From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol I. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.
July 21. –Yesterday, agreeably to the recommendation of the delegates in the hon. Continental Congress, was observed with the utmost solemnity, by fasting, abstinence, and devotion. In all the churches in New York were large congregations, and excellent discourses, delivered from the several pulpits, expressive of the truly calamitous situation of this unhappy continent. 1
At New Castle, in Delaware, the Reverend Aeneas Ross delivered a discourse in the morning, from Deut. 23, 9th verse, “When the host goeth forth against the enemy, then keep thee from every wicked thing!” And in the afternoon, the Reverend Joseph Montgomery preached from Deut. 29th chap., 9th and 10th verses transposed, “Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders and your officers, with all the men of Israel; keep therefore the words of this covenant and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do!” Both of the services were attended by all the militia, with their proper officers in their uniform, and a numerous concourse of the other inhabitants. 2
1 New York Gazette, July 24.
2 Pennsylvania Packet, July 24.