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Whereas it hath please Almighty God, the Father of all mercies amidst the vicissitudes and calamities of war, to bestow blessings on the people of these states, which call for their devout and thanksful acknowledgments, more especially in the late remarkable interposition of this watchful providence, in rescuing the person of our commander in chief and the army from imminent dangers, at the moment when treason was ripened for execution; in prospering the labors of the husbandmen, and causing the earth to yield its increase in plentiful harvests; and, above all, in continuing to us the enjoyment of the gospel of peace.

It is therefore recommended to the several states to set a part Thursday, the 7th day of December next, to be observed as  a day of public thanksgiving and prayer; that all the people may assembly on that day to celebrate the praises of our Divine Benefactor; to confess our unworthiness of the least of his favors, and to offer our fervent supplications to the God of all grace; that it may please him to pardon our heinous transgressions and incline our hearts for the future to keep all his laws; to comfort and relieve our brethren who are any wise afflicted or distressed; to smile upon our husbandry and trade; to direct our public councils and lead our forces, by land and sea to victory; to take our illustrious ally under his special protection, and favor our joint councils and exertions for the establishment of speedy and permanent peace; to cherish all schools and seminaries of education and to cause the knowledge of Christianity to spread over all the earth.

Done in Congress, this 18th day of October 1780, an in the fifth year of the independence of the United States of America.

Wednesday, October 18th. 1780.  Congress took into consideration the resolution reported for setting apart a day of thanksgiving and prayer, and agreed to.