LilMikeSF#FunFact #OTD 1776 the Continental Congress had declared Friday, May 17, 1776, as a national day of “Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer” the proclamation specifically referenced seeking forgiveness in the "merits and mediation of Jefus Chrift".
The text drafted by a New Jersey delegate stated “it becomes the indispensable duty of these hitherto free and happy colonies, with true penitence of heart, and the most reverent devotion, publickly to acknowledge the over ruling providence of God.”
While proposed by a New Jersey delegate, in Massachusetts numerous copies were printed for distribution to every congregation, replacing the British “God Save the King” with “God Save This People.”
Congress was framing the war as a divine test, asking for aid of the Lord, and believing national repentance could secure God’s protection. This reflected the covenant theology common among New England clergy: nations prosper or suffer according to their obedience to God.
George Washington himself apparently observed the proclamation, enforcing strict troop observance as colonialists were urged to humbly #confess sins, and #repent amidst the surging Revolutionary war movement. Efforts were made to ensure the American colonials spent time engaged in seeking God’s assistance in the quest for #liberty from the British #monarchy.
The British, who'd soon ban the slave trade, generally refrained from authoritatively affiliating with God, or claiming religious right to their colonies, while American revolutionaries heavily used #Christian rhetoric to justify resistance. #Colonialists invoked God as an ally in their quest for territorial independence, oft found ways to interpret bible passages as justification to continue importing and owning #slaves.
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