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Social Issues: Letters



From: bryandianeolson{at}usfamily.net
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 8:34 PM
To: opinion{at}startribune.com
Subject: James Madison

To the Editor:
The recent "Indivisible Day" proclamation by Jesse Ventura and the recent advertisement in your paper by the Atheists of Minnesota misrepresent James Madison's meaning of separation of church and state (a phrase never used in the constitution). They conveniently ignore or are ignorant of the fact that Madison issued the following Proclamation. Please read it and honestly admit what it says and what it means.

Proclamation of a Day of Public Humiliation and Prayer

by James Madison

A Proclamation. By the President of the United States of America

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 a convenient day to be set apart, for the devout purposes of rendering 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 displeasure; of seeking his merciful forgiveness, and 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 that others should 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, A. D. 1812

James Madison

Editorial by
Bryan Olson
14513 Bowers Drive
Ramsey, MN 55303

Send comments to me at ross{at}rossolson.org

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