In 1782, the United States in Congress Assembled through proclamation set forth "a day of solemn thanksgiving to God." This act of Congress provides us with great insight into the minds of those who prepared the foundation of our nation, especially a contextual understanding of the U.S. Constitution which began to be drafted not long thereafter.

This Congressional Proclamation rightfully acknowledged that God is "the giver of all good" and that it be the "indispensable duty of all nations" to "give Him praise for His goodness, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf."

This Thanksgiving I encourage you to share this proclamation with your family and friends.

The 1782 Congressional Proclamation setting forth a National Day of Thanksgiving:

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 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.

John Hanson (1715--83) was the first President of the United States in Congress Assembled. Hanson served in the Maryland provincial legislature, was active in the patriot cause in the Revolution, and was (1780--82) a member of the Continental Congress. Since he was the first President to serve the one-year term (1781--82), under the Articles of Confederation, Hanson is sometimes referred to as the first President of the United States.

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Also Read...

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation:

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 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 which we experienced 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 enabled 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 hath 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 shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease 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 third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

(signed) G. Washington

View an image of the original proclamation.

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In the beginning God spoke the creation into existence, but the Vatican, speaking against the Word of God, has habitually asserted that we evolved from a rock billions of years ago with god's help. Now, just 10 days after the conclusion of the Dover intelligent design trial, here comes their chief astronomer, George Coyne, declaring that the teaching of intelligent design alongside evolution would be "wrong". His comments, of course, just in time before a judge's decision in the Dover case.

"Intelligent design isn't science even though it pretends to be," stated Coyne, who is the Jesuit director of the Vatican Observatory. The observatory is one of the oldest astronomical research institutions in the world, and is based in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo south of Rome. "If you want to teach it in schools, intelligent design should be taught when religion or cultural history is taught, not science," he continued.

According to the American Dictionary of the English Language, the word science is defined as having "knowledge, or certain knowledge; the comprehension or understanding of truth or facts by the mind."

The Scripture teaches: "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them." (Romans 1:19) This verse refers to the conscience, which means "with knowledge".

In reality, it is Mr. Coyne who is not speaking scientifically, but is "speaking lies in hypocrisy" because his conscience was "seared with a hot iron". (1 Timothy 4:2)

In an article published in the June edition of The Tablet, a British Catholic magazine, Coyne affirmed his antiscriptural, evolutionary beliefs by writing: "If they respect the results of modern science, and indeed the best of modern biblical research, religious believers must move away from the notion of a dictator God or a designer God, a Newtonian God who made the universe as a watch that ticks along regularly."

"God in his infinite freedom continuously creates a world that reflects that freedom at all levels of the evolutionary process to greater and greater complexity," he wrote. "He is not continually intervening, but rather allows, participates, loves," Coyne concluded.

Should children be put on government buses and sent to indoctrination chambers? Of course not. Should we pay heed to any word from the Vatican? Certainly not. But, we must reach the indoctrinated, and if a door be opened, let us walk in with the truth, opposing the enemy's message, whether it be secular in nature or masqueraded as gospel.

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)

Also Read: The Dover Disaster

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It is a sad state of affairs in America when drunkenness is one of the most sought after pastimes. From college parties to jam-packed bars and clubs, college students across America are constantly seeking venues to go and share their intoxication with others.

The barrage of advertisements from Budweiser, Miller, Coors, and other companies, who use sexually-based ads to seduce young prey toward their brand of alcohol, continue to push for a more drunken America on college campuses with their false message that drunkenness equals happiness.

In an article appearing in the November 17 edition of USA Today called "Marketing to college students gets tricky for beer, wine makers," it cites Barry Glassner, a sociology professor at University of Southern California, as stating: "If you're going to attract a new group to your brand that has a chance of sticking over a lifetime, the college years are crucial."

The article reports that there is growing opposition to the beer giants clever marketing tactics, "particularly when it comes to marketing in and around [college] campuses" as "marketers have put the brakes on over-the-top college promotions, such as giant inflatable beer bottles and raucous spring break beach booths."

Yale University recently instituted a new tailgaiting policy, which was "designed to discourage binge drinking and associated unruliness, issues reverberating not only through college stadiums and arenas but entire campuses nationwide," reports USA Today. Additionally, the University of Miami "ended a sponsorship arrangement with Coors two years ago, and university president Donna Shalala says the school is phasing out another with locally headquartered Bacardi. Florida, Ohio State and Kentucky no longer allow alcohol advertising on any TV and radio broadcasts they control." [see: Colleges are reaching their limit on alcohol]

Christians must keep a watchful eye on the college campuses in their communities, and raise their voices against the destructive influence of the alcohol industry. Although opposition is growing, there is still much work to be done to combat the glorification of drunkenness in American society, and one of the best places to begin is on the college campus by speaking truth.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

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It's no surprise that some Massachusetts state legislators have now proposed a bill to soften penalties for those who engage in sex acts with animals. According to Senate Bill No. 938, bestiality would still be kept illegal (for now), but judges would have the option of allowing those who engage in such sex acts to walk away with a fine of "not more than $5,000" at a minimum. The bill would also strike down several sections of the current penal code criminalizing adultery, fornication, and the advertisement of abortion.

The four state legislators who proposed the bill are State Sen. Cynthia Creem, Sen. Robert O'Leary, Rep. Michael Festa, and Rep. David Linsky, who all helped to advocate the "legalization" of homosexual "marriage".

Under the proposed legislation, the wording of the exisiting law would be changed to: "Whoever commits a sexual act on an animal shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 20 years or in a house of correction for not more than 2 1/2 years, or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment," providing for softer penalties.

Since Massachusetts is ruled by those who favor sodomy and other sexually deviant behavior, it is without question that if the bill is passed those who engage in bestiality will be walking away from their grevious crimes with a slap on the wrist and a pat on the back.

During a public hearing on November 1 in the Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary, no one from the public testified against the measure. I am assuming that all the Christians in the state must have been at a Bible study, but perhaps they will come forward when the bill becomes law.

"Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion [perversion]." (Leviticus 18:23)

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In July of 2004, Michael Marcavage and Dennis Green of Life and Liberty Ministries (LLM) were returning from several days of ministry work at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. While traveling through Connecticut in LLM's "Truth Truck", police pulled the vehicle over to demand that the signs displaying the reality of abortion be removed, and then proceeded to arrest Michael Marcavage for filming the encounter.

Marcavage was charged with two bogus crimes, which were: "Interfering with a police officer" and "Reckless use of a highway by a pedestrian". Dennis Green, the driver, was then ordered to drive out of the state with the truck or he would be arrested as well.

After many months, the prosecution has now decided to no longer pursue the charges against Marcavage, and have entered a Nolle Prosequi with the court.

Nolle Prosequi is defined as:

Latin for "we shall no longer prosecute." At trial, this is an entry made on the record by a prosecutor in a criminal case stating that he will no longer pursue the matter. An entry of nolle prosequi may be made at any time after charges are brought and before a verdict is returned or a plea entered. Essentially, it is an admission on the part of the prosecution that some aspect of its case against the defendant has fallen apart. Most of the time, prosecutors need a judge's permission to "nol-pros" a case.

For more information about this case, please read:

Trooper kicks pro-lifer out of state
Abortion images on truck barred, detainee called 'Jesus freak'
WorldNetDaily

'Constitution State' Troopers Trample Pro-Lifers' Rights
AgapePress

Connecticut State Trooper to Pro-Lifer: "Get Out of Town by Sundown"
AFA Center for Law & Policy Press Release

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According to newly discovered documents, Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito was proud of the pro-life efforts he backed while working in the solicitor general's office during the Reagan-era, but more recent statements reveal that he has "great respect" for the 1973 Supreme Court decision to kill babies.

In 1985, Alito wrote that he was "particularly proud" of his Reagan-era work in helping the government argue that "the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion." Alito's statements were included in a document while applying to become deputy assistant attorney general in the Reagan administration. He further stated in the document that he helped to "advance legal positions in which I personally believe very strongly."

Now, fast forward 20 years...

After being nominated by President Bush, Judge Alito met with Senator Joe Lieberman in private. After this meeting, Senator Lieberman told reporters that Alito assured him that "Roe [the decision to kill babies] was precedent on which people, a lot of people, relied and had been precedent now for decades and therefore deserved great respect." A position that the judge reiterated on several occassions since his nomination.

What Alito wrote 20 years ago is certainly good news, but recent statements should prompt serious questions about his stance on the killing of children through abortion. Precedent is not the law of the land; the Constitution is the law, which protects "life", and any other "law" should not be given "great respect".

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." (Luke 6:45)

Recommended Reading: From Roberts to Miers, Christian Leaders are Dead Wrong

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It is without question that Muslims are willing to die for what they believe; however, they are not doing the work of God, but of a deadly religion that holds so many in bondage to its false teachings. The Muslims I am speaking of are not those who reject the teachings of the Koran, but to the faithful followers around the world who embrace its words, who kill and destroy in the name of their religion.

This past Sunday, an Iraqi woman confessed on Jordanian state television that she tried to blow herself up during a hotel wedding reception last week, saying that the explosives concealed under her dress failed to detonate. Although her attempt failed, her husband was successful in blowing himself up, killing many and accomplishing his religion's objective.

The now widowed wife said that she and her late husband were wearing explosive-laden belts when they walked into the ballroom of a Radisson hotel where hundreds of guests, including children, were attending a Jordanian-Palestinian wedding reception.

"My husband wore a belt and put one on me. He taught me how to use it, how to pull the (primer cord) and operate it," she said. "My husband detonated (his bomb). I tried to explode (my belt) but it wouldn't. I left, people fled running and I left running with them," she concluded.

What drives such people to do such things? Their religion, not faceless terrorism.

Oh, dear follower of Islam, won't you come to the cross of Christ. Religion destroys, Jesus saves!

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

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The Dover Area School District in south-central Pennsylvania was making progress when its school board became the first in the country to include the notion of intelligent design in its curriculum in October 2004. Of course, it was only a matter of time for some parents to come forward and sue the school.

The group of parents insisted that no child be told that there could be intelligence behind the creation, and demanded that all students be solely taught they evolved from a rock billions of years ago. The case made its way to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and after a 40-day trial, things were looking good. Then, the Dover Disaster happened. The next day, election day, eight of the school board's nine incumbents lost to challengers who promised to remove the notion of their being an intelligent Creator from its science classes.

Bryan Rehm, one of the winning board members and a former teacher at Dover High School, said the new board will hold a public meeting to decide the precise future of the policy. He said intelligent design will no longer be a part of the science curriculum, regardless of how the court rules.

The Dover Disaster is just another warning to parents across America to remove their children from the government schools, which have become indoctrination chambers. Additionally, what happened in Dover should propel God-fearing people to run for school board seats in their communities, and follow the lead of the former Dover Area School Board by standing in the gap for our nation's children.

Meanwhile, we await the court's decision, and whether it be victory or defeat, the Word of God still declares: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good." (Psalm 53:1)

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Welcome to the RA Notebook! The RA Notebook includes Michael Marcavage's blog and The Repent America Report, which will provide you with inside information into major current events and the very latest in ministry activities.

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A major trucking company has agreed to pull ads appearing in various homosexual publications after Repent America discovered the ads and notified company executives. The company cited the problem as being an error on behalf of their ad agency.

In an e-mail message to RA, a company executive stated: "...we have put a stop to it immediately and have told them to go through every statewide newspaper service we use to make sure another situation like this doesn't exist. Thk u [sic] for bringing this to my attention, that gave us the opportunity to correct a mistake."

"This company's ad appeared alongside other ads soliciting sex. We are thankful that their advertising dollars will no longer go to support the homosexual agenda," Michael Marcavage stated.

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Michael Marcavage, who was arrested last month for criminal trespass during the Chester County Pridefest in Phoenixville, PA, was found not guilty by Judge Ted Michaels in district court Thursday afternoon.

Marcavage was arrested by police around 2:15 p.m. on Oct. 2 while holding his Bible and attempting to minister the Gospel to those in attendance at the annual homosexual event. Police arrested Marcavage at the public event because organizers ordered his removal.

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