Features of a Christian Document

United States Constitution

The Constitution is dated "in the year of our Lord." What significance does this expression hold, and from whence is the practice derived? The word "Lord" is used in reference to Christ repeatedly throughout the Bible.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Rom 6:23.

Indeed, by dating a document "in the year of our Lord" that document both acknowledges Christ, and His dominion by explicitly declaring He is the mutual Deity ("our Lord") of those who produced it. Benjamin Morris, in his gnostic tome illustrating the Christian basis of American governance, observes in 1864.

"An examination of the present constitutions of the various states, now existing, will show that the Christian religion and its institutions are recognized as the religion of the government and the nation. The recognitions of Christianity in the state Constitutions are of three kinds. 1. These instruments are usually dated in the year of our Lord. 2. Nearly all of them refer to the observance of Sunday by the Chief Executive Magistrate, in the same way in which such observance is referred to in the Constitution of the United States."

As the Senate Judiciary Committee observes, on January 19, 1853.

"How comes it that Sunday, the Christian Sabbath, is recognized and respected by all the departments of the government? In the law, Sunday is a 'dies non;' it cannot be used for the service of legal process, the return of writs, or other judicial purposes. The executive departments, the public establishments, are all closed on Sundays; on that day neither House of Congress sits. [...] Here is a recognition by law, and by universal usage, not only of a Sabbath, but of the Christian Sabbath, in exclusion of the Jewish or Mohammedan Sabbath."

The Christian Sabbath has been addressed before, however, and more on that can be found here.

This language was used in official government proclamations and documents (including those issued by multiple Founders) at every level of government local, state, and federal. Its meaning at the federal level, and in the Constitution, is plainly no different than its meaning at the state level or in proclamations of fasting and prayer. It is the same acknowledgement of Christ, just as it is the same observance of the Christian Sabbath, in all of them. Presented below are numerous examples of this truth.


Washington.

"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 one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine." - Proclamation of thanksgiving by President George Washington, 1789.

Hancock.

"In consideration of the many undeserved Blessings conferred upon us by GOD, the Father of all Mercies; it becomes us no only in our private and usual devotion, to express our obligations to Him, as well as our dependence upon Him; but also specially to set a part a Day to be employed for this great and important Purpose: 

I HAVE therefore thought fit to appoint, and by the advice and consent of the Council, do hereby accordingly appoint, THURSDAY, the seventeenth of November next, to be observed as a Day of Public THANKSGIVING and PRAISE, throughout this Commonwealth:—Hereby calling upon Ministers and People of every denomination, to assemble on the said Day—and in the name of the Great Mediator, devoutly and sincerely offer to Almighty God, the gratitude of our Hearts, for all his goodness towards us; more especially in that HE has been pleased to continue to us so a great a measure of Health—to cause the Earth plentifully to yield her increase, so that we are supplied with the Necessaries, and the Comforts of Life—to prosper our Merchandise and Fishery—And above all, not only to continue to us the enjoyment of our civil Rights and Liberties; but the great and most important Blessing, the Gospel of Jesus Christ: And together with our cordial acknowledgments, I do earnestly recommend, that we may join the penitent confession of our Sins, and implore the further continuance of the Divine Protection, and Blessings of Heaven upon this People; especially that He would be graciously pleased to direct, and prosper the Administration of the Federal Government, and of this, and the other States in the Union—to afford Him further Smiles on our Agriculture and Fisheries, Commerce and Manufactures—To prosper our University and all Seminaries of Learning—To bless the virtuously struggling for the Rights of Men—so that universal Happiness may be Allies of the United States, and to afford his Almighty Aid to all People, who are established in the World; that all may bow to the Scepter of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and the whole Earth be filled with his Glory. 

And I do also earnestly recommend to the good People of this Commonwealth, to abstain from all servile Labor and Recreation, inconsistent with the solemnity of the said day. 

Given at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, the fifth Day of October, in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-One, and in the sixteenth Year of the Independence of the United States of America." - Proclamation of thanksgiving by Governor John Hancock, 1791.

Adams (Sam).

"Forasmuch as the occasional meeting of a People for the exercise of Piety and Devotion towards God, more especially of those who enjoy the Light of Divine Revelation, has a strong tendency to impress their minds with a sense of their Dependence upon Him and their Obligations to HIM. 

I have thought fit, according to the ancient and laudable Practice of our renowned Ancestors, to appoint a day of Public Thanksgiving to God, for the great benefits which He has been pleased to bestow upon us, in the Year past. And I do by the advice and consent of the Council, appoint THURSDAY, the Nineteenth day of November next, to be observed as a DAY of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAISE throughout this Commonwealth: Calling upon the Ministers of the Gospel of all Denominations, with their respective Congregations to assemble on that Day, to offer to God, their unfeigned Gratitude, for his great Goodness to the People of the United States in general, and of this Commonwealth in particular. 

More especially in that he hath in his Good Providence united the several States under a National Compact, formed by themselves, whereby they may defend themselves against external Enemies, and maintain Peace and Harmony with each other. 

That internal Tranquility hath been continued within this Commonwealth; and that the voice of Health is so generally heard in the habitations of the People.
That the Earth has yielded her increase, so that the Labors of our industrious Husbandmen have been abundantly crowned with Plenty. 

That our Fisheries have been so far prospered.—Our Trade notwithstanding obstructions it has met with, has yet been profitable to us, and the works of our Hands have been established.

That while other Nations have been involved in War, attended with an uncommon profusion of Human Blood, we in the course of Divine Providence, have been preserved from so grievous a Calamity, and have enjoyed so great a measure of the Blessing of Peace. 

And I do recommend that together with our Thanksgiving, humble Prayer may be offered to God, that we may be enabled, by the subsequent obedience of our Hearts and Manners, to testify the sincerity of our professions of Gratitude, in the sight of God and Man; and thus be prepared for the Reception of future Divine Blessings. 

That God would be pleased to Guide and Direct the Administration of the Federal Government, and those of the several States, in Union, so that the whole People may continue to be safe and happy in the Constitutional enjoyment of their Rights, Liberties and Privileges and our Governments be greatly respected at Home and Abroad. 

And while we rejoice in the Blessing of Health bestowed upon us, we would sympathize with those of our Sister States, who are visited with a Contagious and Mortal Disease; and fervently supplicate the Father of Mercies, that they may speedily be restored to a state of Health and Prosperity. 

That He would in His abundant Mercy regard our Fellow Citizen and others, who are groaning under abject Slavery, in Algiers, and direct the most effectual measure for their speedy Relief. 

That He would graciously be pleased to put an end to all Tyranny and Usurpation, that the People who are under the Yoke of Oppression, may be made free; and that the Nations who are contending for Freedom may still be secured by His Almighty Aid, and enabled under His influence, to complete wise Systems of Civil Government, founded in the equal Rights of Man, and calculated to establish their permanent Security and Welfare. 

And Finally, that the Peaceful and Glorious Reign of our Divine Redeemer, may be known and enjoyed throughout the whole Family of Mankind. 

And I do recommend to the People of this Commonwealth, to abstain from all such Labor and Recreation, as may not be consistent with the Solemnity of the said Day. 

GIVEN at the Council-Chamber, in Boston, the fourteenth Day of October, in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand seven Hundred and Ninety-five, and in the Twentieth Year of the Independence of the United States of America." - - Proclamation of thanksgiving by Governor Samuel Adams, 1795.

Adams (John).

"AS the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God; and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety, without which social happiness cannot exist, nor the blessings of a free government be enjoyed; and as this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty and of danger, when existing or threatening calamities, the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity are a loud call to repentance and reformation; and as the United States of America are at present placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation, by the unfriendly disposition, conduct and demands of a foreign power, evinced by repeated refusals to receive our messengers of reconciliation and peace, by depredations on our commerce, and the infliction of injuries on very many of our fellow citizens, while engaged in their lawful business on the seas: —Under these considerations it has appeared to me that the duty of imploring the mercy and benediction of Heaven on our country, demands at this time a special attention from its inhabitants. 

I HAVE therefore thought it fit to recommend, that Wednesday, the 9th day of
May next be observed throughout the United States, as a day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; That the citizens of these states, abstaining on that day from their customary worldly occupations, offer their devout addresses to the Father of Mercies, agreeably to those forms or methods which they have severally adopted as the most suitable and becoming: That all religious congregation, do, with the deepest humility, acknowledge before GOD the manifold sins and transgressions with which we are justly chargeable as individuals and as a nation; beseeching him, at the same time, of his infinite Grace, through the Redeemer of the world, freely to remit all our offences, and to incline us, by his holy spirit, to that sincere repentance and reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his inestimable favor and heavenly benediction; That it be made the subject of particular and earnest supplication, that our country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it; that our civil and religious privileges may be preserved inviolate, and perpetuated to the latest generations; that our public councils and magistrates may be especially enlightened and directed at this critical period; that the American people may be united in those bonds of amity and mutual confidence, and inspired with that vigor and fortitude by which they have in times past been so highly distinguished, and by which they have obtained such invaluable advantages: That the health of the inhabitants of our land may be preserved, and their agriculture, commerce, fisheries, arts and manufactures be blessed and prospered: That the principles of genuine piety and sound morality may influence the minds and govern the lives of every description of our citizens; and that the blessings of peace, freedom, and pure religion, may be speedily extended to all the nations of the earth. 

And finally I recommend, that on the said day; the duties of humiliation and
prayer be accompanied by fervent Thanksgiving to the bestower of every good
gift, not only for having hitherto protected and preserved the people of these
United States in the independent enjoyment of their religious and civil freedom,
but also for having prospered them in a wonderful progress of population, and
for conferring on them many and great favours conducive to the happiness and
prosperity of a nation. 

Given under my hand and seal of the United States of America, at Philadelphia,
this twenty-third day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the said States the twenty-second. - Proclamation of fasting and prayer by President John Adams, 1798.

Madison.

"WHEREAS the Congress of the United States, by a joint resolution of the two Houses, have signified a request, that a day may be recommended, to be observed by the People of the United States, with religious solemnity, as a day of public Humiliation, and Prayer; and whereas such a recommendation will enable the several religious denominations and societies so disposed, to offer, at one and the same time, their common vows and adorations to Almighty God, on the solemn occasion produced by the war, in which he has been pleased to permit the injustice of a foreign power to involve these United States;

I do therefore recommend the third Thursday in August next, as a convenient day to be set apart for the devout purposes of rendering to the Sovereign of the Universe and the Benefactor of mankind, the public homage due to his holy attributes; of acknowledging the transgressions which might justly provoke the manifestations of His divine displeasures; of seeking His merciful forgiveness, His assistance in the great duties of repentance and amendment; and especially of offering fervent supplications, that in the present season of calamity and war, He would take the American People under his peculiar care and protection; that he would guide their public councils, animate their patriotism, and bestow His blessing on their arms; that He would inspire all nations with a love of justice and of concord, and with a reverence for the unerring precept of our holy religion, to do to others as they would require others to do to them; and finally, that, turning the hearts of our enemies from the violence and injustice which sway their councils against us, He would hasten a restoration of the blessings of Peace. 

Given at Washington the 9th day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve." - Proclamation of humiliation and prayer by President James Madison, 1812.

Lincoln.

"Whereas the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all affairs of men and nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for national prayer and humiliation; And whereas it is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the Sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures, and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord; [...] In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-seventh." - Proclamation of prayer and humiliation by President Abraham Lincoln, 1863.

State of New York.

"In compliance with a resolution of the Senate and Assembly of this State, I do hereby set apart the second Thursday of April next, to be devoted to public prayer, thanksgiving, and praise; and I do most earnestly recommend to the good people of this State, of every denomination, [...] to meet in their respective places of worship, and there unite their hearts in fervent prayer to the Most High, in humble acknowledgment of his all-protecting influence, and in consideration of his goodness manifested to us, a nation. [...] In testimony whereof, I have caused the privy seal of the State of New York to be hereunto affixed [L.S.] at the city of Albany, the seventeenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen." - Proclamation of prayer, thanksgiving, and praise by the State of New York, 1815.

State of Georgia. 

"Whereas it has pleased almighty God to smile upon us as a people, in much mercy, another year, to crown our labors with rich blessings, to protect and preserve us from war, hunger, and pestilence, and to pour out his holy Spirit upon us in copious showers; and whereas these manifestations of his protecting care and loving-kindness admonish us of the debt of gratitude which we, as the people of a great State, owe to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and of our duty to be humble and thankful, rendering praise to his great name 'in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things;' I do therefore issue this my proclamation, setting apart Thursday the twenty-fifth day of the present month, as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. And I do earnestly invite the different congregations composing all the religious denominations of every name in this State, to meet at their respective places of worship on that day, and unite in returning thanks and singing praises to our God for his wondrous works in the past, and in fervent prayer for his protecting care in the future, remembering that the Psalmist has said, 'Let the people praise thee; then shall the earth yield her increase, and God, even our God, shall bless us.' Given under my hand, and the seal of the Executive Department, at the Capitol, in Milledgeville, this fourth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, and the independence of the United States of America the eighty-third." - Proclamation of thanksgiving, prayer, and praise by the State of Georgia, 1858.

State of South Carolina.

"Whereas, whilst we humbly bow before the Almighty, in meek submission to the will of his inscrutable providence, chastening us with disappointment of some of our cherished hopes, [...] wherever diminished, are still greater than we deserve at the hands of a bountiful Benefactor, 'to assemble and meet together to render thanks for his great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his most holy word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary as well for the body as the soul.' Now, therefore, I deem it meet to appoint and set apart Thursday, the twenty-fifth of November instant, as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. Accordingly, I do invite all persons on that day to assemble at their respective places of worship to return thanks for our numerous blessings, past and present, and to pray for the Divine guidance and blessing in our future life. Given under my hand and seal of the State, at Columbia, this eleventh day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, and in the eighty-third year of American independence." - Proclamation of thanksgiving and prayer by the State of South Carolina, 1858.

State of Massachusetts.

"The example of the fathers, and the dictates of piety and gratitude, summon the people of Massachusetts at this, the harvest-season, crowning the year with the rich proofs of the wisdom and love of God, to join in a solemn and joyful act of united praise and thanksgiving to the bountiful Giver of every good and perfect gift. I do therefore, with the advice and consent of the Council, appoint Thursday, the twenty-first day of November next-the same being the anniversary of that day, in the year of our Lord sixteen hundred and twenty, on which the Pilgrims of Massachusetts, on board the Mayflower united themselves in a solemn and written compact of government-to be observed by the people of Massachusetts as a day of public thanksgiving and praise. And I invoke its observance by all the people with devout and religious joy. (Several Psalms are then quoted.) For the 'redemption of the world by Jesus Christ, for the means of Grace, and the hope of glory.' (More Psalms are quoted.) Given at the Council-Chamber, this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and the eighty-sixth of the Independence of the United States of America." - Proclamation of thanksgiving and praise by the State of Massachusetts, 1861. (Parentheses mine.)

State of Virginia.

"Now, therefore, I, Francis H. Pierpoint, Governor of Virginia, do hereby recommend to the good people of the Commonwealth the observance of Thursday, the twenty-eighth instant, as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings of the year. [...] In testimony whereof I have here set my hand, and caused the great seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, at the city of Wheeling, this fourteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the Commonwealth the eighty-sixth." - Proclamation of thanksgiving by the State of Virginia, 1861.

State of Pennsylvania.

"Whereas it is a good thing to render thanks unto God for all his mercy and loving-kindness: therefore- I, Andrew G. Curtin, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do recommend that Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of November next, be set apart by the people of this Commonwealth as a day of solemn prayer and thanksgiving to the Almighty, giving him humble thanks that he has been graciously pleased to protect our free institutions and Government, [...] and especially praying him to give to Christian Churches grace to hate the thing which is evil, and to utter the teachings of truth and righteousness, declaring openly the whole counsel of God. [...] Given under my hand and the great seal of the state, at Harrisburg, this twentieth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the Commonwealth the eighty-seventh." - Proclamation of prayer and thanksgiving by the State of Pennsylvania, 1862.

State of New Hampshire.

"The revolution of the seasons has brought again the period when it is the usage to set apart a day for public thanksgiving to Almighty God. In accordance with a time-honored custom, inaugurated by our forefathers, and so much in harmony with the convictions of all Christian people, I do, by the advice of the Council, appoint Thursday, the 27th of November next, to be observed as a day of thanksgiving and praise. [...] Let us adore and bless his holy name for that Christian civilization which is our inheritance. [...] Let us humbly and gratefully thank and praise the Disposer of Events that such examples of reliance upon his providential care have not been lost to succeeding generations, but are now abundantly developed among a great people, in a year the painful record of which will soon be closed; a year when the patriotism, courage and Christian faith of our fathers has been fully realized in their children. [...] Given at the Council-Chamber in Concord, this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-seventh." - Proclamation of thanksgiving by the State of New Hampshire, 1862.

State of Connecticut.

"I therefore recommend the people of this State to observe Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of November next, as a day of public thanksgiving and praise, and would urge them to such acts of benevolence and religious worship as will manifest their heartfelt gratitude to Almighty God. [...] Given under my hand and the seal of the State, at the city of Hartford, this, the thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and in the year of the independence of the United States of America the eighty-seventh." - Proclamation of thanksgiving and praise by the State of Connecticut, 1862.

State of Rhode Island.

"Thus blest, it is fit that we should render thanks to the Supreme Ruler of the universe; and I therefore appoint Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of November instant, to be observed in this State as a day of public thanksgiving, prayer, and praise. On that day let us assemble in our places of worship and in our family circles, and render to a beneficent Creator the adoration of grateful hearts. [...] In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the State, at Providence, this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord 1862 of independence the eighty-seventh, and of the founding of the State two hundred and and twenty-six." - Proclamation of thanksgiving, prayer, and praise by the State of Rhode Island, 1862.

State of Maine.

"By advice of the Council, I appoint Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of November next, to be observed by the people of this State as a day of public thanksgiving and praise. And may they all regard it as a day consecrated to emotions of gratitude and good will, to deeds of benevolence and love. [...] May they be unfeignedly thankful for the blessings of material prosperity and health which have been so largely vouchsafed to them; [...] for the Christian charity and brotherly kindness... may they be moved to praise and bless their heavenly father, the Lord of all things. [...] Given at the Council-Chamber at Augusta, this seventeenth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-seventh." - Proclamation of thanksgiving and praise by the State of Maine, 1862.

State of Maryland

"The return of the season in which, in obedience to a custom well becoming a Christian community, we have been taught to render annually to Almighty God our tribute of prayer and thanksgiving for the bounties received at his hand, naturally calls to mind the propriety of again designating a day for the discharge of that expected duty. In conformity, therefore, with this established custom, I, Augustus W. Bradford, Governor of Maryland, do, by this my proclamation, designate and appoint Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of November next, to be observed by the people of the State as a day of general thanksgiving and prayer. ... Given under my hand, and the great seal of the State of Maryland, at the city of Annapolis, this twenty-seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the independence of the United States the eighty seventh." - Proclamation of thanksgiving and prayer by the State of Maryland, 1862.

State of Missouri.

"In view of the multiplied blessings conferred upon us as a people of Divine Providence, I, Hamilton R. Gamble, Governor of the State of Missouri, do appoint Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of this present month of November, as a day of thanksgiving to God for his goodness manifested to us during the year; and I do earnestly recommend to the good people of the State to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, and present to God the homage of grateful hearts, in view of his abounding goodness, and invoke his protection for the future. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand, and caused the great seal of the State to be affixed, this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two." - Proclamation of thanksgiving by the State of Missouri, 1862.

State of Minnesota.

"Whereas it is meet, and in accordance with a good and cherished custom of our fathers, worthy to be 'a statute forever in our dwellings,' that the people, 'when they have gathered the fruit of the land,' should 'keep a feast unto the Lord,' in commemoration of his goodness, and by a public act of Christian worship acknowledge their dependence as a community upon Him in whose hands the kingdoms of the earth are but as dust in the balance; Therefore, I, Alexander Ramsey, Governor of the State of Minnesota, do hereby set apart the twenty-seventh day of the present month of November as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God for his wonderful mercy towards us, for all the good gifts of his providence, for health and restored domestic peace, and the measure of general prosperity which we enjoy. [...] Given under my hand, and the great seal of the State, at the city of St. Paul, this third day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two." - Proclamation of thanksgiving by the State of Minnesota, 1862.

State of Michigan.

"The destinies of nations and individuals are in the hand of God. For bountiful harvests, for general health among the people, for the civil and religious liberty and the diffusion of knowledge and education, for the time continued existence of the republic and the triumph of its arms, and for all the great and good gifts of a benign Providence, our acknowledgments and praises are due to him alone. That we may suitably acknowledge our dependence upon Almighty God, and with reverent thankfulness give glory to him, I do hereby set apart and appoint Thursday, the twenty-seventh instant, as a day of public thanksgiving and praise. I request that upon that day the people may assemble in their places public worship, and in their homes and keep the day in the spirit in which our fathers kept it, with pure, religious and patriotic hearts, full of faith and hope. Given under my hand, and the great seal of the State, at the Capitol, in the city of Lansing, on the fifteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two." - Proclamation of thanksgiving and praise by the State of Michigan, 1862.

State of Illinois.

"It is the sacred duty of nations, as well as individuals, to acknowledge the manifestations of God's enduring mercy and loving-kindness. In view, then, of these and all other evidences of his continued care and protection, and more particularly for the purpose of giving the people of the State an opportunity of uniting together and thanking God for his mercies. [...] I do hereby appoint Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of November next, as a day of thanksgiving and prayer, and recommend that the people on that day, laying aside ordinary avocations, meet in their several places of worship, to render up the tribute of grateful hearts to the Almighty Ruler of the universe. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, adorned the great seal of the State of Illinois to be affixed, this twenty-seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two." - Proclamation of thanksgiving and prayer by the State of Illinois, 1862.

State of Delaware.

"The duty of a Christian people, and the observance of a long established custom, alike demand that a day of thanksgiving and praise be set apart to almighty God for his wonderful goodness and mercy extended to us during the past year. [...] In view of these and countless other manifestations of his loving-kindness so graciously vouchsafed unto us, and in grateful recognition thereof, I, William Burton, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby appoint Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of November next, as a day of public thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, and do earnestly request that the people of this State will on that day abstain from their usual vocations, and, assembling in their accustomed places of public worship, unite in fervent prayers of thanksgiving and praise to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, and especially that with humble and contrite hearts they devoutly beseech him to restore a speedy and honorable peace to our distracted country. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand, and caused the great seal of the State of Delaware to be affixed. Done at Dover, this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two and in the eighty-seventh year of the independence of said State." - Proclamation of prayer, thanksgiving, and praise by the State of Delaware, 1862.

State of Iowa.

"In token of our dependence upon the Supreme Ruler of the universe, [...] fervent thanksgiving to him that no pestilence has prevailed in our midst, that the labors of the husbandman have been measurably rewarded, and for the many blessings vouchsafed us as individuals and citizens; in devout acknowledgment of his sovereignty and overruling providence. [...] I, Samuel J. Kirkwood, do hereby appoint Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of November next, as a day of thanksgiving, prayer, and praise, and do hereby entreat the people, abstaining from their usual pursuits, to assemble together on that day in their chosen places of worship, and offer up their earnest prayers to Almighty God, humbly acknowledging their short-comings and dependence upon him, thanking him for the manifold blessings on them by his hand, [...] that we may prove ourselves worthy of the institutions bequeathed us by the fathers of the republic. [...] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the great seal of the State to be hereto affixed, this first day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two." - Proclamation of thanksgiving, prayer, and praise by the State of Iowa, 1862.

State of Vermont.

"Through the Almighty, in his providential dealings both with nations and individuals, mingles adversity with prosperity, discipline and sorrow with love and mercy, and his ultimate designs are often kept in a sacred reserve which we cannot penetrate, still enough is revealed to inspire a humble trust in his providence, and we are led to feel that even in times of trouble and calamity 'it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.' In obedience to custom and the universal sentiment of our people, I do, therefore, appoint Thursday, the fourth day of December next, to be observed by the people of this State as a day of public prayer, praise, and thanksgiving; and I invite them to lay aside the ordinary employments of life on that day, and to assemble in their usual places of worship, to render thanks to Almighty God; [...] Let it be our special prayer to Almighty God that he will, in his good time, [...] dispose all men, everywhere, to accept the mild reign of the Redeemer, and will hasten the promised time when universally there shall be 'peace on earth, and good will towards men.' [...] Given under my hand, and the seal of the State, in Executive Chamber, at Montpelier, this seventeenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-seventh." - Proclamation of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving by the State of Vermont, 1862.

State of New York.

"From the depth of national affliction we come, with stricken hearts and chastened spirits, to own our dependence upon the Most High, and to render, with grateful sense, our thanksgivings for his mercies, countless in number and infinite in extent. [...] That we may fully acknowledge dependence upon the Supreme Being, and hear anew from his specially chosen servants that Judgments follow those nations wherein his prerogatives are usurped, and who give not God the glory in all things; [...] I do hereby appoint Thursday, the twenty-seventh day of November next, as a day of praise, thanksgiving, and prayer to Almighty God; and I do recommend that, [...] the people of this State do meet together in their own chosen places of worship, and that the said day, throughout, be appropriately observed. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the privy seal of the State, at the city of Albany, this first day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two." - Proclamation of prayer, thanksgiving, and praise by the State of New York, 1862.

Et cetera.

I will stop here as the task of transcribing this material is quite laborious. In conclusion the inclusion of "in the year of our Lord," and the observance of the Sabbath in the U.S. Constitution, are explicitly Christian features.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. [...] Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth." - United States Constitution.