving and prayer. �That a joint committee of both Houses be directed to wait upon the President of the United States to request that he would 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 Constitution of Government for their safety and happiness.�
24. After the resolution was adopted, Washington issued a proclamation setting aside November 26, 1789, as a national day of thanksgiving calling everyone to �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.� Finally in 1864, Abraham Lincoln designated the last Thursday of November to be recognized as the National Holiday of Thanksgiving we celebrate today.